It’s Meet a Mom Monday! Today we’re introducing Sarah Schuh, Lincoln Park mom and copywriter for Vital Proteins! Keep reading our interview below, where Sarah shares more about how she started her awesome blog, what it’s like to be a new mom during a global pandemic, and a makeup tip for tired moms that I’m now dying to try!
Hi Sarah! Thanks for speaking with us today! Where are you from originally? What brought you to Chicago?
I grew up outside of Minneapolis, but lived in both Chicago and San Francisco after college. After a few years in the Bay Area, my husband and I decided to return to Chicago to put down some roots closer to family and friends.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
We had our first child, Charlotte, in November. She’s currently 3 months old!
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
Outside of those adorable smiles and baby “coos”, I love watching our daughter grow and develop. She’s currently in a phase where it feels like every day she’s doing something new! As a parent, I read about these phases in books, but seeing them in person is truly a miracle. I can’t get enough!
What do you love most about living in the city? Where are your favorite places to go with your family (both during the pandemic, and in “normal” times)?
My husband and I love city living because there’s always so much to do! Pre-pandemic and baby, we liked to explore the robust bar and restaurant scene in Chicago (Aba and Bavettes are our favorite). Now, we try to load up the stroller and take advantage of anything outdoors: walking with the pup around North Pond in Lincoln Park, heading down to the lakefront or grabbing a warm drink at an outdoor walkup bar (like Avli LP and Gemini) are all great activities when the weather allows!
Being a new mom during a global pandemic cannot be easy! What tips and tricks have gotten you through?
These are going to sound basic, but I make myself get dressed/ready every morning and get outside, even if it’s only for a few minutes. These things help build structure around a day that can be mundane when you’re always at home. Also, after experiencing “zoom fatigue” I found that going on walks with friends makes a big difference when it comes to social interaction. (Let’s just say I’ve invested in some quality snow gear for both baby and I to help with that!)
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a big football fan. Honestly, it was the biggest blessing to have games to watch most Saturday and Sundays this fall and winter. Pair the viewing with some game day snacks and I’m a happy girl.
Tell us about your career journey! How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a professional writer. I worked in editorial for an online publication while living in San Francisco, as well as built a freelance business writing for several other publications. Upon moving to Chicago, I started working as a Copywriter for Vital Proteins. I found that a lot of people write as part of their jobs, but not as their full-time gig. It took a lot of perseverance to pave the way to where I am today, but ultimately I’ve landed in a spot where I love what I’m doing, so the long days feel worth it. This is the best position to be in!
How have you managed to keep your creative juices flowing with a little one at home? What are your tricks for balancing work and motherhood?
During my maternity leave, I started a blog to help share parenting wisdom/tidbits I was learning with other moms out there. (As the first of my friends and family to have kids, I found I was corralling all of this info into texts – so why not share it with others?). I’ve found so much joy in outreaching to new parents, and I love that it gives me an excuse to keep writing. Check it out here!
Rapidfire!
Can’t live without makeup product:
Tula Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm – It’s a lifesaver for tired moms!
Undergrad major:
Public Relations & Marketing
Favorite candy:
Sour gummy worms
Can’t leave the house without:
My Kitsch mask – These are so soft and come in the cutest prints!
Last book you read:
Keeping Lucy – A heartfelt read for any mom. I read it cover to cover in 24 hours!
Your binge shows:
The Office, Schitts Creek, Parks & Rec (notice a trend?) 🙂