Motherhood is a beautifully unpredictable journey, and any advice we can glean from mothers is helpful. With Mother's Day coming up, we've been thinking about the golden advice all moms and moms-to-be should know. So we tapped Katie Hintz-Zambrano, the founder and editor of Mother magazine. She's been writing about motherhood for over a decade and has a wealth of knowledge about balancing it all and finding time to take care of herself. With that, we welcome you to Dear Good Girl, a tribute to the advice columns from early 2000s magazines. Keep reading for Hintz-Zambrano's tips for boosting your confidence postpartum, finding your community, and how Carolina Herrera can help moms achieve the perfect self-care moment.
Dear Good Girl,
I'm a few months postpartum and in need of a confidence boost. What can I do to feel like myself again? — Postpartum Predicament
Dear Postpartum Predicament,
Firstly, give yourself grace. So much shifts in one's life postpartum—your body, your sense of identity, your creativity, and your career. Having a community is one of the bedrocks to feeling like yourself postpartum and gaining back your confidence. Surrounding yourself with a community makes you realize that you're not the only one facing these challenges and allows you to navigate them side by side with other women. You'll also have social occasions to look forward to (with or without kids) that you can dress up for a little bit. Self-care is also key to feeling like yourself and boosting your confidence.
Dear Good Girl,
As a new mom, I feel like I have no time for myself. What are some self-care practices that are easy to integrate into a busy schedule? — Overbooked Mom
Dear Overbooked Mom,
You're not alone in that feeling! Here are some of my favorite self-care practices, from five-minute rituals to hour-long ideas:
Journaling: I like the Morning Pages practice from The Artist's Way, as well as the 5-Minute Journal.
Nature walks: During the week, I'll listen to an inspiring podcast or audiobook and take a long walk in nature to clear my mind. You can also do this while strolling a baby or walking with them in a carrier.
Reading: I love reading print magazines and books. It feels really centering to me.
Reinvigorate your inspiration: Carving out time to pursue your passions, meeting up with friends, seeing an art exhibit, or visiting a new place are all great ways to get inspired.
Rest: It's so important to take time to think, rest, and reflect on your new chapter. Take naps when needed, know when to unplug from work (and plug into family time), and make sure you're prioritizing sleep at night. Additionally, having childcare support so you can enjoy some solo time helps so much.
Dear Good Girl,
What's a simple thing I can do to take care of myself and boost my mood every day? — Dopamine Deficient
Dear Dopamine Deficient,
Since having a child—and starting two businesses—I've streamlined my routine and the number of products I use, but fragrance is always something I reach for. Spritzing on a fragrance is such a simple act of self-care you can do in a matter of seconds. I've always loved fruity and sweet scents, and the new Very Good Girl Elixir ($175) fragrance fits the bill perfectly. The notes of black cherry, vanilla, and cocoa are all right up my alley. It's the perfect moment of self-care for busy moms.
Dear Good Girl,
What's the single best piece of advice you've received about motherhood? — Mom-to-Be Seeking Advice
Dear Mom-to-Be Seeking Advice,
I can't remember if someone said this or if I read it, but in essence, the only thing consistent about kids is change. So if you can realize whatever difficulty you're dealing with as a new mom will eventually pass, it helps keep it in perspective. The newborn days and months can be really brutal—but soon enough, your child will grow and you'll have a whole other set of challenges (and joys!) to deal with. I think it's important to try to enjoy the stage of childhood and parenthood that's right in front of you because it's fleeting.
Shop More Carolina Herrera
With notes of delicate rose, luscious vanilla, and smoky patchouli, Good Girl Blush Elixir is an intensified, highly concentrated take on the original Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum.
Cherry fragrances are having a moment right now, and this one is the chicest way to partake in the trend. One spritz of this dazzling blend of black cherry, rose, vetiver, and vanilla bourbon, and you'll feel red carpet ready.
The one that started it all. This fragrance is sweet and sophisticated yet daring and mysterious. Alluring jasmine, intoxicating cocoa, and vibrant coffee give it an unforgettable scent profile.
This is the ultimate Good Girl scent. The blend of blooming peony, soft vanilla, and romantic rose is even housed in a pretty blush-pink stiletto.
Presenting the crown jewel of your fragrance collection. This rare, ultra-luxe bottle of Good Girl is adorned with over 2000 Swarovski crystals. It's the perfect gift if you want to spoil the special person in your life.
Hair mists are the ultimate Good Girl beauty secret. This one envelops your locks in a veil of the iconic fragrance so you leave the captivating scent behind wherever you go.
Want to make a statement? Then you'll want to reach for Very Good Girl, the predecessor to Very Good Girl Elixir. The juicy, playful redcurrant and lychee blend leads unexpectedly into a seductive combination of rose and vetiver.
Most hair mists just perfume your locks, but this one does so much more than that. It's a hairspray that works to leave hair nourished, glossy, and smelling divine all in one sprtiz.
Enigmatic and opulent, this limited-edition fragrance is begging to be worn on a night out. It features orange blossom and tuberose, while warming base notes of patchouli, vanilla, and tonka intensify its mystique. The glittering gold stiletto is the perfect finishing touch.
