I AM Modern Magazine for Moms

Pictures by Michael Vonal

Giving her kids the kind of upbringing she enjoyed as a kid.

Michele has lived in Northern Virginia since she was in elementary school. Prior to having her children, she worked full-time as a legal secretary at a law firm in DC. As soon as she had her daughter in January 2004, she stopped working full-time. She then started working part-time at Bellini Salon & Spa in Vienna, Virginia giving Endermologie treatments to clients (helps get rid of cellulite).

The flexibility of the job and the hours allowed her to focus on her husband and her daughter. In July 2006, she had her son and life got much busier. She loves the balance she has found with work and being able to see her kids grow up. She now works for a local doctor as the office manager. “ I just want to provide them with the kind of upbringing that I had when I was growing up.”

What is your definition of Modern Mom? A woman that is trying to balance her family life with working outside of the home.
How old are you? 36
How many kids? 2 kids. Daughter, Morgan 4 years old and son, Luke, Giving her kids the kind of upbringing she enjoyed as a kid. michele duley MOM MOD 41 is almost 20 months.
How much did you gain in your pregnancies? 42 lbs with Morgan and 33 pounds with Luke
What is your greatest accomplishment? My family
How do you balance being a mom and having your own life? My kids are my top priority but I can’t forget about myself. I try to make sure to squeeze in some “me” time, too. My husband encourages me to do this and meet a friend for a glass of wine or go get a pedicure now and then.
What are some ways you keep yourself healthy and fit? I try to go to the gym 5 times a week.
What is your biggest splurge, guilty (guiltless) pleasure? My manicures and pedicures.
What inspires you? My kids inspire me to be the best mom I can be
How do you take care of yourself? I exercise, try to eat right and ask for help when I need it. In addition to my husband being there for me, my parents and my sister are always there when I need them.
Your favorite exercise? I love the gym but my favorite exercise is taking the kids outside and running around with them and playing ball.
Favorite healthy meal/snack? Grapes
Your best asset? I always try to have a positive outlook.
One advice about health/fitness to other moms…. It’s important to model a healthy lifestyle for my children.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome in your life? My biggest challenge was my recovery time after having my son Luke.

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