Glimpses of Motherhood is a series that offers a small peek into the lives of moms from all different places and walks of life. The women give us a look at what life is like for them while also serving up recommendations and getting a little vulnerable. My hope is that these posts make you feel connected and understood, while also seeing the ways other women live their lives differently than yours.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a momma who keeps it real. While gorgeous, neutral-clothed cherubs nestled in picture-perfect homes with nary a mess in sight are pretty to look at and all, I prefer a girl who shares her struggles just as much as she shares her highlight reel. Enter Justine De Jesus from It’s Always Sunny in June. This mother to brothers blogs about everything from travel hacks to things that have saved her sanity when she felt it slipping away. Her Instagram stories are hilariously real—you have to check out her NSYNC-ing highlight reel–and she’s a military wife whose family is about to make a major move.

I needed to get to know her a little better…

Glimpses of Motherhood is a series that offers a small peek into the lives of moms from all different places and walks of life. The women give us a look at what life is like for them while also serving up recommendations and getting a little vulnerable. My hope is that these posts make you feel connected and understood, while also seeing the ways other women live their lives differently than yours.

I stumbled upon Raquel Harbin and The Cool Mom’s Blog through Instagram a few months ago and was instantly smitten with her emphasis on self care. She may be a busy momma to three under five, but she always remembers to take care of herself—and constantly reminds her followers to do the same. Take this caption from a recent Instagram post:

“After a long week, I plan on staying in a robe all day, giving myself a manicure and having a movie marathon with the kids. Days like this are necessary for me to be a better mom. You know, filling my cup and all that. How are you going to fill your cup this weekend?”

I love that Raquel shows off different facets of motherhood: some days she posts a photo looking fierce in thigh-high boots or a full face of makeup. Other days she’s all coffee and top knots. The contrast reminds us mommas that we’re not all one or the other. Instead, it’s about finding our balance.

I wanted to learn more about her and how she manages that delicate balancing act.

Glimpses of Motherhood is a series that offers a small peek into the lives of moms from all different places and walks of life. The women give us a look at what life is like for them while also serving up recommendations and getting a little vulnerable. My hope is that these posts make you feel connected and understood, while also seeing the ways other women live their lives differently than yours.

The universe works in weird ways. Just as I’m in the middle of paring down my whole life and purging like a mother, I discover today’s momma: Dacy Gillespie. Dacy is a self-proclaimed fashion therapist who takes the stress out of getting dressed. How does she work this magic, you wonder? Well, partially through minimalism.

Dacy’s philosophy is this:

“We have too much, do too much and worry too much. And even though a life of too much isn’t working, we continue to buy things we don’t need.

But all of these options lead to more overwhelm. And more indecision. And more dissatisfaction with the way we’re living our every day lives.

I truly believe that letting go of what’s unnecessary and buying only what we’ll use and love can be the catalyst for so much positive change (and yes, the change I’m referring to goes far beyond our closets).

To me, minimalism doesn’t only mean white walls and black clothing. It means that you actually use everything you own. It means that you have control over what’s in your closet.

It means embodying the ideas that less is more, quality is more important than quantity and knowing yourself is the path to peace.”

I immediately wanted to know more about her life.

Glimpses of Motherhood is a series that offers a small peek into the lives of moms from all different places and walks of life. Part momma profile, part chatting with a new friend, it’s designed to let you see how other moms live.

I’m kind of a voyeur. I don’t mean it in the creepy peeping Tom kind of way. I mean it more in the if you post the contents of your purse on Instagram, I will stop mid-bite to get a closer look kind of way. It’s probably the reason I love Instagram so much: it provides tiny little glimpses into the parts of people’s lives you don’t often see.

Today I want to introduce you to a brand new series that I’m super excited about: Glimpses of Motherhood.

These posts will be like a little coffee date with a new friend. Moms will share a peek into their lives while also serving up recommendations and getting a little vulnerable. My hope is that these posts make you feel connected and understood, while also seeing the ways other women live their lives differently than yours.

First up is my friend, the hilarious mistress of deliciousness behind Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen, Ashley Covelli.