I Don’t Know How She Does It – Jen Garcia

You may recognize my friend Jen’s name from the pages of your People Magazine. Or her gorgeous face from her numerous appearances on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, CNN and the like. As one of the famed weekly’s senior writers, Jen spends her days (and many nights) covering some of the biggest names and events in Hollywood, but without a doubt, the brightest star in her life is her new daughter Flynn (almost 9 months old). I met Jen many moons ago when I was a young PR exec and she was a young reporter at another celeb weekly. She was smart, savvy and became a fast friend in an industry that doesn’t always offer up too many real friends. Years later, she has grown so much professionally and personally and has remained a great friend and watching her balance it all with Flynn at the top of the list is truly the most impressive story she has written thus far. Here is how she does it:

What time does your day start and how?

My day starts at 5:45am every morning with my daughter Flynn who thankfully sleeps through the night but unlike her mom, is apparently a morning person.

What time does your day end and how?

These days my day ends A LOT earlier than it used to. Before Flynn, it was events or work dinners almost every night of the week. Now I really have to pick and choose so I’m home by 6, in time to get my daughter ready for bed. After that it’s some much looked forward to alone time for my husband and I. We eat together in peace, watch Jeopardy (no joke) and then head up to bed where I catch up on my fashion and interiors mags and social media. If I make it to 10pm, it’s a miracle.

Do you work from home or in an office? What is the set up like?

I work in an office every day (when I’m not out doing TV, at a photo shoot, interview or event) but luckily I do have some flexibility with my job and am able to stay home in the mornings until my daughter’s first nap around 9am. That said, I start answering emails at 6am and I’m on conference calls by 6:30 or 7.

Do you see/speak to your kids throughout your work day? If yes, how/when?

Since my daughter Flynn is only 8.5 months I don’t talk to her throughout the day but I’m on with my husband (who’s THANKFULLY home with her three days a week) or my nanny, at least a handful of times every day. I love seeing pictures of my little lady at the park or out for a walk. And I try and meet my husband and Flynn once a week for lunch. Helps me get through the day seeing that smiling face. (editor’s note: I love that idea of sneaking in a family lunch!)

What is the best thing about being a working mom? Hardest thing?

The best thing about being a working mom is getting the best of both worlds. Not only do I get to keep doing what I love, I’m continually challenged and stimulated by new experiences at work every day. The hardest part is feeling like I’m being torn in two directions. I want to give every last ounce of energy into being this fierce magazine maven but I also need to put that same energy into raising an awesome (and totally fierce!) little lady. And to be honest, I do miss things. My husband called the other day raving about Flynn’s newest talent as a babbler. Wish I could have shared that moment with them.

Be honest, what is one thing you envy about stay at home moms?

For me, it’s being there for every little moment (well, at least the fun ones). Since my husband has the incredibly hard job of being a stay-at-home daddy, I get that it’s not just sipping lattes and ladies who lunch!

Answer the question “I don’t know how you do it?” in ten words or less.

It takes one professional juggler (me) and mommy juice, aka wine.

And here are Jen’s favorite must-haves for she and little she:

From left:

With my newfound extra eye baggage, this is quite simply the BEST concealer ever.

Got this awesome tote as a gift and have been obsessed with the company ever since. Heavenly basics that look like a million bucks. (editor’s note: I am a fan, too)

I have a severe addiction to Splendid’s kids/baby line. Not the cheapest (hint: set a reminder on Gilt and Zulily for when they’re on sale there!) but they’re super soft and wear so well.