A while back I was thinking about how all the moms I know are different in many ways – be it their parenting style, or whether they go to work, stay at home, or work from home. Some have one little person, while others have three or four. Some of our babies began their journey inside us learning the sound of our heartbeat, whilst some began in another only to meet us later and hold our hearts forever. Whatever the differences in how we became moms, how we parent… Being a mom, plus ALL that comes with it, is what we all have in common.

And that’s how I came up with the idea for this feature – a short interview with regular moms like you and I (short, because for moms, the time struggle is real yo!). Here we’ll get to “meet” different mommies, and find out a little about them.

This week we meet mommy blogger (and my curly hair + name twin ?), Charlene from Pretty Please Charlie. I’ve been a fan of Charlene’s blog for a few years now, so I’m really excited about featuring her on mine today.

1. Please tell us a little – or a lot (we like details) – about yourself?

My name is Charlene and I am an almost 40 year old dog-loving, wine drinking, chocolate eating, technologically impaired Capetonian. My husband and I have been married for 8 years and we have a 6 year old little girl. I work full time and after hours (or when the boss isn’t looking) I blog about beauty, parenting and lifestyle. My family and friends are my everything. And the older I get, the more I realise that my life would mean nothing without them. I also love rock music, tattoos, sushi, watching Friends, singing in the car and lately I’ve developed a tiny (read: huge) crush on Ed Sheeran.

2. What’s the one thing you find most challenging about being a working / stay at home mom?

Time. Oh my word. There are not enough hours in the day. Between my 8 to 5, blogging, cooking, cleaning, (trying my best at) being an attentive wife and a devoted mother, I struggle to keep all the balls in the air. I tend to drop one now and then.

3. We all know there are challenging moments – moments which call for chocolate, or wine (or both), to soothe those mommy nerves… Forgetting all that though, what is your absolute favourite thing about being a mom?

That’s easy. When Cara puts her hands on my cheeks, looks me straight in the eye and says ‘I love you to the moon and back’. Then I know I’m doing something right.

4. From the experience you’ve gained since becoming a parent, what is a pretty cool piece of advice you would give to other moms?

Listen to all the advice, but, in the end, do what your gut tells you. And be kind to yourself! You are a better mom than you think. Oh, and white Dove bar soap does wonders for cradle cap. 😉

5. Share with us one of the funniest moments you’ve had since becoming a mom.

The first one that comes to mind, is when Cara decided that the best time to have a wee was while we were posing for a newborn shoot. She was wearing her ‘birthday suit’ and I was drenched. It made for a funny photo though.

6. Please tell us where we can find you online

Blog: Pretty Please Charlie
Twitter: MsCharlieW
Instagram: pretty_please_charlie
Facebook: Pretty Please Charlie

Thank you Charlene for giving us a glimpse into your life as a mom. 🙂