The Just Because Diaries: Mom Life Stories & Finding Whimsy in Motherhood

Celeste - Whimsy, Motherhood & Real Life Stories
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the Just Because Diaries - where real life meets random chats and plenty of mom moments all while reclaiming joy in the (seemingly) mundane. Hosted by Celeste, a mama who’s just here to keep it real and make you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. She’s a mom, but also a whole person, navigating the balance of motherhood while rediscovering the joy in doing things just for herself. From the chaos of parenting to the little moments that make life fun, nothing’s off-limits. So grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger)and tune in for honest conversations, laughs, relatable stories and those “oh-my-god, same” moments we all need.

  1. 2d ago

    First Baby? Let’s Talk Newborns: Listener Questions Answered

    Expecting your first baby? In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, we’re talking all things newborns and answering listener-submitted questions about preparing for a new baby. From baby essentials and gear to feeding, sleep, pacifiers, baby development, play, books, clothing, and those first months of parenthood, I’m sharing what worked for our family and what I’ve learned along the way. This listener had A LOT of questions, so instead of answering them one by one, I grouped them into a few big topics: what you actually need for a newborn, feeding and introducing solids, sleep and bedtime routines, bonding and playing with your baby, developmental toys and activities, and navigating some of the worries that can come with becoming a first-time parent. I also share some very honest stories from my own experiences with Miles and Keeley, including breastfeeding, sleep, pacifiers, baby gear, and the things I wish I had known before becoming a mom. As always, this episode is based on my personal experiences and opinions and is not medical advice. When it comes to your baby's health, development, feeding, or sleep safety, talk with your pediatrician and do your own research. Links to things mentioned in this episode: Please note that these are affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases Halo Sleepsack SwaddleTwo-Way Zip PajamasBaby K’tan Wrap CarrierErgobaby CarrierV-Tech Rattle & Shake Birdie Toy Stacking CupsAvent PacifierFisher Price Glow and Grow Play MatBabywise Sleep Solutions BookBaby-Led Weaning BookBaby Fork and Spoon Set Some of Our Most FAVORITE Board Books:  We’re Going on a Bear HuntBunny Roo I Love YouSteam Train Dream TrainGood Night Stories for Rebel Girls Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

  2. Aug 5

    Real Mom Talk: Potty Training, Overstimulation & Finding Joy in the Chaos

    Potty training is a LOT. The constant accidents, the big toddler emotions, and the mental load of being "on" all day can leave you feeling completely overstimulated. In this episode, I'm sharing an honest look at our first week of potty training, from the meltdowns and self-doubt to the unexpected kitchen dance party that reminded me why even the hardest parenting seasons are worth celebrating. We also talk about motherhood overstimulation, finding joy in the middle of the chaos, and why no difficult phase lasts forever. Plus, in this week's Just Because Moment, I'm sharing two tiny things that brought a little extra happiness and whimsy to an otherwise potty-training-heavy week: thrifted Polaroid cameras and surprisingly adorable gel nail stickers. If you're in the thick of potty training, navigating toddler life, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of motherhood, I hope this episode feels like a reminder that you're not alone, and that even in the messiest weeks, there are still ordinary moments worth noticing. Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

  3. Jul 22

    The Crochet Cardigan Reset: Finding Whimsy & Rest (and Avoiding a Dirty Bathtub)

    This week, I'm sharing how one simple crochet project unexpectedly helped me feel like myself again after weeks of feeling creatively stuck. We're chatting about creative hobbies, mom guilt, why rest isn't something we have to earn, and how making space for joy - even before the chores are finished - completely changed the rhythm of my days. Plus, a Just Because Moment featuring my first successful latte art heart and my completely unverified theory that dogs can absolutely hold dream grudges. Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

  4. Jul 8

    Adult Ballet, Whimsy Burnout & Why Being a Beginner is Hard

    Trying something new as an adult sounded like a great idea...until I found myself in what felt like a professional ballet class wondering what in the world I was doing there.  This week, I'm sharing the story of my very first adult ballet class, why being a beginner felt so much more vulnerable than I expected, and how it reminded me of a hilariously unexpected dance audition from my early twenties. We’re chatting about trying new hobbies as an adult, unrealistic expectations, the awkwardness of starting from scratch, and why "doing something just because" doesn't always feel as whimsical as we imagine. Later, in this week's Just Because Moment, I'm sharing why I pressed pause on all the challenging hobbies and returned to my crochet hook for a much-needed comfort project. Plus why sometimes the most joyful and whimsical thing you can do is stop trying so hard. If you've ever wanted to try a new hobby, felt intimidated by being a beginner, or wondered if everyone else somehow got the instruction manual except you, this episode is for you. Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

  5. Jun 24

    When Whimsy Needs to Wait: Navigating Decision Fatigue & Mom Burnout

    This week, I'm experiencing a serious case of the morbs. 😅 After two very busy weeks of mom life, my brain has decided it simply cannot be bothered, and apparently that includes planning vacations, starting knitting projects, or even making a giant crochet sticky hand pillow. We're diving into the reality of the mental load, decision fatigue, creative slumps, and finding whimsy when you have absolutely zero tabs left open. Plus, I'll share one of those classic, messy motherhood stories in this week's Just Because Moment: my very ambitious attempt to create a magical backyard movie night... on the longest day of the year. Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! I’d love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

  6. Jun 10

    From Airport Wine to Failed Camping: A Week of Whimsy, Friendship & Motherhood Chaos

    Welcome back to another episode of real mom life, where I’m diving into the beautiful, chaotic, and hilarious motherhood stories that make up our everyday world. This week, I’m exploring the razor-thin line between pure whimsy and total disaster, starting with a kid-free, "moms gone wild" weekend in Tennessee! From generous airport wine pours and droppin’ it low in country bars to a magical encounter with my first firefly, it was a much-needed dose of kid-free fun. But because mom life always keeps us grounded, the magic was quickly balanced out three days later by a "redemption" family camping trip and…let’s just say things did not go according to plan. Later in my Just Because Moment, I'm giving a quick update on my upcoming tap dance performance and reflecting on the unexpected friendships and support I've found through getting back into something I loved as a child. Who knew a little mom self care could lead to community? Whether you are currently surviving the trenches of toddler bedtimes or looking for a little inspiration to dust off an old passion of your own, tune in for the belly laughs, the realness, and a gentle reminder to find joy in the mundane. Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! I’d love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

  7. May 27

    Real Motherhood: Crying in the School Parking Lot & Other Awkward Motherhood Stories

    Real motherhood shows up messy, emotional, and awkward - and this episode is full of it. I’m sharing real mom life stories from my week, including a volunteer luncheon social disaster, an Instagram personality type that explained my entire existence, and an unexpectedly emotional school pickup. These are real mom life moments, awkward mom moments, and a reminder that motherhood is often equal parts chaos and comedy. If you’re here for community and a little bit of whimsy in motherhood - the small, surprising moments that make it all feel strangely beautiful - this one’s for you. Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! I’d love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

  8. May 14

    Our First Kid-Free Trip to NYC: Broadway, Tom Felton & Real Mom Anxiety

    This week on The Just Because Diaries, I’m sharing all about our first ever kid-free trip to New York City! Including my catastrophic pre-trip anxiety, whimsy and magical Broadway moments, and why this weekend ended up meaning way more to me than I expected. We’re talking: leaving the kids overnight for the first time traveling without children (which honestly felt revolutionary) New York pizza Broadway shows Drunk Shakespeare Titanique Stardust Diner Tom Felton returning as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage door chaos and the emotional experience of remembering that I still exist outside of motherhood too. Plus, this week’s Just Because Moment is inspired by Miles and his little blue thumb nails, and the reminder that sometimes the best things are the ones we do simply because they make us happy. If you’ve ever struggled with mom guilt, anxiety, identity outside of parenting, or just wanted a cozy chaotic NYC trip recap from another millennial mom trying her best…this episode is for you. Want to keep the conversation going? Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! I’d love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thejustbecausediaries@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries Episode Topics Include: Family travel, mom travel, real motherhood, motherhood stories, mom guilt, Tom Felton, mom life, whimsy in motherhood, Broadway, mom self care

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3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Just Because Diaries - where real life meets random chats and plenty of mom moments all while reclaiming joy in the (seemingly) mundane. Hosted by Celeste, a mama who’s just here to keep it real and make you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. She’s a mom, but also a whole person, navigating the balance of motherhood while rediscovering the joy in doing things just for herself. From the chaos of parenting to the little moments that make life fun, nothing’s off-limits. So grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger)and tune in for honest conversations, laughs, relatable stories and those “oh-my-god, same” moments we all need.

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