Nikole Stephenson

Can I tell you something crazy? I’ve been a one-woman-show in my business since its inception. And I say that not to impress you, but to highlight just how ridiculous my life can get sometimes when I try to do it all. Just imagine: Me squinting at my computer screen late-night belaboring over whether the word “delicious” or “tasty” will resonate better in a blog post. You know, it’s got to be descriptive, but just casual enough without sounding too silly or contrived. Or picture me trying my best to style salad greens for an Instagram photo, as if I’m the Annie Liebovitz of lettuce…. (Just a little more to the right...There, perfect! Don’t move!) It’s almost comical. I’m a textbook overthinker.

It’s 6:15pm. You’ve just gotten home from a jam-packed agenda for the day and you haven’t eaten a thing since lunch. You’ve got to get dinner on the table…FAST. But, instead of making any swift moves or smart choices, you find yourself staring blankly into the pantry for who knows how long. You can’t think straight, let alone make any executive decisions. That’s when you realize that you’ve nearly licked clean an entire tub of hummus by yourself, just in the time you’ve been standing there. And, you wonder, “How in the world did that happen?”

Parenthood is never easy, even when life seems perfect. And those times when life is not so perfect? Harder. And those times when loss, tragedy or trauma happen? The hardest. ....

FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND WILL SOON BE UPON US. This is a popular time for many of us to make lasting memories from barbecues to fireworks. For my family, this is typically vacation time and we all look forward to it every year. It is with this in mind that I want to talk about the importance of slowing down and just being present with our families. So easily, our lives can become a rapid pace of go-go-go. There’s school and work and extracurriculars and birthday parties. (Don’t even get me started on the holiday season or back-to-school time!) If your littles are too small for this hustle to be your norm yet, consider yourself lucky. AND REALLY, THAT’S ALL THE MORE REASON TO ENJOY THIS SLOWER PACE NOW. IT DOESN’T LAST. NOTHING DOES, DOES IT? THAT’S EXACTLY THE POINT.

Fathers Day is just days away, so in honor of all the World's Best Dads everywhere, I thought I'd share my best tips for new dads (and parenting partners) so that you can come into your own as a daddy. I think it's often assumed that dads will just step up after the baby arrives (and more often than not, YOU DO!), but we all say it so casually--as if it isn't just as disorienting, confusing, challenging or exhausting for dad as it is for moms. That really isn't fair, is it? BABIES DON'T COME WITH AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND EVEN IF YOU'VE TAKEN ALL THE BIRTHING AND CHILD CARE CLASSES, IT CAN STILL FEEL AWKWARD AT FIRST. So, dads, if you're reading this, it's safe to assume you're "in it to win it", right?

There’s possibly nothing worse than an inconsolable little one in the middle of a meltdown. It can be heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time. And if you’re in a public place, it can be downright mortifying at times. FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH, MOMMA, EVERY MOM HAS THESE MOMENTS. Babies and toddlers don’t care if you’re a celebrity or are on the phone or have already had a rough day. So, don’t feel too bad if it happens in public and don't let it make you feel like a bad parent!

Whether you are pregnant, have a new baby or even an older child, we moms all can feel touched out at certain times in our parenting adventure. I especially hear about this from breastfeeding moms. If you’ve already been there, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. The baby wants to do nothing but nurse. Or be rocked in your old rocking chair. Or will only sleep if she’s lying on your chest....