Not All Heroes Wear Capes: Ayesha Curry Breaks Down Her Life As A Super Mom
The mother of two and lifestyle expert talks motherhood, family and keeping the faith at T.J. MAXX's #Maxximizer event.
When it comes to the title of "Super Mom," not everyone is up for the challenge. Some women will not hesitate to let you know how much they'd rather avoid motherhood like the plague, while others embrace the infinite possibilities and patiently (or impatiently) look forward to the normal life chapter. For lifestyle expert, enthusiastic mother of two and wife to the NBA's 2015 MVP, being a mom is one fact of life that Ayesha Curry proudly takes head-on every day.
Unfortunately, many like Curry fail to pat themselves on the back and give self-recognition for all they do. Which is why T.J. Maxx has called on the seasoned chef/lifestyle expert (as well as parenting blogger Ilana Wiles and entrepreneur Leah Busque) to be a part of The Maxximizers, an uplifting group of women who utilize their smarts and resourcefulness to get the most out of life every day. These ladies share tips & tricks on how they do it, as well as inspire other women do the same via their curated, custom shops.
While at the campaign launch event, VIBE chatted it up with the brown-eyed Southern belle about how she manages to balance her personal endeavors (See: LittleLightsofMine), caring for a growing family of four and her must-have items in the kitchen and wardrobe closet.
(L-R): The Maxximizers - Parenting blogger Ilana Wiles, lifestyle expert Ayesha Curry and TaskRabbit founder and CEO Leah Busque.
FLIP THROUGH THE GALLERY TO CONTINUE READING
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
Since you're helping T.J. Maxx recognize all the phenomenal hard-working mothers, what would you say is your biggest accomplishment as a mom so far?
Well, I think just being able to birth the children is a big accomplishment [laughs]! And I'm still here, thank the Lord. Honestly, after becoming a second-time mom, I was really afraid of how I was going to manage having two kids, because Riley had just gotten all of my attention all of the time. I was genuinely scared stiff of how I was going to take care of two kids and then it just happened. But it's all worked itself out. I think I'm doing an okay job. I think that's one of my biggest accomplishments, just being able to love them both equally.
Would can you honestly say you could work on more as a mother?
I think disconnecting from my phone. Because I could be down on the floor playing with them and then I'll notice, 'Oh I still have my phone in my hand.' I think physically putting my phone down and disconnecting for a while every single day is something I could be better with.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
Who would you say is the ultimate #maxximizer in your life that has had a positive impact in how you function daily?
It's my mom [pictured above]. She just made everything run smoothly in our household [growing up]. She made the world turn around for us. She always did it with grace and with ease and one of ways that she was able to accomplish this was by going to a store like T.J. Maxx and being able to get everything we needed at an amazing price. She's truly the person who has inspired me, who is a representation of this and a representation of a remarkable woman. She's Mama Maximizer [laughs].
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
Speaking of your children, what is one gem your mother instilled in you that you want to instill in Riley and Ryan?
Just not to worry so much and know that motherhood is a natural thing. What will be will be. I mean I turned out great I think. [My mother] is wonderful. My grandma had her at a very young age, and she managed to turn out remarkably, so I think that's what she's instilled in me. Go with the flow, and God will take care of it.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
So you still look flawless after having a second child.
Oh, thank you! I feel so tired, but thank you!
Are there any mommy-friendly workouts you swear by?
I just became the proud owner of a jogging stroller. So for me, just doing a light jog is my best tip. It's the most non-invasive thing you can do. I tried to start working out when [Ryan] was four weeks old, but it was just too soon. I posted a picture on Instagram, like 'Working out!' then shortly after that I was just like, 'I can't do this yet.' But Im slowly working my way back in. I think slow and steady wins the race. People put so much pressure on snapping back in shape so soon… So much pressure. Yeah, but I'm not too worried about it. Everybody's like 'Oh her face is so chunky.' I'm like, 'Yeah, it is. Yes! I just had a baby.' So I try not to worry.
So what's on your jogging playlist? Any song you like to turn up to?
I love "Classic Man" by Jidenna. I love that song. What else? I think Drake's "Back to Back" freestyle is hilarious. It just makes me giggle. I just think it's so funny.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
Tell me about the moment you realized the meaning of style.
I think when I saw my mom's throwback pictures from the 80s, like right around the time I was born. I saw how different the times were and that she dressed differently back then. I remember thinking, 'Oh, there's a there's different style. People have their own way of doing things.' I was about eight or nine maybe.
What about in your closet? What are your three essentials?
I'm all about the jumpsuit right now because I don't have to think about it when I wake up in the morning. I just throw it on and I'm okay. Another staple is a scarf. Especially as a mom, I always have a scarf with me, because things happen. At this point I keep getting thrown up on, so this kind of hides it. And then I can use it as a nursing cover as well. It's just multi-purpose. And then a nice big bag. Great for diapers.
There's been a bit of commotion about women who nurse their baby in public. What are you thoughts?
I would never show myself. It's not my thing. I feel like that is a private thing between me and my baby. [As for the] moms that do it, it's fine. But I did put up a picture the other day of my breast pump. I had to take it to a football game with me and people where in an uproar! They were so mad at me for posting a picture of my breast-pump. And I was like, 'I didn't show myself!' But you can't win. To each his or her own.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
You're also known to also have a passion for cooking.
Oh yeah, it's the biggest passion.
Are you planning on a penning a culinary book any time soon?
Yes! I didn't realize how long the process of coming out with a book is, so it's looking like Spring 2017. So be on the look out!
What's the first word of its title?
Mmm...The... [laughs] No, it's a working title. It's not official yet. I wish I could say, but we'll see.
What's your favorite meal to whip up?
My husband loves steak and potatoes. He's just that guy. But my family also likes when I make this really good Spanish chicken with a green sauce that I put on it. Riley helps make the green sauce and she eats it. I feel like that's a good way to get your kids cooking, have them help you in the kitchen. But yeah, my family loves that meal.
What are your two must-have items in the kitchen?
A really nice set of steak knives. One of [Steph's] favorite meals is steak and potatoes. I like to always have a good set of knives for when people come over, too. I actually have a nice copper mixing bowl at home. it's really good for making whipped cream. I don't know what it is about the copper, but everything happens faster. I don't know what it is. Plus, it looks pretty.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
We all know children tend to be picky with food. Is there anything Riley doesn't like to eat?
Chocolate. She does not like chocolate.
Hmm...
And my husband doesn't like chocolate either. So that is his daughter. She looks like him. She eats like him. I think I got a little something on the baby though. We'll see.
Of course Steph Curry is the MVP on the court, but how is he the real MVP at home?
He helps. He's hands on. He puts the kids to bed when he's home. He would cook more meals if I let him, I just prefer to cook. Because it doesn't necessarily taste good when he makes it, but he tries. He makes good eggs! But he's just very humble. Like if you come to our house, you don't know what's going on in our life outside of our home. Everything's normal. I really appreciate that about him. He keeps things very normal.
What would you say are the pros and cons of being married to an NBA player?
I don't really have any. We try and live our life, honestly, as normal as possible. It is a pro to not have to worry about where your next meal is coming from. I mean, in all honesty, I think people don't talk about that enough. But I do wish he was home more. During the season, it's a little bit rigorous. I mean you take it as it comes. You can't have everything.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
We noticed that you're a Christian. How does faith play a role in your every day accomplishments as a mom?
It's the biggest part. It's everything. It's what my relationship with my husband is founded on. It's behind the decisions I make in my career. It's the first thing I do. I go pray about it, before I say yes or no. And it's how I'm trying to raise my children. He's always there and [The Lord] is always rearing his head when I'm doing something I'm not supposed to. He's there when things turn out good. I know everything good in my life is because of God and Jesus. It's everything for me.
What do you do when you feel as though your faith is almost on empty?
I feel like this happens a lot. Like when the kids are throwing tantrums, you get a little bit frustrated as a mom. It happens to every mother. I just have to just stop and just pray. Get myself back together because it's hard sometimes as a mom. I feel like that's when my faith is tested and I have to just stop and pray. Everything usually always turns out alright.
What would you say is your favorite Bible quote?
My favorite Bible verse is "Love never failed to be." I actually have a tattoo here [pictured above]. My husband and I both have this in Hebrew. It's 1 Corinthians 13:8. It's just our reminder that God is ever present and that our love is real. And that nobody can tell us any differently. Just to always love Love and to always know that it's real.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
How does a store like TJ Maxx help to ease your day-to-day and work-life balance? We know you love to shop.
I do, and I take a lot of pictures of food. So for me, having somewhere I can go to get things to do, a tablescape or a nice bowl or whatever it may be—it's the perfect place for me to do that. All the while, I can get something for date night or for my girls to wear. It really is just the perfect place. I grew up shopping there.
Get To Know Ayesha Curry - The Mom Maxximizer
How do go about acknowledging your daily accomplishments, so that you do end the day feeling really good about the things you've done?
When I wake up in the morning and my kids are healthy and everybody's happy, that's already an accomplishment in itself. But something as simple as making your bed in the morning means you have already accomplished one thing. The day usually progresses just as well as it did while you were making your bed, all because you've started out the morning right. That's a big thing for me.
What's the best piece of advice you can give to a woman looking to make it all work (motherhood, career, family)?
It's just all about keeping it simple. I feel like it's all about not anticipating the bad things that may happen. Just focus on what's happening in that moment and put all of your attention into that and then everything else becomes a piece of cake, hopefully.
