Happy July! I hope you all have had a wonderful Independence Day filled with barbeques, sand castles, and sparklers.
This month begins our featured “Mom of the Month!” It is my pleasure to introduce Mother of 3, Musician, Nutrition Consultant, Teacher, Pastor, and Friend, Gina Murawski!
I have known Gina for almost 6 years now and she has been such a great friend and mentor to me. She is one of the most authentic women I have ever met. There is an air about her that is warm and calm, and she is a great person to confide in.
My favorite memory with Gina was the day after my son and I came home from the hospital. I sent a desperate early morning text after being up the entire night with my son crying. She called at 6am to talk to me. It was so comforting to have someone to listen to me, reassure me, and tell me that it was going to be okay.
I had time to chat with Gina and pick her brain about motherhood, fashion, and doing what’s best for you and your family.
Q: What do you like to do in the morning to start your day off on the right foot? Do your children have anything they like to do first thing in the morning?
Gina: Coffee. Always coffee. On school days we have a morning routine. We usually have breakfast together before we all go our separate ways.
Q: What is the most unique situation you have been in, that has made you proud as a mom?
Gina: I’m not sure how unique this is but, I would have to say, the big move from rural New York state to Boston. It was a huge change for all of us but the kids adjusted so well to city life. At this point, they’ve lived here longer that anywhere else!
Q: If you had to pick the funniest thing your children have ever said to you what would it be?
Gina: This is a tough one. I’m so bad at writing down when my kids say something funny! I had to go way back on Facebook to find this one. You know how some things as a mom are funny to you, but not necessarily to everyone else? Well, I’m hoping this isn’t the case but it might be.
My youngest was 3 at the time, and he was always saying funny things but, he wasn’t entirely understandable. He would say big words and mispronounce them, and we all got a kick out of it. So, one morning I was putting his coat on to leave and he said “I don’t want that coat- it looks ridiculee! (Ridiculous) He would also say things were “clazy” for crazy! I miss those years.
Q: Where do you get your fashion style from? What brands are your favorite, and what trends do you love?
Gina: Hmmm…. I’ve always sort of gravitated to a more laid back, casual style, although it’s fun dressing up sometimes too! I like looking at style influencers that have a similar style as me on Instagram- it helps me sometimes put outfits together and find some inspiration.
Pinterest is fun, too! I don’t necessarily shop brand specific, I do love Anthropologie but that is more of a splurge so, I’m not shopping there often. I tend to find things I like at H&M, and stores like Marshalls and TJMaxx.
As far as trends go, I like to stick with more things that tend to have some longevity…I love a pop of animal print with a neutral outfit, distressed denim is a favorite, and I always love a kimono!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you were pregnant with your first son what would it be?
Gina: It’s hard to pick one but, I would definitely say to relax. Don’t worry that everyone around you is judging you, and not to be afraid to do what you feel is right for you and your family, (even if others don’t do it that way.)
Q: What has been the most fun part of being a mom? What has been the most challenging.
Gina: One of the most fun parts for me has just been seeing the world through the eyes of my little ones. Honestly, I think I’ve learned more from seeing them observe and interact with the world around them then they have learned from me!
The most challenging part so far…the middle school years!
Q: Name one kids or baby product you couldn’t survive without. (It can be anything from newborn to school age)
Gina: This is not necessarily a product per-se but, music is huge for us. When our kids were babies, we’d play music at bedtime. I use it to calm and relax, to have fun, to dance and celebrate, as background for dinner…we always have something playing! Spotify and Amazon music are our go-to’s, and I love making playlists.
Q: If you could have a lifetime supply of gummy bears or chocolate which would it be?
Gina: Another tough one! Can I say chocolate-covered gummy bears?
A big thank you to Gina for answering my questions and being our July “M.O.M” You can follow her on Instagram @rooted_nutrition_wellness
Stay Resilient <3 Mika