Mombalanceguide

Author: Frieda

  • When Exhaustion Hits: Why I’ve Been Quiet (And What Sleepless Nights Remind Me About Motherhood)

    Sometimes, you just hit a wall.

    Lately, I’ve been so exhausted; like bone-deep, brain-fog, “what day is it?” tired and it finally caught up with me. I had plans, blog drafts, Pinterest posts queued up in my mind… and then life did what life does when you’re a mom: it got real.

    One thing after another, and I found myself falling behind. Not just on posting but on feeling like me.

    Sleep Regression Strikes Again

    My son had been sleeping beautifully. I was finally feeling like, “Okay, maybe we’re getting into a rhythm.” I started reclaiming my evenings again; you know, that sacred time after the kids are asleep when you can actually finish a thought or drink tea while it’s still warm.

    But like clockwork, he suddenly stopped sleeping well again.

    • Waking up multiple times a night.
    • Fighting naps.
    • Waking up way too early.

    And I was right back in the trenches.

    Mom Mode: Always On

    It’s hard to explain to people who don’t live this life, how much pressure and mental load we carry. Even when we’re resting, we’re not really resting. We’re listening for little footsteps, anticipating cries, planning meals, managing feelings (theirs and ours), and trying to stay patient when all we want is sleep.

    I’ve felt guilty for not showing up here like I wanted to. But then I remind myself: This is what MomBalanceGuide is about.

    Not perfection.
    Not curated chaos.
    But truth.

    Giving Myself Grace (And You Too)

    Motherhood has taught me a lot, but lately it’s reminding me that I can’t do it all and I don’t need to.

    So if you’ve fallen behind, or feel like you’re dropping balls left and right, just know you’re not alone. This season won’t last forever but that doesn’t mean it’s not hard while you’re in it.

    I’m slowly picking things back up again. Not because I feel pressured, but because I missed sharing. Missed connecting. Missed giving space for honesty.

    And if this post reaches just one tired mama out there who needs to hear this — then showing up today was enough.

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I truly love and use!

    These are the Blackout curtains I use throughout our apartment and especially in the room, they have helped tremendously. I started using this white noise machine, and it really helps settle the room down during middle-of-the-night wakeups. I have been using this magnesium complex even before the kids and I love it now more than ever. It helps me relax and have the best sleep when I am back on regular schedule.

    Let’s Chat:

    Have you hit a wall recently? Are your babies sleeping or is your house also running on coffee and willpower right now?

  • 5 Real Ways I Care for Myself as a Busy Mom (That Don’t Involve Spa Days)

    Let’s be real; when you’re deep in diapers, feedings, toddler tantrums, and trying to sneak in a shower, self-care can feel impossible or even silly. I used to think self-care meant expensive spa days or weekends away. Now? It’s in the tiny, intentional things I do each day to care for me without guilt. Here’s how I’ve made self-care real and doable as a busy mom of two.

    🌅 1. One Hour of Peace Before Anyone Wakes Up

    I started waking up 45 minutes to an hour before my kids. Not to clean or check emails but to just be. Sometimes I pray, stretch, drink hot tea, or just sit in silence. That hour sets the tone for my day and reminds me I exist outside of motherhood too.

    How You Can Start:
    Try waking up 15 minutes earlier than usual. Use that time for whatever feels calming; journaling, deep breathing, reading a devotional, or sitting outside. Start small and build up.

    📵 2. One Phone-Free Hour a Day

    Our phones are amazing… and exhausting. I noticed my anxiety rising every time I was endlessly scrolling or jumping between apps. Now, I have a “no phone” rule during one hour of the day, usually during meals or before bed to just breathe, be present, and protect my peace.

    How You Can Start:
    Choose one hour; maybe after dinner or during breakfast and leave your phone in another room. Use the time to talk with your partner, play with your kids, or simply enjoy the quiet.

    🛋️ 3. A 10-Minute Midday Pause

    This one is my lifeline. I give myself permission every day to pause; no chores, no guilt. Just 10 minutes to recharge. Some days I nap, lie on the couch in silence, or make a hot drink and stare out the window. It grounds me and prevents that afternoon crash.

    How You Can Start:
    Schedule it like a meeting. When your baby naps or your toddler watches a show, pause everything. Sit. Breathe. Close your eyes. Let your body exhale.

    📚 4. Weekly ‘Me Time’ I Don’t Negotiate

    Once a week, I do something just for me. Whether it’s painting my nails, reading a chapter of a book, or going for a solo walk, listen to music. It’s my weekly reminder that I’m still a woman with passions, not just a caregiver.

    How You Can Start:
    Ask your partner to take over for 30 minutes once a week or use a naptime. Make a list of small things that bring you joy and rotate through them.

    📝 5. A Nightly Brain Dump to Sleep Better

    At night, my mind races with everything I forgot or need to do tomorrow. Writing it all down, in no order, no format; helps me release the mental load. I sleep deeper and wake up feeling less overwhelmed.

    How You Can Start:
    Keep a notebook by your bed. Before sleep, write down 3–5 things on your mind. Anything from groceries to emotions. It’s not about solving, just releasing.

    Final Thoughts

    Balance doesn’t mean having it all together. It means giving yourself the grace to pause, the space to breathe, and the permission to prioritize yourself. Even in tiny, daily ways. You matter, mama.

    💬 What’s one small self-care habit you want to try this week? 

  • What You’ll Find Here

    On MomBalanceGuide, you’ll find:

    • Mom hacks, routines, and sanity-savers
    • Wellness tips and mindset shifts
    • Honest reflections from a mom in the trenches
    • Favorite finds (because moms deserve nice things too!)
    • Conversations about growth, healing, and self-love

    📩 Let’s Stay Connected

    I’d love for you to follow along, comment, and share what resonates. You can also find me on Pinterest and TikTok, where I’ll be sharing more bite-sized tips and real-life moments.

  • Hello Mamas!

    My name is Frieda, I’m a mom of two little ones; a toddler and a baby. I’m in the thick of it: the diaper changes, snack negotiations, sleepless nights, and the tender, chaotic beauty of raising humans.

    For a long time, I poured all of myself into being a mom, wife, and caregiver. Somewhere along the way… I started to lose pieces of myself.

    Maybe you know the feeling.

    I went from someone with big goals to someone who barely had the energy to shower, let alone dream. I hit a point where I realized: I was surviving, but I wasn’t thriving.

    And I don’t want that for myself anymore or for you.

    Why I Started This Blog

    MomBalanceGuide was born out of a personal need. The need to feel seen again, to rediscover what makes me feel alive, and to create a life that holds space for both motherhood and me.

    I wanted a place where I could share:

    • Real mom life (the messy and the magical)
    • Simple tips to feel more in control of the chaos (Still working on it)
    • Self-care ideas that don’t require spa days or babysitters
    • Honest product reviews and curated finds that actually help
    • Encouragement for women rebuilding, restarting, and reimagining their lives

    This blog is part journal, part resource and all heart. It’s not about being the “perfect mom.” It’s about becoming a whole woman again, on our terms.

    Thanks for being here and let’s build a warm and honest community. 🧡