Parenting is hard work and it's easy to get run down, discouraged and plain old burnt out.  Here are some small ways (serious, sinful or silly) to pamper yourself.

1. Stop by the library and check out some guilty pleasures-- fluff magazines, a murder mystery, your favorite childhood novel, whatever. Many libraries offer videos overnight for free, too. Find something wacky, sentimental or just plain fun.
2. Barter with the kids for back rubs or foot rubs (they can earn money, oatmeal cookies, rounds of Candyland...).
3. Get out your ipod and put on some fun music while you work, clean, or craft with the kids (music does a great job of drowning out bickering siblings!).
4. Take a scented bath. A bottle of pure essential oil will last for years since you only need 2-3 drops per bath. Lavender is especially soothing. Or burn a scented candle by the bath.
5. Call a friend.
6. Get outside and take a walk. Yes, even in the winter!  Bundle up and head out, either alone or with the kids.  Between the exercise, the sunlight and the change of scenery, you'll be releasing feel-good chemicals into your system left and right.
7. Snuggle with your sweetie. Or more!
8. Make up a terribly fattening treat and gobble it up with the kiddos. If you want to be especially silly, eat with your hands!
9. Get a new haircut or just go to get it styled.
10. Start a small routine that makes you feel good about yourself. It could be wearing lipstick all day just to feel more glamorous, exercising for 10 minutes before you wake up the kids, spritzing yourself with lavender water when you need a lift, wearing fancy unmentionables beneath your everyday clothes, whatever. Sometimes small things remind us we're special.

(Click here for Part 2)