Category Archives: Personal

30-minutes Self-care Tips for Moms

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I’ve got these very useful tips from popsugar.com for moms out there to spare a few precious minutes to take care of themselves — self-care tips for you and me.

“Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible. Nothing unattainable.” — Kara Goucher, Olympic long-distance runner

If you have 30 minutes for self-care.

  • Borrow your kid’s coloring book, put on a Spotify playlist you like, and start coloring.
  • Write down something that’s bothering you or keeping you up at night. Then start thinking about the steps you need to take in order to complete the goal, working backward. So if selling your house is something on your mind, think about all of the steps that are getting in your way of doing it (i.e. fix the leaky roof, have the basement repaired, paint the porch, etc.).
  • Stash your phone in your pocket and go on a nature walk.
  • Make yourself some tea and take a soothing bath.
  • Cue up your favorite workout and get exercising.
  • Set up a phone date with a friend you’ve lost touch with. Make sure they’re available to chat with you too.
  • Go to a bookstore and dive into a book or your favorite magazines.
  • Start and complete a mini art project. Maybe it’s turning the pictures on your phone into an album.

Alternative Gifts To Celebrate the Birth of a Baby

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From tiny clothes and cozy blankets to soft toys, people love to bring or send presents for new babies. It’s hard to resist these adorable items, but offering a gift to another member of the family could be a welcome alternative. Here are some ideas of what to give in honor of the baby.

Image by Nico H. from Pixabay

Something for Mom

A typical new mother is exhausted from around-the-clock feedings and perhaps feeling a little less like herself. Something specifically for her, such as a spa or nail salon gift card, will give her the occasion to pamper herself. Another gift card option is one for her favorite clothing store. After months in maternity clothes, she’ll most likely be ready for a new outfit. For the mom who needs some encouragement, a book of short inspirational quotes or meditations may be just what she needs. If she finds comfort in doing meditation, she may also enjoy psychic readings being offered by a spirit guide to uplift her mood.

Something for Siblings

If the baby has older brothers or sisters, they may feel jealous and overshadowed by the noticeable focus on the newborn. When siblings receive special attention from friends and family members, they may be more inclined to celebrate the new little one. Bringing the older child new toys or games can make them feel noticed and appreciated. Cookie bouquets are another great option for young children and bigger kids, since they are fun to look at and delicious to eat. 

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Something for Dad

The father of the new baby might just be the most overlooked family member. He may not want to admit it, but a first-time father can feel hesitant about his new role and wish for some guidance. A parenting book just for dads can make him feel more prepared and connected. Even an experienced dad might like a journal to record memories of the baby’s early life from his unique perspective. 

Providing gifts for the many needs of a newborn is one way to support the family, but it’s fine to change things up. Bringing presents for the baby’s family members can convey encouragement for them in their very important new roles.

In retrospect on my birthday

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It will be my birthday a few days from now.  At this stage of my life, I only wish for simple things, good health and more years to see through my children raise their own family.  I may not be that old, but there are health issues that need to be addressed to achieve a life that I wish for. While I’m working on my personal health goals, I’m trying to steer clear of unpleasant things, situations, and even people that would bring out unnecessary stress.

Photo by Dan Prado from Pexels

Me time is all that I ask for my birthday.  I just want to stay at home and enjoy watching new shows on Netflix. I want to free my mind of worries for a moment while lounging on the couch or lie in bed with that super soft Foam By Mail cushion. (In retrospect, the closed cell foam sheets in our bed have also helped a lot in easing out the muscle and joint pains.)

Cheers to 49!