12 Trick or Treat Alternatives for Celebrating Halloween

As much as it breaks my heart, there will come a day when my girls don’t want to trick or treat. There may also be years when trick or treat just won’t work, like when bad weather blows in. Fortunately, just because you can’t trick or treat it doesn’t mean the fun has to end!

Check out these 12 trick or treat alternatives for celebrating Halloween.

1. Host a Halloween Party

No matter your kid’s age, a Halloween party is always a fun idea. Invite your friends or neighbors to come dressed in costumes. Put out bowls of candy and punch. Turn on some Halloween hits and let everyone enjoy the spooky evening indoors.

2. Have a Scary Movie Marathon

With all the streaming services available, it is super easy to plan the ultimate scary movie marathon according to your kid’s age. Head to Disney Plus for more family-friendly scares and HBO Max for more adult features.

3. Boo Your Neighbors

A new fad is to boo your neighbors. This means packing a bag or basket of Halloween goodies and leaving it on your neighbor’s doorstep. One idea is to “boo” the neighbors with the best decorated homes.

4. Get Spooked at a Haunted House

If trick or treating isn’t your kid’s thing and they want bigger frights, take them to a haunted house. Many of the haunted houses offer “do not scare” medallions that you can wear to alert the actors that you (or your kids) don’t want to be scared. This works well for families of kids of different ages.

5. Visit an Amusement Park

Many amusement parks offer special Halloween-themed events, such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which are good for kids of all ages. You can enjoy the rides, as well as characters in themed holiday costumes and themed treats.

6. Carve Pumpkins

Spend Halloween decorating or carving pumpkins. Then, post pics to social media and ask your followers to vote for a winner.

7. Tell Scary Stories by the Campfire

If the weather cooperates, head outside to tell scary stories by the campfire and make s’mores. If you struggle with telling stories, ask your Amazon Alexa to tell you a few. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, cuddle up by the fireplace.

8. Find Your Way Out of a Corn Maze

See if you can find a corn maze nearby for your family to get lost in. Even better if you can find one that is open in the evenings. Some of these double as haunted corn mazes.

9. Take a Ghost Tour

Bigger kids may enjoy going on a ghost tour. There are many ghost tours in New York City, including Haunted Broadway and Candlelight Walking Tours.

10. Play Some Horror-Themed Games

Keep the spooky feeling going by playing a horror-themed board game. You can take Clue to the next level with games like Escape the Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experiment and Betrayal at House on the Hill.

11. Volunteer at a Halloween Event

With all the different Halloween events happening, there is a great need for volunteers. For example, if your kids are too old for Boo at the Zoo, sign up to volunteer at the event to make it enjoyable for the next generation.

12. Pass Out Candy to the Littles

When the day comes that your kids don’t want to go trick or treating, see if they will join you in passing out candy to the trick or treaters that show up at your door.

What trick or treat alternatives did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

The Perfect Fall Day in New York for Families

Fall officially begins next week, and I am already itching to enjoy the perfect fall day in New York with my family! What I love about fall is that there are tons of activities to enjoy in the cooler weather. We simply have to find a free weekend day and we can experience all that has to offer.

So, then next time you have a free day and the weather is nice, use this as a basic planning guide.

Put on Your Cutest Fall Attire

The time has finally arrived to pull out your favorite fall fashion – boots, shawls, and boho chic. On the perfect fall day, you want to be picture-perfect for all the insta-worthy locales you’ll visit.

Start Your Day at the Farmer’s Market

Pick up a pumpkin spice from your favorite coffee shop and head to a local farmer’s market. In addition to picking up fresh produce and flowers, you can also enjoy a delicious fall breakfast of warm apple cider donuts. Fall doesn’t feel like fall until I taste it.

Head Out to Higher Elevations

After you’ve spent time wandering the farmer’s market, head up to higher elevations outside the city. The view of the beautifully changing fall foliage is worth the view. But I like to cap off my fall drive with a visit to one of the nearby apple orchards. We get a bushel of apples and take tons of pictures.

Stop for Pumpkins on the Way Home

As we head home, I like to stop at one of the local farms for pumpkins. We get several for carving and decorating. In addition to the fun of hunting for pumpkins, many of the local farms have other activities for kids to enjoy, such as hayrides.

TIP –If you are itching to decorate your pumpkin, choose to paint it instead of carving it too early.

Spend Time in the Kitchen

Take a break at home to do some fall cooking. Take some of the apples you picked and turn them into tasty treats. I love this simple healthy (and delicious) recipe for cinnamon apple chips. All you have to do is slice the apples, coat them in cinnamon and sugar, and bake them. Another simple healthy fall snack to make is roasted pumpkin seeds.

Visit the Illuminated Pumpkin Display

One of the best ways to spend an evening with your family in fall in New York is to visit The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley. These enormous, illuminated pumpkin display 9with over 7,000 pumpkins) lights up from September to November.

Curl Up and Watch a Spooky Movie

Finish the evening by curling up together and watching a spooky (or not-so-spooky) Halloween movie on Disney Plus. Don’t forget that Hocus Pocus 2 premieres on September 30th! Now is also the perfect time to enjoy some of the treats you made in the afternoon.

What perfect fall day activities have I missed? Let me know in the comments!

Must-Do’s for National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, which focuses on helping families prepare for disasters and emergencies.

The 2022 theme is A Lasting Legacy. Ready.gov explains, “The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.”

As much as we’d like to believe we’ll never face an emergency, we can’t know that for sure. That’s why it is so important to have a plan.

Often, moms put off preparing for emergencies because it seems overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be.

Make it your goal this September to cross the following must-dos for National Preparedness Month off your list.

Make a Plan

The first thing you need to do is make a plan for emergencies, such as where you go and how you’ll get there. Talk this plan through with each of your family members and practice it if you can. The American Red Cross has an excellent Family Disaster Plan template.

Stock Up on Essentials

The next thing you need to do is stock up on emergency essentials, such as:

• First aid kit

• Batteries

• Flashlights

• Weather radio (battery power or hand crank)

• Nonperishable food items

• Water

In addition to simply owning the above items, it is also important to pack a family emergency kit. This kit should include the essentials for your family in case of an emergency that is easy to grab and go in the event of an emergency.

If you want to pack your own emergency kit, see FEMA’s Emergency Supply Checklist. If you don’t have time to put one together yourself, you can purchase a pre-made emergency kit from the American Red Cross, which includes first aid supplies, emergency food, and other essentials.

Know How to Communicate

A major part of being prepared is communication. Begin by making sure you have signed up for emergency notifications on your mobile device. Find out if there is a separate alert system for where you live.

Next, make sure your kids know how to contact you in the event of an emergency and how you can reach them when they are in school or daycare.

Update Information

It’s important to keep your important personal information updated. Think of September or National Preparedness Month as the perfect time to go through your documents and make sure everything is up to date and correct.

It is also wise to invest in a fireproof and waterproof safe to store all of your family’s important documents.

Check Devices

During National Preparedness Month, go through your home and check all of your safety devices. This is the ideal time to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working (and change the batteries if they are not).

Pack Your Trunk

Don’t forget to be prepared for emergencies on the road. Take time to make sure your trunk has the following essentials for winter weather:

• Flashlight

• Flares

• Jumper Cables

• Blankets

• Car window breaker

• No-Spill Gas Can

• First Aid Kit

• Solar-powered cell phone charger

• Bottled water

• Nonperishable food

• Waterproof poncho

• Change of clothes

• Multi-tool

Failing to plan is planning to fail. While we hope we will never have to use these emergency plans and tools, we’ll be glad we have them should we need them.

Why Summer is So Hard for Moms

I’m going to admit something – this summer has been hard. I love my girls, and I look forward to spending time with them during summer. But summer is so hard for moms! Especially working moms. I know I’m not the only mom who feels this way – even if some of you are afraid to admit it.

Comedian Crystal Lowery wrote, “Why is summer so hard for parents? Because things have changed. When we were kids, we'd just run around town from dawn until dusk, unattended. Instead of mom slathering us with sunscreen, we burned, then peeled our damaged skin like molting snakes. Instead of sensible snacks, we'd ride our bikes to 711 to purchase fists-full of Jolly Ranchers and Atomic Fire Balls. Instead of parents entertaining us, we'd knock on our neighbor's doors and invite them out to play.”

Those days are long gone. Now, kids stay closer to home (and mom) all summer long, which makes summer exhausting.

Here are the main reasons moms struggle in the summer.

Lack of Childcare

I hate thinking of school as childcare, but the truth is I don’t have to find childcare during the school year between 8-3 because my girls go to school. For working moms, childcare during the summer is a whole thing. This is especially true when your kids are in the in-between ages – when they are too old for daycare or sitters and too young to stay home alone all day. We end up utilizing summer camps to fill the gap.

Fortunately, my girls love Chelsea Piers Summer Camp. Read all about it here!

Changes to the Routine

I am a creature of habit and so are my daughters. So, the transition from our regular school year routine to summer’s lack of routine is a challenge. Every summer, I try to create a summer routine or schedule – and it only lasts a couple of weeks before it falls apart between vacations, camps, and other outings. But when the routine disappears, the frustration begins.

Too Much Time Together

Sometimes summer provides too much time together for a family. For example, siblings are forced together for more time than usual, which results in more fighting. Being around fighting kids more often tries mom’s patience. And on and on. I love them, but I need a break. And there are far fewer breaks in the summer months.

Constant Need to Entertain

As a mom, I feel the constant pressure of society to ensure my girls are spending their time wisely and safely. So, if I allow them to binge watch TV all day, I feel guilty. If they complain they are bored, I feel like I have to find something fun and educational for them to do. And when I give up entertaining them, I have to listen to them whine and complain. It’s a lot easier to just hand them the remote or tablet.

All the Food

As my girls have gotten older, I have been amazed by how much they eat! This is especially true during the summer when they manage to eat a month’s worth of snacks in a weekend. I am constantly shopping for food and preparing food in the summer.

What makes summer hard for you? Share in the comments!

Simple Traditions for Busy Families to Embrace

I will never forget the time I asked a friend about her family traditions growing up and she told me they didn’t have any. I was shocked.

But, as I’ve gotten older, I have realized that many families don’t have traditions (or don’t think they do) because they put so much pressure on them.

We tend to think of traditions as being elaborate when they can really be something simple and routine.

For example, growing up, I enjoyed Saturday morning cartoons with Dad. It was a weekend tradition that we kept up until our Saturday mornings became filled with extracurriculars.

And these simple traditions matter!

According to Brett and Kate McKay, “Researchers have consistently found that families that engage in frequent traditions report stronger connection and unity than families that haven’t established rituals together.”

Here are 10 simple and easy traditions to help your family bond and make memories.

TV Night

My family loves a good dinner and TV night. Whether we watch a favorite show together or a movie, we enjoy sitting in front of the TV now and then for a chance to enjoy some quality entertainment together.

Family Walk

Another easy family tradition is the family walk (or family hike). You don’t always have to go to the same place. The key is to do it regularly, so it feels like a tradition.

Game Night

Some families love to play games with one another. If this is you, start planning regular game nights for your family. Have some key things you do each time, such as putting phones away and setting out snacks.

Taco Tuesday

A simple tradition to embrace is enjoying the same meal on the same night each week, such as Taco Tuesday or Meatless Monday. Kids like knowing what to expect – especially if what they are expecting is a meal they love.

Car Ride Chat

With my girls, I have started car ride chats on the way to and from places. I ask the same questions, so they know what to expect. We use the rose and thorn technique. We take turns sharing our daily rose, thorn, and bud. Your rose is the best part of your day, your thorn is something disappointing that happened, and your bud is something that you are looking forward to.

A Go-To Celebratory Restaurant

Many families have a go-to meal tradition without even realizing it. For example, do you tend to cook the same celebratory meal for birthdays or special occasions? Is there a certain restaurant your family likes to go to after a big win? These are traditions!

No Tech Thursday

Try to embrace a tech free day in your home regularly. At first, your kids won’t like the idea. However, if you are intentional about finding fun tech-free ways to spend the day, your kids will come to love it.

Community Service

A great tradition for families is serving their community together. Find an organization that shares your family’s values and volunteer regularly.

Read Together

Even as your kids get older, it is still nice to read together. While you may not read books together before bedtime, you can enjoy audiobooks on road trips or start a parent/child book club where you read books separately and then plan a special dinner to discuss them.

Milestone Trips

This family tradition takes a little more time and effort, but it’s worth it. I’m talking about the milestone birthday trip. We plan a special trip for each kid on milestone birthdays (10, 13, 16, and 18). It’s a special tradition and one our girls look forward to.

What traditions do you have in your family? Share them in the comments!

What You Should Do Every Morning

Mornings matter. How you start the day has a huge effect on the rest of your day.

It’s the reason we say, “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed” when they have a foul attitude.

Curating a morning routine will go a long way towards improving your health – mental, physical, and emotional.

Here are ten things experts recommend doing every morning.

Wake Up at the Same Time

I’m going to give the tip that may the hardest tip of all first – wake up at the same time every day. And wake up earlier rather than later.

According to Women’s Health, “Research has shown that being a ‘morning person’ has major benefits for your health. Studies have shown that waking up earlier makes you feel happier and healthier, boosts your immune system, improves productivity and helps you maintain a healthy weight.”

Set an alarm on your phone and place your phone out of reach. This serves two purposes. 1 – You won’t be able to hit snooze. 2 – You won’t be able to scroll first thing in the AM.

Make Your Bed

It’s good to start your day with a win. Here’s an easy one – make your bed!

This simple activity will make you feel better about your To Do list and the day ahead.

Let the Light In

A simple habit I’ve developed is starting my day by letting the light in. I pull back the shades and open the blinds.

This signifies to my mind and body that the day has started. Plus, it has medical benefits.

Women’s Health reports, “Research out of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine shows that those who are exposed to natural light earlier in the morning have lower BMIs regardless of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.”

Stretch and Move

I’ll be honest. The older I get, the more my body needs stretching first thing in the morning. And that’s not a bad thing!

It’s wise to start your day with movement. Get your endorphins so you begin the day on a natural high with energy.

Wash Your Face

It doesn’t matter if you shower in the evening or the morning – you need to wash your face in the morning.

Not only is it good for your skin, but it is also good for your whole person. A few minutes of self-care in the morning is critical.

Drink Water

We all know the importance of drinking water, but many of us start our journey towards eight glasses a day later in the day. We should really start drinking water first thing in the morning.

According to NBC News, “We get dehydrated overnight (especially if nature calls and you’re using the bathroom in the pre-dawn hours) […] A glass or two of H2O first thing helps replenish your body’s hydration stores. It also starts your metabolism on the right foot (since the body relies on water to keep all your digestive processes running smoothly).”

Enjoy a Cup of Coffee

Take time each money to enjoy a cup of coffee. The key here is to enjoy it. The point isn’t drinking coffee – it is spending a few minutes to slow down and savor something before the busyness of the day fully begins.

Eat Breakfast at Home

In the past, I was guilty of grabbing something small and eating breakfast on the go. I have since learned that I feel better if I eat a healthy breakfast at home. It’s a great way to get your metabolism going and helps you eat something healthier than fast food on the go.

Meditate

Taking just a few minutes to sit, pause, and meditate makes a big difference. Women’s Health points out, “Research has found that practicing meditation is basically the holy grail for health, helping to reduce stress, manage anxiety, increase productivity, help weight loss, motivate you to exercise and make you a nicer person.”

Write or Review Your To Do List

The last thing I do before I head out the door is check my To Do list. Knowing what I need to do that day helps me make a plan and get busy.

What is your morning routine?

Summer Survival for Working Moms

Summer is here and the living is easy. Or is it?

Summer should be fun and relaxing, but for working moms, summer can be challenging.

Most working moms don’t get several weeks of vacation during the summer, which means they have to find ways to work and take care of their kids.

If these moms work from home, it means saying goodbye to the silence they’ve been accustomed to and hello to endless distractions.

It doesn’t have to be this way!

Here are several tips to help you not only survive summer as a working mom but also thrive!

Enroll the Kids in Camp

I am a huge fan of summer camps. They allow kids to have fun, learn, and grow in safe spaces while giving working moms the help they so desperately need.

We've signed up the kids for four weeks of summer camp at Chelsea Piers. They offer a variety of sports and world-class facilities for kids to pursue their passions and explore their athletic abilities.

Here are 5 Reasons to Enroll Your Kids at Chelsea Piers Summer Camp

Make a Summer Routine

Summer is easier with a routine.

We don’t make a super rigid routine, but it does help for my girls to know what is expected of them every day.

We have a modified chore chart for the summer months, and they have school tasks, such as summer reading.

We also make space for fun in our schedule, such as Monday Movie Nights.

Use Summer as a Learning Opportunity

Since my girls have a little extra time in the summer, I try to use it as a learning opportunity.

For example, I have my daughters cook one night each week to teach them some basic cooking skills.

Host Friends

When I work from home, I have found it is easier if my kids have a distraction rather than being a distraction.

One of the best ways I have found to distract them is to host their friends over.

It may sound crazy, but when my girls are playing happily with their friends, they are quieter and bother me less.

Get Things to Keep Kids Occupied

I believe summer is the time when you should splurge on that special toy or device that they’ve been begging for.

If the new Nintendo Switch will keep them busy, I’m all for it.

If the added subscription to Discovery + allows them to binge watch Animal Planet, go for it.

Ask Kids for Summer Must-Do List

As a working mom, your time is limited.

I want to give my girls a fun summer, but it simply isn’t possible to do everything they want with my work schedule.

That’s why I start each summer by asking them to make a summer bucket list – or a list of summer must-dos.

Set Up Snack Bins

One thing that surprises my every summer is how quickly my girls empty out the snack cabinet.

To help with this issue, I set up snack bins.

These bins are set up each week so my girls can easily get the snacks they want, but they can also see how many snacks they have for the rest of the week.

Take Vacation Days

Finally, make sure you take your vacation days! Summer is busy, but you deserve time off to have some fun with your family.

What tips do you have for surviving summer as a working mom?

10 Tips for Encouraging a Love of Reading

I’ve posted several photos on Instagram recently of my daughters reading and have received many comments about their love of reading.

The most common comment is “How do you get your kids to read?”

I’m not a teacher or reading specialist, but I can tell you what I have done to encourage a love of reading in our home.

Consider the following findings from Comfy Living:

• Reading could help reduce mental decline in old age by up to 32%.

• Reading fiction can make you a better decision-maker.

• Reading increases emotional intelligence, and consequently, your career outlooks.

Don’t we want all of that for our kids? By encouraging a love of reading, we can guide our children to a brighter future.

1. Model Reading

The very first thing you need to do to encourage a love of reading is to model it!

Let your kids see you read regularly. Talk to them about the books you loved as a kid and what you are reading now.

2. Support Their Interests

It’s easy to want to push certain books on kids – especially those books we love.

But that may backfire.

Instead, find books that support their interests. Don’t worry.

Even if your kid has some really unique interests, there is a book that exists about this strange topic.

If they want to read graphic novels, let them! If they want to try a book at a higher reading level, don’t say no.

3. Encourage Library Use

Kids love libraries if they are shown the power of it.

Take kids to the library and explain how it works. They can borrow tons of books without spending any money. Get them their own library card.

They can participate in programming geared for their age group. *Summer reading programs are getting started so check out your local branch for kid, tween, and teen activities.

4. Have a Mom-Child Book Club

One of my favorite ways to encourage a love of reading is to participate in a mother-daughter book club.

If my daughter has a book she loves, I’ll read it. Then, I will make a date to discuss it with her at a restaurant. It makes her feel very grown-up and encourages her to continue reading.

5. Listen to Audiobooks Together

Audiobooks are excellent for auditory learners.

Many of today’s audiobooks are dramatized, which means they are acted out rather than having one person narrating the entire thing.

We like to listen to family-friendly audiobooks, like the Percy Jackson Series, while we are on road trips.

6. Keep Books in Every Room

I try to make it so my kid never has an excuse to say they don’t have anything to read.

I keep books in all the rooms where my girls may possibly read. And in the car.

7. Allow Kids to Read Past Bedtime

I like to encourage a little rebellion.

I will never forget when my daughters realized they could silently read a book with a flashlight past bedtime.

They felt like they were being rebellious, but I loved it.

Now at bedtime, we have to tell them to read but not to read too late.

8. Go All in for the Book Fair

Remember how much fun the Scholastic Book Fair was when you were growing up? It is still just as fun for your kids!

Go all in! Send them with money, order from the pamphlets, or volunteer.

And if you don’t have a school book fair, treat bookstores like a very special place where kids can get the books they really want.

9. Create a Reading Nook

Sure, you can read anywhere.

But there is something really special about a dedicated reading nook.

There are tons of ideas on Pinterest for creating reading nooks in homes.

10. Embrace Technology

Lastly, don’t neglect technology. Kids these days are used to getting everything they want or need via a mobile device or tablet.

Therefore, embrace technology. Download a library app for e-books or give them an allowance for buying books on their devices.

You can even set up time limits on devices, such as 1 hour for games and unlimited for reading.

End of the School Year Survival Tips

We’re coming up on the end of the school year, which tends to feel like the longest, hardest stretch of the entire year.

My girls are finished. They are ready for summer, and so am I. We are so thankful for a relatively normal school year compared to the last couple of years.

But we are tired.

Hours feel like days. Days feel weeks. Weeks feel like months.

How do you finish strong when you just feel done?

Here are my tips for surviving the end of the school year.

1. Say No Often

May and June can feel busier than December. There are school concerts, award ceremonies, and parties.

On top of all the busyness happening during the school hours, there are tons of activities taking place after school, such as recitals.

If you don’t have time to do anything extra during these final few weeks of school, just say no.

2. Utilize a Family Calendar

Again, there are so many events parents are expected to be at. This is especially hard for working parents.

Make sure you utilize a family calendar so that you can divide and conquer the end of the school year sprint.

3. Create an End of the Year Countdown

Give your family a reason to keep going. Create an end of the year countdown calendar.

4. Stay Focused on the Goal

When you are tired and ready to call it quits, stay focused on the goal. And help your kids stay focused.

Remind them why they go to school and why they need to keep learning until the last day.

5. Prepare Teacher Gifts

Don’t let teacher gifts sneak up on you.

Go ahead and buy the gift cards, order the personalized gift, or write the thank you card.

6. Stick to Your Routine

Don’t let your normal routine fall to the wayside.

Stick to what’s worked all year.

Now is not the time to let kids stay up past bedtime or start doing homework in front of the TV.

7. Book Summer Camps

Summer camps are going to be back in full force this summer, so you should expect them to fill up quickly.

If you haven’t booked summer camps yet, now is the time.

Plus, this gives your kids something to look forward to and help them continue working hard.

8. Plan Summer Vacations

Like summer camps, travel experts are expecting summer travel to increase.

According to Destination Analysts, “Overall enthusiasm for leisure travel and the number of anticipated leisure trips in 2022 are also on the rise. This week 72.8% of Americans expressed higher levels of excitement for their prospective travel future—reaching the highest level it's been since the Omicron wave began.”

9. Clean Out Bookbags

If your kids are anything like mine, their bookbags are a mess.

They bring home all sorts of papers I need to see and sign – the end of the year seems to have double the usual amount.

Make sure you stay on top of daily bookbag cleanings to avoid missing out on important information.

10. Restock Supplies

Remember, school is not over yet.

Check with your child’s teacher and see if any school supplies are needed. Pencils, paper, and tissues tend to be running really low at the end of the year.

Treat Yourself This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day takes place this Sunday. While I have had many wonderful Mother’s Days and enjoyed several homemade crafts, I have learned to lower my expectations.

My husband and my daughters try their best to make me feel special, but sometimes there are things I want that they just don’t know how to give me.

That’s why I always try to find at least one way to treat myself on Mother’s Day. Here are a few suggestions if you want to follow my lead.

Have Your Car Cleaned

Mom’s cars are notoriously messy. Why? Because kids! In addition to all the trash they leave behind, there are crushed bits of food on the floorboards and stains on the mats. So this Mother’s Day, consider getting your car cleaned and detailed.

Let Someone Else Clean Your House

If you can make it happen with your budget, use Mother’s Day as an excuse to pay someone to do a deep house cleaning. You’re busy working and taking care of kids – let someone else clean the baseboards!

*If you can’t afford it, ask your spouse or kids to clean for you as your Mother’s Day gift.

Enjoy a Spa Treatment

If you can swing it, treat yourself to a full spa day. Book a manicure or pedicure if you can’t spend four hours at the spa. And if you are really limited, treat yourself to an at-home spa day. Pull out your supplies and lock the bedroom door.

Sit in Silence

I love my girls, and I love being a mom. But sometimes I miss a quiet house (I know I will miss all the noise one day!). Sometimes the best way to treat myself is simply slipping outside and sitting in silence for a few minutes.

Don’t Cook

Use Mother’s Day to get out of cooking or cleaning the dishes. Instead, go to your favorite restaurant (don’t forget to make a reservation to avoid long Mother’s Day waits). Order your favorite food in. Or allow your family to cook for you.

Go to Your Favorite Store Alone

There are few things as relaxing to me as wandering the aisles of Target or T.J. Maxx alone. So, on Mother’s Day, may you find the time to wander your favorite store aimlessly, without children asking you to buy them everything or feeling rushed to get home.

Eat Something You Regularly Wouldn’t

Mom eating typically involves eating foods my girls will also eat. On Mother’s Day, I am going to eat what I want to eat. No kid-friendly menus for me! It is also a day when calories don’t count, so I will indulge in delicious treats and drinks.

Splurge on the Shoes and the Bag

It’s no secret that I love shoes and bags, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I think both make perfect Mother’s Day gifts. If I don’t unwrap one from my family, I may just treat myself.

Take a Nap

Moms are tired. No matter what stage you are in as far as parenting goes, you are tired. So take time today to get a nap. Ideally, after the delicious lunch someone else cooked for you.

Control the Remote

On Mother’s Day, you get to control the remote! No kids TV for you. Binge-watch your favorite shows or catch up on that series you’ve been dying to watch.

Sleep In

Start your Mother’s Day the right way by sleeping in. If the kids are old enough, let them take care of themselves in the morning. (Helpful tip – leave out the remote and a box of cereal on the counter). If they aren’t old enough, ask your partner to take care of them for you in the morning.

Let Go of Guilt

On Mother’s Day, try to let go of the guilt. All moms carry around some mom guilt. Sadly, most of this guilt isn’t even relevant. It’s baggage about stuff that doesn’t really matter in the long run (such as not making elaborate school lunches). On Mother’s Day, remind yourself why you are a good mom.

Happy Mother’s Day!