We’re celebrating real-life SweetMamas! Whether she’s a famous face or the mom in your playgroup, check back weekly to discover her Sweetest Things, as well as her tips on raising them fabulous.
Gwendolyn Floyd
sweetmamas we love canada, Vancouver
(Oct.23.09)
SweetMama We Love: Gwendolyn Floyd
Hometown: Vancouver
Mom to: Aidan (4.5) and Quinlan (1)
Also known as: Mom-blogger at Left Coast Mama
There's something relaxed about Vancouver mamas that really appeals to those of us stuck in the middle of the country. Their pictures often feature stunning vistas, their complaining seems a bit less neurotic and we have a vision of them feeding their kids organic, locally-sourced goodies. We asked Gwen Floyd, stay-at-home-mom and author of the blog Left Coast Mama, to dish about her secrets to getting through the diaper years with grace.
SM: Tell us a bit about your blog.
I started Left Coast Mama as an outlet to write about my life as a stay-at-home-mom. I guess it was also because I found a community that I really liked four years ago, when Aidan was about six-months-old. I now blog about my two children, as well as a mix of some product reviews, things to do with preschoolers in Vancouver and whatever life brings. (Those reading now may have noticed a theme of sleep deprivation lately.) I don't worry about SEO [Search Engine Optimization] and I am just trying to become a better writer.
SM: What’s your secret to raising them fabulous?
I really hope it is my winning personality and a good sense of humour. I think it is mainly having a good partnership with my husband and having some great kids. I also think that though it may sometimes be hard to be consistent, making sure that my sons learn manners goes a long way.
SM: What’s been your biggest challenge in balancing motherhood and the other parts of yourself (work, writing, etc.)?
My biggest challenge in balancing writing, housework, preschool and an infant? At the moment it is making sure that Quinlan doesn't break my laptop and that even when I am engrossed in the internets, I take the time to focus on my boys. Thank god for preschool and nap time.
SM: Knowing what you know now, what’s the one thing you wish you could tell all new moms or moms-to-be?
I think all new moms need to know that you really need to take at least some time for yourself. It is alright to tell your partner that you need an hour or two to go to a movie or a café. Don't be afraid to take the time to go and get your haircut or nails done or whatever it is YOU need. Taking care of yourself is a good thing.
What is the one item you can’t live without for yourself?
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I can't live without my PVR. Since it took me so long to find reliable babysitters, and our family is far away, TV is our entertainment. This way it doesn't matter if we need to interrupt a show, we just pause and go on our way. I am not sure I would have made it through Aidan's first year without all seven seasons of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
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What is the one item you can’t live without for your child?
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There are two things I cannot live without for my children: an iPod and some portable speakers. Since Aidan was small part of his bedtime routine is listening to music. We have several playlists of relaxing music, audiobooks, and even some children's videos. We use it while travelling, and we always have something that is the same as home.
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