This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of PEOPLE®, InStyle®, and Sunset®. The opinions and text are all mine.

 

It’s funny how the idea of “me time” never even crosses your mind before you have kids. All of your time is exactly that, your time. Time to do all the things you want and need to do. I vaguely remember those days. Sleeping in on the weekends, then meeting friends for brunch. Running a few errands followed by window shopping for hours just to kill time. Oh how I took those days for granted!

Sweet Tea, Summer Reads and Mom Time Self Care Tips via Misty Nelson frostedmoms.com mom blogger

Flash forward to life with kids where everyday starts bright and early and feels like a race with time to get everything done. My planner is filled with meetings, play-dates, doctors and dentist appointments. Then there’s the whole list of daily tasks that take up every minute in between.

SELF-CARE IS SO IMPORTANT, MOMMAS!

I’ve learned the hard way that you have to make time for yourself if you want to be a good mom. And isn’t that really what we all want, mommas? We do all the things and take care of everyone else because we want to be the best mom we can be. We let the mom guilt trick us into thinking we need to give our family every bit of our time and attention and leave nothing for ourselves.

Sweet Tea, Summer Reads and Mom Time Self Care Tips via Misty Nelson frostedmoms.com mom blogger

WAYS TO RELAX AND TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

It’s hard to break the cycle, but I promise you it’s essential to living a good life. You need to schedule time for yourself the same way you pencil in all the other priorities in your calendar. Whether it’s just a few hours away each week to go to lunch with a friend, take a yoga class or get your nails done. Maybe you just want some quiet time at home to catch up on Netflix and relax. Maybe you just want a hot bath and a nap! Whatever feeds your soul, do it!

My favorite way to unwind and enjoy some time to myself is to lounge by the lake with a glass of sweet tea, a good read and something to nibble on. There’s just no better way to soak up all the glory of summer than sitting by the water and sipping something delicious.

SWEET TEA RECIPE (SOUTHERN STYLE)

 This recipe makes one gallon of delicious sweet tea. You’ll need

  • 8 single-cup tea bags
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • large pitcher

Bring 4 cups of water to boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Cover and let tea bags steep for 15 minutes.

Grab a large pitcher. Combine 2 cups of sugar with 3 cups of hot tap water. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. When tea has finished steeping add to pitcher. Add more sugar till mixture is desired sweetness. Cover and refrigerate.

Sweet Tea, Summer Reads and Mom Time Self Care Tips via Misty Nelson frostedmoms.com mom blogger

MY FAVORITE EASY SUMMER READS

I always pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine when I’m shopping for groceries at Safeway. When I have a little “me time” I love to just sit outside and flip through the pages and catch up on celebrity gossip and the latest trends. It’s easy, enjoyable reading that fits my whole relaxation vibe.

Isn’t it funny how sometimes it’s the smallest of things that can recharge your batteries and make you feel like you again. Simple pleasures like reading a magazine or sitting outside enjoying the sound of silence. I’m telling you, mommas, give yourself a break and make time for things that are just for you and you will be a better mom, a better wife and a happier person.

You can visit your local participating Safeway/Jewel-Osco/Vons/Pavilions/Tom Thumb/Randall’s/Shaw’s/Star Market/Carr’s/Acme Market to receive $2 J4U/MyMixx offer on PEOPLE, InStyle, and Sunset. Use this link for the coupon at Jewel-Osco and this link for the coupon at your local Safeway banner store.

GIVEAWAY! WIN A $50 ALBERTSON’S GIFTCARD

Which magazine do you like to read while enjoying some “Me Time”: PEOPLE, InStyle, Style Watch®, Real Simple®, Sunset, or Southern Living®? Tell me why it’s your favorite in the comments and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Albertsons gift card.

Sweet Tea, Summer Reads and Mom Time Self Care Tips via Misty Nelson frostedmoms.com mom blogger