Homemaker Chic

When hearing the word “homemaker” what image comes to mind? Do you picture Donna Reed from The Donna Reed Show? Are you envisioning a more modern, glamorous housewife, like Kyle Richards from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Shockingly, the word housewife sounds retro to many and quite old school with so many powerful, strong, and talented women shaking the ground beneath us and creating positive waves in their workplace, in government positions, and on tv screens. Housewives made a huge comeback after Bravo’s very popular franchise, The Real Housewives came to light and we continue to glamorize the title and obsess over different housewives. A homemaker is a person, especially a housewife who manages a home. The definition is simplistic, but the job is not. I often say that I’m not offended by the word housewife because unlike the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, for example, I, like most women don’t have a staff. I don’t have nannies, cooks, or cleaning people who do everything for me. I do everything and I take pride in my daily routine. I know many stay at home mamas will agree that what we do on a daily basis is work. Although some poke fun at housewives and homemakers, it’s truly one of the hardest jobs in the world because it affects your home, family, and happiness. Being a mom and taking care of your family is a beautiful thing and doing it in style is even better. There are certain aspects of being an amazing, creative, and chic homemaker in my book.

I believe that in order to create a beautiful home and a beautiful existence you need to find balance and inspiration in your every day life. I start every day by making my bed and I know that sounds insignificant but it’s so important to fill mornings with a clean, fresh start. Every day is another page in your story and it all starts with a simple act of motivation, such as making your bed and making your bedroom (your sanctuary) pretty. I never leave a room without making sure it’s clean and beautiful. My mornings center around Greyson, my animals, and relaxation. I believe that the mornings should always be peaceful. Whether I do yoga, take a moment to drink tea and sit on my deck, watch a favorite show and cuddle under a blanket, or I go for a walk with Greyson, it’s all about peace. I always have some minor cleaning to do in the morning and a few, routine tasks, like feeding my cats, doing their cat box, running the vacuum around, and getting myself and Greyson dressed for the day. Breakfast is also very important and even if I’m not in the mood for food (which is often…I’m usually not hungry in the morning) I always make sure Greyson eats before anything else happens. Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day and are a pivotal, renewing time. There’s something magical about watching the sun rise, hearing the birds chirp, and smelling the dew that’s touched the earth around us. I’ve always loved the early hours and sometimes it’s when I’m the most creative. As a homemaker, I believe mornings are everything.

If the majority of your days are spent at home it’s important to love your time in your home and to feel motivated throughout the day. My outfit creates a vibe for the day ahead and I know, depending on what I’m wearing, what the plan is. If I slip into yoga pants and a tank top early in the morning I am motivated and ready to do yoga, run errands, or go for a walk. Jeans are versatile and can be worn at the farm, around the house, or they can be dressed up for brunch with a friend. Dresses and jumpsuits are my favorite and sometimes I dress up for no reason at all. Why not? It’s my life and I make the rules. Fashion is personal and fun and gives women the power to be whoever they want to be on any given day, even as a homemaker. Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you can’t look chic, mamas. I also love loungewear and if you’re hiding out inside on a rainy day, pretty loungewear is essential. I could never walk around in an outfit I don’t love or that doesn’t feel inspiring to me. Allow your wardrobe to speak for you and become a true part of your daily routine.

Being a homemaker isn’t about throwing elaborate parties, or planning expensive vacations, it’s about taking care of your home and family. Some days are quiet and others are hectic and filled with energy. Greyson is sixteen months old and incredibly active, adventurous, and curious, which means I spend most of my time playing with him and supervising, but I do have many moments of peace. My friends are always amazed at how I ever get anything done and by how calm I remain throughout the day. I’m a multitasker, positive, and I include Greyson in whatever I’m doing, which allows me to accomplish more. Also, it’s important to note that Greyson and I spend a lot of time in his room, which means I can have a moment to sit and write or read, while still supervising him while he plays. Being a successful homemaker is dependent on your happiness and sanity and it’s important to remember what you need throughout the day. I take breaks, always. When Greyson naps I don’t always clean, do laundry, or work on projects. Sometimes I sit on my deck and write, watch a show, do yoga, or even nap. It’s okay to take a breath and actually, your body needs a rest every now and then. You can only run on empty for so long. I know that my health and inner-peace is important, too. I think that people assume that homemakers and moms spend their entire day cleaning and accomplishing tasks and that isn’t always the case. We’re allowed to have a glass of wine and unwind for a moment, too. My days vary and change with the weather and seasons. Some days are busier than others but every day contributes to the beauty and structure of my family and home. Spring is always a busier time for me from outdoor activities, to Passover and Easter, and that’s why my blog has been quieter than usual. Homemaking is a balancing act and a constant learning experience and with each passing day, we learn something new about ourselves.

I’d also like to take a moment to say that being a homemaker and a housewife isn’t about what you post on social media. Ladies, stop comparing your lives to others and stressing about the likes you receive, the photos you upload, and the friends who follow you. Who cares? It’s a fake, fantasy land and what truly matters is what happens off of social media. We often see famous moms and wives posting glamorized shots from their day to day lives, but that isn’t reality. I don’t take selfies every day and I don’t think spending hours on social media is healthy or inspirational. I try to limit my time on any social media site as much as possible and sometimes I even forget where my phone is because I’m not on it. I’m more focused on what’s happening off of the screen and in real life. Find the beauty around you and use that as inspiration for your home and family life.

I’m proud to not only be a stay at home mommy but also a homemaker. I love creating beauty in my home and in every day moments with Greyson and Andrew. I love cleaning, organizing, and designing. A home is where your heart is and your family; if you take the time each day to care for it, it will truly feel like your favorite place in the world. Love where you live and live your life filled with love.

Xo