Diamonds Are Not This Girls Best Friend.

When and where would I ever have a chance to wear diamonds? Besides my wedding ring and Pandora bracelet, all of my jewelry is tucked away in a box in the closet. So then, what does this mommy need to feel pampered? T I M E. Time to myself, time with my husband, time to eat a quiet meal, time to be creative, time to think. Nearly everyday during my pregnancy with D , the moment my husband walked through the door, my first words were "can I take a bath?" It was my 10-15 minutes of relaxation and solitude for the day. The water is so loud that it is nearly impossible to think about anything else. A hot bath is my go to "medicine" whenever I have had a long day, or don't feel well. My husband taking care of the children while I take these few minutes is more romantic than almost anything I can think of. Now, I am not saying a dozen purple roses, or a new coach bag wouldn't win him points every now and again. But when it comes to the day-to-day acts of affection, nothing could be better.

Other than being with my children and family my favorite ways to spend my time include: scrap booking and writing (time to be creative), weekend trips with Jon (time to be someone other than mommy), sitting around a campfire or spending an hour at a spa (time to relax and think), stay- at- home date nights with netflix and take-out (a quiet meal and time with my husband) and finally a nap every now and again completely on my schedule (time for just me).

Before you have children and a household to take care of, your time for the most part is your own. You can sleep in on a Saturday morning and watch movies all day. You can decide last minute to go to dinner and a movie. You can devote as much time to your hobbies as you choose. These things will change as life does. I wouldn't trade the way I spend my days for anything else in the world. However, I have learned quickly to not forget about myself in the process. I am a better wife and mother when I do.