self care… sometimes i think this phrase is a joke in mamahood because honestly, who has the time with a bunch of babes running around to truly take care of yourself? i’m lucky to wash my hair once a week, have a hot cup of coffee, even eat a warm meal….or heaven-forbid pee alone and oftentimes feel like, us mamas are the last ones to be taken care of. we don’t get sick days and we always have little humans who whole-heartedly depend on us to keep them alive.

do not mistake this for complaining because i 100% knew what i was signing up for with each babe and we thoughtfully wanted each one. none of them were a surprise and to be honest, i thrive on these little humans needing me. that doesn’t mean, though, that i don’t need alone time or time to care for myself a little bit because what i have learned in this journey of mamahood is that if mama isn’t taken care of, no one will be. if i’m running on empty, i don’t have the energy or patience to deal with everything that the day brings and everyone is affected.

zach and i work really well as a team and over the last 3 years of being home with the kids, it has taken a lot of communicating and problem-solving on both of our ends to make sure both of our needs are met. it’s a fine balance to manage it all and we haven’t always been successful but we have certainly grown and gotten better at the balance! regardless of whether you are intentional or it comes naturally, take the time to care for yourself, when you can.

sometimes it takes creativity and movement in schedules but i’m teaming up with pure romance today to share 8 ways you can care for yourself on every budget + time frame!

8 ways to care for yourself in the new year

one
alone time
whenever you need to take it…take 10-15 minutes BY YOURSELF. maybe that’s first thing in the morning or last thing before you crawl under, but take the time to reflect. pray. make a list of your blessings. enjoy your coffee or tea while it’s HOT. read your bible. journal. read a book. just sit there. take the time to do YOU. do what makes you happy and refill your cup.

two
nails/lashes
if you can swing it, take the time to get pampered. whether it’s a mani, pedi, lashes….do whatever makes you feel sexy and feel good about yourself. for me, it’s my lashes. it’s my way to take 2 hours by myself every month, sneak in a nap on the chair and then it lasts all month long. i walk out of the house most days in a top knot without any makeup and still feel put together. i’ve had seasons of doing my nails and for now it’s not in our budget… i did discover color street which has been a lifesaver for me because i LOVE to have my nails done…they’re more affordable and are set immediately so i don’t have to worry about wrinkles + chips.

three
a ‘spa day at home’ – bubble bath
i LOVE baths… unfortunately the only tub in our house is filled with toddler toys and is a joke so while i don’t really get time for baths myself, i do like a long shower {throw a bath bomb on the floor + call it good}! while i’m not completely new to pure romance, i admit that i had NO IDEA everything they had to offer outside of the obvious….sex toys. their line of luxurious bath + body products blew me away and if you’re lucky enough to have a tub to soak in, add some of this delicious bubble bath+ a few candles and your set!  whether you’re pampering yourself or even looking to gift someone an at home kit, you can try out the after-bath body oil, the delicious smelling body mist, stretch mark reducer{seriously what mama doesn’t want this?!}, essential oils, repair cream and even a sunless tanner! the perfect way to take care of yourself as a new or seasoned mama…or even if you’re just needing some self love, they have something for everyone! {side note: if you haven’t discovered the coochy cream from pure romance… you are MISSING OUT. don’t let the name scare you away because this stuff is magic in the realm of shaving. TMI alert – i get the worst in-grown hairs + red bumps in my armpits and since making the switch to this magic, i have yet to get one! i gave my sister a bottle for her birthday last week it’s just that good! – tip: leave it on for a couple minutes before shaving!}

discount code:
the amazing folks at pure romance have offered a discount code so make sure to use: MAMAHOOD at checkout for 10% off your order!

four
girls nights
i have a group of couples/friends that we’ve done life with the last 6 years and as our families have grown, us wives make it a point to do monthly {sometimes we’re really good and get it in twice!} girls night. we rotate between homes + restaurants depending on moods and events but try for at least once a month to get together for some wine, apps + desserts. it’s good for the soul and all of our way to just be friends…not mama, not wife, just friends. we laugh, cry… talk about life. whatever it looks like, the point is that we’re together and investing in each other and ourselves!
if you’re looking to spice up girls night a bit, book a free pure romance party for a night of unforgettable fun!!

five
workout/exercise
this ebbed and flowed over the seasons of mamahood but i find that i’m happiest + healthiest when i make this a priority. i’ve done everything from beachbody programs at home to running on the streets and y memberships. i am the most consistent when this is the first thing that happens during the day…so my favorite is setting that alarm for 4:40am and hitting the gym before the circus is awake. it gives me time to take a shower and put myself together before zach even leaves for work. of course i hate the alarm when it goes off but i 100% regret the days that i hit snooze!
tip: grab a buddy!!! whether that’s your significant other or a friend, have someone who holds you accountable!

six
run that errand – by yourself
i’m a firm believer in grocery pick up these days because…well. 3 toddlers… but if an errand needs to be ran and it’s been a crazy day that i know will result in a disaster if i try to take the crew to the store, i will wait for bed time and sneak out after the kids are down. and trust me, there’s something magical about target at 9pm! it’s the perfect way to gather myself, stroll the aisles and find a million things that aren’t needed but oh so needed.

seven
get the fancy coffee/tea
if you read number six and laughed because ‘yea, right…’ then at least give yourself something to look forward to and snag that starbucks! i can handle most anything with a delicious coffee in hand and it’s an easy way to spoil yourself!

eight
audiobooks
this is still new to me and while i realize i’m way late to the game, this has been a game changer for me! i throw on an audiobook when it’s time for dishes and take the time to zone out while also getting a chore i hate done. girl, wash your faceby rachel hollis is completely free to download on amazon and if you haven’t read/listened to it, i suggest you start there!

whether you’re looking to spoil yourself or gift a new {or experienced!} mama a day of pampering, pure romance has you covered! pure romance is known for their parties and is such a great way to get your girlfriends together for a girls night in! a trained consultant will help you host your girls night and even better, you’ll receive a free gift + 10% of sales apply to your order! you can read more about hosting a party or even schedule one HERE!

a huge thank you to pure romance for sponsoring this post and the incredible ivory lamb photography for capturing this sweet bump!

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