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Take a “Mom-Out”: Ideas for easy ways to pamper yourself
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‘Tis the season to be jolly…that's what the song tells us at least. But between the holiday frenzy, Christmas shopping, and the current economic downturn that we are all experiencing, ‘tis the season to be stressed is more like it. And who usually bears the burden of the shopping, organizing, wrapping, baking, decorating, Christmas card sending, holiday party organizing, caroling and egg-nogging? We do, of course - the constant jugglers, the sleep-deprived, the many, the MOMS.
Although many of us don’t get enough (or any) ME-time as it is, it’s more important than ever during this holiday season to take a moment to stop, breathe, take a “Mom-Out” and pamper yourself. It doesn’t take much to rejuvenate but if you can find an afternoon, an evening, or any block of time, here are some sure-fire ways to get you refreshed and ready to face whatever the holiday season has to throw your way.
Catch a chick-flick: Have a hankering to see a touchy-feely girly movie that your hubby just grimaces at the thought of? Enlist his help to watch the kids for two hours, while you and a friend, or you alone hit the movies. Buy a big box of popcorn, some Junior Mints, sink into that chair and just escape for a short while. Warning: dark room and warm theater may induce drowsiness in those who are perpetually sleep-deprived. The theater can also be used as a nice place to take a two hour nap. Do a babysitting swap with a mommy friend: What a perfect scenario. A fellow mommy can watch your kids for a while so you can have some time alone, and then you can re-pay her the favor at a future date. The kids get a play date, mommies get their alone time, everyone is happy.
Go to the “spa”: Can’t afford a real spa treatment? Your bathroom is the perfect place to spend some quality time alone – it is so rare to have that luxury when you’re constantly being followed by little feet. Go to your nearest drugstore, buy a bottle of $5 bubble bath and when the kids are asleep, sit and soak. Whatever you had planned for that one hour, can wait.
Go to a party: The next time you get invited to the local cookie swap/bunko night/knitting circle/ornament making/Tupperware/Mary Kay party – go! Even if you are not necessarily interested in whatever the theme of the party is, it is always refreshing to be around other moms who can relate to whatever stresses you are dealing with and can help you laugh it off.
Go shopping at night: There have been a couple times when I’ve put my youngest to bed and headed out to my local Target* for a night of unfettered and glorious shopping alone. No wrangling with those enormous carts that hold multiple kids, no whining about when you’re leaving, and no heading straight to the snack aisle to appease them so you can have one minute to look for a new purse. Pure alone time while shopping! *Insert retail store of your choice. 
Grab a tabloid and find a quiet place in your house: I’m partial to US Weekly, but People Magazine, Star, In Touch, etc. will serve the purpose. It’s nice to use the lives of celebrities to escape for a while and realize that being stalked by paparazzi is probably worse than having to clean Cheerios off the floor for the umpteenth time.Go for a drive: Imagine being able to drive in peace and quiet, listening to your OWN music choice and not that of the Backyardigans, the Cars soundtrack, or Justin Roberts. No reaching back to settle a crying baby, or constantly doling out snacks to those hard-to-reach hands. Drive to the beach and watch the waves, drive to a park, drive on the highway, aimlessly drive around your neighborhood. It doesn’t matter, you’re alone!
See moms? There are a lot of quick and easy (and time efficient, of course) ways we can take a little time to appreciate and pamper the woman behind the mom. After all that we do on a daily basis, it is the least we can do for ourselves.
Check out my article, “Am I doing this right?”on trusting your mommy instinct.
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