I recall telling my coffee writer friend that I wanted to start a blog to document my motherhood journey. Trying to come up with an appropriate name, I listed all of the things that make me who I am. All kinds of random words were on the list to include Army, organization, singing, green, manicure, sweatshirts, and pearl earrings.  Playing the name game was fun I must admit. Creating is a favorite pastime. In October 2015 SweatshirtsAndPearls was born... oddly enough the same month and year I realized I was brow less, but that’s another topic for another day. My very first post covered my subconscious transition from one uniform to the next while consciously transitioning from Ciera to Mama.

Vera Wang said, “A woman is never sexier, than when she is comfortable in her clothes,” and I have to agree. On one of the most emotional days of my life (telling my parents I was pregnant) I chose my new uniform: A Sweatshirt, Yoga Pants, and Pearl jewelry.

In Jan 2020, it’s still my preference and now with a toddler it is imperative that my wardrobe be prepared for all things.

Case and point: At the park and he has a runny nose. No tissue in your purse or his backpack. Yep. The bottom of My T-shirt (under my sweatshirt) is now a napkin. I am a walking booger. Don’t you frown your face. If it hasn’t happened to you, it will.

(Cues Uptown Funk x Mark Bronson ‘Don’t believe me just watch’)

Case and point 2: You are now this little person’s “hold this please” woman as if he doesn’t have two little hands. I hold rubber ducks and fruit snacks and cups and two mini race cars, and a penny he found. Not to mention my cell phone so I can snap a picture of how cute he is going down the slide.  Yep. My yoga pant pockets are deeeeeeep.

Case and point 3: You realize that you need to go to the market for milk post park but pre-nap. Scheduling store time around nap time will save you energy. Trust me. While you don’t want to look like you literally rolled out of bed, (but seriously you’ve been up for 6 hours already because you guessed it, someone is an early bird) or that you just did all the exercise and have decided to share your body glisten with the world—-you also don’t need to do a cut crease on your brows for Walmart. It’s not Target.  Pearl earrings make your park wear public place ready without trying to hard. You’re welcome.

If you see me out and about without brows don’t judge me, instead ask me what time we can have the kids play at the park together or invite me out for coffee. I’ll show up to both places in uniform, ready for whatever.

You can be cute, comfortable, and still practical while you’re Mommin. It is now and has been my way of life. My uniform allows me to be Ciera and Mama. What is your uniform of choice?