Guest Post: Author Christina Hovland’s Mom’s Survival Guide

2021 Mom Survival Guide

© Monica Hudson Photography

Let’s be real for a minute. As moms we have a unique set of needs that often go unmet because our focus settles on our kids. Don’t get me wrong, altruism is awesome.

Also awesome? Recognizing that we matter, too.

So, without further ado… here are the top five items in my 2021 Mom Survival Guide…

Daytime Pajamas

I discovered the joy of daytime pajamas (I call them day-jamas) around the time I came across the beauty of Hello Mello loungewear. (They call it loungewear but, for me, it’s day-jamas.) Not to brag, but in the past few months I’ve become something of a day-jama connoisseur. I’m so good at picking my daytime pajamas that they go seamlessly from day to night without having to make any changes! Brand doesn’t matter as long as your selection is super soft and super comfy.

A Portable Charger for eBook/Kindle

When I asked those who follow me on social media what they needed in their motherhood survival kit, there was a resounding response of eReader adoration. I, also, love my Kindle. LOVE. IT. What I do not love is when I ignore the low battery warning for too long and the device shuts off at the most inopportune moments. Enter Mr. Hovland and the portable battery power bank he bought for me. It’s the most brilliant thing ever! (You could also just get a long power cord. Or, you know, don’t just dismiss the low battery warnings. Your call.)

Laundry Room Chocolate

(Or wherever the kid/spouse/partner won’t find it.)

This tip came from my own mom. She used to hide what she called “laundry room” chocolate because we never thought to look behind the bottle of Clorox. These days I keep my own chocolate in the freezer tucked safely behind the frozen peas where no one in my home dares to go. I’ve also heard a tampon box works fan-freaking-tastic for hiding that Dove milk chocolate. (My personal favorite grocery store brand.)

Movement

I know, I know. But hear me out on this one. Kickboxing virtually happened for me because around April 2020 I discovered an intense need to kick the hell out of things. I needed an outlet from the world. Turned out, my friend had a boxing bag in the corner of her garage (thank you to her ex-boyfriend who left it behind when he moved). She was happy to lend it to me while I discovered my inner badass.

I started with YouTube videos. Then I discovered a local kickboxing gym offered virtual classes. Every Monday at 4:30 p.m. I log in to jab, cross, and Thai kick (poorly) in preparation for any frustrations of the coming week.

These days you can find YouTube dance classes of all variety, online kickboxing (like me!), or even yoga. (Ahem, there are some pretty hunky yoga teachers on a few of those apps out there. I’m just sayin’. It’s really very relaxing watching them teach the poses.)

Connection

This year, connection is vitally important. Yes, it’ll still look different than it did a little over a year ago, but bonding with someone who doesn’t ask you to fix them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch is imperative. (Unless you happen to love making a PB&J. In which case, you do you.) Daily text check-ins, calling for no reason (and all the reasons), and just reminding each other that you each matter. That you’re seen.

Now that you’ve read my survival kit, I’m curious what would go in yours?

About Rachel, Out of Office

Single mom Rachel Gibson seriously needs a break. Between an absent ex-husband, rowdy twin boys, and running her own work-from-home business, her candle isn’t just burning at both ends, it’s a full-blown puddle of wax. She’s the go-to girl for other entrepreneurs, handling all the tasks they dread. Social media posts? She’s got it. Website updates? She’s on it. Light bookkeeping? She loves it.

Thank goodness Rachel’s about to get a reprieve, as her former in-laws plan to whisk her boys away for a summer of fun at the family lake house. But when her ex backs out at the last minute, she finds herself in a pickle. Even though she’s drowning in to-dos, she’s horrible at saying no—especially when it comes to providing some stability for her kids.

Once Rachel arrives at the lake house, she struggles to keep up with work and balance the demands of family, all the while fending off pesky new feelings for her ex-brother-in-law. Which makes her wonder…is falling for her ex-husband’s brother just one more messy complication added to the dumpster fire of her life? Or is anything possible when she’s out of office…?