Having four children, I know how difficult it can be to
get a moment to yourself for a little pampering. There are a few
things I have managed to squeeze in for me, even when I'm not
alone. ;)
When my kids take a bath, they like it when I sit in the
bathroom and talk to them. I decided to make this a moment for
me as well as for them. While the bath water is running I go
into my bathroom and get my nail polish remover, a couple of
cotton balls, nail file, new polish and a small towel (for my
feet). Once the kids are in the bathtub I put my feet into the
water. This also makes it easier to wash little kid's hair. :)
Now I am getting a nice foot soak that I would probably never
MAKE the time to do for myself.
First I remove my old nail polish and then rinse my hands with a
damp rag and then in the water. Then I wash the kids' hair.
Afterward, while they are playing in the water, I take the time
to file and polish my nails, one coat. Only one coat because
they may want to get out soon.
After everyone gets out of the bath and are all dried off and
jammied up I settle them down in the living room for their
nightly viewing of Rugrats. I give them each a small baggy of
pretzels to keep them happy. That's when I do another coat of
polish and enjoy a well deserved cup of coffee.
I realize that I could do all of this comfortably after the
children are in bed, but when would I have time for the
computer?? LOL!
Take Time For Bathtime
I have made it a ritual to at least once a week, usually on the
weekend, to take a nice long, hot bubble bath. (Because I sell
Avon I have a HUGE assortment of foam baths and other goodies!)
This time I don't want to be bothered so hubby is in charge of
the kids. I know that can be very
frightening! I lock my bathroom door and soak. At least 30
minutes, usually more if I can get away with it! ;)
Just before the bath, when the water is running, is a really
good time to remove old polish off of your toenails. Then you
can polish them either in the tub or when you get out, but at
least your feet have had a chance to soak in the tub.
Another thing I do during my bath is a facial mask. They are so
great! Most masks state to leave them on for 15 minutes, making
bathtime an ideal time to do these. I also like to do a protein
treatment on my hair. If I don't have any protein treatment I
will use a regular conditioner and wrap
my hair in plastic wrap and leave that on for ten minutes or so.
The plastic wrap keeps heat in that aids in the conditioning
process.
I always light candles when bathing, it's so soothing. I have
several all over my bathroom. It doesn't matter to me that they
are all different scents, it's just the ambiance for me.
This is also a really good time to get caught up on reading. I
have several books that I have started and never finished. So
keep them in your bathroom and at the ready. Or if you prefer to
soak with your eyes shut, put a small radio in your bathroom and
play soothing music. Ahhhh.
When I climb out of the tub I feel relaxed and calm...until I go
downstairs and find out that my house is upside down! Oh well!
Back to reality!
Author Bio: Amanda Formaro is the mother of
four children. She and her husband live in Henderson, Nevada.
She is also the owner of The Family Corner website at
http://www.thefamilycorner.com
