Picking Daisies

What exactly is a "working mom?" Whether you're in an office, at home, or somewhere in between... I think we can all agree we are working. Period. 

And in this day and age, we as women - and as moms - get to have it all... I think. Justine Carino is here with me, to talk about this pressure to be "perfect" in every role we take on. She's also sharing 3 ways we can better manage our stress. Because, after all... aren't we better moms to our kids, when we take care of ourselves, too?

We'll discuss:

• How parenting today is different from other generations
• Finding a middle ground amidst pressure to be perfect
• Shoulds, oughts, and musts
• How to create boundaries that align with our values
• Why we should all be adding a mental health routine to our days

Justine Carino is a psychotherapist with a private practice in New York, specializing in anxiety disorders. She also hosts the podcast, Thoughts from the Couch, focusing on conversations around mental health and wellness. If you're interested in learning more from Justine, check out her online course on managing stress and anxiety. You can find her online at www.carinocounseling.com and @_thoughtsfromthecouch_.

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

It’s a lonely place to be when everyone around you is getting pregnant… and you aren’t.

Erin Eicher dealt with that for decades, and is now the proud Mama of 4 kiddos: 3 pregnancies, 1 adoption. I met Erin online, where we bonded over pregnancy in DM’s.  She joins me to talk through the hurt, the hope, and the JOY that comes with a surprise pregnancy at 46… and the brief stint of grief that followed with a down syndrome diagnosis.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Infertility, and what helps someone who is struggling
• Adoption after pregnancy
• How it feels to get pregnant in your 40’s - especially when it’s a surprise
• Dealing with a down syndrome diagnosis
• The dynamics of raising both teens and babies
• Keeping your faith through it all

Erin is a great follow if you want to feel encouraged, and lifted in your faith. And of course, sweet Maverick is always there, to share the journey with Down Syndrome - it’s a powerful one! Find her on instagram @erineicher_ig.

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

We asked, and now we know… you guys wanna talk about sex, baby! In this week’s Katie’s Corner, we get right into it. Why is sex after kids so important? When do you find the time? Who does it in the master closet?

Of course, it’s not all about the deed. If you need a good vent, you’re in the right place. We’ll also get into:

• What it means to nourish your marriage
• The origin of my “Relatable AF” title (that I wear proudly!)
• Motherhood triggers
• Kids with anxiety
• Telling a stranger “good job!” (And why you should try it.)

Katie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @Mommyneeds_morewine, and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode.
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Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

This one is a story about HOPE.

I'm talking to Krissy Lanier, mom of 3, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 9. A diagnosis that is so much more than the "drink your juice, Shelby" we know from Steel Magnolias.   Krissy decided at a very young age to not have kids via pregnancy, and instead adopted two beautiful babies to call her own. Spoiler alert: her journey in motherhood does not end there. 

Here's a glimpse of what we dive into:

• Dealing with medical trauma, and the impact it can have on your life
• Toying with feelings of joy, amidst upset and isolation
• The adoption journey
• A surprise pregnancy 

Krissy Lanier joins me as a "Real Life Mom," part of a series of guests I bring on each month who don't necessarily have a social media presence for the public. Krissy's debut book will be available on Amazon on June 20th.  You can pre-order here.  

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

I heard my daughter say "I don't feel beautiful" for the first time recently. It gutted me.

In this episode, I'm getting real and raw with you: I've struggled with an eating disorder, and self-destructive behaviors for much of my life. I'll dive into that story, and how I plan on using my own experience to give my kids the gift of confidence. 

I'll be discussing:

• The importance of affirmations
• Training your brain to be positive
• How motherhood healed me
• (Bonus!) What makes me ugly cry on the toilet 

Building confidence in our kids is setting the foundation for good, lifelong decisions. I'm making this my mission for my family, I hope you'll join me for yours!

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Ever wanted to jump into the "influencer" game? It's not always sunshine and sparkles, believe me. Rachel Moyer joins me to talk about the "dark side" of putting yourself out there on the 'gram.

We'll dig into:

• The constant pressure of "will this reel take off?"
• Mean people & feeling stalked
• How we manage our kid's online presence
• Staying authentic in a "highlight reel" kind of world
• Why it feels like we're always working

Is it worth it? Guess you'll have to listen and find out.

Rachel Moyer is the lovely Mama behind @RacheyRooandHerCrew, who took off online with her funny Disney content. Check out her page for lots of relatable bits!

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

In almost 2 years,  mom & dad finally had an opportunity to get out of the house without kids and boy did we take advantage. But tell us, why didn't we know how awkward it would be at first? It's like we had to relearn or reintroduce ourselves. Because I mean, who the F are we if we don't have little people constantly interrupting us? Or needing their butts wiped? Of course though, all conversation in some way circled back to the kids because I mean, how does it not.

On today's episode join us talking:
•Dating your spouse 
•Post Pandemic Weirdness
•Having a child with a speech delay and what we've learned

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Katie's back! And I'm so glad because we needed a good debrief on why it's so hard to manage ALL THE THINGS. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone? A lot changes after having kids - bodies, time, mental capacity... and well, Katie and I do not always handle it well. But hey, we're trying - just like you.

We're breaking down:

• Body image after baby
• Period hormones, and what happened when I saw faint lines
• What we need from our partners and how to ask for it
• How f*cking hard it is to feed our kids

Katie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @Mommyneeds_morewine, and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode.

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

What makes one comment mom shaming and another help or advice? I want to know your thoughts on this because to me, I think the lines have gotten blurred. Understandably so, with the way mom's are always at war with one another. It makes sense that we are hyper-sensitive and defensive. Which is exactly the thing I want to chat today!

In today's episode, topics discussed are:
•Life & podcast updates 
•Kids getting sick...again
•True vs Untrue criticism 
•Encouragement...as always 

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Motherhood doesn't always go according to plan. And for those who have entered it or are even trying to enter it, they know it all too well. "I never expected it to be this hard." " I didn't want to be this type of mom." "Why do I feel this way?" Can you relate to these thoughts? I know I can and based on what I've seen online with my social channels, I know its not a foreign sentiment. That is why I am thrilled to be joined by Libby Ward from Diary of an Honest Mom. One of the top pioneers of really breaking down walls and having the heavy conversations, we discuss these feels plus so much more.  As a mom, fellow content creator and fan, this was an interview I was so excited to do an I know you all will love it just as much as I did.

Topics touched on in today's episode:
•The Power of And
•Default Parenting
•Social Media Growth & challenges
•Finding peace with YOUR version of motherhood

Libby Ward is a digital creator, speaker, and mental health advocate with a deep commitment to breaking cycles of trauma &    changing the motherhood narrative with honest motherhood. Every week, Libby’s content reaches millions of women around the world and she has grown a dedicated community of over 1.5M on social media in just two years. She has been recognized as a mental health advocate by TikTok, and has been featured on The BBC, Good Morning America,  The Tamron Hall Show, CHCH, Global News, Motherly, Insider and media outlets around the world. 

As a thought leader in today’s difficult and complex experiences of mental health, Libby is focused on reaching more women with her perspective changing stories through partnerships and collaborations that make a real impact. Her best selling guided journal The Honest Mom Journal: The Struggling Moms Guide to Struggling Less has already helped thousands of moms to struggle less in motherhood. Find her at @diaryofanhonestmom on Instagram, Tiktok and on her website www.diaryofanhonestmom.com and fall in love with her authentic content sure to inspire and entertain you each day.  

Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com