Thursday, October 4, 2012

A Day In My Life

Today I thought it would be fun to give you guys a sneak peek into my daily life.  I always love reading how others manage their time and days, so here you go.

6:30-7:00
Wake Up. I never set an alarm, I am usually always up by 7 thanks to my little man.  He is not a late sleeper.  This week he has been waking up around 6 every morning, ugh.
First priority is coffee for me.  Drink one mug every morning.  I take my coffee black- no sugar or creamer. 


While I fix my coffee, I also fix Sterling juice and a Nutragrain cereal bar.  He is a man of routine and likes his cereal bar and juice and every morning.   After his cereal bar he is immediately ready for his "second" breakfast which is usually cereal or oatmeal.  I fix this and then turn on the TV to Nick Jr for Sterling while I log in and post my blog entry for the day.  I also make a to-do list each day in my May book.  Keeps me organized.
 I usually leave the TV on for an hour or more (don't judge) while I do my morning routine.  I also let him eat on our couch- I know its a bad idea but it is a routine now- plus that couch is so nasty.  Breakfast is the meal he is allowed to eat in the den though.   One day I will have nice furniture!


7:30
This happens to be a day I run.  I only run every other day- so maybe 3 times a week on a good week.  I go while Matt is still home and can watch Sterling.  I have a 3 mile loop I usually do, which takes about 30 minutes.


8:00-9:30
I get back from my run and chug water.  Then I make a batch of my green juice.  I make juice every morning.  I swear it gives me more energy.  My juicer is my favorite kitchen appliance,  seriously.   I never knew how much I would love it or use it, but she is a true gem.  I usually juice: Kale, spinach, apple, lemon, ginger, and cucumber. 



After I drink this I quickly shower.  I only wash my hair every other day and I try to coincide this with the days I run.  It needs to be washed those days because it is sweaty.   I do however put on make-up everyday.  I am serious, even if I am not doing anything I put on make-up, makes me feel pulled together.  Plus my under eye circles and blonde eyelashes are tragic without make-up.


My daily make-up essentials (Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Nars Bronzer, Naked eyeshadow palette, Maybelline Mascara, Cle De Peau Concealor,  and Chanel Lipstick).


 Then I make our bed.  I am a freak about making our bed.  I hate leaving the house with an unmade bed.   I am also a freak about an all white bedding.  I love an all white bed.  The four poster bed was mine from when I was a child.  I don't love it and really want a fabric headboard but want to wait til we make the switch to a King Bed for a new headboard.  So for now she says.  It is very princessy.


After that I quickly make my breakfast.  Today it is Wheat toast with Peanut Butter, Bananas and Honey.


 I scarf that down and then make Sterling's lunch.   I usually send him a PB&J or PB& honey most days.  Kids lunches are hard! 

Then we leave the house at 9:30 and it is off to school for Sterling.


10-12:45
Today while Sterling is in school, I have a doctors appointment, then I hit up Target, the Grocery Store, and pick up dry cleaning.  It is so nice to shop without a child whining,  I take my time and browse.  Run the groceries home and then it is pick up time.  3 hours flies by.


 1:00-3:00
We are back home and I put Sterling down for a nap. He now insists on napping in his PJ's everyday.  How cute is he?


 This is when I have quiet time and sit down and eat lunch.  Today for lunch it is sauteed kale, veggies and hummus.  I am really trying to lose my extra 5lbs I put on this summer.  Nothing is working so it is diet time during the week.  I try to eat healthy for lunch and breakfast and then indulge a little at dinner with Matt.


I also allow myself to watch one show I recorded.  I usually watch the Housewives or the Kardashians because Matt can't stand it when I watch them while he is home.  Today it is NYC Housewives and the train wreck that is Aviva.


After my lunch and trashy TV session I do a few chores around the house like laundry and emptying the dishwasher.  Then I sit down and work on my blog/pinterest/respond to emails until Sterling wakes up.  Some days he naps two hours some days only one so I never know how much time I have.

4:00
When he wakes up we usually go an afternoon walk to the park or beach near our house.
This is the typical reaction I get when I tell him to get in the stroller.  Even if I have bribed him with a Popsicle.  To me this time of the day is so hard.  I never know how to fill the "witching hour."


He cheers up once we get to the park


 5:00-6:00
I turn on the TV again for Sterling to watch a cartoon and I start cooking his dinner and get Matt and my dinner going as well.  Matt doesn't get home til 7:30 most nights so I fed Sterling alone around 6 and then eat with Matt when he gets home.  Tonight it is Spanakopita, fruit,  and cheese for Sterling. 


Tonight he insists on wearing his glasses while he eats.  Too cool already.


6:00-7:30
Ladies,  this is my happy time when I finally pour a glass of wine and go sit and read a magazine while Sterling plays in the bath.  I have a glass or two every.single.night pretty much.  Keeps me sane.  I take no drugs just wine.


Then Matt gets home and we each read Sterling a story and say his prayers and it is off to bed for him.  He is in bed by 8.



Since it is Wednesday night that means it is Taco Night at the Mason House.  We cook tacos every Wednesday night.  It is our hump day tradition.  In honor of it being Wednesday night we each get a shot of Tequila.  We normally don't drink liquor during the week but this is our exception.  Tequila goes so well with tacos and I am a true tequila lover.  We each get one shot- and we don't shoot it we sip it while we chat about our days.



8:30
We sit down to eat and watch our TV shows (Modern Family etc).  Yes we eat on the couch and watch TV while we eat.  It works people!  Notice the difference in our plates.  If only I could eat like that and not gain weight.  Men are lucky.


9:30-10
Get ready for bed.  This includes washing my face, contacts, and brushing/flossing my teeth.  Then I get in bed and read my Daily Devotional,  Jesus Calling.   I highly recommend this book it has gotten me thru some hard times and provided great inspiration.   If I am not too exhausted I will also read a few pages in whatever book I am currently reading.  Tonight I decide to flip thru my new Bazaar with Kate Hudson because I am in between books.  We almost always have the lights out by 10.


Well, I am exhausted are you?  This post was for my hubs who sometimes thinks I have easy days.  He jokes that being a stay at home mom means I sit around and eat bonbons and watch TV all day.  Could not be further from the truth.   I know he doesn't really believe I do that but it was fun to document my day.   My day is non-stop!  So there you go, a day in my life.  Nothing exciting but I sure do love being a stay at home mom.  I feel so lucky that I am able to take care of Sterling and be home with him, I know not everyone has that luxury.  
Happy Thursday.  T-minus one day til the weekend!

49 comments:

Sadie + Stella said...

Busy ass day. No wonder you look so damn good. Running. Hmmm. Must get off my ass. Love the day in your life and your lucite chair at your desk!!!

Lala said...

Your day exhausts me too. I could never be a SAHM, but wish that I could tolerate my kids all day :) and I would love to get rid of our sleigh bed to get a fabric one, just waiting on my husband to agree to the DIY.

Liz said...

I love posts like this! Thanks for sharing. It's nice to see that I'm not the only one that usese Nick Jr. to get stuff done around the house - no violence, educational stuff, and a stationary toddler - win win win! And Henry has the same PJs as Sterling does in that pic...they are adorable! Great post girl!

Amy Florez {Baby Mama Juice} said...

One of my favorite posts ever! We need to chat about your cle de peau concealer! Which maybelline mascara do you use?

KatiePerk said...

BUSY DAY! I love his whale sheets!

caycee said...

Seriously my favorite post ever!!! Loved this so much! Think I may have to do a day in the life of Caycee soon!!! You have a beautiful family, and I feel lucky to call you my best friend!

Carrie said...

I love these posts, thank you for sharing. Question, white kind of china/plates do you have? I like your square dishes, they are smaller which helps with portion size, which I need help with!

megan said...

Great post! Your lunches always look so yummy to me. No judging on the eat dinner in front of the tv thing. We do it, too. I'm always exhausted after work, gym and cooking dinner so I don't know how you do it.

Virginia said...

I love posts like this! I am so curious about what everyone does all day. I'm a nanny, so I know that you definitely do not sit and eat Bon bons all day!! Haha I wish the kids I watch would play in the tub for an hour and a half! Too bad I can't have wine though. :-( haha

Hannah said...

I really enjoy posts like this! I agree, it is always fun to see what other people do throughout the day. Little man is too cute! I like that you and Matt still eat together even though he comes home later. I don't know if I could go so long between meals, I snack all the time.

Rebecca said...

Love your post! I had a baby girl in May and am staying home with her so I love reading what other SAHMs days are like. Quick question! You mentioned that you were going to start drinking apple cider vinegar to help you lose weighf. i am looking for a safe way to give my metablism a boost. That being said, are you still using the vinegar? Is it working?

Keely said...

Love, love, love this post! Great job! Literally looks like you have a great happy household! :) I am a SAHM also, it is equally difficult as rewarding. Just remember everyday they get a little older and a little more independent...cherish this time, I have to remind myself this daily. Our routines are so similar, thanks for sharing! This is giving me more ambition to clean the cob webs off my own blog! Thanks for sharing!

pretty little things said...

damn girl you are one busy momma! but totally admire you're healthy eating lifestyle! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

Christina said...

Loved this! Especially the tequila part. Ha! Bons bons? Ha. Men. When's the last time you've eaten a bon bon? I have not in a long time, haha

Unknown said...

You busy little bee!! I've tried to run and I still do it 1-2 times per week mixed in with my other workouts but I just don't love it. I think I'm just not a runner...I don't know. haha P.S. Sterling is precious!

Chassity (Look Linger Love) said...

This is such a fun post Nat. I think you've inspired me to do this too. I need to know how much Matt whined about helping you take pictures at bedtime ;)

Danielle said...

Ah, the dreaded "witching hour!" I get to experience that every day too and lucky for me, I'm greeted with it as soon as I pick them up from school (ages 5 and 2). And the weekends? AGH! I wish I had some fabulous solution for you but it sounds like you're doing the right thing - just get them out of the house.

Great idea for a post. I think it would be cathartic for me to just write it all out. If nothing else, it will make me feel better (:

Holy City Chic | Megan said...

What a fun post! When I was in college, I nannied during the summers from 8am-6pm every Mon-Fri. I swear I almost went insane some days. I had to go somewhere in the evenings... to the grocery store, out to dinner, ANYWHERE I could be around adults for a little bit! It's nice that you have a tiny break in your day to run a few errands, but boy are you busy!

Sterling is such a doll... thanks for sharing! :)

{SweetTennesseeBlog} said...

I am tired just reading this!

Marina said...

Love this post! Very similar to my every day expect I have 2 lil ones at home all day long...so it's constant noise and chaos! Love your blog and Sterling is so handsome :)

Chicago Mom (Heather) said...

Great post!! The days I'm home with the kids are much harder than my days in the office.

Courtney @ Missthirdgrade.com said...

I stayed at home this summer (since I'm a teacher) with my boyfriend and it wore me out! Constantly cooking, laundry, cleaning. He is like having a three year old so I feel ya!

Bambino by the Bay said...

I love seeing how you spend your day! Your little guy is lucky to have such a good mama, and I'm sure your husband appreciates all the HARD WORK you do each day. Every mom is a working mom!! :) and love the shot of tequila! why not?!

Amanda Leigh said...

Thank you for this post! I loved getting a sneak peak into a day in the life of a SAHM.
Im hoping and praying that I get the privilege one day to be a SAHM to my future kids, so this post really inspires me!

livingchel said...

I take my coffee black too and it is the first thing I do every morning. Also I love LM tinted moisturizer, cle de peau concealer and Nars bronzer. Those are all favorites of mine. We have so much in common, though I am not a mom yet I can just tell you have my style parenting :-)

Melissa W. said...

I am sooo happy to see you posting "eating bonbons!" My husband says.the.exact.same.thing! Darn him, staying home is HARD! Some days I cry to my friends who are "lucky" to work at a "real job" as my husband calls it. Ugh! Great post, Natalie! You always inspire me to run and eat more veggies! xoxo

Ashley said...

You are BUSY! I love your dinner plates, they look very similar in my house too! :)

Christina said...

Thank you for sharing that devotional. I checked out the reviews on Amazon and I'm going to order it next.

NOLA mom said...

I appreciate your positive personality! Thanks for sharing a day in your life.

Brooke said...

Love this post! Ha! Guys think being a SAHM is so simple, and you said it best - couldn't be more UNtrue! I love your taco tradition and the shot of tequila, so fun!

Xo

Baby Shopaholic said...

Great post! Being a mom, working or stay home is a lot of work! Getting a kid out of the house in the am is a chore in its self!

Unknown said...

Totally admire you for all that you get done in a day! I am SAHM too and I feel I don't accomplish half as much on an average day. I am really interested in learning to juice so I enjoyed seeing it's something you do daily! All of your recipes/meals look so healthy and delish! :)

Jill said...

Us stay at home moms are busy!!!

love this bit today

Bud and Leo said...

awe I just loved following along your day with precious Sterling! thanks for being honest too I feel like people would just make silly things up and you are so real :) I read Jesus Calling everyday too- and I find that I can apply it to my life every. single. day. It gets me through! Well right now you are probably cooking dinner for Matt hahah so enjoy! xo

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

Seriously, you need to teach me how to eat...I'm terrible about my veggies! It always looks so good when you post your lunch meals and then I go and eat my leftover pizza or whatever...and believe me, I've got more than 5 lbs to loose! ha! And it *kills* me when people ask me what I do all day as a SAHM...seriously people? Spend a week doing what I do and you will be *BEGGING* for your life back! (c;

Megan said...

I am SO busy with Olivia during the day that sometimes I don't realize I haven't eaten all day until I put her down for bed! She eats SO much through out the day, you would think I would get in at least a snack sometimes! haha

No judgement about the TV! I think most people eat dinner in front of the tv! We try to eat dinner at the dining room table but most nights my hubby isn't home for dinner or gets home super late so it feels silly.

Gaby [The Vault Files] said...

I found this very entertaining to read, plus I related to many things ;)

Matters of Style said...

Love this!!

Cannon said...

LOVE LOVE this post! Thank you for sharing your day! It sounds almost exactly like mine:) No judgement about eating on the couch in front of the TV - my hubby and I do it every night!!

Melissa W. said...

This is my top five favorite post of yours :-). I have been thinking about it all day! Makes me realize I could **never** give you my day-I would be yelling at my kids in 75% of my day. LOL

"Hudson stop hitting Henry. Henry stop pooping on the bathroom floor. No, you are not allowed to shove dirt in the refidgerator. Stop crying! Eat your dinner! Hudson do not kick the cat. Amelia stop picking your nose and eating. Henry, no kicking balls in the house. Do not eat the dog treats. Amelia do your homework now. Get in the house now!" I could go on for days :-)

Jennifer said...

Love this post. Nice to know what real people really do and eat. Good for you for the running and juicing. I want to try the juiceing thing, just not sure where to start. Love reading your blog. XOXO

California Wife said...

I just love getting a glimpse into peoples lives with posts like this. You're definitely one busy mama!

Jennifer @ Belclaire House said...

I felt like I was reading my own day! I mean, eerily similar. Our mornings especially. I always put on make-up too. I need to try a green juice. I definitely could use the extra energy! My husband has no idea what I do all day either! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I'm with you on the wine every night, so don't feel bad! :) Good, healthy meals - I really wish I could stay at home...I'd have a lot more time to get my workouts in...I'm up at 3:30 and off to work by 4:30...and still have to find time to clean house, workout and of course have quality time with my boys! I write A LOT of my posts ahead of time just so I can keep up! www.styleoyster.blogspot.com

Trish said...

Any tips on being able to wash your hair only every other day? I feel like mine looks obviously un-washed if I skip a day. Do you wet it and just not shampoo?

Alexandra Bee Blog said...

I love hearing how other people fill their daily lives! You are one busy woman, but it sounds like you give yourself good little breaks with wine and TV, hehe!

House As Is said...

Natalie,

I love this post! I had to keep turning the computer toward my husband and saying "see? we're normal!"
(although we are now going to implement tequila...er...taco night).

So glad I stumbled across your blog. The simplest tips are a real blessing to read.

P.S. My sweet daughter's name is Nathalie : )

Leapfrog PR said...

loved reading that!

Unknown said...

You are superwoman Mama! I hope that when I become a mother one day I can be as wonderful as a mother as you seem to be! You do it all and should be so proud! I loved this post! PS-Isn't Cle de Peau the best?

www.bstylewise.blogspot.com