Following the Yellow Brick Road

   The whole point of the yellow brick road was to take Dorothy some place better, right? A place where the all knowing "Oz" lived, a place where everyone was happy, a place with color (no more black and white).  I sometimes feel as mothers that we follow this mythical yellow brick road, this supposed road to happiness: motherhood with all of its joys and fulfillment.
   Let me start by saying: I wish that I was a woman who was born to be a mother. I wish I wanted to homeschool my children, have my own garden, cook everything from scratch, make my own cleaning products, grocery shop every Monday, wash clothes every Tuesday, volunteer at school every Wednesday, host play dates every Thursday, and use every moment as a teaching moment... and the list goes on. Don't get me wrong, I love my children and love that I am able to stay home and take care of them, but I envy women who just seem to do it all so naturally. I used to try to be that mom (minus the gardening thing, that's just not going to happen). But I finally figured out that's not actually who I am or who I want to be and no amount of wishing or trying or forcing the issue would change that. Also, I'm not quite sure that this mom, the one who seemingly does it all...so naturally, even exists. I'm pretty sure she is a myth perpetuated my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. That's what I'm choosing to believe anyway.... and if she does exist, we just can't be friends.
    I like to cook, but not every night. My kids get bathed...most nights (summer nights were iffy because the pool is like a bath, right???). When they were little, I took them to the gym every.single.day because I needed a break! They go to public school, eat cereal most every morning, are only allowed to play one sport per season because I refuse to drive them all over the place, watch t.v. during the week, and eat pizza every Friday night...... But that works for me. And for our family. And I'm more than okay with not trying to be someone or something that I'm not.

 "Accept no ones definition of yourself; define yourself"- a great quote that sums up my entire post. I should have just stuck with the quote and forgone all of the wordiness.



A few mom hacks for your week- a few things that have made my life a little easier:

Stitch fix: I'm sure you've heard of it.  The closest mall to me is over an hour away and I just refuse to only have clothes from Target and Kohl's (don't get me wrong, I LOVE Target but a girl needs some variety). Also, I was not born with the gift of fashion, so this is good for those not- so- fashion- forward individuals. The box comes with a style guide (different ideas on how to wear each piece) and 5 different items based on your style profile. If you want to try it, click here.

Maskcara: Cara is my go-to blogger on all things make-up. I love her YouTube tutorials and the fact that she links all of her makeup choices (and discusses why she uses what) to her page.

This is a mom hack I was told about by a friend after a "pregnancy scare". (side note: I actually have an unnatural fear of becoming pregnant again, so it wasn't an actual scare, it was me being ridiculously paranoid). The thought of going back to diapers has me in a monthly panic- so this little app has been a game changer. No more keeping losing track and wondering if I'm with child every.single.month. Seriously.