Posted in #featured, Meetings, Parenting

Mastering Work-Life Balance: A Guide for Remote Moms

Posted on by sherwinelaine

Balancing work and motherhood from home is no small feat. Between virtual meeting calls, snack requests, and endless distractions, staying productive requires strategy. Here are my top tips for making it work:

  • Time-Blocking is Your Best Friend. Time-blocking has been a game-changer for me. I set clear work hours and make sure my kids know when I’m in ‘do not disturb’ mode. In our company, a shared calendar helps everyone stay on the same page, so they know when I’m available and when I need focus time.
Working at a nearby cafe while waiting for Reilly
  • Create a Dedicated Workspace – I have a small little work area near our dining space, and while it’s not a full office, it helps me mentally switch into work mode. Having a defined space—no matter how small—makes a big difference in productivity.
  • Use Productivity Tools – I rely on Asana for task management, Google Keep and Notes for quick ideas, and Google Calendar to keep track of my schedule. These tools help me stay on top of tasks while keeping things flexible.

“Being a remote working mom isn’t about finding perfect balance—it’s about making it work in the midst of chaos and giving yourself grace along the way.”

http://www.sherwinelaine.blog

  • Embrace Flexibility – My daily schedule revolves around my kids’ school routines. I bring them to school at 7 AM, fetch Ellie at 9 AM, and pick up Ate Reilly at 2:30 PM. In between, I focus on deep work and squeeze in house chores. After lunch, I stay in a café near school with Ellie as we wait for Ate Reilly to finish. This setup allows me to take meetings and get focused work done while still being present for my kids. Also, work when you’re at your peak productivity (early mornings, nap times, or after bedtime) and give yourself grace on the tougher days.
Our short ride from/to school is spent on chatting about how their day went
  • Ask for Help – I don’t have house help, so I rely on my husband and kids to help with household chores. I train my kids to do little things like organizing their personal belongings and putting everything back in order after using them. It’s a team effort, and it teaches them responsibility while lightening my load.

At the end of the day, being a remote working mom isn’t about achieving perfect balance—it’s about finding what works for you and embracing the chaos with grace. Some days will feel productive, while others might feel like an uphill battle, and that’s okay. The key is to stay flexible, lean on your support system, and use tools that help you work smarter, not harder. Most importantly, give yourself credit for everything you juggle—because you’re doing an incredible job.

Posted in #featured, Life, Meetings, Miles, Parenting

Welcome to Meetings, Miles, and Motherhood: Why I Started This Journey

Posted on by sherwinelaine

Welcome to Meetings, Miles, and Motherhood—a space where we navigate the intricate dance of career, travel, and parenting together.

Life has a way of taking us on unexpected journeys, and mine has been no exception. As a remote-working mom without house help, balancing a 9-to-6 job, frequent business trips, and raising two beautiful daughters with my supportive husband, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with this lifestyle. From managing virtual meetings while preparing lunchboxes to catching flights and missing bedtime stories, the juggle is real.

This blog is born out of a desire to share these experiences and create a community where we can support and learn from each other. Here, you’ll find:

  • Personal Anecdotes: Stories from my own journey, reflecting on the highs and lows of balancing work, travel, and motherhood.
  • Practical Tips: Insights on managing remote work, efficient travel hacks, and strategies to maintain a harmonious family life amidst a busy schedule.
  • Thought-Provoking Discussions: Conversations on topics like freelancing, upskilling, and the evolving dynamics of modern parenthood.

Your thoughts, opinions, and experiences are not just welcome; they are an integral part of this blogging journey. I encourage you to share your insights and let me know what topics you’d like to see discussed here.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Let’s embrace the chaos, celebrate the small wins, and create a life where we thrive in meetings, miles, and motherhood—together.

Welcome aboard! I look forward to our conversations and the community we’ll build.

Posted in Life

And I’m back! Hello 2024!

Posted on by sherwinelaine

After a hiatus that felt longer than intended, I’m thrilled to be back in the blogging sphere, ready to weave words and share experiences (and shopping budols and reviews) again with all of you. Life took me on unexpected journeys, but it also reminded me of the joy and fulfillment that comes from expressing thoughts through this digital space. I have been on this platform eversince I can remember!

The pause was necessary, a period of reflection and personal growth. Yet, during this time away, I’ve missed the connections, conversations, and the sheer joy of putting thoughts into words. Now, as I step back into the blogosphere, I want to share the excitement of returning with a promise – a promise to be more consistent, to share more frequently, and to create content that resonates.

Happy 2024 from my family to yours!

Blogging, for me, has always been about creating a dialogue, a space where ideas can flow freely. It’s a platform where experiences are shared, lessons are learned, and connections are forged. The community that surrounds blogging is invaluable, and I am eager to rebuild and strengthen those connections.

Expect a variety of content – from personal anecdotes to thought-provoking discussions (thoughts on freelancing and upskilling coming up!). This blog is not just a space for me to share but a platform for us to engage in meaningful conversations. Your thoughts, opinions, and experiences are not just welcome; they are an integral part of the blogging journey. Drop in the comments section what topics would you like to see from the blog soon!

To those who have patiently waited for my return, thank you. Your support means more than words can express. For those just discovering this blog, welcome – I’m excited to have you on board.

So, here’s to a new chapter, filled with words, stories, and shared experiences. Let’s embark on this journey together, and I promise, this time, the posts will be more frequent, the content more diverse, and the connection stronger.

Stay tuned for what lies ahead, and let’s make this blogging comeback a memorable one!

Posted in Beauty, Life

The Power of Hydration: Why You Should Drink 2 Liters of Water per Day

Posted on by sherwinelaine

Water, a life-giving elixir, is essential for our overall well-being. We often underestimate the importance of staying hydrated and the impact it has on our health. In this blog post, we will explore the compelling reasons why consuming 2 liters of water per day is vital for our bodies, minds, and overall vitality.

1. Optimal Physical Performance. Water is the fuel that powers our physical activities. Staying hydrated enhances our physical performance by lubricating joints, regulating body temperature, and delivering oxygen and nutrients to our muscles. Drinking an adequate amount of water ensures optimal stamina, endurance, and efficiency during exercise or any physical exertion.

2. Boosts Metabolism and Aids in Weight Management. Do you know that drinking enough water is a natural and effective way to support your weight management goals? Studies have shown that it can increase metabolism, assisting in the process of burning calories. It also results to improved digestion, reduced appetite, and an overall increase in satiety.

3. Enhances Cognitive Function. Our brains are comprised of about 75% water, emphasizing the importance of hydration for optimal cognitive function. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to maintain mental clarity, concentration, and focus. It supports the production of neurotransmitters, aiding in mood regulation and preventing fatigue, headaches, and brain fog.

4. Promotes Detoxification and Healthy Skin. Water acts as a natural detoxifier, flushing out toxins from our bodies and promoting healthy organ function. Proper hydration supports kidney function, allowing them to effectively eliminate waste products. Moreover, staying hydrated contributes to maintaining healthy skin by keeping it hydrated, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, promoting elasticity, and improving overall complexion.

5. Supports Digestive Health. Adequate hydration is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Water aids in the breakdown of food, facilitates the movement of waste through the digestive system, and prevents constipation. Maintaining proper hydration levels helps to ensure a healthy gut and optimal digestive function.

Remember, drink up and experience the transformative effects of staying adequately hydrated. Cheers to a hydrated and thriving life!

Stay tuned for our blog post about the top water bottle recos to help you with your water drinking goals.

Marriage is a thousand little things.

Marriage is a thousand little things.
It’s giving up your right to be right in the heat of an argument.
It’s forgiving another when they let you down.
It’s loving someone enough to step down so they can shine.
It’s friendship.
It’s being a cheerleader and trusted confidant.
It’s a place of forgiveness that welcomes one home, and arms they can run to in the midst of a storm.
It’s grace.
It’s giving of yourself tirelessly down paths you’d never imagine to travel.
Through sickness and pain, poverty and loss, it’s carrying the weight of another.
It’s being the smile they see in the morning, and the body they hold close at night.
It’s pure love.
It’s standing together in the face of adversity.
It’s riding alongside each other in a battle that threatens to tear down your marriage and seeks to grab hold of your faith.
It’s strength under pressure.
It’s endless compassion.
It’s love.

~Darlene Schacht