Wednesday, 10 June 2015

'Me Time' Pre and Post Baby - What a difference!

Selfish as it initially may sound, I am a HUGE fan of 'me time'. Like most parents I'm definitely wishing I'd taken advantage of this more pre baby (along with sleep!), but i do still make time for myself now and then. I wanted to write this post as I've realised that what constitutes 'me time' now is considerably different to what it did before - so this is funny post (cause we have to laugh :|) but with some helpful hints on how to make the most of those 5 minutes and become a multi task expert like me! (Whilst writing this I'm feeding baby, and cleaning whist thinking of the next sentence...)



PRE BABY TIME
  •  A visit to a nail bar -The Village Beauty in Norton, Stockton on Tees is a particular favourite of mine - my gorge long talons would last at least 2 weeks and then I'd have a free hour on a Sat morn to head back for infills - not so good for handling babies (the GUILT when you scratch them by accident is unbearable). And they certainly don’t look good with poop under them
Click for Options
Posh nails

·     A good book - Book pictured is Lena Dunhams 'Not that Kind of girl'. I can't confirm if this is a good book or not as I haven't had time to read it 


Click for Options
To read!
    
  • A trip to Whitby - admittedly this is extravagant for me time BUT i used to love this one. This isn't to say we can't and don't do days out cause we do - this is specifically Whitby - have you seen the amount of steps?! The tiny shops with the many breakable items?!
  • An after-work drink - This is straight out the window as I currently don't work for starters. I still go out, of course I need to go out - but this is now a plan, not on a whim. And I mean a major operational plan - a month in advance, times down to a tee, worked around nap time/child care/whether I can get the sick stain out of my fave and only pair of decent black jeans

·   An hours bath - including face mask /leg shave/ intensive exfoliation session - A spare hour, what's that?

POST BABY TIME

  • The bath/nails/wine combo - The new bath time is around 20 mins/half hour tops, as although babies in bed we've got other stuff to do, i.e. put the house back to together, eat, have a hot cuppa etc. I've therefore become and expert at this combo. Run a bath (if you're feeling extra savvy get cleaning the bathroom whilst doing so), paint your nails and drink your wine while fitting in a quick wash. Sorted! Also top tip - once you've painted your nails if you run them under the cold water tap they dry extra quick!
Click for Options
The new essentials
  • Chocolate time - Something I never previously considered a luxury - I ate it when I wanted where I wanted. Now I'm so concerned with getting Bub to eat healthy I can hardly sit in front him scoffing choccy all day. Que me standing in the kitchen corner during TV time for a few sneaky bites 
Click for Options
My FAVE
  • Exercise - I never thought this would be actually enjoyable but it really is. I now go running when I can (I try for twice a week) and to the gym during the week. Once or twice a week as soon as hubby comes home, I head to the gym for an hours peace and quiet! I do exercise obviously but in the quiet, watching adult tv! In the process I've managed to reduce my body fat % quite a bit, RESULT
Click for Options
The most rewarding 'job' in the world .. even if it ocassionaly means sacrificing my choc!
Luckily I enjoy my family time so much more than my me time. I think my favourite thing about being a parent is permanently having my little best friend by my side. Bub makes me laugh every single day and makes me happier than new nails ever could (Although I shall be booking them for the next special occassion of course!!)