Taking Care of Me

As mothers I think we often put ourselves last on our priority lists.  We often are the ones that eat last, shower last, get updated clothes last and so on.  We often feel guilty if we have the sitter or spouse watch the kiddo so you can go get your nails done or go to the gym or just go for an hour.  We often rationalize ourselves out of buying something for ourselves because we know the kiddo or family needs something else.  I can't tell you how many times I have used a gift card I received ends up going to buying something for my daughter or for the house.
Over the last few months I have spent a lot of time thinking about balance and how I can take care of myself too.  I have learned that my taking care of some of my needs can enable me to pay even more attention to my family's needs.  Now, I'm not suggesting going out every day or week for a day of beauty at a ritzy spa or anything like this, but take a few minutes out of each day to pay attention to you.  Or take the time to review your monthly budget to see if you can budget in a Mommy Maintenance fund.  This fund can go towards a mani/pedi, a new pair of shoes, a movie with some friends, new music from iTunes, or even some Kindle books.  Whatever lets you relax or feel special about yourself.
I don't like to spend a lot of money on me and hate the guilt if I do even more.  So I find ways to spend a bit of time on me with out spending a lot of money.
One way I love is taking care of my nails.  Every month I crave a manicure and pedicure.  I think that this comes from a time when I had acrylics and had my nails done every other week.  So rather than spend the $60 plus tip every month I head to either Walgreens or Target and pick up one or two $2 nail polishes and spend a night giving my nails some TLC.  This is also helpful from keeping me from snacking in front of the tv (yay!).  In the end my nails look great, I have another color to add to the collection, and I didn't waste $58 or a few hours of time.  This way I also don't come home with a ton of guilt weighing down my mani/pedi high.
I believe that I also have the opportunity to show my daughter that you can do small things for yourself and gain a great deal from it.  I don't want her to grow up with this idea of entitlement or high maintenance.
Now don't get me wrong there one thing that I do believe that Mom's should do for themselves and only leave it up to the professionals and that is waxing.  Any kind of waxing.  If you continue to pluck your own eyebrows or shave your bikini line - stop.  Go to a professional!  They have been trained and are the experts. This is an added expense but it is so worth it.  If you just get your eyebrows you only have to worry about maintaining the arch and can go once a month.  If you get your bikini line done, go all year!  Some women think that this is reserved for the months you actually wear a bikini or only if you are in a relationship where someone might actually see you naked, but I say false to both.  This is also just for you.  It is amazing how just 15 minutes of a bit of pain can make you feel sexy.  Just think about it.  Go online and Google some waxing boutiques.  Don't just depend on the neon signs you see around the minimalls.  I suggest going to a boutique that solely specializes in waxing.
So in a nutshell, don't just be a mom everyday.  Remember that what made you a mom was the fact that you are a woman.  You were a woman first and still are.  Continue to be a woman.  Again this sets you up to be a better mom, wife, partner, and role model.
Take care of you so that you can take care of everyone else!