As I’ve mentioned before, my entire NYC Vivienne Tam experience with HP allowed this uber practical, coupon clipping, “never splurges on self” mommy to enjoy the luxury of a few beautiful things. It wasn’t something for my children or my family – it was just for me. Honestly folks, it’s unheard of around the parts. I am still so appreciative.
And now I want to share a small part of this experience with you. HP has graciously given me three Vivienne Tam HP Wireless mice to giveaway here on Morningside Mom. (Did you know they aren’t even available for purchase in the U.S.?) I am thrilled to be able to share a little bit of beautiful with you all.
How do you enter? Simply leave a comment below explaining how everyday working, parenting, budgeting women can take care of themselves when they so often forget to. I will pick three inspiring comments and announce the winners on Friday, March 6th.
And one last bit of trivia about Vivienne Tam before I sign off. The enter key on the VT HP mini has a chinese symbol on it. Do you know what it means? It means “Double Happiness”. And now doesn’t that just make so much sense? I hope this giveaway brings a small bit of happiness to three of you.
Good luck!
**UPDATE – WE HAVE THREE WINNERS!**
Congrats to our three winners: Cami, Chandra and Carol! They wrote inspiring comments and I encourage you all to read them. In fact, I would encourage you to take a moment to read every comment here – what fantastic advice for women to follow. Thank you to everyone who participated, it means so much that you took the time to share this wisdom.
Stumble It!
Morningside Mom 
A great way is to add things for you to your to do list. It works. Right after drop kids off at school, I have eat breakfast.
Another way is to make a to do list and stick to it.
I always make sure that I have some ‘me-time’ each day, even if it’s only ten minutes. It’s time for me to jump around dancing madly to some happy music, or sit quietly and reflect on the positives in my life. Often I’ll take the time to do one of my crafts which so often take second place to the other things in my life. This always makes me feel good, and more serene!
I try to take a drive. You know, further than driving two minutes to Target. I turn the music up or call an old friend. And I try to laugh or bounce a little.
Hmmmm…. things I like to do to refresh myself… 1) call in for a mental health day, only when the hubby and child are not home, 2) try to leave at least 3 vacation days just for moi to do anything I want, 3) get my daughter to school and jump on the elliptical even if only for 15 minutes in the am, 4) sit and read inspirational posts on the internet blogs:), 5) make sure I get outside during my lunch break,6) read a whole book from start to finish no matter how late I have to stay up.
I try to work out everyday. At least 30 minutes. Besides being good for my health, it really helps clear my head and gives me time to breath.
I wrote a whole post for Mom’s Marbles about this very topic. Check it out: http://www.momsmarbles.com/2008/11/moms-with-marbles-ilina-ewan-on-guilty.html
That little mouse is so stinking cool. When the economy turns around I’m going to have to splurge on myself to get that laptop.
One of the best ways a busy woman can take care of herself is through a balanced diet. A healthy diet can improve mood, reduce headaches and combat fatigue. Its impossible to be effective when you are not at 100 percent.
Even more so, taking the time to savor your food can prevent overeating because your brain has time to process the signal from your stomach that you are full. So, instead of wolfing down a quick meal on the go take 20 minutes at least once a day to sit down and enjoy a meal. Its a small investment.
Sometimes events and meetings which are important for my career happen at night or at a time when I must get a sitter for the kids. That doesn’t happen that often, but my kids and husband usually give me the puppy dog look and that makes it hard to follow through and leave them. Taking some reasonable time for me to network or have a girls’ night out re-energizes me.
I think what a owrking woman can do for herself is to take time for herself. Time has to put aside to do what you want and to do things you enjoy. Whether it be exercise or just watching TV, it has to be scheduled. It’s important to me to be able to have at least an hour of my time. I use it to read a book or some of the magazines I love. It is essential to anyone’s weel being to take care of themselves. I also recommend taking one day a month to go to the spa. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive it can be a manicure, a facial or a pedicure. My philosphy is that you cannot take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.
Sometimes it feels like there is no time to stop, but minutes can be taken here and there. If you can find solitude- take it. These things feed my soul… What feeds yours? Look at a beautiful work of art. Read “And Still I Rise”. Write a haiku. Listen to Dawn Upshaw singing Goethe Lieder. Look at flowing water in fountains, rivers, or lakes. Visit the museum. Look at the stars. Breathe.
I’m guilty of forgetting to take care of me sometimes. I decided, as a New Year’s resolution, to make “me” time a new tradition. To get me started on the right foot, my husband generously bought me a gift card to a favorite coffee spot of mine. I use this once a month to have an evening alone; just coffee, my laptop, and me. I also take long, hot baths on long days or days I don’t feel well. Finally, (and I hope this isn’t t.m.i.) I bought myself some pretty underwear to wear under my mom clothes. You know, the ones that are stained from hanging out with a toddler? It’s my own “secret” way of feeling beautiful and pampered.
For me, it’s all about the small things. There’s something little I can do everyday to take care of myself while caring for my family. Even if it means, I only get 2 minutes to myself. In those two minutes, I breathe and relax.
Thanks for the great giveaway. I hope to add another something “small” to my day.
This is too cool! I just posted this weekend how I’m selling everything not nailed down in my house for a new computer, and reference the little red clutch you have. Here is the link:
http://designhermomma.blogspot.com/2009/02/momma-needs-new-backspace-key-now.html
But a bit-o-inspiration for you. As a WAHM, I find it essential to take care about myself by trying my best to ask for help and accept help from other moms. I am not an island, and I’m not super woman. Us women need each other – so ask for help when needed (and don’t forget to return the favor).
Additionally – treat yourself right. eat good food, indulge in the simple things like hot baths, good books, coffee with a friend. All work and no play makes momma a very cranky lady!
Hope I win! My clicker finger would cherish! I know I can’t afford the laptop – maybe it’s my lucky day for the mouse…
Embrace the fact that there is no finding time or making time. We all get the same 24 hours each day to spend. What’s difficult for us is allowing ourselves to spend some time refreshing and renewing ourselves. Part of that involves accepting that you are more effective and productive if refreshed. The other part is getting others to accept the same.
It’s our responsibility – to ourselves – to train those around us to respect that time. The most critical way to do this is to be consistent. Set the same amount of time aside on a regular basis in which to do whatever you find refreshing or renewing. That may be fifteen minutes each day for something simple like curling up with a magazine and cup of tea. Or it may be a couple hours each weekend for home spa treatments.
Name it. At our house, it’s called “Mama Time.”
Whatever you decide, make sure your family understands that it is your time. If the kids are little, setting a timer for them may be helpful. “Until the timer dings, if you need something, you have to ask Daddy.” Be consistent by insisting they respect that time and by sticking to that time yourself. If you’re not consistent, it shows them that you’re not honoring your time for you, so why should they?
Consistency sometimes requires flexibility. If you have to slightly alter your schedule one day (or one week) let your family know that you are moving your renewal time, but not canceling it.
If you’re consistent (and insistent), it won’t take them long to get into the groove with you.
ME Time
A few extra minutes in the shower reveling in the feel of the warm water sliding down my body.
The sun rising in the morning spreading glorious colors throughout the sky and clouds.
The sound of my boy’s laughter echoing up the stairs as Daddy does something funny and I just sit on the bed, alone, for a few minutes.
Reading a book.
Drinking a cup of coffee on the deck breathing in the fresh air.
Singing out loud to a favorite song.
Laughing over something stupid with a girlfriend
Splurge? Take care of myself? What? I don’t know what these words mean. I am a single, working mom. Nuff said. I started thinking about how I take care of myself and at first came up empty handed. I don’t have money for expensive clothes and even if I could pay for a massage or pedicure, I don’t like strangers touching my different body parts. So I thought really hard. All of a sudden it hit me. I know what I splurge on. I know what makes me feel crazy good. It’s C.O. Bigelow’s Mentha cinnamint Lip Shine. You can get it at Bath & Body Works. The only thing is this little tube costs $7.50. That is a nice dinner at my house. Maybe even two nice dinners. BUT… I have never paid full price for it. You can usually find a half off sale. Anyway, it is SO absolutely delish. I feel like a supermodel when I wear it. I have even been known to smile at myself in the mirror after I put it on. It’s a super thick lip gloss and stays on forever. This stuff is a cinnamon AND mint nirvana. I would share anything I have with anybody else, but do not ask to try my lip shine. It’s all mine. Don’t ask to try my banana Creamies either, they’re all mine too.
I guess finding my own little pieces of heaven and taking a few minutes to enjoy them (without ANY guilt) reminds me that I’m still a girl and I deserve the sweet little things in life too.
This is something that’s been on my mind so much lately. I have a contest going on right now at my blog, and my one requirement is for entrants to visit the sponsor site and pick something they would want for THEMSELVES, not their kids, spouse, mother, friend, or anyone else.
I’ve recently started getting back into my focusing on my personal appearance, nearly a year after my 3rd child was born. I’ve begun eating a better diet by cutting out wheat and milk, and I make the conscious decision to put on makeup and get dressed each day. What a difference this has made in my feelings about myself! I’m taking this renewed interest in meeting my own needs and transferring it to my blog. I’ll be focusing on ways that moms can treat themselves to fashion and beauty items without breaking the bank. I’m very excited about the changes to come, in my life and in my blog!
Thanks for letting me put this out here, Caroline!
I recognized the symbol right away! When we adopted PunditGirl from China, one of the things I bought was a pair of earrings for me with that symbol. Traditionally, it’s used for weddings, but I figured I could use it, as well!
As for making time for myself? I wish I could say I was better at it. But I have decided I have to for a new big reason — if I don’t, I won’t live long enough for my tanking investments to come back.
But I have gotten back into my love of photography to feed my spirit and it is really helping with my attitude, especially in these tough times!
That is so slick.
The first good for mom’s to take care of themselves is to have diet that works them, I don’t mean a ‘diet’ diet.. just general eating habits that are conducive to their lifestyle and schedule (different foods work for different people). I would recommend fresh foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains) for you AND your family. Making sure the kids get all their nutrients with less snacking means less grouchy and irritable kids- meaning a more relaxed mom! Of course, a treat every once in awhile is nice as well! Also, finding activities that you and your children can do together is a great way to keep the kids happy. Getting children involved in your fitness routine can be a fun change. There are tons of great ways to de-stress WITH your family.
Taking care of yourself does not always mean time alone (although it can). If you need a break away from your family, you can arrange baby sitting with other parents, maybe alternate once a week or perhaps leave the children with relatives once in awhile. Exercise is also a great way to lower stress and keep healthy and happy, so fitness activities are great for moms. Moms can even work out with other moms and share tips! Busy women should remember is that its okay to take some time for themselves outside of activities that surround their everyday lives. I know that many women feel guilty about taking ‘me time’ but sometimes it’s necessary to take that little break in order to get rid of some stress and in order to be a better, healthier and more energetic mommy! Children love seeing their parents happy!
But above all else, making sure that moms are healthy, rested and energized is the best way they can take care of themselves!
I’m a working mom of four and I know there are plenty of times I get that overwhelmed feeling; it’s a physical sick-to-my-stomach feeling when I’m thinking there’s way too many things I SHOULD be doing and not enough time to do them.
I have two bins in my kitchen. They’re simple Rubbermaid containers. One has my “Mommy Snacks” which are low-cal, low-fat treats I can grab when I’m feeling hungry. It saves me from grabbing a cookie or something fattening and blowing my whole Weight Watcher’s diet. The other bin has my “Mommy Treats”; whenever I get that overwhelmed feeling I reach for a Mommy Treat. Inside the bin I wrote down little “me-things” that I can do to unwind and treat myself: painting my toenails, taking a bubble bath and shaving my legs (trust me, if I didn’t write it down and make myself do it, I’d have Sasquatch-legs all the time), reading a book for 1/2 hour, and there’s a $10 bill in there for the little scrap of paper that says “buy yourself something”. Whatever I pick, I get to do.
While I probably hit the Mommy Snacks far more than the Treats, it’s still a boost to go in there and pick something out of the bin just for me. It’s especially nice when I’ve had a horrible day at work and things just aren’t getting done quick enough at home.
My husband is in the Air Force and he’s gone a lot! Right now he’s deployed to Afghanistan and I’m here raising our two year old son and taking care of our home. I have bad days where I just want to stay in bed but thats not an option for a Mom, especially a somewhat single parent. What I do to keep from going insane is to get out of the house everyday, even if its for a walk around the block. It helps to release tension and I feel it creates a stronger bond with my son. I also write letters to no one, I fill pages with random thoughts through out the day. When I’ve released those thoughts for good, I toss the pages. I do this for my son as well as me, he deserves the best Mom.
I posted a hand-written sign directly over my desk: “TAKE A DEEP BREATH.” That seems so simple, but you can’t imagine how often I need that simple reminder. I close my eyes, and take a slow, deep breath, slowly in, slowly out. It’s a huge help with my stress level.
Wonderful giveaway. Thanks!
I take time for myself but placing my son in daycare. I work from home and although I know that other mothers are able to keep their children at home and work, I do not beat myself up about my decision. I work 20 hour weeks and always give myself time to work on my blog, reading my favorite blogs and hanging out on twitter. I do my social media thing before picking up my son (but am known to tweet every now and then when he is home). Having this one thing for me, without interruption makes all the difference in the world.
I have also realized the importance of adding exercise to my schedule, when I do I get the serious endorphine high, sleep better and my mood is improved tremendously. 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 days a week has made a big difference in my life.
And finally, this does not happen often enough but when I take the time to use my jacuzzi tub it is so relaxing and feeling the jets of water hitting my body is pure bliss. I need to do that more often!
Unplug, leave the cell phone, laptop and aanyother devise on the desk and walk away. Have a glass of wine, or cup of tea. Slide into a hot bath or take a long walk and enjoy the sunshine. Learn to let go, and allow for the inner YOU to shine on. You will be surprised how far your dreams will go, when you let go of the shadows that are holding you back.
Have a friend like me!
Seriously, stay connected with all your girlfriends, Moms and non-Moms alike. We will remind you of who you were, who you are, and the boy you so badly wanted to kiss in high school.
It is connections that can keep you refreshed.
Yay! Just yay! I’m so stinkin’ excited to win the mouse! Thank you!!!