Being a mom to two children has been both the most incredible blessing and a big challenge. It has been beautiful watching our family (and our hearts) grow while at the same time it has been a juggling act balancing everyone’s needs.
If you’ve been a reader for awhile, you’ve probably noticed that we make an effort to spend special time with Harper every weekend. This is important to us since Lincoln sometimes needs so much from us whether it’s the frequent feedings, needing to be held to nap sometimes, needing to be carried, to be soothed, and the list goes on. I think planning special things just for her allows us to reconnect after a long work week. We will do the same for Lincoln too. Of course we love spending time together just the four of us, but a new baby is a big adjustment and I know how much value Harper places on having some quality time with one or both of us.
One of our recent weekend outings with Harper was a trip out to La Grange. We had a busy morning and before we left, we took some time to take some photos together in a field of blue bonnets and though we were both tired, I cherish those photos so much. I also cherish the memory of her walking through the field, touching the flowers and how her sweet little curls blew in the soft breeze.
These are the moments I realize that though life is busy, overwhelming at times and I feel like I never get anything done, that none of that matters. It doesn’t matter that I still have a few loads of laundry to do or that I’m still using our office as a storage room when we moved last August. What matters is that I’m making memories with my family.
Do you ever feel like you get caught up with everything you have to do as a mom, wife, employee, etc. that you forget to enjoy the moment? That has been such a challenge for me, especially as we’ve grown our family. I often feel like I’m all over the place making “to do” lists for everything in my life and I’m not checking off as many of the “complete” boxes as I’d like to. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed. But it’s the little moments I share each and every day with my family— even the simple ones where we spend one Sunday at home all day, playing, laughing, living and loving (okay, and maybe a little crying), that reminds me to treasure what I have and forget about all of the other stuff that can wait.
I’ll be honest and admit that I have very little time for myself these days. I had to change my entire evening and morning routines to make them quicker and more efficient so I can get into bed at night and out the door in the morning. One thing I will not give up though is taking care of myself. I know that to be a good mom, wife and everything else, I need to put in a little bit of time to make myself feel like “me” and for me, that’s styling my hair and putting some makeup on (that shouldn’t come as a surprise!) I recently went back to a hair color that’s a little darker (see below) and I’ve been doing a new hair routine for styling which I’ll do a full post about soon. 
Since we’re talking hair, I had the chance to try the Garnier® new line called Whole Blends™ including their shampoo, conditioner and treatment. 
I selected the repairing line called “Honey Treasures” because my postpartum hair is a combination of rough, falling out, breaking and weak (don’t let the picture fool you!) My favorite product in the line is the repairing mask. It’s very rich and thick and makes your hair feel super soft once it’s dry. I love the smell of this line— I’m a sucker for honey-scented products. This one actually contains royal jelly, honey and propolis extracts and promises to strengthen damaged hair, which, hello, is basically my situation. They’re also paraben-free and I was pleasantly surprised to learn their oil and cocoa butter ingredients are purchased fairly and sustainably to support local farmers & communities.
How do you make sure you’re focusing on creating special moments with your family? And with all you do, how do you make time for yourself—even if it’s something as simple as washing your hair or putting some makeup on? Please your comment below for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.
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First things first, those pictures of you and your daughter are precious! I am a new follower of your blog. I have a soon-to-be 3-year-old daughter and a 6-month-old son and reading your blog is always like reading a page out of my own story! Typically, the only time I get to myself is getting ready in the morning (I get myself up at 5:30, shower and put my face on before any of my kids, husband included, wake up) and my 40-minute commute to and from work. While I obviously love my family and the time I spend with them, I do cherish this alone time as well!!!
I feel you mama! I wake up at 5:30 every morning to pump for 30 minutes and then I spend about 30-40 minutes washing my face, brushing teeth, putting makeup on, fixing my hair and getting dressed for work. Though I have to wake up so early, I do value the time I have to myself. As an only child, I do think I innately crave alone time but of course nothing is better than family time…you just need balance. This season in life is a little bit crazy, but aren’t they all? Please keep in touch! Love that our littles are the same age 🙂
I make sure I focus on creating special moments with my family (my DH) by having a date night at least once a week! We are so busy during the week that it’s hard to find time to talk about our days and about future plans, etc. So on Friday or Saturday nights we go out, have fun & re-connect.
I’m exactly like you in that I *have to* find time for myself. I get up early enough each morning to do my hair, makeup & wear a cute outfit, otherwise I just don’t feel like Veronica. We are currently expecting so I know my world will be turned upside down and I won’t have as much time for myself anymore, but that’s where DH steps in. He knows how important it is for me to focus on my looks (as vain as that sounds) so he will make sure baby is taken care of while I get ready each day.
Hi Veronica! That’s exactly what we do— my husband sleeps while I get ready and handles the baby if the baby wakes up and then we switch. He gets ready and then takes Harper downstairs for breakfast while I take care of the baby (sometimes I get a few extra minutes of sleep because I’m waiting for the baby to wake up again). It’s a balancing act but you will eventually find a routine that works!
We try to make the everyday mundane tasks into an “adventure”… like racing around the grocery store, letting one child pick all the music for the car ride, etc 🙂
Love this post!! It is extremely important for us mamas to carve out a little time for ourselves. When my son was born (10 months ago tomorrow!) I struggled some days with not being able to take a shower since there sometimes wasn’t a time when my son could be put down and my husband wasn’t home – and eventually I did have to let go of that because no one but me cared it i was still in yoga pants and a tank at 4pm, but now that my son is older and naps in his crib, I work out every morning and then put him his exersaucer and shower while he plays in there in our bedroom. I also put on makeup every day even if I am just going to the peak with Atticus, and get my nails down regularly. It helps me to feel like myself and not just “mommy” by doing some of the same things I used to do before I had my son!
It sounds like you’ve created a great routine that allows yourself some time while still doing all of the things motherhood requires 🙂 I remember being completely lost in the throes of maternity leave with a really fussy baby, a new diet, stress, etc. Now that we have a routine, things are better but of course there are still hard days. Thanks for your comment!
I meant going to the park, not the peak…?
We do little, special things together as a family. Since we co-sleep still (my daughter just turned four!) we usually watch a movie together or play “wrestling” in the big bed before we go to sleep. We also say prayers together.
As far as Mommy time goes, I participate in a Mom’s group and a bible study at church. i bring my daughter, but she goes to the childcare area. That is the best of both worlds b/c we go together and I get adult, soul feeding time and she gets play time with her friends. I will also take long baths some nights after my daughter has fallen asleep! i love to read a good book while taking a good, long soak!
I just gave myself a pedicure yesterday!
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/728687792335753217
Postpartum hair loss is the worst! I lost a ton after having my daughter. She’s 19 months now so it has started to grow back in but I still can’t wear I ponytail without a headband or product to contain the shorter hairs. It’s totally worth it though. I would lose my hair a million times over for my daughter! I agree with you- I always feel so much better and more productive on the days where I get dressed, do my hair and put my makeup on.
I love Garnier products and the Whole Blends formula looks incredible. I will have to try it. Your daughter is so pretty. I love her red hair. I usually take time for myself by making a nice hot cup of coffee and reading my book or taking a walk. I like to spend time doing facials and my nails. Thanks for an awesome giveaway!
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/728695300425011200
I make sure to work out and eat healthy, that makes me feel great about myself. I try to pamper myself as much as I can.
https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/728706694511890432
I make sure I am focusing on creating special moments with my family by spending as much time with them as I can and by enjoying every moment of it. I take time for myself by taking hot bubble bath
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/728708945687121920
I try to plan for time we can spend together as a family, whether it be a movie night or a movie night outside. I also make time for me by walking and reading a great novel.
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/728720865328762880
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/728722349562990594
I try to be in the present in order to truly cherish the time I spend with my family. Although I value family time, I make an effort to wake up early every morning to exercise. I need to give myself that time in order to take care of myself and do what I love to do: RUN!!
I make sure to give my full attention to my family during the weekends. I do most of the chores during the week so we try to have time for the weekends. To make time for myself, I like to wake about a hour before everyone else in my family. Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/728753012487950336
I treasure family time and never take them for granted, every moment is special. For “me time”, I get up earlier daily to enjoy it.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/728760892985217024
First of all I want to say these photos are amazing.Your little girl is adorable. I find it hard to take time for myself but when I do it is something as simple as a relaxing bath or reading a good book. I also enjoy cross stitch. I saw the Honey Treasure advertised on TV a couple of days ago and I think this line is perfect for my hair.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/728763144982519808
I like to go for a hike for something for myself (although washing my hair is a close second!) My family and I love to spend time exploring new parks together to create lasting memories!
My tweet: https://twitter.com/Michelle83237/status/728787616385007616
Yoga and meditation help me keep my cool in times of stress. I also could use a hydrating hair line!
I make sure I am focusing on creating special moments with my family by setting up electronic-free time. It’s the best way to spend quality time with them with undivided attentions.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/728827838611095553
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I create special moments by scheduling lots of outdoor events when the weather is nice. I take time for myself by going on a nature walk or reading a book.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/728942397854339073
I have long curly hair and that is my favorite feature. truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/728987922901262336
I spend time communicating with my grown children and make sure I take time for myself by walking daily.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/729036893531295744
I think any moment can be special, but I do try to spend time in nature with my family, especially at the park for hikes and picnics.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/729077659062374404
I am a new mom and would love to hear your new morning and night routine. I’ll be out on maternity leave for four more months but would love to see your routine as I need to start planning mine for when I return to work. I think the new Garnier Whole Blends line looks amazing – going to grab it on my next Target run!
Our family focuses on creating and cherishing every moment by keeping most evenings and weejends simple and free of too many commitments. I only say “yes” for things that I won’t regret or dread later. I also try to take time out to just enjoy them being little and silly and watch them play…
I take time out for myself by going to the Y almost every day to workout and focus on my health.
I have 4 boys, all of my time is spent with them. I look forward to my walks every morning its the only me time I get
I am on maternity leave right now with my second child and I literally have no time to cross things off my list on things I would like to do during the day but I make sure to get dressed with makeup on everyday to feel human. Even if I don’t see anyone but my babies during the day it just helps to have makeup on and my hair done.
I tend to like to give tickets or planned activities as gifts instead of THINGS. It’s gives us all a chance to spend time together doing something fun.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/729532689871605761
I try to schedule a “me” day at least once a month. Everyone else takes care of their own dinner (good time to get rid of all the leftovers!!!) and I spend my day pampering, coloring my hair, getting a pedi, and sometimes tackling a project like cleaning the hall closets.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/729567213997318145
I take care of myself by swimming 3 times a week and getting a massage every other week.
Thanks for the contest.
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/729574832124223488
It’s important to me that I make time for my husband and I to have date nights before we start a family and life gets crazier. I make a point of holding off on chores if it means we get out to do something with one another. My “me time” is spent by soaking in my bathtub with a mask on once a week if I get the chance!
I’m trying to get my hair cut more often. Definitely have been neglecting that! Eek!
i take care of myself by exercising regularly – i also take me time out to just relax!
i posted a tweet here: https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/729834826879123461
It’s a shame that an otherwise sincere post had to have a sponsorship tied into it.
Hi Rebecca! I am so selective about the brands I partner with (read more about that here: https://www.veronikasblushing.com/2015/08/blogging-q-a.html) so for me, it’s important that I create content that is still relevant to my readers even when that content is sponsored. I’m glad you enjoyed the post overall— my goal was to take the theme of the campaign and apply it to where I’m at in life right now so it wasn’t just another post about shampoo I’m trying out. I saw it as an opportunity to talk about how we as women and moms should make time for ourselves even when life is so busy. Have a nice evening,
-Veronika
I take time for myself by taking walks when I can and stealing time to read a bit in a good book.
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/730096224620023809
I try to find fun experiences that we can all enjoy together
I create special moments with my family by spending time with them. My youngest graduates from high school in June, and I’m afraid empty-nest syndrome is going to hit me pretty hard. I have lots of fun when I’m with my grandchildren; those are special moments, too. What I do for myself? I go on walks 😉
Tweet! https://twitter.com/lexiquin/status/730164023078080512
I make sure to set aside time to spend with my family.
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/730170631006916608
I only wash/style my hair about 2-3 times/week, and that helps me have more time in the morning to spend with my little fam. And really, as long as I have my hair styled (straightened or waved in a French braid overnight), I don’t care about makeup as much. I do love my bare minerals mascara though.
I always live in the moment with my family and enjoy spending time with them. For me time, I like to have a bubble bath and read a good book.
Thanks for the chance to win
allisonrsdswain(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweet
https://twitter.com/allisonrswain/status/730888203885027329
I make to set aside plenty of time for them.
https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/731651786356883456
I make sure we are all “present” with minimal phone and “screen” time.
I enjoy every moments with my kids and family. I try to go out with my girlfriends once every 2 or 3 weeks!
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/732662962629029888
I think truly special moments happen naturally and I take time for myself by going for a walk or run outside in the evenings which I enjoy.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/733085928093323266
https://twitter.com/QueenB_Tammy/status/733401548726894592
I make sure I focus on creating special moments with my family by turning off the electronics at night and getting together as a family, playing games, watching a movie together or just talking.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/733436720629219329
I make sure to spend quality time with my kids, allowing them to choose activities that are fun for them. I also like to cook and the boys are always ready to lend a helping hand in the kitchen. Letting them help also works in my favor, they tend to eat better when they make the food! I take time for myself in the morning, getting up early and heading out for a run. It helps me clear my mind and prepare for the day.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/733478240891834368.
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/734020777515884546
We go on a lot of adventures. then every night we lay in bed and talk about all of the fun we had. It helps seal in the memory.
I make sure to not get too busy with other things in life so I always have time for the little moments with them.
I take care of myself Doing Zumba, Yoga and Pilates 3 times a week.
I take a nice warm bath .put on some music I like and relax, even if its for 30 mintes!
I make time for myself by taking a long hot bubble bath as often as I can.
Tweet https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/737045158802264064
we spend time together as a family, even if it’s just watching a movie together on the couch.
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/737248817167409152
I always make sure to make time for taking pictures to capture our moments.
I sent out a tweet: https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/737326762607026179
I use the weekends to have quality time with my family. I make time for my self after dinner to go for a bike ride.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/737419358910189568
Going to the movies with my daughter.
https://mobile.twitter.com/Esham4life/status/737430673850552321
When I fish it rejuvenates me and I make sure to make time for myself
Now that my family is all grown up with families of their own I don’t have a problem finding time for myself. I still enjoy a long soak in the tub with a good book.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/737463441883942912
I make time every day to spend time with my grandsons. I realize how fast they grown now that it feels like my sons were grown before I knew it. My time is in the evening when they go home and I can take a leisurely bath and wash and condition my hair.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/737507825975320577
I like to spend time with my family, talking to them, enjoying our time together. I like to go to the park to read #SweepstakesEntry
tweeted for my 2nd entry https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/737531847396102149
We have an electronic-free dinner and spend lots of time sharing our day with each other. And I take care of myself by eating well and swimming.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I like my shower, hair, and make up time
https://mobile.twitter.com/faithjacklynswe/status/737576498593300480
Photos make the moments that more special and I always take time for myself and (my hair) =)
Extra entry tweet https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/737599754285158400
We make time for each other by keeping a schedule each day of getting up at the same time and having our coffee together. It is a great and relaxing way to start the day. I make time for myself by setting aside at least 20 minutes a day for meditation.
https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/737667453967314944
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/737760317392949249
#SweepstakesEntry- comment
definitely on the weekends we spend more time as a family enjoying a meal together (at the table), doing tasks around the house together, visiting friends & other family members & I make sure to take time out for myself as well. Now that the weather is warmer I enjoy lounging outside in my hammock, relaxing or reading a book
I usually make time for myself when they leave for school or on the weekend early in the morning
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/737790416473427972
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I spend more time with kids in the pool
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/737798466148012032
I’m an early riser so that always gives me quiet time.
I can do my morning things in a leisurely manner.
thank you
tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/737809755360624640
Tweeted-https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/737849426945789952
I make sure I take time to focus on my family daily as every moment counts in this life as I know all too well as I was just diagnosed with my 2nd round of cancer.