5 Ways to Treat Yourself This March

Have we had enough time to reflect about ourselves and how we take care? Probably! For many, the last year has included introducing a new routine like skincare, fitness, or dietary in some way. Personally, I have really been able to lock in an important part of my day  - morning movement. It sets me up for a MUCH better day than if I didn’t do it at all. Sure, it’s not something I *want* to do when I wake up in the morning, but the benefits outweigh those excuses. If you’re a parent you know that time for yourself comes far and few between, and when that time comes - it’s hard to make a decision. So what I’ve done is curate a list of a few things that you can try on as a fun way to treat yourself before winter is over. If you have any new ideas - please share them below!

Fancy Takeout (Can be alone!)

I know this sounds lonely but can actually be a lot of fun! Order lunch from one of your favorite local places, and set it all up for yourself while the kids are in nap or having some quiet time (if that happens - and if it doesn’t, try dinner!) Get outside in the sunshine if you can. Bonus points if you can get out of your house completely and have a babysitter - find a park and set up shop. 

Splurge on Comfort

I am not one to typically drop a ridiculous amount on items that can be purchased for much less, but sometimes it just has to happen and it’s worth it for the experience. Two years ago, I saw the most incredible reviews for the Barefoot Dreams blanket (yes, the one that the Kardashians use) and when I saw the price, I said “hell no”. But, truly I do not buy many things for myself and also truly - I spend a lot of time at home. Something that is going to make me happy is a good quality, cozy throw blanket to curl up with. Now, I can hear you saying “but what about the kids!” and this is a valid concern. I keep it away from them -haha! I only bring it out when they are asleep, or at least if they are not eating around me. I totally understand that spending so much on a throw blanket can seem ridiculous, but I encourage you to buy something for yourself you wouldn’t “normally” or at least it would be something that you think twice about. 

Wine or Beer Tasting

Having a nice drink at the end of the day is for sure a way to treat yourself, but I recommend going the extra mile and making yourself a fancy tasting of your preferred alcohol at home. Find local breweries or wineries where you can pick up some of their products, or shop at the grocery store for your favorites. The key is to set these up with snacks that pair well so the experience is more about the pairing and tasting than it is about just drinking a glass of wine. You’re going to want lots of different flavors - from sweet, to salty, to tart, to savory. Once you choose your beverages, google some easy pairing tips or recipes that can bring the experience to life.

Laser Hair Removal

I did laser hair removal YEARS ago and it was hands down one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Now, when you have babies - your hormones change and that, in turn, can bring on some hair regrowth. Because Graham is in school in the mornings, I have some more flexibility now to be able to get things squared away again. A few months ago, I started my laser hair treatment with Milan Laser here in Lancaster, but they have dozens of locations around the country. I chose them specifically because they were founded by two board-certified medical doctors. AND they really put an emphasis on your safety -- all of their procedures are performed by physicians or highly-trained medical professionals and all of their treatments are performed using FDA-cleared lasers and are tailored to your specific skin type & hair color. In a trendy industry, looking for this medical affiliation is SO important to your safety and results.

I am really excited to have this permanent solution to hair removal back in my life because let me tell you - it is a big time saver and $$$ saver to not have to shave my legs or get bikini waxes. Being an entrepreneur and mom to 3, I am really excited to have one less aspect of my beauty routine checked off for good! Stay tuned for my full review on my experience with laser hair removal when I am done with all of my treatments!

Spa Day

While many spas and salons remain closed or limit their services, I have found a few local ones that have been taking extra precautions. I plan on trying to get some sort of massage or facial service done, once I fully feel comfortable going into a spa. Until then, I have rounded up a few ideas for an at-home spa day. For you busy mamas, I know it’s hard to get away, so truthfully - you can even just do some of this, or cut back the amount of time you wait with each process and get this done in as little as 30 minutes. Here is a nice routine that can replicate parts of a facial to leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed:

• Wash your face and apply a scrub. Massage this into your skin for a few minutes and rinse off. 

• Apply a clay mask and under eye masks

• Apply a hair mask (this leaves your hair SO soft)

• While this dries, take an epsom salt bath with essential oils (if you don’t have time, just let the masks sit for 10-15 minutes and then shower off!)

• Remove the masks and wash, obviously, and then get your coziest robe

• Follow up with a serum and facial roller (if you don’t have a facial roller, just use your fingertips to give yourself a light massage)

BONUS: Organize a part of your house.

I know this doesn’t seem very “care” like, but if you dedicate time to ONE part of your house and get it done - you will feel SO much better after, and the feel-good feelings are going to last for weeks! Or, as long as you keep it organized! :)

I hope that all of you are able to find some ways to treat yourself - you deserve it, even if it is 15 minutes!