It’s Monday, Monday, Monday – do you have the Friday song stuck in your head? No? You do now! You’re so welcome! But alas it isn’t Friday my dear mamas, but it is MOM FRIEND MONDAY!!!!
I’m always telling y’all to nominate a mama to be featured; well thanks to a nomination from Jenna McFarland, our last MFM, I got to meet Jess Oakes, of Positively Oakes!
MB: Hey Jess! I’m so excited to have you here for Mom Friend Monday! I love meeting new mamas and when Jenna nominated you, I knew you’d be amazing! So let’s dive in! Being a wife and mama isn’t easy, let alone running a business. How do you juggle it all?
Jess: Ya know this is a hard question because most days I don’t feel like I have my crap together at all. I have learned though that I have to take it one day at a time and plan in advance. I used to procrastinate pretty badly with things and I learned very quickly that I can’t do that with business and Motherhood. So now I generally have things ready at least a week before, maybe not completed, but half way there. This has helped my anxiety a ton. Another thing that I am still working on, but slowly getting the hang of – is taking time to just be a Mom. I am constantly going, going, going that I forget to slow down and just chill, take a breath and get on the floor and play with my babe. BUT it’s so good for my heart when I do, so I have to remind myself to take time everyday and do that.
MB: Such a good reminder – playing with your littles even for a few minutes a day is so important! It allows you to really connect. What many here might not know is that you’re known for your amazing events, one being the Positively Baby Shower. Can you tell us what inspired them?
Jess: How sweet are you, thank you! For me, events aren’t just events, don’t get me wrong – I LOVE to plan and throw them, it’s a freaky thing I just really like doing. BUT, when I throw an event I want everyone to leave feeling happier than they were before and inspired. I honestly want to help every, single, person that I possibly can and these events give me the opportunity to do my small part in that.
MB: Who doesn’t love a good party? I love that your goal is for people to leave happier than they were and inspired. You give through your skills in planning an event – I’m sure that is priceless for those mamas! What would you say is your strength as a mama, and what would you say is your weakness?
Jess: My strength is honestly probably being able to just do a lot. That doesn’t mean I am perfect at it, but I can generally multi task like a boss, not to toot my own horn. However, this leads to my downfall – my weakness is definitely taking on too much. I might be able to do it, but it usually leads to me getting in a weird, depressive, anxious state. So I am working on that. 😉
MB: Oh man I hear ya! I am awful at saying no, but that is something I’m doing more and more. Being a people pleaser is hard but like you – I’m working on it! What is your favorite part about blogging, and what is your advice for a mama wanting to jump into the blogging world?
Jess: I love it because of the flexibility and the ability to share my words, to share my “peace” if you will. We live in a scary, harsh world and I feel like in my corner of the internet it’s my place to be positive, real and remind you that you’re doing a great job even when we totally feel like a hot mess. Advice for starting a blog – be TRUE TO YOU, consistent and patient.
MB: That is a beautiful mental picture – a little corner of peace on the internet! Because we are all nosey, what’s in your morning cup?
Jess: Strawberry Acai Refresher from Starbucks or Dr. Pepper…both drinks of choice so you’ll most likely find one of those in my cup. Basically – all the caffeine.
MB: Yum! Dr. Pepper may be my favorite! If you could plan your ultimate mom friend getaway where would you go and what would you do?
Jess: Somewhere tropical and honestly, just be pampered. That’s my idea of the ultimate getaway, doing nothing, getting a massage, nails done and sitting on the beach. Gosh that sounds good right about now. 😉
MB: That sounds amazing after this busy weekend! I can’t remember the last time I got some pampering! *hint hint EM* Lastly, if you could impart some mom wisdom on our readers, what would it be?
Jess: Spend every, single, second you can with your babe. I think a lot of us (including myself) take it for granted, but I can tell you, especially the last two months…I was gone for events and other work things literally 85% of the two months and I have never missed my babe so much. Snuggle them, get frustrated (because you know, sass and it’s gonna happen), but then just look at them and remember why you’re so obsessed with them. Also – give yourself a break, you’re doing a good job even if the house is a mess, in fact the mess can wait.
MB: Oh man yes! EM and I were just saying this today. The days seem to drag on but man the years fly by! Take advantage of the time you have. And I couldn’t agree more, the mess can WAIT! Thanks so much for joining us! It’s really been great!
Jess: Thank you so much for having me! You can follow me or check me out on Insta @positivelyoakes or on www.positivelyoakes.com.
Y’all how sweet is she? I’m so glad Jenna nominated her! Being a mom is a juggling act sometimes but man is it important to remember to slow down, say no to others occasionally, and make time to just enjoy your littles while they’re still little. Now let’s listen to Jess and go snuggle our babes!
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