Today’s post is a little bit off topic – I’m not going to share a recipe but instead am taking an opportunity to slow things down. You all know by now that I am a bit of a worker-bee…I am at my best when I’m busy, when I have a project, when I have a to-do list. I don’t like to be idle. I do my best work under a deadline, and I crave the intensity and activity that a busy, planned-out day brings.
But, even having said that, even I understand the importance of downtime. I love my busy life – I love being a mom, a daughter, a sister, a wife – I love my job and all of my “extra-curriculars”…but when things get really busy I start to notice that I don’t feel like I’m doing them all really well. Sometimes, I just need a moment. We all do, don’t we?
Today’s post is brought to you by Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies – one of my very favorite ways to relax, take a moment to myself – to shut down the kitchen, relax with a little treat, and pause from the many roles I play and just focus on myself. Even if it’s just a moment – sometimes a moment is all we really need.
I often tell people that I have three full-time jobs – my day job, my blog, and my kids. But really, it’s more like 15 jobs. I’m also a housekeeper, a chauffeur, a short-order cook, a wife, a landscaper… you get my drift – because most of you are living the same busy life that I am. And, if you’re like me, you wouldn’t trade your busy life for anything. Because, it’s MY busy life.
And these are my Milano Dark Chocolate cookies.
My moment, my reward for rocking my busy life: Milano cookies, a mug of extra-hot coffee and my favorite book? That’s a good moment… it’s a sweet reminder to slow down and enjoy this journey. When I dip my Milano into my hot coffee, it’s like hitting the pause button, and it’s not hard to savor the moment. It’s not hard to savor the cookie, either. 
I encourage all of my Lemon Sugar friends out there to find a moment in your day to slow down and focus on yourself. The intentional “pause” is good for the soul. I’d love to hear from you – tell me what you do to slow down and focus on yourself – what’s your favorite way to spend your moment? I’ll be back soon with a new recipe. But for now, I’ve got my feet up… and Milano cookies to enjoy. How do you take time for yourself? Tell me in the comments and you will be entered for a chance to win a $100 VISA Gift Card!
Entry Instructions: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 3/2/15 – 4/30/15. Be sure to visit the Pepperidge Farm® Milano® Cookie brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
I like to take walks and enjoy an iced tea afterwards.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I try to find quiet time to read.
reklaw422 at Hotmail dot com
I take some extra time for myself by going to the gym and sweating all the stresses of the day out.
Nicole.ddziedzic at gmail dot com
I make my moment by snuggling with my dog on the couch while watching a good movie. yarbr012atgmaildotcom
i like to do face masks
I love sitting outdoors & just listening to nature. A glass of tea & a couple cookies help
I like to read a book and enjoy a cup of coffee
elena150980 at yahoo dot com
A cup of Earl Grey tea and a good book on my Kindle is how I relax.
I love to read and enjoy my tea.
My best relaxation is spent on my boat or neck deep in the lake with an adult beverage in hand. I like to read, but it takes me months to finish a book. I’d rather be outside enjoying all that nature has to offer.
Reading. I don’t seem to find the time to do it as often as I would like, but there is nothing better than sitting down with a good book and a large glass of water!
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/572862966829203456
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
I love to read and nap on lazy summer Sunday afternoons.
A pedicure and trashy magazine 🙂
I like to sit in my most comfortable chair with hot chocolate, some popcorn, a blanket, and a movie i’ve been wanting to see on the tv.
I love to sit in the recliner with a good book, a cup of coffee, and any of several kinds of Pepperidge Farms Milano cookies–double chocolate, raspberry chocolate, orange chocolate, or two different kinds at once.
I like to go on hikes. vandenbossche3@hotmail.com
I relax by taking a nice warm bath, cuddling up under my blanket and watch my shows.
Watching something good on Netflix is a treat for me.
I take time for myself by going for a walk with my dog.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Just take a little time to think or even take a little nap is great.
Something simple like taking a shower, stepping outside for a little bit to get some fresh or sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee
I take time for myself in the morning with my exercise routine.
madelinebrubaker {at} gmail [dot] com
I get out my Kindle and read with a cup of coffee. Thanks for the giveaway!
I like to take a walk
dlatany at gmail dot com
I try to schedule some down time every week.
I like to take time and look at pictures of what we have done the last week or month. Really makes me appreciate all the fun and love we have as a family. truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com
I like to take the time to read before going to sleep. my own quiet time.
Hlee99 at gmail dot com
Get up before anyone else and do some meditating
Doing anything knitting related is “me” time.
i take a hot bath and enjoy a glass of wine!
I simply take a hot bath, secure in the knowledge that my husband knows not to interrupt me!
I take time for my self by relaxing in a Finnish style sauna. That and enjoying a bottle of Merlot during the weekend.
I like to read in bed at the end of the day while eating treats.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
I say no to anything that is not important to me. I give myself permission to focus on what’s important. Getting the unessential responsibilites off my schedule will creates some extra time and space
I cuddle with a good read.
I always take time to myself. i go on the treadmill each day and watch mindless tv when i want
A long, hot shower.
Eating a milk chocolate Milano cookie with a vanilla latte with whip cream!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I take time for myselfby relaxing in a hot bubble bath with a good book and a glass of wine.
in the middle of the day, I just have to stop and say “Hey, it’s time for ME.” I take about 10 min to do what I want to do and then can get back to the day at hand.
I relax with a hot cup of cocoa and Netflix at night.
When I take some time to myself, I love to grab some chocolate or yummy cookies and watch a good sci fi movie 🙂 That’s that height of indulgence for me 🙂
anastasia2013@gmail.com
When I want to slow down and enjoy some quiet “me” time, I settle down with a book, a cup of tea or cappuccino, and a little indulgent snack.
I take a moment in the mornings when everyone is still asleep. I brew a special cup of coffee and enjoy some quiet time. Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
I take time for myself at night with a good book, comfortable PJs, hot cocoa and a delicious snack.
prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com
My favorite way to slow down and focus on myself is to go get a mani/pedi after work!
I enjoy hot baths and dark chocolate!
Each morning I take time out for myself while drinking my coffee and reading. It’s great!
I love to go for a little run outside. It helps me to center myself and reminds me of how beautiful this life is and how blessed I am.
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
I take time out for myself by making sure I have a daily workout. Taking time to keep fit and healthy makes me feel good.
I like going for a swim and then the whirlpool at the Y.
thank you
I take an hour before bed to unwind!
I love listening to good music or reading a good spiritual book when I take time for myself
I unwind by listening to good music or reading a good spiritual book when I take time for myself Please disregard this comment (sorry)
I enjoy sitting on my porch swing watching and listening to the wildlife.
I take time for myself by setting aside some Me Time in the late afternoons for reading and a coffee break.
A hot drink and a good book!
A moment or two at sunset looking at the ocean help me appreciate and reflect.
Sweets with a cup of coffee and a good book is how I take time for myself Rosanne
For me, the best way to relax and regroup is to take a moment (or better yet, a few moments) to check on what’s going on in the world outside–what birds are visiting the feeder, what clouds are drifting by, which way the tide is flowing, or whatever surprise nature has for me.
{notheranneother [at] gmail [dot] com}
I take time with deep breathing
I make time for myself with a cup of tea, a book and of course some cookies
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
By taking a walk or a hot bubble bath.
I like to go for weekly pedicures and take long baths when the kids are in bed..
I take time to myself surfing the internet.
I love relaxing with a cup of coffee and my laptop.
i take time for myself by reading some from a good book
I take time for myself by walking every day and this really keeps me energized and reading a good book and taking a nice long bath!
jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
I take a walk to relax.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
I enjoy taking a long, hot bath and reading a good book!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I go to the park and read the bible
iamdadtastic@gmail.com
I like to take off and go to the nail salon and get a pedicure. super relaxing!!! thanks! vanitizebaby@yahoo.com
I like to have a nice drink and put on some good music
I like to relax by drinking tea and reading a good book
I sit on the internet pinning recipes that I will probably never prepare or eat!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
margueritecore [at] gmail [dot] com
I like to get a massage and a pedicure
for me its by reading a good book or taking a hot bath pryfamily5@gmail.com
I like to take a nap
I take time for myself by taking long hot showers followed by a hot cup of tea.
kport207 at gmail dot com
i relax after work each day and sit and watch my soaps!
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
my time for myself is a long hot bath
I like to sit and watch some SportsCenter once the kids go to sleep.
I like to relax every day with a cup of coffee in the morning before the busy day begins.
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
My favorite way to slow down and take time for me is to read a good book while drinking wine on my deck.
s2s2 at cox dot net
I lay in bed and just relax.
I relax by soaking in a hot tub and listening to music
After lunch, I like to make coffee and just read a good book !
I like to take a long hot bath and read a cozy mystery. It’s my favorite way to unwind and take a moment to relax and rejuvenate myself.
I like to float ibn our pool and soak up the sun
i love to get my nail done once in while
I like to relax and watch TV while entering contests in my spare time.
I like to find a good magazine, mostly news types, and get a good snack and squirrel myself away and enjoy! I love these treats!
I love to read a great book, write, or meditate!
kaytewatts AT aol DOT com
I relax in the warm swimming pool and reflect on what I’m thankful for.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
A few moments spent on the back porch with a glass of wine can do magic…nothing like a chance to just enjoy some quiet and reflect on all the things I love running around in the house.
I take time for myself by spending some time in my bedroom with the TV and a glass of wine
My quiet relaxation is a nice long bath and a book before going to bed.
I like to read or soak in a bath! ky-grandma40@yahoo.com
haven’t figured out how yet, there isn’t enough hours in any day to take time for myself
I like to bicycle!!
I like to go for a long walk or run! Alone!
I’m a long distance backpacker, but I can’t always go out for weeks at a time. So, when I need to recharges, I take a little hike in the woods and that’ll do the trick.
I like to drink a latte.
I make time for myself by scheduling a girls night out with my best friend.
dmarie824 at aol dot com
Enjoying a cup of coffee each day is how I take time for myself.
My lunch break is my “me” time. I’m a work at home housewife, so when I take my lunch every day, I curl up on the couch with the furbabies for one show on Netflix. After I eat we snuggle on pillows and a blanket to finish the show =) If I haven’t taken my break by 12:30 or so, they start nudging me to let me know that it’s that time! =)
ashleyandshea@charter.net
I lose myself in a good book
I take time for me by taking an early morning walk in my neighborhood each morning that the weather permits me to. I love seeing all of the seasonal changes take place.
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
I get to work earlier than I need to, not only does this afford me getting a decent parking spot, but my company provides a free breakfast so I take advantage of that too. This way I start my day with no rush, no hurry and a good foundation for a good day to come.
I take time for myself by setting on my porch swing and reading a book.
I like to read a book to relax.
I take time for myself…spend a lot of time at the beach and also making jewelry!
I go for a walk outside to take time for myself.
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
I love to take a hot shower, have some hot earl gray tea and some chocolate cake or cookies!
My hubby built me a wooden swing in the back yard…I love to swing out there and reflect.
I take time for myself by going on walks.
I take time out for myself by spending quality time with my pets each day
#SweepstakesEntry
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
I crochet, play with our dogs or read a good book.
I take time for myself by relaxing and going outside to breathe the fresh air, and meditating.
I love to read, eat something sweet and enjoy it with a glass of sweet tea
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
My time to myself is when I get up. I have my 1st cup of coffee on the deck and watch the morning come in. Thank you for the chance to win this !!
I like to hang out in the hammock with a new read for the afternoon.
taking a hot shower and singing at the top of my lungs