Marina Magalyuk | "How does she do it?"

I know, I know–it's been far too long since I've blogged! Pardon the hiatus, but mom & business life had taken the forefront and frankly blogging always gets sacrificed when there just isn't enough time in the day. In any case, we are back! I am so excited to introduce you to Marina! Isn't she gorgeous? Well, she's just as sweet and her interview below shows just that. She offers up some great tips on eating healthy and staying fit, in addition to sharing some of her struggles–and how she powers through them. We share a love for fashion and Jesus, and absolutely loathe laundry because really, who likes it? 

Tell us about yourself: Where do you live, age, marital status, number of kids and business.

Hi, my name is Marina Magalyuk, I live in Vancouver, WA, I'm 27 years old,  and married with 3 children. I'm a stay at home mom and a blogger of Girl in Satin while hubby runs a small trucking business.

 
Describe a day in the life of you?

Usually, I wake up at 7 am to make breakfast for my family, drive the kids to school and then I try to run errands while they are at school, which many times includes: working out, preparing dinner, chores, heading out for some mama time with friends, and the list goes on and varies always. When I pick up the kids from school I usually take them to their after school activities they are involved in, then come home for dinner. Once the kids are in bed, it is always me time–drinking some tea while catching up on shows or reading. 

Do you have help? A nanny or housekeeper? Family?

I had a housekeeper that I would call every once in a while but haven't called her in long time.  I have many babysitters that I rely on when I need time off or when I have dinner plans with friends and the hubby. My mama always helps when it's vacation time. 

How do you manage to have “me” time?

I think it's very important to have "me" time especially for a mama.  Just to have good energy and a clear mind to handle the kids.  I would say I get "me" time while the kids are in school and bed time which is at eight, so there’s plenty of time for me to relax and enjoy quite time. 

 
How do you manage to make time to stay in shape? Do you workout? Diet?

Nowadays there are so many options that make it easy to squeeze in a workout. My personal favorite is Kayla Itsines. It's only 30 minutes and you get so much done–I have personally seen amazing results. A proper diet is super important for me, although we all let loose sometimes and indulge but I try to stick to healthy choices. During the summer I tend to think it's so easy with veggies and some fish. I barely use my stove as I'm always grilling and it's so convenient. Most of the time you don't even have to cut veggies, I just throw them on whole and grill them with some fish. Breakfast is also super important and I can say that I eat the same breakfast everyday which is toasted Daves killer bread with avocado, a fried egg and a side veggies. 

Do you get ready every day? Makeup, hair and curated outfits?  If so, how do you do it with children?

I definitely don't wear make up daily. Usually, workout clothes and a ponytail will do unless I plan to go somewhere. It's pointless to stress your face with make up if your staying home. 

 
Has your style changed after motherhood?

I think my style has always been the same although it does change as fashion changes too. I have a passion for clothes and I have loved it since childhood, so I always put thought into my outfits. I tend to stick to classics.  I'd say my style is very eclectic, chic and effortless.  

What’s your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure isn't very guilty hehe. Just because I believe I deserve it. I love massages and the longer the better. And of course shoe shopping. 

If you breastfeed, how do you schedule your day around feedings and outings?

I breastfed for 2 months and then I exclusively pumped, which is much harder I believe because you have to carry the "Gucci" bag I call everywhere hehe. I try to pump before I head out anywhere and the nice thing about breast milk is it can stay for a couple hours in room temp. 

 
How many hours of sleep to you get a night on average?

I get around 8 hours of sleep, although now having a baby I do still wake up once at night to make him a bottle. 

What is a priority for you, and what gets sacrificed? For example, everyone looks great but the house is a disaster, or the house is clean but work deadlines get pushed back.

I try to not sacrifice things but there is always something of course.  My priority is my children– and for them to be fed, clean, and hair done (they have a lot of it) is a must. I try to always clean as I go but there are times that you leave the house looking fabulous and the house is a disaster, (Those are the times I feel dirty myself, I'm a clean freak) 

Do you cook meals every day for your family? If so, how do you plan them?

I definitely don't cook everyday.  The one thing that us Ukrainians do is we make a pot of soup and we can eat it for days. Also my grandma always makes pelmeni & pierogi, which are in the freezer and when you’re ready to eat, all you do is cook them–it’s a lifesaver. 

Have you ever felt like you are loosing yourself to motherhood and or life? If so, how did you bounce back?

I always get post partum depression for 2 weeks after delivery. I try to stay around my family at that time. I have those days where I feel like I can't handle my children and I want to cry. I always call a friend or family member to talk about it. It makes it easier and often times are a great reminder that as long as my kids are happy and healthy, that's the most important thing.  

Does hubby help you with anything particular? If so, what and how?

My hubby helps me a lot with everything. Especially with our baby which is the most help I need now. 

How do you manage motherhood and marriage?

I take it day by day, and try to always spend some time with my husband.  Date nights and Saturday family time with kids are always important for us. 

Do you work? Do you work in an office or at home? What does your work consist of and how do you get it done during the week?

I am a stay at home mom and now new blogger which takes a lot of time. I try to blog when all the kids go to bed that's the best time for me. 

Have your circle of friends changed now that you're a mother? if so, how do you meet new mommy friends?

My circle of friends remains the same.  I always had many friends but only few very close ones. Some are family, including my 3 amazing sisters. 

What’s the least favorite household chore you dread doing?

Laundry, is my fear.  When I see it going up and up I freak out lol, which is weird because I love clothes. Haha

Describe a recent experience when you didn’t have it “all together” and how you handled it all.   

I had a melt down with my kids. Nonstop arguing and just being kids but for me that was a lot. Between taking care of a 10 month old baby and then hoping the older would instead I had to deal with non stop explaining to my kids how important it is to get along and to be best friends.  I just lost it and started crying and weirdly my kids stopped arguing and just hugged me and they felt so bad. They told me they don't ever wanna see me cry.  I had a long conversation with them about how I don't like to yell at them or put them in time out but they leave me no choice. My husband always helps by taking them and giving me some time alone. 

Fill in the blank: As a mother, it's a luxury to _____________________.

Have a great family support that is always there to help you when you need time off. 

 
What is your philosophy on balance and does it exist in your home?

Yes, you must balance everything out in life if not you will soon lose it.  Taking it day by day is all you can do. 

 
What are your dreams outside of motherhood that you would like to accomplish?

 I would love to take my blog to another level, to grow and inspire people to not give up their dreams even when you are a busy mom. My dream is to design jewelry and accessories one day. 

What is one thing that keeps you sane?

Jesus, definitely. 

What is one question you'd like to ask our next guest?

What are some ways that you keep your love life aflame while having a busy schedule with kids?

Thank you so much for being a part of our series Marina, your love for your children is inspiring and I imagine your closet is drool worthy. If you like to see more of Marina, you can check our blog here or follow her gorgeous feed here!