Twice a month we interview Moms in our “How Does She Do It?” feature. If interesting in participating please reach out on Facebook or Instagram.
We are very excited to introduce you to Tina Evans. She is our new city blogger for Modern Mama Fraser Valley and Vancouver. Tina is a married mama of two children. She is raising her family in Abbotsford, BC.
Are you an Urban or Suburban Mama, where do you live?
I am somewhere in between, living in Abbotsford we are a little bit urban and a little bit suburban. I enjoy the occasional trips to the BIG CITY , for the city entertainment, but I also enjoy the occasional trips to the mountains and lakes for the peacefulness. Living in Abbotsford puts me right in between both plus Abbotsford is certainly not small, but also has its places to get out and enjoy nature in peace.
Tell us about your children?
I have two of them, both are under the age of 9. They are a blessing and yet my biggest challenge so far. We have had a lot going on in their short life thus far, and it has thrown a lot of curveballs into our lives, yet we continue to find our way through all of it somehow.
Tell us about your typical weekday?
Due to COVID19, my typical weekday looks a whole lot different than it did earlier this year. We get up (later than we used to now that school isn’t in session the same way), we eat and then get ready for school zoom sessions, we try to incorporate hands on play/learning for the first half of every weekday. Then the afternoon tends to be a free for all. We play inside/outside/ we go outside exploring. We like to do local walks, go scootering/bicycling, and flying kites at local parks while having a picnic. We also just do nothing some days. We put out “fires” a lot, being home with each other in close company, wears on us. The kids butt heads a lot more these days. We almost always eat dinner together as an entire family, we watch a show/movie or read books to end off the night. After the kids are in bed (later than I would like). Husband and I get a chance to watch a show or do some work/chores. Probably pretty typical really.
Do you have help?
Yes my husband helps when he can, my wonderful mother and stepfather are a godsend to us. The grandparents all help as best they can. We are really lucky to have them all in our lives.
Who cooks dinner?
99% of the time I cook dinner. Before kids, husband and I used to cook dinner together.. I miss those days. Now I feel like I am always multitasking my way through any meal, trying to tend to kids’ needs while trying to prepare dinner. I wish I had more time to focus on meals, I love to cook and given the time I could prepare amazing meals. With gluten free and lactose free in our house, it requires more thought, so I do what I can, sometimes we just order take-out, sometimes it’s breakfast for dinner and at least 50% of the time it is a pretty darn good spread!
How often do you buy something just for you?
Every so often on a trip to Costco, I spend a few extra minutes in the women’s clothing section and pick something out I need…lol. Other than that I honestly don’t have the time and money to really go out and buy something nice for myself. I am also a person that needs to research any expensive purchases and when it comes to practical items I am more about getting something decent quality for the best price… hence I have found Costco to be the store that seems to meet the majority of my needs.
Do you exercise regularly and if so, what and how do you fit it in?
I have 2 kids under the age of 9 fo I need to exercise more than that? Lol. I don’t generally sit down much, plus my personality is go go go…. I am a multitasker and a mover. I need to move a lot. I wish I walked more, gyms are not really for me. Before COVID19, I was doing yoga, I hope to go back to that when its safe to do so.
What clothing lines or stores do you like to buy for your children?
For my kids I like Children’s Place, Justice, Walmart , Old Navy and of course Costco.
I’m totally obsessed with…
The Margaritaville machine I borrowed from my sister… oh so good Daiquiris (I don’t do tequila). I am also obsessed with decluttering lately, being at home all the time seeing my house and being around everything has made me want to minimize, declutter and clean!
Three things in my purse right now are…
- Norwex Face Mask
- Hand Sanitizer
- Lip Balm
My favourite drugstore buy is…
My husband would say that when we travel in the USA, my go to store is any Pharmacy… Wallgreens or CVS…. I think its because they are so much more than a drug store, they carry everything in those places. I would have to say my general favorite drug store buy are greeting cards oddly enough or basic necessities like vitamins, toothpaste, toiletries.
My guilty pleasure is…
Carbs….. bread, rice, potatoes, potato chips… oh I need to get back on KETO. COVID19 has not been good for me.
Thanks to Tina Evans for taking the time out of her day to let us know “How Does She Do It.” We are excited for you to be a part of the Modern Mama team.