The Women Who Have It all Together But Not Really (Meet Kathy)

The women who have it all together... but not really. A series of interviews of your favorite bloggers at eatprayreadlove.com

Last week, I started off a new series called “Women Who Have it all Together… but not really.” You can read in detail about it here, but the jist of it is we all have to make choices of how we spend our time, and none of us have it completely together! I am so blessed today to have Kathy from Sparkles and a Stove as my very first interviewee!

I met Kathy at Blog Elevated last year, and she is just precious! She is married to an Irish guy, and together they have two kiddos. Here’s a little about Kathy in her own words, “I am a small town girl (literally one stop light y’all), Texas proud, former bean counter, and a book worm. I have an Ipod filled with 80′s & 90s and country music, am concert addicted, board game playing, outdoorsy, ya’all saying, trivia loving, slightly awkward and a free spirit who believes in love, faith, laughing loud, and that no one is ever too old for sparkles.”

Also, be sure to check out this recipe for Smoked Gouda and Carmelized Onion Pizza she created- I’m drooling and its’ only 7:45 in the a.m.!

So let’s hear how Kathy “does it all, but not really.” (Black text is my questions, green is her answers.)

Isn’t her family adorable?

First of all, tell me what all is on your plate? Job(s), kids, church, etc?

I have 2 Kids (ages 3 & 2), I work from home, and I’m active in local blogging group.

Also, I have church, I volunteer at my kids’ schools, and I have therapy for my little man twice per week. Then, there’s Weight Watchers meetings (and following the program) and a 2 week solo-parenting stint every other month as my husband travels.

(Whew! That made me tired just reading it!)

What would you say to a woman who envied you because she thought you had it all together?

I would say most women who seem to have it all together probably don’t underneath and are just doing the best they can like anyone else.

Honestly, usually if what people see on the surface is together then there’s probably an area in their life that needs attention that maybe you can’t see- maybe they’re behind on laundry, their car is a mess, they need to balance their checkbook, etc.

(Those are wise words right there- there’s something always undone!)

There are exceptions to the rule and a few super women but I find that most of the amazing women I know can’t “do it all” at all times but rather we prioritize and do what needs to be done in the moment. We just can’t be all things to all people at all times and we need to give ourselves grace and realize that is okay.

With a woman who has a lot going, time management is a reality. What is your top piece of advice you can give on effective time management?

Prioritize.Once I learned that, things became a lot easier. The most important thing for me to prioritize is time with my family. They have to come first. Beyond that I mean, unless I have a deadline I do a little bit of everything each day. I set myself an amount of hours to work, an amount of time to do laundry, clean, and cook, and if needed time to run errands.

If I do a little bit each day then nothing gets behind. I learned the hard way by focusing too much on one thing you can get behind in other areas super fast. Lists are also a huge help- grocery lists, things to do list, etc. I feel so much more “together” if I have my plan laid out.

Since no one is able to “do it all,” what is one thing you have consciously given up (or should give up? 🙂 ) in order to do what is most important to you?

I know some people give up sleep but for me that’s just not gonna happen. I’m a nicer mommy with a full night’s sleep. The things that honestly seem to fall by the way side and I guess I’m giving up for work and family are things like hair appointments and getting the nails done which is why if you see me both things usually need touched up.

(me, too, Kathy, me, too!)

If you had time to squeeze in one more activity, what would it be? (could be something practical, or completely fun!)

I guess for me if I could add one more thing it would be see above, the nails and hair because those things are important to me- maybe just not as important as my family, my home, and work. The one appointment for me time I have been keeping without fail the last two months is my Weight Watchers and I feel so much better for it.

Ah this interview makes me wish I lived even closer to Kathy! We live in the same “metro area,” but still about an hour apart! I love learning from other women and how they prioritize what they get done, and give themselves grace for what doesn’t.

Happy Wednesday, y’all- tomorrow I leave for Ecuador! Can’t believe it’s here!

Linking up: All Things Pretty