real mom: Monika Hibbs

I “met” Monika of The Doctors Closet through instagram. The photo feed from this Vancouver blogger is captivating with bright, clean, strong images. Monika’s home is insanely beautiful and was featured in the April issue of Style at Home magazine! Not only is Monika a fantastic blogger and real mom, she also owns Shop by Monika.

See below for your chance to win a $100 credit to this online shop filled with FUN stuff!

Meet our Real Mom, Monika Hibbs…

Tell us about The Doctor’s Closet and how it came to be:

When I was in the medical field, I found my whole life revolved around my job. I truly wasn’t happy, beyond stressed and at the end of it all, far too tired to do anything that I really enjoyed. My husband suggested I take one hour of my day and focus on something completely non-medical related. He said, “Why don’t you start a website?”….he meant a “blog”, and the rest is HISTORY. Literally!

What was it like to see your home featured in Style at Home magazine?

So exciting and completely surreal when it actually came out on stands! The whole process took about a year, including NOT sharing any of the photos and keeping my house a bit of a secret, till the magazine was finally out! What a waiting game that was! Steph, (Designer at Stephaniejeandesign.com) and I were holding back all sorts of excitement untill the big day!

First thing you do in the morning:

Coffee! Get a hold of a big cup of coffee! Cuddles and kisses from my husband and sweet Liam are obviously included.

Describe your personal style:

I’m pretty relaxed. I love a comfy pair of jeans; dressed up with a blouse or paired with a graphic sweatshirt! That being said, I love to dress up, when the occasion is there I’m excited to bring out my favourite heels and bring it up a notch! I like to be done up!

How you stay fit:

I’m all over the map with this one, since having Liam. Before becoming a mom I was working out 3-5 times a week, including 1-2 hour runs. Now, that’s significantly changed! Simply due to nap times, getting work done whenever I do get a free chance and then at the end of the day just wanting to unwind. I definitely crave exercise, and I’ve missed my structured routine! 1-2 times a week doesn’t really cut it for me. But now that Liam is one, I feel like being a mommy is becoming easier and I finally have a good routine going on again. (All you moms are probably laughing at me… knowing this might change) That being said, I love everything from yoga, running, crossfit, and bare method. My fitness coach Rachel of Daily Routine Fitness has me on a portion controlled meal plan, and motivates me daily! She’s all online so it makes working out as a mom and business owner easy again!

Number one beauty item:

Mascara! Or lash extensions. I use Suzanna from The Studio! (www.suzannachun.com)

Favorite healthy snack:

Grapefruit, hummus, popcorn with coconut oil drizzle!

Guilty pleasure:

chocolate!

Children’s item you can’t live without:

Any Honest products- I’m hooked! Statement pieces to make a great outfit- hat and shoes!

How you spend your “me”time:

I love diving into a great book, or some low key time with my girlfriends. A bath is pretty great too!

How you balance life:

Organizing my life helps it be balanced for me! I like to see everything going on, and written down in front of me. I have a list going at all times (with my agenda opened), ready to jot something down and check what’s happening that day/week/month!

Favorite Quote:

Work hard, and be nice to people.

Photo credits: Tracey Ayton & Jamie Lauren

Home design: Stephanie Jean

Enter to win $100 towards Monika’s shop in the post below!

xxo

Lisa