ME TIME

September 10th, 2008

Being a busy mother of two small children, “me time” can be nearly impossible however imperative to look and feel your best. In order to be the best mom I can be, I need to take care of myself. Many mothers have asked me how and where I find the time to take care of me. I make time, through organization and resourcefulness every mom can feel great and even look like a “hot mom” I have tips for every budget and lifestyle.

After having two children via c section, 3 years apart, the first weighed in at 9lbs 4oz and the second a whopping 10lbs 9oz…I was in horrible shape. I gained over 90 lbs with my second pregnancy and I looked and felt disgusting! After constantly comparing myself to when I was cute, and fit, I decided, it’s time to stop telling the world how great I was and be the person I want to be now.

Where did I start you’re wondering? How did I find time, I was the principal of a private preschool working 40-50 hours, with two small children and an active social life…free time was scarce. So I started with a schedule. I would write down everything I wanted to accomplish that day and week, and wrote in my “me time” along with chores, activities, kids, and work items also making time for my relationship. (My kids and relationship deserve my love and time first and foremost)

Instead of cramming all of my me time into one luxurious day of pampering that I surely could not keep up with, I distribute it throughout the week. Without overwhelming this post with my entire weekly schedule, I’ll give a few examples of how I worked MT (Me Time) into my busy life. Mondays-Eyebrow pluck, whiten teeth, shave legs. Tuesdays-Facial(every other week), Sunless Tan.Wednesday- Candlelit shower (with soothing music)…etc.

As far as working out, If I know my day will not allow for a work out, I will wake up 30 mins early in the morning and squeeze in a 10-20 minute work out, before the kids awaken and sip some tea or a Crystal Light. Yes, you have to force yourself to get out of bed…but the difference it makes is well worth it! If the mornings are just out of the question, working out after putting the kids down works well to relieve the tension of the day. I also learned work out techniques that help burn more calories in a shorter amount of time and I calorie counted. As I post more blogs, I will delve more into my fitness and weight-loss tips and techniques.

MT isn’t just about finding the time, but money can be an issue too. Fortunately my family and I live comfortably, but before my second son was born there was a time when I was a single mom and had to learn some major money saving techniques. Even now, my family is by no standards financially wealthy, so frugality is still a great quality to have. I’ve learned to give myself at home facials, using products I purchase at Wal Mart or Target that are very effective. I also learned some tips and tools for coloring, highlighting and cutting my own hair. I use store bought sunless tanner and I learned tips for applying that well also. Sure I can afford to go get these things done professionally, and every now and then I will, but I still save so much time and money doing it at home. I also work out at home, I’ve made some inexpensive investments in workout equipment and work out DVD’s.

I certainly don’t look at myself as the most gorgeous mom on Earth, at all! But, I am proud of my hard work, and more importantly, I feel great about myself. I still have moments when my self esteem gets low…but I love who I am on the inside and that’s where my real strength is.

I welcome any questions or comments. If you’re curious about which products I use to save money and get maximum efficiency stay tuned to my future blogs. I will also take you down my 90 lb weight loss journey and keep you updated as I continue on my busy path of fitness, motherhood, career, and life!

Pay attention because Mom really DOES know best!

Kisses!

8 months pregnant, at Ripley’s, next to a figure of the largest man ever drafted