Working Mama: Hallie V.

Hello! Hope you’re all enjoying the long weekend as much as I am! We have my parents in town, have been to a rehearsal dinner, a wedding and a first birthday party. Tomorrow is my birthday and I’m planning to spend it with the people that I love most. 

Now, let’s meet our working mama of the week: Hallie V.!

Name: Hallie V.
Age: 28
Children: Molly – 9 months
Occupation: Web Account Exec
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Work Location: I work from home

Show Some Love!

Blog: Chasing Hallie
Twitter: @chasinghallie
Pinterest: Chasing Hallie
Instagram: chasinghallie

How do you find time for everything you need to do? What falls off your radar?
My to-do list definitely doesn’t get the same attention it used to. Nap times are my best friend. I usually spend at least one nap a day running around the house tossing laundry, emptying the dishwasher and other general household things. I take that nap time as my “lunch break” from work. The other nap is spent in 100% work focus mode.
My husband and I also tackle a lot of household things on the weekends, usually Sat morning.
Dinner is what doesn’t get the same attention anymore. Just not enough time in the day!

Describe your childcare arrangement.
We have an interesting arrangement, albeit a lucky one! Currently my dad comes into town 2 days a week to watch Molly while I work. The other days we have no childcare and I watch Molly while trying to work. Those are the days when the naps are SO important. My husband is sometimes home early on those days so he can help.
We are currently in the process of trying to find a sitter to come to the house for a few hours a couple days a week or we are going to enroll Molly in Mother’s Day Out a couple days a week (which is much more cost effective).

What does the word balance mean to you?
Balance is key. I feel guilty sometimes when I have to focus so much on work and let Molly play by herself for a bit. But I also know that work must be done to keep us afloat.
I try to make sure our weekends are spent doing fun things as a family and get quality time together.
Balancing your work/life is so so hard and its never even. Deadlines come up that make work take over and family activities come up that make personal time more important.

What is your best time saving tip?
Focus! Its amazing what you can accomplish if you tell yourself for the next 20 minutes I am full on 100% focusing on a certain task. For example, close out all the browser windows on your computer that don’t have anything to do with your task and don’t get distracted!
I can get so much done during nap times using this method.

What is your favorite go to meal to feed your family during the week?
Taco night!! We love it because its so so easy. We can make this in 20 minutes from start to the table. And its delicious!
Taco Tuesday is on our menu every week.

Would you like to take a nap?
Yes

What are your top two pros and cons of being a working mom?Pros:
1. Having something that is mine, even if it is work
2. The sense of accomplishment
Cons:
1. Overwhelming to juggle it all
2. Time away from my family

Did you pump at work? If so, what was your experience?
n/a

Do you have any advice for a new mom who is about to go back to work?
Take it in stride. Don’t be overwhelmed by what is waiting for you at work from all those days of leave. It will stress you out!
You will find your groove, just give it time and don’t pressure yourself.
And when you are not working give your other activities your full attention. If there is one thing I have learned its that time FLIES. I looked away for a second and my lil baby is 9 months old! You have to soak in every second you can.

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Thank you, Hallie, for taking the time to participate in my Working Mamas series! Don’t forget to check out Hallie’s blog and show her some love!

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