WAHM HACK: Working Outdoors

 

Happy first day of summer! Now that the weather looks like it will stay hot for some time, you can catch me and Baby J outside more. As a working mom, it’s really hard to keep track of how much outdoor time we’re spending. I feel guilty at times because I’m not able to spend as much time enjoying the warm sun with the kiddos due to the amount of work I have. Moving forward, I’ve made it a goal of mine to spend an extra 30 minutes outdoors for a total of an hour a day. It may not seem much but at the moment even a 30 minute walk with Jaylen is hard to make time for. Work-at-home mama, y’all feel me right?

One of my favorite things to do is to go to a park, lay a blanket down, and just enjoy the breeze and the sun over a picnic or snacks. Growing up in Los Angeles, my mom used to do this with me and my brother at the beach. She would fill up a cooler with cut up mangoes, papaya, watermelon, sandwiches, chips, and water bottles. We would spend all day laying out, eating, splashing in the ocean, and playing in the sand. I’m looking forward to reliving those memories with my boys once we move back.

Before the pandemic hit, I used to pack a picnic with Cayden a few times a week. Now that we’re venturing out more, I’ve started doing it with Jaylen while big brother is at school so that we can spend some quality time together. For me, it’s very important to spend that one-on-one time with each of my kids so that we can share special moments without anyone else. As a mom of two, it’s hard to give my undivided attention to each one of my boys when both of them need me 24/7, including their dad. 

I may not be able to take all afternoon off to do it, but I find that even an hour makes a big difference in our day. That vitamin D really hits different after hibernating all fall, winter, and spring. The sunshine and the outdoors gives me a boost of energy. Even during these types of breaks, I like to have my laptop on me at all times in case one of my coworkers needs something from me. A diaper bag doesn’t really allow me to carry the million things I need for work and my baby so I love that I have this bag organizer. 

I know juggling work and kids can be tough, so here are my tips to getting out the door a little easier so that you can also stay consistent in spending time outdoors: 

• Keep your bag organized. It cuts my time in half because I can see everything I need by laying out my bag organizer and prepping it the night before. I have a pocket for literally everything. My laptop, AirPods, wallet, keys, and phone.
• Pack the night before. I always pack a handful of diapers, a pack of wipes, an extra set of clothing for Jaylen, baby toys, books, teethers, his favorite snacks, his blanket, a couple of pacifiers, and a bottle. This bag insert has a thermal pocket for a tall bottle to keep warm but if you don’t have one, you can bring a portable bottle warmer. 
• Don’t forget to pack your own snacks. If you and your little one are planning on having lunch, those items can be taken out of the fridge just before you head out. Since I make Jaylen’s baby food at home I put it in a container and warm it up right before (if it’s a warm meal). A quick lunch for me is a salad that I have DoorDashed to me so that I don’t have to wait in line at the restaurant. You just have to time it up right. 

Once at the park, it usually takes me about 25 minutes to eat and feed Jaylen. After our meals, I like to read a book to him while he nibbles on his teethers. Now that he’s crawling, I like to let him explore and feel the grass. Toward the end of the hour I will place him back in his carseat so that he can doze off under the shade while I watch some manager training videos my boss hooked me up with. 

Life update: After being with my company for almost seven years, your girl is now a digital marketing manager! It was the next step in my career and I’m glad that even though I was scared to ask for it, my boss believed in me more than I did and gave me the position (Thank you Laurel!)

Anyway, the Louis Vuitton Never Full tote is such a classic and a staple for every wardrobe. No matter how many years have passed, it won’t ever go out of style. I call this bag my old faithful because she’s been with me through trips, through hospital stays, and now I can depend on her to get me through the baby and toddler stages. I like to call this organizer her “upgrade” because it seriously took my Louis bag to the next level and gave her a new look. 

Thanks ToteSavvy for creating such a quality product that makes living “la vida mom” easier. Even Jaylen knows which pocket to go to every time he needs something. And when I’m not “mommying” I can see myself switching out the kid stuff for some pool day essentials on a girl’s trip. A can of wine, sunscreen, my iPad, etc.

Until next time working mamas, or catch me outside!