How to Find Mom the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Just for Her

This post has moved to my new blog here. It’s worth reading so come check it out!

Taking Care of Yourself Tuesdays: Prepared for When Mom is Sick

It’s no fun when mom is sick.  I don’t know about you but I find it incredibly hard to just rest and relax and take care of myself when I am under the weather. There is too much too do and too many little ones who depend on you. But not resting like you should can delay your recovery.  So what is a mom to do?

I am brainstorming about this very question right now because I feel awful and so does my husband.  The kids are all feeling great though, and while I am glad, they still need to be fed, entertained and taken care of.  So I am thinking now about how I can prepare for next time. I had the idea to create a “For when mom is sick” box. Here is what I think should be in it:

For When Mom Is Sick Box

Kid snacks– I would suggest stocking several non perishable snacks (granola bars, crackers, nuts) so that when the kids are hungry you have stuff on hand.

Easy to prepare meals– mac n cheese, canned soups, jars of spaghetti sauce and pasta, or other quick and easy meal ideas that you can put together quickly to feed the kids.

Easy Foods for you– Broths and soups and snacks in case you do have an appetite.

Vitamins and medicine– Since you are preparing for when you are sick you might as well go ahead and get these things. It’s no fun to have to go to a store when you are sick.  Throw in some Sambucus Syrup (Elderberry syrup) to help boost your immunity and help keep anyone who isn’t sick yet from getting sick too.

New Games or Toys for the kids– Kids seem to have extra energy when you have none.  Help keep them entertained with a new game, coloring books, small toys, etc… Why should it be new?  Because they will be more likely to spend more time with it if it is new.  You may even save a new movie for this occasion.

 

Make sure you also give yourself permission to take it easy and get healthy! If you have friends or family close by let them know if you need help.

Question for you: What would you add to your box?

Tea Collection Clothing: Additional 20% off on Sale Items

A couple weekends ago I was in a local kids boutique store looking at all of the Tea Collection clothing they have for Spring and Summer. I really love this brand! Their clothes are great quality and incredibly cute. I wanted to buy one of each item!

Right now through May 3rd, you can get an Extra 20% off sale items when you use the code: EXTRA20

Hurry! The sale only lasts through May 3rd and there are limited quantities. I’m headed over there now to see what kind of deals I can get!

Taking Care Of Yourself Tuesday: Permission to Relax

I’ve found that sometimes moms need permission to relax.  When we have little ones we can feel like the list of to-dos is never ending and when there are things to be done then we feel guilty taking a break.

But moms desperately need breaks!

 

If you keep going, and going…and going… you will eventually burn out and will be no good to anyone.  So, I want to encourage you to schedule breaks in your days.  Take a day off during the week for rest and perhaps another day where you are productive but only on the fun things on your list like meeting a friend for lunch, reading a good book, working on a craft or decor project or another task that will rejuvenate you. Also, allow yourself moments in your day to put away the work and relax.

Let go of your guilt and give yourself permission to take care of yourself well. Your kids will watch you and learn how to balance work, fun and rest, which is important for them to learn as well.

If you are concerned what your husband thinks about your productivity during the day then ask him.

Seriously! Ask him what he thinks about you taking breaks in your day to rest and relax and a day in your week to have fun.  I am willing to bet that he will be perfectly fine with it and even encourage it.  Hopefully he understands that you do your best work and are most productive when you are rested and refreshed. I used to feel guilty because I was guessing that my husband thought I wasn’t doing enough but I was mistaken and talking to him about it made me feel better about taking care of myself.

If you are a single mom it is very important for you to take breaks and get help when you can too.  Make it a priority and perhaps find a friend who can help you by watching your kids so that you get time to yourself.  Single moms rock and I am so in awe of you!

Question for you: What are some things you can add to your list this week as you give yourself permission to relax?

Join us here every Tuesday as we learn to take better care of ourselves.  It’s all about simple reminders and weekly encouragement to not get in a rut that keeps us out of balance and feeling drained.

Have you entered the Taking Care of Yourself Tuesday $25 Amazon.com giveaway?

Happy Nappers: Cute Gifts for Kids {And a Giveaway}

Have you seen Happy Nappers yet?  Coppin’s Gifts has these cute animals that tuck inside their homes to create a pillow. When nap time is over, ring the door bell on the pillow, wake up the animal, unzip the door, pull the animal out and enjoy playing with this fun Happy Nappers friend.

Happy Nappers come as a Ladybug, Cow, Dragon, Bear, Monkey, Dog, Penguin or Unicorn.  My 3 year old was thrilled to receive the Happy Nappers ladybug.  It is bright pink in color and super cute!  Right away we had to bring it with us everywhere we went and the ladybug got tucked into her home for bedtime.

Happy Nappers are a fun new way to play with stuffed animals and snuggle with them during nap time.  They are great for road trips or stays at grandma’s house because you don’t have to bring along a bulky pillow and a stuffed animal.  Just bring the Happy Napper and it becomes a pillow. They are very soft and super cuddly.

Happy Nappers are a great gift idea for kids! Think of them for Birthdays, get well gifts, rewards, and just because.

Coppin’s Gifts sells Happy Nappers and other great gifts for kids and adults alike.  The are very generously offering a Mommy Kudos the opportunity to WIN a Happy Napper of their choice. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  If you are reading this in an email or feed reader click here to go to the site to enter.
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