MoM | Getting a Little Me Time

When it comes to being the best wife, mother, friend and teacher, I’m a firm believer that I need to take care of myself in order to care for others. That said, “me time” can be hard to carve out of my busy days, so when I have it, you better believe I make the most of it!

Here’s a recipe for some quality time to recharge.

Create a solo space. We have just one door in our 95 year old house that locks, and it’s our upstairs bathroom. I don’t really need to keep anyone out with a lock, but it’s essential for me to be in a defined separate space so I can turn off mommy mode and actually relax.

Get a drink. Depending on my day I might want a cup of hot water with lemon, some herbal tea or… let’s be real, a glass of wine. Slow down, sip and enjoy.

Dim the lights. You look at your phone, computer or TV all day (at least, I do!) so I like to ditch the screens and light a candle. I’ve also made the mistake in the past of bringing my phone with me and it’s like poof! twenty sweet minutes down the drain because I was too focused on my facebook feed.

Speaking of candles - I like to burn a gardenia scented candle that my husband gave me for Christmas. It’s French and fancy so I don’t light it often, but when I do, it really helps me slow down!

As for music - that’s up to you! I actually like the peace and quiet and I’m the kind of person that will count how many songs have played and think too much time has passed. Otherwise, press play and groove on!

Treat Yourself (with something outside of your normal routine). Back in my single days, I used to spend so much time doing facials or giving myself pedicures and manicures. Now that my time is much more limited, I don’t do these things nearly enough. It’s easily been two months since my feet have had any special attention andwoof these dogs are barking! I’ll spare you the before photos but my polish was 75% chipped off and my heels were… um… crusty. (I know I’m not the only one who has rough feet in winter! No judgment!!)
While the hot water is running for a bath, I got rid of all of the old nail polish. And for full disclosure, to create this post, it actually took two separate times in the tub - the first to actually treat myself while Felix napped and the second to snap photos after my nails were painted (in Back to the Fuchsia) and my rough heels scrubbed.

Once in the tub and after a good soak, it’s time to slough off that hardened winter skin (I use Sole Control from Sally Hansen).

Editor’s Note: I’ve used pumice stones and even blades to scrape away tough skin (again, no judgment! I love being barefoot!) but I was seriously impressed with how soft my feet were after using this tool. I also liked how the handle was shaped and how easy it was to use on all sides of my feet.

After the bath, I spritz on my homemade body oil (a coconut and grapeseed mix with eucalyptus oil), throw on a robe and get back to my boys!

Since having a baby, I’ve realized that even 15 minutes of alone time can recharge my batteries. It’s not something I get every day (or every week), but I’m grateful for those times I can get away… even if I’m just upstairs.

What kinds of things do you do to pamper yourself when you have a spare moment alone?

Heads up! This post is a collaboration with Sally Hansen, made possible by the Style Coalition. Thanks for supporting the brands that make What I Wore possible.

What I Wore | Winter Wonderland

WhatIWore:  We finally got our first big snowfall of the season and I love it! Before the streets are plowed or the sidewalks shoveled, it’s so peaceful and beautiful outside. I took Felix on a walk while it was still coming down on Saturday and it was just perfect. Although the spring collections are in full force at the stores, it’s obviously still winter around here, and it’s about time to start getting creative with the same old sweaters I’ve worn all season long.

When: February 22, 2015

What:
Hat: Nordstrom Rack
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’
Lipstick: NARS 'Red Lizard’
Scarf: Talbots, gift
Sweater: J.Crew
Jeans: J.Crew 
Boots: Hunter

Where: Waffles from Bea’s at Hopscotch 

Why: I say this year after year, but for me, color is the way through this last month of winter. Bold lipstick or a scarf or handbag are my go-to spots to add it in. 

Ten Things No One Wants to Admit about Parenting

That the first few weeks might be the best and worst weeks of your life.

That it’s ok to hate being a parent sometimes and still be head over heels in love with your baby. 

To feel like you have absolutely no clue what you’re doing, but you can still do it better than anyone else, i.e., just give him to me!! (when he’s fussing/crying/screaming/etc)

That sometimes you purposely want to look like a hot mess for a little sympathy.

That you have a new definition of success, i.e. a clean kitchen, fresh laundry and taking a shower in one day all make you feel like superwoman.

That you have a love/hate relationship with your mommy status, i.e. working mom, stay at home mom or somewhere in between. 

That some of your parenting theories (no paci! no plastic toys! no TV ever!) fly out of the window once you actually have the baby. 

That some days are really really hard and you can’t explain why.

That you really do think you have the cutest, smartest, strongest (enter adjective here) baby in the world.

That you mourn the loss of your old life, even if you wouldn’t trade it for the world.

What about you? Any parenting confessions you want to share? Join the conversation on my facebook page. 

Homemade Paleo Applesauce

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the kitchen these days and have been whipping up some really delicious treats! Today I want to share a super simple recipe that will make your house smell great and is paleo treat! 

I first tried this dish at a Whole 30 potluck brunch that my gym hosts and immediately got the recipe from my friend Brier. And it’s really easy.

• 3 pounds of apples (I used Fiji)
  
• 1 T vanilla extract
  
• Juice of half a lemon
  
• Sprinkle of Cinnamon (I use Vietnamese Cinnamon)
  

Peal and chop your apples into half to one inch cubes and toss ‘em into your crockpot. Add all other ingredients. Turn onto low for 4-5 hours and let your house fill with an amazing aroma. Once cooked, stir and serve with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon. No added sugar or preservatives - just wholesome, delicious applesauce. I eat mine for dessert, but it would also be great for kids or really good with pork chops! Enjoy!