Balancing Motherhood: an interview with Shannon of The Daily Balance

This is edition of “Real Women. Real Balance.” is for all you mothers out there. I recently interviewed Shannon from The Daily Balance to showcase yet another inspiring woman who is striving for a life of balance and wellness. Shannon is a mom, wife, communications professional, model/actress, fitness enthusiast and self-proclaimed food lover. If that’s not a lot to balance, I don’t know what is. Read on to learn a little more about her…

1. Hi Shannon! Let’s get started. What inspired you to start your blog “The Daily Balance”?

I started my blog because I felt like I needed an outlet to share all my passions and interests. I love to write and love to read about other people’s experiences who are in a similar place in their lives. I thought people would like ready my story too 😉

2. I love that. What do you do when you’re not working on your blog?

Oh jeez, now you’ll see why I’m always seeking balance. When I’m not blogging, I’m a mom to the cutest baby in the world and wife to the handsomest husband ;).
I work full-time as an Account Director at an advertising/public relations agency. In addition, I’m a professional model, actress and wedding singer.

In my spare time (ha!), I enjoy the outdoors, reading, power walking, beating my husband at Scrabble, the Cleveland arts + culture scene, going out to dinner, watching movies, perfecting my recipes and eating (good) pizza and anything that’s “frosted.” 😉

3. What is your favorite post on The Daily Balance?

That’s tricky. I’m partial to the post where I announce I’m pregnant . I’m really proud of all of my posts I’ve compiled for my Pregnancy and Motherhood tabs.

4. Balance can mean different things at different times. What does balance mean to you during your current season of life?

Balance is so important to me right now, and something I try so hard to maintain. As a working mother, I always ALWAYS want to spend all my extra time with my son. But I also know how important it is to make sure I have designated time with my husband for date nights, as well as personal time to take care of myself or catch up with friends. I’m no expert, but I’m learning as I go and trying to take my own advice — which is always the most difficult 😉

5. I’m sure that many of the new moms out there can relate. Who/what inspires you?

The older I get, the more and more my Mother inspires me. Now that I’m a mom myself, I have a whole new level of respect and appreciation for what she did for my brother and I. In addition, she is in the best shape of her life and an incredible inspiration with regards to healthy eating and exercise.

6. What is your best tip for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (exercising/eating well) in the midst of motherhood and a busy life?

I always refer back to my 90/10 rule. I eat healthy and make clean, fresh choices 90% of the time. That means that 10% of the time, I don’t have to worry about having an extra brownie or scoop of ice cream. And when I do indulge, I thoroughly enjoy it – guilt free! The bottom line is that one or two cookies is NOT going to cause you to gain weight. The entire box and making it a daily habit will.

The same applies to exercise. I make a solid effort to set time aside for power walks and weight training. So when I spend a few nights on the couch watching TV and relaxing, I don’t feel guilty. Plus, “vegging out” contributes to my mental health, which should never go ignored.

7. What projects are you currently working on for The Daily Balance?

I have a few things in the works, but they aren’t necessarily related to The Daily Balance. I recently wrote a children’s story, which I’m trying to get published — know anyone? 😉 — and I also have a pretty brilliant idea for an iPhone app, which I’m trying to pitch to venture capitalists.

If you’re a mother trying to maintain a sense of balance in your life, I highly recommend you check out Shannon’s blog. She has so much to share, including exercise inspiration and yummy recipes.

Do you have a question for Shannon? Post a comment!