After seven years of ever-honest fashion and lifestyle blogging over at Sequins & Stripes, Chicago-based influencer Liz Adams has a new digital home: Hello Adams Family. As fans fell in love with Liz and followed her story—an engagement, a marriage, and the birth of her adorable sons Charlie and Jack—her presence became about more than just the outfits. Namely, laughing and smiling through the chaos of motherhood.

But as she’ll tell you—living in the public eye doesn’t always come easy. And parenting in the public eye? It can be a rocky road, to say the least. (If you follow Liz, you know she handles it all with grace, coffee, and good spirits.) We caught up with her to chat candidly about the ups and downs of parenting in front of an audience. Mamas, take notes before your next post!

M+A: When you started blogging, did you think about how you'd handle parenting in the public eye?

LA: Actually, no! When I started my website it was strictly about personal style and fashion. I had no idea that my followers would follow my journey into marriage, motherhood and beyond. The internet can be a dark place so I always try to keep my platform approachable and real.

M+A: How do you decide how much of your kids' lives to share?

LA: I definitely have a tipping point when it comes to privacy but for the most part I just share the happy parts of our day. We all have bad days that obviously aren't portrayed but I truly try to make my posts focused on me as a mother and less on my kids and their development.

M+A: What are some of the biggest challenges of raising kids in the public eye?

LA: Definitely the criticism, but being a mom has always given me the confidence to ignore the haters. I've learned that I can't please everyone, so I just try to keep it lighthearted and fun. No judgment!

M+A: What are the benefits?

LA: Connecting with so many amazing women and mothers! It is truly the best part of my job!

M+A: What do you wish your followers knew about your life as a mom?

LA: It is messy, unattractive, raw and hard. Nothing is pretty about motherhood but it is my favorite job in the whole world.

M+A: What advice would you give to other influencers who are about to become parents?

LA: Enjoy it! When I first had my firstborn, Charlie, I never dreamed of the connection I would make with my readers now that I'm a mother. It has truly grown my brand in ways I could have never dreamed. It has also brought so much joy and contentment to my life. A perfect balance in a sometimes crazy industry.

M+A: What's your best advice for new or expectant parents in general?

LA: Being a parent is a learning curve and all days look different. Be patient with yourself, be patient with your babies. Enjoy the mess and the days stuck at home. One day you'll look back and wish you could have those early days back! The days are long but the years are short.