An Interview with Ruminating Mommy, Jenny Lutes
Tell us more about yourself, your family, and your site:
I have always loved writing, and I started my blog “Solo Mommy” while I was a single parent to my then 2-year-old daughter Ava. My husband and I reconciled almost 2 years ago, and I re-named my blog Ruminating Mommy. Ava is now 5, and I’m pregnant with our daughter Madelaine, who is due in early 2012.
In the years before Ava was born, I owned a Wedding Decorating Company where I made the linens, put together the flower arrangements/bouquets, set up the spaces, etc. Once Ava was born, I sold the company and have been working from home ever since. I’ll continue to stay home with Madelaine, and fill my days with taking care of baby, writing, and doing creative projects.
On my blog Ruminating Mommy, I include posts from my daily life and projects, things that we do as a family, product reviews, and I mix in writing that is more universal – not just family-oriented.
Being pregnant with your next child, what pieces of advice can you offer to other expecting mothers? Are there any major differences you’ve experience between this pregnancy and your last?
My only advice to other pregnant moms is to take time to rest during the day or evening if they can. Recline on the couch at least if there is no time for a nap. I don’t feel the need for a nap most days, but I do feel the difference in my body if I push myself too hard in the day.
I am 5 years older with this pregnancy and I do feel a difference in my body. This pregnancy isn’t harder, but I do feel more body fatigue. I’m sure if I didn’t have Ava to run around after I would feel more rested. This is the way it goes with multiple children though.
Are there any projects you work on that are easy to work on with your daughter? What are some of your hobbies?
I always need to be doing something creative whether it’s writing, sewing, or decorating. I have many baskets of fabric and beads, and when a project idea comes to mind I just go for it.
Ava and I are just starting to sew together – simple projects to avoid frustration on both sides. She loves crafts and painting so we usually work on those things together. She has a growing craft bin that I add to frequently. Recently, I had her draw a picture of whatever she chose and then I used it to make an embroidered pillow for the baby.
We know moms don’t get many chances to relax, but when you do get the chance, what do you like to do to relax?
When I have time to myself for relaxation I usually read books, or surf the net/read blogs, and enjoy a glass of wine. Right now I’m in the nesting phase of pregnancy so instead of wine I have a sewing project in hand.
Can you recommend any good blogs to MommyPage readers? Where else can we find you on the internet?
My blog was voted as one of the “Ultimate 30 Vancouver Mom Blogs” in my city on VancouverMom.ca last year, and I would recommend the other blogs on the list (included on the “Best Of” page). I read the blogs of both last year’s and this year’s Top 30 winners, plus some creative blogs like: kristinrasmussen.blogspot.com, papernstitchblog.com, and smileandwave.typepad.com.
I have written reviews on VancouverMom.ca for local companies Tsitah Threads and Emily Press Labels. (My posts can be found on the “For Kids” page under “Fashion” and “Play”.) As well, I posted a funny tidbit from Ava on heardontheplayground.com from when she was 3. Andrea Sherr of “Heard On The Playground” has just published a book of the funny things that kids say, and I’m excited to have my blog included in the end pages under “Family” blogs. (It’s available on Amazon.com, Kindle, and Barnes and Noble.com.)
Last week my blog was voted one of the “Top 25 Canadian Mom Blogs” on circleofmoms.com which I am excited about.
What are your top 5 tips for moms?
1) Make a point to do something that you enjoy every day – a happy Mom = happy kids. No putting yourself last and losing who you are.
2) If you lose your cool, take a moment and regroup…then apologize if necessary
3) Remember: the only person that expects you to be perfect is you. Don’t beat yourself up for the things that go by the wayside.
4) Get out for a Ladies’ night once a month – dressing up, having good conversation, and perhaps a cocktail can do wonders for re-charging.
5) Have a date night as often as possible with your partner – once a month is good to aim for. Only allow talk of the children for the first half hour then move onto talking about everything and anything else.
Contact Information:
Site: Ruminating Mommy – ruminatingmommy.blogspot.com
Twitter: @RuminatingMommy
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