Taking Care of You

Okay, we are all guilty of taking care of everyone around us, but not ourselves.  We easily spend money on sports programs for our kids or agree on money being spent on our husband's hobbies, such as fishing...but what about us?  It is time to challenge ourselves to some self care.  What is self care?  Well when was the last time you had a hair cut or trim?  A pedicure/manicure?  How about finding time to excercise?  Yep, I don't remember the last time either.
Everyone has different needs and likes.  Some find the time for self maintenance but neglect their creative side.  While others manage to get out for their evening walk, but never seem to have the time to have time with the girls.  Below is a list of ideas to inspire you to take a little time out for yourself.  If you don't find the time no one will find it for you.
Appearance
-make yourself an appointment (finally) for your summer cut and/or color.  If money is tight check into cosmetology schools, they often give really good rates.  Also, you and a friend can help each other by taking turns coloring each others hair.
-put a movie on for the kids and hubby then lock yourself in your bedroom for a pedicure and manicure.  Soak your feet, dry them really well, lotion them up, and put a pretty nail polish on your toes.  The 99C Store has a good selection of manicure and pedicure goodies.
Health
-Join a mom's walking group.  You'd be surprised by the amount of moms that meet at parks and malls each morning to walk.  Many of them toting young ones and strollers.  Great opportunity to walk off calories and chat with some friends.
-Join a fitness club or class.  Fitness clubs offer lots of fun ways to exercise including the Zumba dance.  Some city recreation centers offer free fitness classes free or for really low prices.
-Join a sport you enjoy.  There are lots of softball, soccer, and volleyball leagues out there, its a fun way to exercise.
Social
-Look on social networks for groups with your interests to join locally.  In my area there is a mommies group which I enjoy.  We schedule meet-ups a couple of times a week.  The kids play and we chat.
-Check the library for a book club to join.
-I know this doesn't sound like much of a "me" thing but volunteer for your child's school or join their PTA.  This is a great opportunity to meet other women close to your age and helping others really can make you feel good.
Creative
-If you love to scrapbook but don't have the time, try registering online for digital scrap booking, like snapfish.com.  You can use your creativity to scrapbook, but you don't have to develop film or take the time to pull out all the scrapbooking stuff and then worry about the clean up.
-Register for an art class or photography at your local community college.  Its a chance for you to get away from the house and do something you enjoy at least once a week.
-Join a creative women's group (sometimes you can find a local one online on social networks).  These groups meet up a couple of times a week and craft together. 

Make it your goal to cut some time out for yourself.  If you don't take care of yourself who will.  I think by taking care of yourself, you are better able to care for those around you.

Pamper Yourself!

Here are five ideas to pamper yourself, in a hurry (if need be), easily, and definitely on a budget.

1. Stick your favorite face lotion/cream in the fridge. On a day you've had too much sun or just want something soothing, apply the cold lotion on your face. It feels sooooo good, I should know, I just did it!

2. Take 10 for yourself. Soak your feet in water, add epsom salt if you wish. Then wash your feet with a foot scrub, it moisturizes and sloughs off some of that dead skin we have a tendency to get on our summer feet. You can get foot scrubs at the dollar store.

3. Download your most relaxing music onto itunes, don't have it? Its free to download and you don't have to have an ipod to use it, just listen off your computer after you download your cds. Make a folder labeled RELAX. When stress is at its best steal 15 minutes to yourself and listen to your relaxing music with your eyes closed. Turn it up to block out the kids!

4. Stash your own little guilty pleasure such as little Dove chocolates or some dark chocolate, you know what you love. When things are hectic and you need to slow down find a quiet corner and take a minute to indulge in one of your little treats with your eyes closed and focus only on the taste in your mouth.

5. Buy yourself a little inexpensive bouquet of flowers next time you are at the grocery store, or if you happen to have flowers growing in your yard hand cut some and put them in a vase. Place them somewhere you will see whenever you walk through the livingroom. They'll make you smile when you see them. Who doesn't love flowers?

There are lots of little things we can do for ourselves that we normally don't think to do. Why because we are moms and life goes so quickly we barely make time to "smell the roses." While I wouldn't trade my life for anything, I do know that I need to try and recharge my batteries even if that means 2 minutes at a time.
If you have any fun ideas to pamper yourself that are fast and budget friendly please post a comment!