It’s Mom Friend Monday, and this week we have the always stunning Mara Ferreira of M Loves M. Wife, mama, and lifestyle blogger. She seems to do it all while making it look effortlessly beautiful along the way. Her insta-stories are some of my favorite to watch; as you can see just how genuine this mama really is! So I’ll quit the mom crushing and get to the fun stuff! Grab your cupa-cupa and lets hangout mamas!
MB: Hey Mara! I’m so excited to have you join us for Mom Friend Monday! Though we haven’t met in person, (I just fawn all over her beautiful blog and insta feed), I’m so glad to get to know you more and to grow this amazing supportive mom community!
You have such an amazing story – you’ve been blogging since 2009, however that wasn’t your original goal. Law school was. Then life happened and you went in a new direction. What was it like realizing that the dream you had pursued for so long might not be the dream you ended up living? I’d imagine it could’ve been a bit daunting, while also super exciting!
Mara: Hi Martina! Thank you so much for having me! When I started my blog in 2009 it was really just as a creative outlet. It was my hobby while I was logging in 9-5 at a law firm and studying for the LSAT. Starting my blog made me realize though that I still have a creative passion that I wanted to explore. I didn’t necessarily think that blogging was it, but blogging helped me realize that there was something out there that was better suited for my personality type. It was a little stressful and daunting being a post-grad and trying to navigate this. While many people think that post-grad life is the time to soul search, I also felt like I was behind since I hadn’t been considering any other fields of interest during my college years. Luckily I was able to get an internship and that internship helped me get other jobs, ultimately as a buyer and stylist for an online store.
MB: It seems like in many ways it was meant to be. Being able to be a buyer and stylist for an online store must have been such fun! Also a great way to learn a lot about the fashion industry!
Was lifestyle/fashion blogging hard to dive into? I see lots of mamas that aspire to be fashion bloggers but don’t where to start. Any tips for them? Do you just start shopping and posting? The insta world is so big yet so tight-knit! It can intimidate a mama!
Mara: I feel like I have a different experience since I started so long ago. I totally agree that staring now would be a little daunting! It even feels that way to me sometimes! But I think sharing what your passions are is the best way to start! Your readers will sense your interest and want to follow along!
MB: What a perfect reminder – be true to who you are and the right people will follow!
I love that you use Essential Oils – have you always been interested in a slightly more crunchy approach or is it something that has changed since becoming a mama?
Mara: I’ve always been pretty healthy but since having Augustine I’ve looked for more natural and non-toxic products. Essential oils have been incredible for us, in terms of sleep, immunity, and de-stressing. I don’t know what I’d do without them. I love chatting essential oils with my readers and helping them pick ones that fit their needs (especially when it comes to sleep training). I’ve loved being a part of the oil community!
MB: That’s so great! I know I had to convince the science major husband of mine to trust me when I said oils worked. Now he goes straight for the lavender if he has a headache and can’t sleep well. They’re such great tools – and they smell good! Win win!
Everyone is dying to know, what is in your morning cup?! Coffee, tea, cocktail?! lol
Mara: Definitely coffee! I need my coffee always! Although I try to drink a cup of water first!
MB: Smart mama! I had to learn the, “drink a cup of water first” lesson the hard way. This mama cannot drink two cups of coffee without water first. Jitterbug city otherwise!
If you could plan your ultimate mom friend getaway where would you go and what would you do?
Mara: I think I’d plan a girls weekend to Palm Springs. I just want to sleep in, lay out at a pool, get a tan, and drink some yummy margaritas!
MB: That sounds amazing! You can plan a girls trip for me anytime lol.
Lastly, if you could impart some mom wisdom on our readers, what would it be?
Mara: No one knows your baby better than you do! Not your doctor, not your mom, not your friends. Trust your instinct and that will get you everywhere!
MB: Preach sister! I couldn’t agree more! No one is more of an expert on your child, than you. Mara, it was so much fun getting to know you! You are such an inspiration! Sharing your heart in all you do! So thank you for joining me for Mom Friend Monday!
Mara: Thank you so much for having me! Loved getting to chat motherhood with you all and now I’m definitely craving a Palm Spring vacay! xox
Y’all! How amazing is the mama?! And that mom wisdom! It’s as if she read my mind! Go with your guts mamas! You know more than you’re giving yourself credit for! And yes that required a lot of “!!!”.
As always be sure to follow Mara on social media! Let’s grow this mom community!
Blog: M Loves M
Facebook: mlovesmblog
Twitter: Mara Ferreira
Instagram: @maraferreira
If you know of any inspiring mamas that would be perfect for a future Mom Friend Monday! Contact me and nominate the lovely lady!
Thanks to Morning Lavender for the amazing photography!
Love your chat on essential oils. I had to convince my husband on their benefits, too. Now we have a diffuser going almost 24 hrs a day.
That’s awesome! Love the way they smell and make you feel!
Her photos are stunning and I love that she is such an advocate for mama’s knowing their babies best <3
Yes! I feel as though moms need that reminder as we can easily second guess ourselves!