Now that I'm in my third trimester, I work from home and am preparing for the months ahead for A Little Bundle. Honestly, it's giving me a little anxiety to grasp the idea of learning how to be a New Mom and juggling my small business as we approach closer to the end of my pregnancy term. BUT I'm confident enough that things will turn out the way it should :).
I believe working for yourself requires a lot of self-motivation, good time management, and ambition to want to do more for yourself. It is a luxury to work for yourself, and work from home. But it's also a challenge because you can easily work all day (which I have done in the beginning) and neglect your personal life (which really does happen). The key is to finding that balance for your personal life and your career. I'm especially grateful to be able to do what I do at this time of my life - it's amazing to be able to be with my first baby and work where I can, when I can.
I personally find it best for me to get up each morning as if I'm "going" to my office. Taking the steps to get ready allows me to feel better about myself and prepare for the day.
Here are a few tips that help me get started every morning:
1. I wake up and start my routine - you know the drill - wash your face and brush your teeth! After living in NYC for 8 years, I've been a loyal Mario Badescu user. I've had several facials there and have always found their products affordable, effective and the jam!
2. Always, Always, Always put on your SPF. Yes, don't miss a beat ladies. Moisturize that SPF on every day! I currently use the Clarins Brightening Hydrating Day SPF 20. Then, I put on another SPF 50 over that from my tinted primer!
3. Do Your Hair. It seriously helps you get in the mood to get dressed and actually look presentable. It's so easy sometimes to just wake up, throw on tee and sweats and pull up my hair, but doing your hair makes you want to get ready for the day. My hair is naturally wavy, so I just go through with the curling iron by Conair to give it that fuller wave look.
4. My sweet Kyles bought me the Korres lip tint as a gift and I love using it when I get up. It has just a bit of color that brings you to life - enough to want to finish the rest of your face (powder or foundation, eyeliner, etc.).
5. I am obsessed with the Maybelline HyperSharp eyeliner from Taiwan. We grew up being fortunate to be able to visit Taiwan almost every year growing up and really understanding our culture with our family. Whenever someone visits Taiwan, I always request to have these eyeliners brought back for me. If I travel to Taiwan myself, I usually buy out the entire store's stock! haha!
6. Lastly, I stock up on these at every Duty Free airport - Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler. They're the best and the only ones I've loved using. Andddd I've tried a ton - from ones found in Japan to random brands in Asia to products found here in US. These. are. the. ones.
I hope this inspires you to take the little bit of step to just get ready! - and that includes all Stay at Home Moms (yes, your job is a 24 hours gig!).