A few weeks ago, Francesca asked us to think about a series of posts about making time for mom. I laughed. Making time for me? Ha–I never do that. I saw other contributors messaging back about going to the gym and other forms of exercising. Um, nope–not here. I jokingly said I could write about going to Target for diapers…and well, here’s my post.
But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I realize how much time I actually do make for myself. And boy, do some days I need it. I love my kids, don’t get me wrong–I’d do anything for them, but sometimes we all need a break from each other and I am counting down the minutes until The Professor gets home.
So what do I do for myself?
1. Trips to Target–Ahh, one of my happy places. I have the best time just wandering the aisles of Target. I try not to pick up anything that we don’t need, but occasionally something jumps in my buggy. Funny how that happens.
2. Trips to the library–My other happy place. I love reading, but don’t have the money or space to buy all the books I want to read. Recently I’ve fallen back in love with my Kindle (like the original one they came out with), but there is something special about all those books. I do take the kids to pick out books & go to story time, but I love going by myself to browse the new books or just sit down to read a magazine.
Also, in case you didn’t know, you can check out magazines through the library onto your mobile device (I use my iPad). I get almost all my favorite magazines current issues right there–FOR FREE!!!! Also, you can check out past issues of the paper magazines at the library (hello last week’s People).
3. Blogging–I used to have a personal blog, but I just really couldn’t keep up with writing every day, and to be a successful blog, you need daily content. That is why Knoxville Moms Blog is perfect for me. I get to write a few times a month and share things that are on my mind. And I get to meet some really great people like you!
4. Social Media–Another one of my happy places. I’m pretty active on social media–I love Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads. I’ve made lots of new friends and reconnected with long lost friends. Plus, it’s a nice getaway from reality when I can pin all the crafts and desserts that I will never make.
5. Knoxville Multiples Club meetings–I’ll be honest here, I don’t go to these meeting like I should, but I’m making a goal for myself to attend more. This is a great group of ladies and I’m hoping to make some good connections here.
6. Knoxville Moms Blog Mom’s Night Out events–These are really fun and if you haven’t tried one yet, I suggest you come to our next one. I’ve been attending them since February and each one has been something very different and exciting. And the events are often things that wouldn’t be available to me personally (wine tasting at Brixx) or I’d be too nervous to try on my own (Pure Barre class). Plus it’s great to meet other moms!
And of course, I couldn’t do any of this without my amazing husband. I try not to leave him alone with bedtime duties, but he has been reminding me (more and more often) that he is fully capable of taking care of the kids so that I can get out and have time if I need it–whether that is 30 minutes to take an IG break or a mom’s night out.
If you missed any of the previous posts in this series, you can find them linked below.
Whaaa? Stuff randomly jumps in your Target buggy too? Thought it was just me 😉 LOVE the magazine tip! How cool!
It’s really a great resource! But I never get them read–at least I don’t have 20 stacked up on my bedside table.
Don’t totally give up your personal blog if you love it. Daily content isn’t necessary for success.
My favorite mom-time is holing up in a comfy chair in the library with a good book.
For some reason I always get really anxious when reading in the actual library. Must be that it is TOO quiet. But I did steal away last night for some cookbooks and looked over a magazine while I was there.
The Dollar Spot sucks me in every time! We use my husband’s air miles to subscribe to People (my fave guilty pleasure!) and I would be happy to send them your way any time! 🙂
The Dollar Spot?? More like the $50 Spot by the time I’m finished. Haha. And I’d love those People magazines–it’s not one of the free magazines you can electronically download. 🙂 Thanks!!!