Mommies Behind the Blog: Julia Ryan
Today's mommy behind the blog is the talented Julia Ryan. She's a talented photographer, Style Me Pretty Living Contributor, and the blogger behind Julia Ryan. Her daughter's room was recently transformed by Mom's Best.
NAME, OCCUPATION, HOW MANY KIDS?
Julia Ryan, photographer/blogger, 2 kids. Wells 3.5, and Tagg 2
YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE TIME ALONE?
Pick up a latte at Starbucks and walk through all of my favorite non-stroller friendly boutiques.
THREE THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
1. coffee
2. dry shampoo
3. iPhone
MOMMY UNIFORM?
Leggings, button downs, and ballet flats. My beauty routine includes McEvoy Beauty Booster Cream SPF 30, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, Chanel Glossimer, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat, Smashbox Soft Lights Prism, Yves Saint Laurent "Volume Effet Faux Cils" Mascara
FAVORITE GO-TO STORES FOR KIDS CLOTHES/TOYS?
Crewcuts. They have the best sales and I can order online which is imperative for me. The clothes are just a bit different that you see everyone else in at the playground and they hold up better than some of the less expensive big box stores.
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH BLOGGING FULL-TIME, PHOTOGRAPHER, AND BEING A MOMMY? HAVE YOU HIRED HELP?
Time management. There are so many times where my kids see me in front of the computer and I feel guilty. I tell them all the time that Mommy is lucky and works from home so I get to play a lot more than some Mommies who work in an office but I still have to get my work done. I wish that I could hire help sometimes, which my husband and I have discusses, but right now I know that I can manage my time to do it all myself and save those dollars to help with our monthly statement.
WHERE DO YOU AND YOUR KIDS GO FOR FUN?
The playground and the toy aisle at Target. Those are pretty much the only two places we go period. I know our limits and most things that would be considered "fun" for stay at home mom's to do with their kids just feel like opportunities for failure right now. Storytimes and organized classes are just places I find myself telling them No, Sit Down, or Shhh rather than letting them play.
WHAT WORDS DO YOU LIVE BY?
Try to create a life that feels good on the inside and not just looks good on the outside. We do what works for us and try not to focus on what everyone else is doing. This is especially important for me keep in mind as I spend so much of my time examining other people on social media.
WHEN DO YOU FIND THE TIME TO WORK AND BLOG?
Again, this is so hard. I try to squeeze in as much as I can during nap time. My oldest doesn't nap so it's not always easy to stay focused. But she knows this is mommy's work time. I also do a social media sweep first thing in the morning while the kids are watching cartoons. My evenings used to be my dedicated work time but I've given that time back to my husband. We have a strong marriage and I won't let anything interrupt that time we have alone together now. My oldest is in school three mornings a week so that really is my push time to get things done.
WHAT'S A CURRENT GOAL YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS?
Motivation to push myself further. Focusing on a way to grow my photography, art, and blog in order to become a sustainable source of income for my family. I'd also like to carve out an hour into my morning to get up and focus on myself and my daily tasks before my family wakes up.
HOW DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK FOR YOU?
7-7:30 wake up with the kids and do breakfast, coffee, hop on the computer to check on social media and blog
9:00-12 take Wells to school three days a week, run errands, clean the house, redecorate rooms that I should be cleaning :)
1-3:00 quiet time. Blog or edit pictures
4:30 wine and cooking time
7:30 put the kids to bed
8:00 get in bed. I kid you not. I've always loved getting in bed early. I bring my ipad and watch Bravo or HGTV until about 9:30 when I fall asleep.
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Thank you Julia for being here and sharing bits of your life with us. Make sure you catch up with Julia on her blog, instagram, twitter, and Facebook.
images via Julia Ryan and Mom's Best
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