I will say that some additional features are being added this week, so I will update you when they are available (including the ability to be a subscriber again and get emails sent directly to you whenever a post is published and also a feed that shows you my recent Instagram @mommyeverafter).

But that’s like saying, “We are replacing the backspplash in the kitchen.”

The main house is ready to be toured.

So let me just remind you (or show you) what Mommy, Ever After used to look like:

And now, thanks to the incredible team at Brand Revive, it now looks this:

I love the new site; How it is so simple but holds so much.

But, I want to make sure that you know how much there actually is to access. We have many different pages, from our top bar of professional pages to the “Story” sections that each are filled with categories. So here, let me show you. But first, let me preface this by saying that the tour I am giving to you is for the full desktop version of the site. If you have yet to check it out, I implore you to, as it is where Brand Revive’s work really shines. I am so fortunate that they were able to build awesome sites for your mobile devices, as well, but there is nothing like seeing the whole thing on your big computer screen. Trust me.

Okay, so the first thing I want to show you is how to access all of the parts of all of the stories. “A Happy Story” is everything that I had previously written on the old WordPress site leading up until February of 2013. It deals with my courtship and relationship with my husband, being pregnant, the birth of my daughter, adjusting to life as a new parent, the enchantment and the craziness. If you hover over “A Happy Story” you will see this:

 The next is “A Hard Story”. This section deals with my toughest points from 2013 and 2014. It is the story of my Postpartum Depression and all of the things associated with that dark time. There are no categories under “A Hard Story” because although there are many posts under that section, it is all just one, hard story.

The last story, which is my favorite, for obvious reasons is “A Hopeful Story”. It chronicles my journey out of the darkness to where I am today. In this section I write about my family, friends and, most importantly, finding myself.

Above the story section, you can find some other important information that I do not want you to miss.

Under “About Me” you will find my bio, from my personal life to my academic credentials.

Under “Partnerships and Purpose” you can see my mission statement,  as well as specific ways that people and businesses can partner with Mommy, Ever After. My post about Rodan + Fields on Monday was what I call “A Sponsored Post”, and they also have ads on my site (I will get to that later). What I aim to make very clear in this page is that I truly will only partner with good people and companies. I would never compromise the integrity of my site nor the happiness of my readers.

The “Press” page is pretty straightforward; it highlights the places where Mommy, Ever After has been featured, from TV to print to online articles and collaborations.

Finally, there is our contact page, which has proven very helpful (for example, this is where I have been asked to please bring back the option to subscribe to the site.)

Speaking of Contact,

Let me introduce my professional team:

From top to bottom:

My business Manager is Erin Carlson

My Public Relations Manager is Kimberly Ettinger

My Literary Agent is Renee C. Fountain.

Finally, if you are looking from your desktop, down the side of the site are (big!) ads for companies in which I really believe (if you are looking from a phone, these ads will appear if you scroll down to the very bottom.) It is here that I feature a dynamic skincare company, an innovative beauty tool, a fabulous shoe store, an incredible acupuncturist for women, an inventive kick-starter-turned-business accessory and a beautiful family photographer. Click on any of these links to take you to their own personal sites.

I am (we are) fortunate enough that I have some really incredible partners lined up for the future; people whom I believe can truly change your life.

And there you have it. The visual tour of my new baby, which has given me incredible happiness and pride. We all know that it is what is inside all of these categories and pages that is important, but at least now you know your way.

So take off your coat and shoes, make yourself comfortable, and stay awhile.

I love having you here.

The post Your Grand Tour. appeared first on Mommy Ever After.

It was not even seven o’clock this morning, but my daughter’s excitement was palpable.

She grabbed my phone, ran to the window and snapped this shot.

I did not edit this picture at all; I did not filter it through a special lens on my phone nor did I touch it up in iPhoto.

I wanted to see the world through her eyes, just as it is.

It may not be centered,

but neither are we.

It may not be perfect,

but neither are we.

But it is beautiful.

Who better than our children to remind us to do what I promised in my inaugural post;

“I will celebrate the big, of course, but also cherish the mundane.”

The post “These are the days of miracles and wonder” appeared first on Mommy Ever After.

This summer, I was fortunate enough to be asked to participate in a story for Main Line Parent Magazine. I was approached after publishing my originally story on my postpartum depression. They took my story, and the stories of two other women, to print a feature in the goal of helping others, which is all that I want to do. I want mental illness to be de-stigmatized, I want those in trouble to seek treatment and I want to provide solace in those who feel alone. In sharing my story I hope to help others who are feeling lost to find their way.
Mad props to Carrie Bender Hill of Carrie Hill Photography who captured some exquisite family portraits for us to cherish. I have already framed two for our living room (thanks, again, Carrie!)
You can look for the latest issue of Main Line Parent Magazine, or you can enjoy the online copy here:

The title says it all. Everything is not okay. But some things are. And those are the things I hold onto.

The post “Everything is Not Okay” appeared first on Mommy Ever After.