I remember talking to a girlfriend when my first daughter was nine months old. The past nine months had been hard. I had struggled with a difficult and scary birthing experience and had definitely battled some baby blues. But I was figuring it out – “If I just force myself to take a shower and brush my teeth every day, it makes the baby-crying and the sleep deprivation just a little easier.” My girlfriend didn’t have children yet. She was silent. I regretted my confession – sometimes I don’t shower…sometimes I don’t brush my teeth! I have to REMIND myself to take care of myself. When you cross over to the world of motherhood, a lot of things change. And while most of the changes are unbelievably wonderful, there are definitely some changes that make the transition tough. For example, I never knew that I’d have to share so much of myself – share time, share my bed, share the shower, my clothes, my lipstick, and my dessert. I can get so lost in my kids that I have to make a conscious effort to remember who I am – to do things that make me feel good or I never get around to it and I end up feeling like I’m drowning. In the evenings, I create. I spend all day wading through laundry, toys, dishes, and tangles – when the kids go to bed, I HAVE to do something creative, every night. I have a bucket list of things that I know make me feel good – sew, bake, blog, etc. But during the day, I have a bucket list, too. Brush teeth, take a shower, drink coffee. They’re the basics in self-care, really, and I don’t dedicate a lot of time beyond that to beautify myself.
My Must-Do List and $500 Spafinder Sweepstakes!
When I recently had the opportunity to try out Dove® VisibleCare™ , a new line of body wash with NutriumMoisture™, I thought it could be a simple way to integrate just a tad more feel-good self-care into my day.
Dove® VisibleCare™ has three types of body wash: Toning Creme, Renewing Creme, and Softening Creme – I tried the Renewing Creme variety. From a girl who has been using bar soap for the past ten years, I have to tell you, this stuff is AWESOME! It feels totally rich, creamy, and luxurious; I even ran out and bought a loofah for my new suds. When I step out of the shower, my skin seriously looks and feels refreshed and moisturized, after using it for only a week! The confidence boost that I’ve gained from my new skin even motivated me to make myself a simple maxi dress for my daughter’s birthday party (seen in that top picture)! It is truly amazing how even the simplest things – like a great body wash – can change your whole attitude toward the day and toward yourself.
So…I’d love to know…what do you do to make time for YOU?
Visit Dove® VisibleCare® to get a coupon for $1 off!
Also…
Enter to win one of two $500 Spafinder gift certificates!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
COMMENTS TO THIS POST ARE NOT SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ENTRY METHODS FOR THIS SWEEPSTAKES.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize, or an alternative winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/18/2012 – 8/22/2012
Be sure to visit the Dove® VisibleCare™ Crème Body Wash brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Comments & Reviews
kristin says
I don’t care about the sweepstakes, I just wanted to send you a virtual hug. So sorry the baby blues hit you so badly back then, and I totally get the having to share EVERYTHING and just wanting time for yourself. That’s so much of why I sew/blog too. Take care, Stef!!
cestMoi Sandy says
Hi Stef!
I have not visited here for a while, but this post stuck out to me and touched me deeply!
Do not want to participate in the sweepstakes…
But, I too had with my second a baby blue cloud.
She cried and cried… nursing did not work out, and on top of that I had no more time for my firstborn that needed me so bad.
This is also when nights with good sleep ended.
Showered in the late afternoons. I like showers in the mornings.
Forgetting to eat or even brush my hair.
Later when all this happened again with number 3, I too had a friend, she opened my eyes and said that I need to claim the time to shower, and try to beautify myself…
even if it is to just put a skirt on or pretty blouse and get out of those slacks.
That sooooo helped me out. It worked! I become a much happier mom.
Thank you so much for bringing back these precious times.
Now I try to do the not so fun tasks when kids are up to have a little bit of time for myself when they are sleeping. Luckily we now can fold laundry together!
Have a lovely week!
Sandy