Name: Sarah Coggin
Children & Ages: Araya Sunshyne (3.5), Cruz Aedyn (9months)
Hometown/Current Location: Mesa, AZ
Quick Bio: I’m a former NFL Cheerleader. I’m a model/ spokesperson/ actor with the Ford Robert Black Agency here in Phoenix. Since having children I discovered my love for photography. Taking pictures of my daughter became an obsession and I just had to get a “real” camera and learn how to use it. During my second pregnancy when the modeling jobs obviously weren’t an option, I started supplementing my income doing family photography. Maternity shoots, family photos, newborn pics etc. and I absolutely love it. My many years in front of the camera working with amazing photographers really gave me a great knowledge and perspective when I went behind the camera. My photography business “Sunshyne Pix” is named after my daughter Araya Sunshyne since she was my inspiration to start it. You can visit my photography website at www.sunshynepix.com. Like my page on facebook.com/sunshynepix. I also still have my professional modeling/ acting website www.sarahcoggin.com
Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: I always have snacks with me. I keep Special K breakfast bars and gold fish for my daughter, and for the little guy I always have Mum Mums and Puffs. Those will always distract them from their fussiness for a bit. I mean I get super grumpy when I’m hungry too.
Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: Its easy to lose your sense of “me” when you have little ones, but I make sure I get time to exercise. Just knowing you are doing something that’s good for “you” helps keep me sane. My girlfriends and I have monthly parties where we get together and have a different theme. Girls love to dress up so each month it’s something different and fun. It’s really important to try and do date night with your man, dress up, look pretty, and have time alone. And a manicure and pedicure work wonders.
Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: Nursing is the best thing for both you and your baby.
Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I just joined a gym in November so I’ve been going 3-4 times a week since then. But before that I got a great jogging stroller and would go walk/run 5 days a week with the kids. I still do a couple days a week because it’s so nice out right now. I would also do work outs on you tube. Fitness Blender has 100’s of great quick videos so you can choose what you want to work on.
Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I’m pretty easy going. I’m not the schedule type. I mean they are on a tentative schedule but it’s a “go with the flow” kind of thing. If they are tired, I put them down for a nap. If they are having fun and partying on, they can keep going.
Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why.
A: We do a week in San Diego every year. It’s just so much fun. Chilling on the beach. Paddle boarding, surfing, riding our beach cruisers, eating seafood and just hanging with friends in family near the ocean. Good times always.
Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: I really loved doing my 2nd maternity shoot with my daughter. She was so good and we got some awesome pictures that I absolutely cherish.
Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I am a little crazy about my kids having good manners and not being the “bratty mean child.” I really try to work with them on the importance of good manners and being nice to others. And my kids get to do a lot of fun stuff. They go to the lake with us. They go to the sand dunes with us. Hopefully we will get a trip to the snow this year. But I really want them to have a ton of life experiences, and not be afraid of new things.
Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: Since becoming a mom a lot of the superficial things have totally left my life. Worrying about petty drama, or being “seen” at the bars and clubs is a total waste of time. My time to be selfish and live for me is over and now I live for my family and it’s way more rewarding. But I do recommend having that time to be young and free. I didn’t start my family until I was 30, so my 20’s were all about traveling, working, partying so I got it all out of my system and I was totally ready and willing and excited to “settle down” and do the mom thing.
Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: Its important to not just let yourself go because you’re a mom. I still keep up with the trends and try to look cute when I go out in public. I mean of course I grocery shop in my sweats and work out clothes now and then. But even my kids notice when I take the time to make myself look good. My daughter had a meltdown the other night because she forgot to tell me I looked pretty when I left the house. My style I’d say is little hippy-ish / rock n roll meets red carpet.
