PRACTICAL PARENTING â—½ HOME
Just for You
by Marcy Lytle
This month’s story isn’t tips for you as a parent, in raising your children, but rather it’s for you moms only! It’s a list of end-of-summer treats to offer yourselves! After all, you’ve most likely been going on vacation and packing and unpacking, taking kids and their stuff to the pool and back, cleaning rooms and reorganizing the kids’ toys and clothes, and doing everything for others. But August is the perfect time, before the holidays sneak upon you, to treat yourself!
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Here’s a list of all things under $20 that you can pick from, to treat yourself any time you feel like you need it:
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Something new:
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A new necklace from Amazon – this initial one is so cute and fun.
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A new tote with a fall stripe – on Oprah’s favorite list!
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Electric candle lighter for the fall candles in a couple months!
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A fall candle – in pumpkin spice – you know that’s your fave! World Market has the best!
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6 pack of thin skinny scarves to wear on your bag, your head or around your neck!
Something sweet:
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Frozen coke from McDonalds – drink every sip and enjoy.
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Dark chocolate and cashews in your car – under a shade tree – alone.
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Did you know McDonalds also has a little box of fresh warm cookies – all for you?
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Mint chocolate ice cream – store bought – in the fridge – hidden from everyone else.
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An Auntie Anne’s pretzel – cinnamon – for dinner while you’re shopping – alone.
Something fun:
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A little plant in a cute container from Trader Joe’s for your bedside table to make you smile.
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A graphic tee from the men’s section in Old Navy – they’re always so cute – or the women’s.
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A stroll or drive through a neighborhood with cute homes – make notes and take pics.
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Ask for 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to scroll your phone or play a game or read a story.
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A matinee movie with a friend…as soon as school starts and kids are gone.
Something restorative:
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Earbuds in, worship music playlist, body resting or moving…your choice.
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Podcast listen, one that boosts your morale, your mood or your soul.
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Give the kids lotion and pay them money to rub your feet for 10 minutes.
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Early sunrise walk without phone in hand, only observing the clouds, and the trees.
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A nap in your car, under a shade tree, AC on, before you head into a discount store and spend $20.