Adventuring with Fawn Design: Afra Said of Through Mama's Eyes Blog
Our Adventuring with Fawn Design series highlights some of our favorite influential mamas as they share more about their story, their family, and how they like to adventure together! You'll get the chance to dive a bit deeper with these families and also get the scoop on some of their favorite local spots to hang out, eat, and shop in the place they call home. We hope you enjoy coming along on this journey with Fawn Design!
We're kicking off the new year with a new installment of our Adventuring with Fawn Design series. Today we're chatting with Afra Said, the SoCal-based blogger behind Through Mama's Eyes and mama to 3 littles all under 5 years old. On her blog and Instagram she writes about everything from motherhood and parenting to being a doula, skincare tips, and her Muslim faith. We caught up with Afra and got the scoop about her life as a mom + blogger, and her favorite places to eat, shop, and play in Irvine, California. Read our Q+A below!
Tell us a little bit about you and your family:
I am a mom of three kids ages 5, 3, and 1. My husband and I and our kids are based in Orange County, California. I grew up in Dubai and lived in the UK for two years. I moved to Southern California after getting married, and we've lived here for about 7 years.
What is life like as a blogger and work-at-home mom?
I love being a work-at-home mom because of the flexibility. It allows me to create my own schedule and work around my kids' schedules. However, it is equally challenging. It's hard to balance work and family and give them equal attention. It's basically a life of juggling everything and the need to be adaptable day to day for the changes and things that are thrown at you.
What does an average day in your life look like?
I try to wake up at 5:30 am for our morning prayer, and then I catch up on emails, drink ginger tea, and get the kids up by 7 am. Then I make breakfast and get them all ready for the day by 9 am. I get some cleaning, cooking, or housework done until 10:45 am, and then we drop my son (the oldest) at school. After, we head to the gym (the kids go to the kid care) or I take the kids for a play date or run errands. If it's a day that I'm very tired, we just head home and relax.
My son needs to be picked up by 2:20 pm, and after that it's lunch, play time, and we start getting ready for bed and dinner by 5:30/6 pm. On most days I try to get the kids in bed by 7:30 pm. After, I normally clean up, eat dinner, put my youngest to bed and wait for my hubby to get home around 9/10 pm. We may watch a show if I'm not too tired, and then it's either blogging/work time or bed time.
Tell us a little bit about where you live and what you like to do there?
We live in Irvine, California which is super family-friendly and very green—there are a lot of parks around us. It's one of the reasons we moved here and the schools are lovely. We are surrounded by so many kids activity/play areas that it's easy to pick something new for every week!
What are some of your favorite local places to eat?
We love Stacks, which is a local breakfast spot in Irvine. I love Slapfish for some good seafood or Chili Chutney Grill for some good Afghan food.
What are some of your favorite local sights and attractions?
I love Irvine Spectrum, which is our local outdoor mall and has some amazing stores, play areas, and just a beautiful vibe. We also have some beautiful beaches in nearby Laguna and Newport.
What are some of your favorite places to shop?
For clothes, I love H&M and Old Navy. For groceries, I love Trader Joe's, Costco, and Target.
What do you like to do together as a family?
Catching up on family time at the park, watching a movie at home, going to the beach, or spending quality time with friends.
What destinations are on your travel wish list?
Right now I would say Bali, Greece, and Turkey. And within the US, I would love to go to the Grand Canyon!
What's your can't-live-without beauty item?
Eyeliner! I literally can't go anywhere without applying eyeliner.
What book, podcast, or Instagram account are you currently loving?
I love the podcasts You Can't Have It All, Mommy Millionaire, Salam Girl, and Happy People! I'm currently really enjoying listening to the audio books Present Over Perfect and the Four Agreements, and I want to listen to Girl Wash Your Face! I have too many Instagram accounts I love, but Zehra AlliBhai is one of my favorite people to follow.
Who or what inspires you?
Women who are able to parent, show up positively, and be amazing people all while running a business. It's so inspiring and something I aspire to be.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
"God doesn't give us more than we can bear." (Quran 2:286)
What advice would you give other women and moms?
If you are married and don't have kids yet, take time to find yourself, do things you love, get close to your husband, develop a strong relationship, study if you need to, and work on things you really want to because once you have kids it may be a little harder. Especially if you haven't taken care of yourself first. Once you have a child you are constantly giving to them, so you need to take care of yourself first—always—because you can't pour from an empty cup.
Tell us what you love about your Fawn Design bag:
I love that they don't look like a diaper bag, the pebbled faux leather, and the size; the semi-circle shape at the top makes it so easy to pack the bag and find things. I also love the pockets, the backpack straps, and the messenger strap option. I haven't reached for another bag since September 2016!
What's always in your Fawn Design bag?
Diapers, wipes, mints, wallet, lip gloss, lipstick, notebook, snacks for the kids, a few toys, bottle of water, bibs, and extra clothes.
Photos: Atiyeh R. Photography
