Hey mamas,

So I know that after the working, cooking, cleaning, dipey changing, and booger wiping, there’s not a lot of time- or energy- left for mama.  I want to encourage you and tell you that the role of a mother is a dirty, but such an honorable job, even if you don’t feel very “honored” in the process. That being said, and as self sacrificing as I try to be for my family, I need to do a couple things just for me now and then before I get to the point of total melt down. Know the feeling? Here are a couple ideas to inspire you to get the “me-time” every mama needs from time to time!

Face masks

This is something I do at least once a week. I try to fit it in on days when my husband works late. But sometimes he’s not so lucky. I’ve recently started using the awesome mask called Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Yeah, it’s about as cool as it sounds. This face not only clears my pores when I feel a breakout coming on, it also detoxes my skin and is completely natural! P.s. I’m not sponsored to write this, I just really really like it.

Get yo’ hair done

Getting your hair done can get pricy but see if there are any hair schools near you. I’ve found that a lot of the students who are learning really want to do a good job and put a lot of effort into the cut. Plus their instructors come to check on their work. You’d be surprised how many compliments I’ve gotten on a $12 haircut.

Go to Target and buy yourself something pretty

Even if you have to go with the kids, I find that target is way less stressful than visiting the local grocery store. (If I only need a few key things. If we’re at the point of eating dry cereal out of the box or we have jelly but so bread, then a trip to the grocery store is unfortunate, but needed)

Wake up early and get a mini (or full!) workout in

You know how you always wish there was more time in the day to get crap done? Well to be honest, there is, and it’s usually hiding away in the early morning while your head is snug in your pillow. Want more time in your day? Get up earlier! Get a whole “thing” checked off your list before you would normally wake up. For those of you who are already early risers, you probably know the benefits of this first-hand. I always feel like I’ve had a way more productive day if I can just manage to get myself out of bed. Usually picturing the first cup of coffee does the trick.

Keep a secret stash of your favorite snack

Come on moms. If there’s chocolate in the house, we know where it is. Even if it’s not chocolate, we sometimes need a tiny something that makes us happy when it’s been a long day. Sometimes it’s a handful of chocolate chips. Maybs an caffeinated afternoon pick-me-up.

Paint your toes

As a mom, I’ve all but given up on fingernail polish. I mean, I love when my fingernails are done, but it usually lasts 6 hours before then chip. But I will invest time in painting my toes! Having pretty toes, even if they’re not always visible, makes me feel a bit more- polished- if you will. If you’ve been neglecting those phalanges, pay them some special attention, even if you’re the only one who knows it until spring vacation.

Read a book before bed

As much as I love to catch Friends on Netflix after baby goes to bed, reading a book before bed gives me way more closure at the end of the day than staring at the TV does. Not to mention the possibility of learning something new.

So mamas, what sneaky snacks do you keep tucked away where the kids can’t reach? Favorite toenail polish color? Let me know in the comments below! And share with a pal who you know might be needing those few extra moments of me time!