Meet Sarah!
Sarah is a 29-year-old Movin’ Mama currently living in South Boston with her husband & 8-month-old baby boy. This gal not only works in Real Estate, but has actually made Wellness her business, literally as an indoor cycling instructor downtown. We asked Sarah how she’s Living Well today, and here’s what she shared…
How do you typically start your day?
My son wakes up around 6:30 AM, so when he is finished eating, he plays and watches Mickey Mouse Club while I catch up on emails. If it’s a Thursday morning, I am out the door even earlier to make it The Handle Bar where I teach the morning class!
What does your weekly workout regimen typically look like?
I teach indoor cycling twice on Tuesdays and once on Thursdays. On Mondays and Wednesdays I weight and circuit train with my husband. We like to think of it as a date!
What has been your biggest challenge with wellness both physically and emotionally since the birth of your son and how are you overcoming it?
I would say my biggest challenge physically is learning to love and accept my new post-baby shape. Some days I feel great about my body, strong and proud. And other times I can be very hard on myself and get discouraged at my progress. My husband constantly reminds me to be nicer to myself, and that I grew a human in there for 9 months!
Emotionally, I’ve found it difficult to really find that delicate work/life balance. My job as real estate broker can be high-stress and fast paced. I am constantly on my phone or computer, always running to a showing or a meeting, add a baby to the mix and things can get quite crazy! Lately, I have been trying to dedicate one or two full weekdays to just one-on-one time with my little guy. I think the jury is still out on whether or not women can have it all – a fulfilling, successful career and also raise a family.
What do you love most about being a new mom so far?
I love watching him learn and discover new things. The look of pure joy, and true, genuine happiness that overcome his face is the most amazing feeling in the world. Last week he started standing on his own for 5-10 seconds at a time. He is so proud of himself when he does new things like this. He makes me want to be a better person.
What are a few beauty products you cannot live without right now?
- Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. I can get great 2nd or even 3rd day hair with this miracle product!
- Decleor Hydra-Flora face moisturizer
- My Enzo Milano hair wand – a couple little twists with this bad boy makes a huge difference!
What are some wellness tips you’d like to share with new Mamas?
Plan “Me time”. Whether it’s an hour walk outside alone, an exercise or gym class, a facial or a nice lunch – it’s important not to forget about doing things that make you happy.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! As a new mom it’s our instinct to nest, and to want to be in control of everything that has to do with your baby. But sometimes, handing over the reins might be exactly what you need. If your friends or family offer to help, LET THEM!
And lastly, be nice to your partner. They can feel neglected once baby arrives. As important as “Me time” is, “us time” is up there too. A solid, supportive partner only makes you a better Mama!
*Register for our upcoming Wellness Workshop on 10/24 for some “Me Time”!
What is one of your recent go-to healthy meals at home?
I grew up on the beach and learned to fish from a very early age. So seafood was a staple in our diets growing up and still is. I probably make shrimp and fish more than chicken. I always keep a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer. I throw them in a pan with some fresh veggies, toss it with some olive oil, garlic, shallots and a touch of white wine and put it over some brown or wild rice. You have a simple, healthy and quick meal in under 15 minutes.
*Check out one of Sarah’s favorite shrimp dishes from Mesadevida.com!
What do you do when you want to have “Me time”?
I book a facial or a massage!
What’s your biggest wish for your baby?
My biggest wish is that my son finds a “profession” or a “career” that he LOVES and is passionate about. My best friend Jessica (owner of Handle Bar) inspired this answer. She is successful because she genuinely loves what she does and loves the people she works with, and has chosen to surround herself with. I don’t think many people can say that.
I found this quote and shared it with my class not too long ago, “I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Luke warm is no good.”
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood so far?
Without question, my husband Ryan and my mom. Ryan and I were total rookies. At first we couldn’t believe they were even letting us leave the hospital with this tiny living creature. We were terrified. But, we learn something new every day. It’s important to remain a team, and not to forget to have fun and laugh.
And my mom is my hero. She stayed with me for a month after Liam was born. She cooked, she cleaned, she loved, she supported. She let me figure out those first few weeks on my own as a new mom, but comforted when needed. She sat with me for the around the clock feedings, made me persevere through breastfeeding when all I wanted to do was give up. If I can be half the mother she is, I will count that as a victory.
What Makes You Move, Mama? 