Alyssa Zuiderveen

Sugar and spice and everything nice... Some moments are super sweet, and some are spicier haha, but I wouldn’t change or trade this little girl for the world. The novelty of being her mama has not worn off and I don’t think I’ll ever stop being in awe of her or this role I get to play in her life. To my friends who want kids but are nervous about life changing once you have them: I promise it’s so worth it. Life changes for the better in so many ways. I’d rather take Ro everywhere with us and make memories together than let a sitter have all the fun, and going home to her snuggles after working is the best part of any day. Mamas, you feel me?

Spring, is that you? 🌸 Dresses and bare legs and walks and flowers and playing outside... these are a few of my favorite things. ☀️ What do you love most about spring and the return of warmer days? Tell me in a comment! 👇 ✨ Two of my other favorite things: the new @thebradburycafe cafe feels like a little vacation to France!🥐 Have you been yet? Also, my @parkerdesignco Rosa Pak that goes with every outfit and with me everywhere. 👛 @parkerdesignco is a local, woman-owned small biz that makes the prettiest bags. Get 15% off with code ALYMAY15 👜

Monday funday! Can we make that a thing? Lately I’ve made Mondays a day to look forward and it has been such a game-changer for my work/life rhythm! HOW do I make Monday work for ME? A few simple steps: ✨ Brain dump the plan for the week BEFORE it starts. Write a to-do list for each day for the next week so you go into Monday knowing that there is a plan to get it all tackled. ✨ Make Monday the LIGHTEST. I’m no longer a believer in “front-loading” the work for the week. Monday’s are for MUST-do’s and responding to emails only, if it can wait, it waits. ✨ Plan something simple, FUN, and not work related. Today, I took my daughter to the library and we spontaneously visited our friend Amanda at @freshapparelgr (and snagged this new tee) bc we had the time. ✨ Leave room for spontaneity and rest. Because I had the flexibility built in to today, when my husband spontaneously wanted to take us out for ice cream, it was a big YES to family time! I can’t even tell you how much less pressure and stress I carry through the rest of the week when I start it this way. I’m able to face the responsibilities with fresh motivation AND savor time with my family! . . . . . #mondaymotivation #mondayfunday #mondayfeels #worklifebalanced #worklifebalance #brighterdaysahead #livecolorfully #colorfulaesthetic #colorfulfeed #colormyworld #brightsideoflife #abmlifeiscolorful #bandofun #everydaymadewell

Just here living for the snuggles and matching outfits! Do you twin with your kids? Not gonna lie, I love coordinating with my girl. 🤧In other news: sweet Ro has been under the weather with a spring cold and it’s given us lots of snuggle time. She’s on the mend thankfully! 😷 I know colds are SO normal during changing seasons, but dang, it’s tough not to feel like a pariah with a sniffly kid these days, anyone feel me? 🤭 🌱 We’ve been rolling an essential oil blend on her chest to help her breathe easier, giving her steamy baths, and upping our vitamin C, D, and Zinc. ✨ Do you have any tried and true ways of kicking a cold fast? I’d LOVE to know your tips! . . . #michiganmom #michiganmama #daughtersarethebest #mynameismama #mommybloggers #mymamahood #babystyleguide #magicofchildhood #treasuringlittlememories #grandrapidsblogger #momblogger #momiform #mommydaughtertime #mommyandmefashion #mommyandmeoutfits #FlintFamily #SarahFlint

🔹Feeling blue. Feeling the blue skies, that is!🔹☀️ Anyone else just LIVING for spring weather and sunshine?! Just in case you thought black shoes belonged in winter, I’m here to tell you I’ll be rocking mine all spring and summer too bc these @sarahflint_nyc pumps are my new go-with-everything staple. Have you ever worn a heel with actual arch support? I hadn’t until I found these and now there’s no going back! Enjoy $50 off your first pair of @sarahflint_nyc shoes with my code: SARAHFLINT-BAALYMAY and find your new go-to! And go get some Vitamin D if the sun is out where you live! . . . . . #sarahflint #sarahflintshoes #FlintFamily #WalkLikeAWoman #sarahflint_nyc #sarahflintstyle #sarahflintambassador #grandrapidsblogger #michiganblogger #candyminimal #ihavethisthingwithcolor #whowhatwear #wearitloveit #yougotitright #shinyhappybloggers #justbehue #bandofun #colorventures #thesocialsociety #abmlifeiscolorful #colorcolorlovers #colormehappy #fridaymood #fridayfeeling #thatfridayfeeling #fridayfun

💅🏻Who wants a FREE GEL MANICURE KIT?!? Read through for a discount code AND giveaway! I’ve been obsessed with my new @leminimacaron at home mani set and they’ve graciously allowed me to give one away! What I love about @leminimacaron 💅🏻 They have kits starting at $35 (aka less than a single salon trip) that come with everything you need for several manis and/or pedis 💅🏻 Their formulas are cruelty free and free of harmful ingredients 💅🏻 It’s SO much easier than I thought it’d be, portable, and they have TONS of fun colors ✨ You can get 10% off anything from the @leminimacaron website with code ALYZ10 ✨ @leminimacaron and I are giving one lucky person a Mini Gel Manicure Kit, how to enter: 💅🏻 Follow @leminimacaron and @helloalymay 💅🏻 Tag 2-3 friends you would love to do a mani with 💅🏻 That’s it! Giveaway ends March 30. Open to US residents only. Not in any way sponsored by or affiliated with Instagram. . . . . #leminimacaron #lmmonyou #gelmani #manicure💅 #athomemani #athomemanicure #pedicures #pedicure #gelnailsdesign #gelnails💅

Did we just make it through the longest winter ever or what?! Sunshine and outdoor adventures are giving me new life, and can you even believe that Easter is just two weeks away?! Rowan is old enough now to enjoy some new things, so tell me: what are your fave Easter activities to do with.for your kids? I want to dye eggs for sure, maybe an egg hunt too? Do me a favor and share your Easter traditions in a comment 👇 to give me (and other mamas) some ideas! . . . . . #hellospring🌸 #easterinspo #shoppinkblush #pinkblushstyleambassador #pinkblush #ofwhimsicalmoments #asecondofwhimsey #microinfluencer #nanoinfluencer #springhassprung #springhascome #postitfortheaesthetic #reallifeandstyle #springstyles #gardensofinstagram #grandrapids #grandrapidsmichigan #grandrapidsblogger #michiganblogger #bloggerstyles #styleinspirations #makeitfashion #momentsofchic #inspostyle #momootd #sundaystyle

Kissin my Irish girl all day every day. ☘️Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!! 🇮🇪 We’ve had a fun day listening to jigs and decorating cupcakes with friends. How are you celebrating?! Ireland is so special to me, especially after getting to explore the country and places where my ancestors lived and fought (they were part of the Irish rebellion and actually forged weapons for the rebels). Rowan is named after a special tree that grows in Ireland and wards off evil spirits, according to folklore. A Rowan (tree) will never be cut down because it is good luck and protects the place where it grows. We love all the symbolism wrapped up in that and hope that she grows strong in God and fights off darkness with her light. I can’t wait to take her back when she’s old enough to understand how special her history is. She technically was there with us... I’d found out I was pregnant 5 days before our trip! Swipe through to see some of my fave pics of me and my OTHER honey in some of my favorite Irish places! . . . . . #stpatricksday #saintpatricksday #saintpaddysday #stpaddysday #stpaddys #irishgirl #irishgirls #irelandtravel #ire #discoverireland #stpatricksday2021 #ireland🇮🇪

How often do you say “yes” to making a mess? As responsible adults, I think it’s almost hardwired into us that tidy = ideal, but what I’ve learned is that the most creativity and cognitive growth for Ro come from the times when I allow her to embrace all the curiosity and messiness of exploring things rather than trying to contain and control her. It goes against my sensibilities, but when I let myself let go, we have the most fun and her mind stretches. This work of art hangs above my desk now. It makes me smile every time I see it, and the process of creating it allowed my girl to explore textures, colors, and decision-making. A Monday challenge for you: practice creating space for messy play and creativity this week with your kids! . . . . . #unstructuredplay #letthembelittle #letthemplay #letthembekids #creativekids #kidscreate #kidscreativity #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler #montessoriinspired #montessoriactivity #openendedplay #toddlerart #homeschoolingmama #homeschooljourney #messyplay #messyplayideas

Mood when you land PAYING CLIENTS or brand collabs directly through Instagram 💃🏻... NEW BLOG ON EXACTLY HOW TO START DOING THAT! 🎉 Link in bio! Want a sneak peek? 👀 Some of the Instagram strategy gold I’ve included: ✨ EXACTLY what to include in your bio to make a first impression that pulls your ideal clients or brand partners in ✨ How to get yourself on brand by choosing brand words that will help guide your content planning ✨ How to choose content pillars that will build consistency and establish you as an authority AKA it’ll help you connect and attract engagement from your ideal client and/or set yourself up as the go-to that brands will want to partner with for influencer campaigns You hyped yet? Comment HERE 👇 and tell me WHO you want your content to serve or describe your dream kind of client, then be sure to go read the blog post! . . . . #girlbossparty #girlbossrally #bossbabelife #shepreneur #shemeansbusiness #hersuccess #herbusiness #bosswoman #womenentrepreneurship #motherhustler #smallbusinessowners #smallbusinesstips #girlbosstips #influencertips #societygal #creativeblogger #curateyourownfeed #digitalcontentcreator #creativepreneurs #girlbossmagic #fempower #connectingcreativecuties #MyAerie #aeriereal

CALLING ALL MAMAS! What are your favorite spring activities and places for toddlers? Help a mama out and give me some ideas in a comment? 👇 Some of our current faves: ✨ Treats and hide and seek around the bushes at @outsidecoffeeco ✨ Bike rides around our neighborhood or from Millennium Park in Grand Rapids ✨ Playing at the park (GR mamas, our faves are Township by Knapp’s Corner, Wilcox, and Cascade for lots of toddler friendly spaces) ✨ Picnics in the garden on the @aquinascollegegr campus on the weekends ✨ Walks to dinner in our neighborhood ✨ Collecting sticks around our yard I’d love to take Ro on adventures to farms, gardens, trails, etc. but don’t know where to start in the Grand Rapids area. She’s obsessed with the outdoors, animals, and arts and crafts, so any inspiration on fun family activities we could do without breaking the bank would be amazing if you have ideas to share! 🐻 Mama Bear sweatshirt: @bloomingjelly via @bloomingjelly_alien . . . . #forahappymoment #michiganmom #michiganmama #daughtersarethebest #mynameismama #grandrapids #chicagobloggers #mommybloggers #letthem #bringthekids #grandrapidsmom #mymamahood #myhappymoments #babystyleguide #magicofchildhood #microinfluencer #mominfluencer #treasuringlittlememories #wearitloveit #aboutalook #asseenonme #darlingmovement #yougotitright #shinyhappybloggers #reallifeandstyle #michigrammers #grandrapidsblogger #momblogger #momiform

Walk like a woman. What does that statement mean to you? To me in means many things: ✨Embracing my femininity WHILE walking in boldness ✨That I can be a nurturer AND a force to be reckoned with ✨ Walking hand in hand with the child my body grew ✨ That I can be my girliest girly self AND be strong and courageous ✨And it is especially a reminder to always walk confidently, because my every move shapes what womanhood looks like to my mini me I hope my daughter sees her mama walking confidently and with boldness, and that she knows that womanhood is our superpower. I hope she knows we will walk the hard things together and that every woman has a unique strength and resilience to own. I hope she always loves to twirl and be twirled, that her feet may keep her dancing through life with her sparkly joy. Happy International Women’s Day to all you strong, bold, nurturing, powerful women. Walk like a woman. It’s a theme that one of my very favorite woman-owned brands @sarahflint_nyc runs with and I love them for it. To view being a woman as something to be proud of and excited about, I’m here for that. I’ve recently fallen in love with Sarah Flint shoes because they combine the beauty I crave with the function and comfort that my life as a busy mama needs. You can use code SARAHFLINT-BAALYMAY for $50 off your first pair. Heels that make me feel pretty AND that I can comfortable walk and carry my toddler in? Yes please. . . . . . #FlintFamily #WalkLikeAWoman #SarahFlint #FemaleFounders #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2021 #womensupportingwomen #womenshistorymonth #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #womenwholead #womanownedbusiness #femaleownedbusiness #girlssupportinggirls #shoesoftheday #shoeoftheday #shoesfashion #shoestyles #fashionfootwear #footwearfashion

@pantone Color Institute: Let’s go with Illuminating. Me: How do you feel about this year’s color of the year? Love it or hate it? Pretty safe to say, I’m here for it! If YOU could pick the color of the year and outfit yourself with a wardrobe full of it, which color would you choose?? Tell me in a comment! 👇 Dress: @shoppinkblush Earrings: @madebymaeberry via @womenscollectivebox . . . . . #pantone #pantonecoloroftheyear #pantone2021 #coloroftheyear #illuminating #candyminimal #ihavethisthingwithcolor #dsyellow #ihavethisthingwithcolour #shoppinkblush #whowhatwear #wearitloveit #yougotitright #shinyhappybloggers #justbehue #bandofun #colorventures #thesocialsociety #abmlifeiscolorful #colorcolorlovers #colourcolourlovers #colormehappy #yellowdress

TODDLER HOMESCHOOL IDEAS AHEAD! Save this post for later! Homeschooling for us right now looks like letting Ro help in the kitchen (even though it takes me longer to finish a task), naming the colors of the veggies as we go, and counting how many zucchinis we have. She’s only 2, so it’s unstructured for now, but she is EAGER to learn and interact with the world around her so I’m rolling with it and becoming more aware of how I can turn simple activities into learning opportunities for her. It’s a fun creative challenge for me, and it’s SO fun watching her gears turn as she learns new things. Do your kids like to help in the kitchen? Here are a few simple ways to make it educational! 🍎 Name colors and group fruits and veggies by kind, then count each group 🐇🥕 Talk about which items are food for other animals and the importance of conservation to keep them happy 🍪 Count as you let them dump the ingredients into the mixing bowl 🥣 Let them stir and whisk to practice motor skills 🧊 Talk about how some things (water, sugar, butter, etc) can turn from solid to liquid when we add heat Did this idea list get your brain going with other ideas? Teaching your kiddos doesn’t have to be complicated! Comment and tell me how you encourage learning in your daily environment! . . . . #unschooling #unschoolinglife #unschoolingfamily #unschool #homeschoolpreschool #homeschoolfun #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolcollective #homeschoolingmom #wildandfreekids #wildandfreemama #toddlermomlife #toddlerlearning #toddlermom #learningactivities #homeschoolpreschool #homeschoolideas #homeschoolfamily #homelearning #homeschoolcommunity #homelearningfun #homelearningideas #homeschoolinspiration #homeschooled #homeschooljourney #homeschoolblog #homeschoolblogger #homeschoolplanning #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolkids

Hi! I’m Aly, and I wear lots of 👒🧢🎩 but not the literal kind. This month, my main hats have been event planner, influencer relations point-person, and photographer. Occasionally, consultant, model, and content creator. Of course, I always have my mama hat and wife hat on too. So. Many. Hats. I get bored when life is too predictable and routine, so I really do love that my work involves so many different roles and unique projects. Everything I do professionally has the common thread of branding and marketing, but none of it is the typical “I’m in marketing,” stuff. I love that. I love that it’s always different and each project stretches me to get out of the box creatively. What do you love about your work? What’s your fave “hat” that you wear in your life? Tell me in a comment! 👇 . . . . . #wearitloveit #aboutalook #asseenonme #darlingmovement #yougotitright #shinyhappybloggers #reallifeandstyle #grandrapids #michigrammers #grandrapidsblogger #momblogger #socialmediamom #momiform #femaleentrepreneur #mompreneur #smallbusinessowner #entrepreneurlife #womenwhohustle #savvybusinessowner #instagramtips #goaldigger #solopreneur #beingboss #digitalmarketingtips #instagramcoach #mysmallbiz #businessownerlife