** THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED **
This past year I’ve learned a new appreciation for the little things. Crisp clean sheets. A hot cup of coffee from a sweet friend. That perfect oversized sweatshirt that feels like a giant hug.
These little things have gotten me through rough nights when I wonder how could I possibly continue juggling everything that parenthood entails. Because so many of our readers are either expecting or recently had children, we thought we’d pull together the ultimate mama care package for a handful of our lucky readers.
Each item in this bundle was hand-picked by me, mostly because I use each one of these products daily, and each one has brought me joy when I needed a pick-me-up, or it made me feel like ME again, even when I was in desperate need of a long shower and 12 hours of sleep.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our brand partners, we are giving away a “Mama Care Package” to THREE entrants chosen at random. To enter, comment below on the little things you do for yourself, what do you have a new appreciation for?
Disclaimer: You do not need to be a mom to enter! Giveaway will close on 10/12/17 at 12 pm CST.
1. SNOWE – Bathrobe // 2. Goodwin – Na Nin Moondance Candle // 3. Little Mother’s Helper // 4. Chronicle Books – Mom’s One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book // 5. Halo® SleepSack® 2-piece gift set // 6. aden + anais white label – Serengeti Swaddles // 7. The Citizenry -Nizado Lumbar Pillow // Baby Dove Tip-to-Toe Wash (not pictured, but always used)
Thank you to all of our brand partners that so generously donated product. And a shout-out to Baby Dove for the motivation to document this crazy year.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - October 5, 2017
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.
Try and indulge in a tv show only for me
On my lunch breaks every few weeks I get take out nachos, a diet coke and watch Bravo for an hour. For some reason being at work and doing that for myself feels like such an indulgence!
As a first time mom of a now 7 month old, I have developed a strong appreciation for coffee mugs that don’t leak in my bag, soft sheets, stretch pants, nursing camis, and Saturday mornings on the couch with my babe
I have a whole new appreciation for a little morning routine. Nothing crazy, just a little time carved out for myself to make my latte, light a candle, and just be. It starts my day off on a great, intentional note.
I go to the grocery store by myself, grab a cup of coffee and do my shopping. I also love when I can do yoga with a glass of wine after the kids go to bed. I have a new appreciation for a hot meal!
I have a new appreciation for being able to sit quietly for more than 10 minutes without interruption. Also, shopping at Target alone.
I eat my daughter’s fruit snacks and watch bad reality TV after she goes to bed. I have a new appreciation for leftovers.
I splurge on a mocha once a week and appreciate my partner’s help.
I listen to podcasts on the way to the gym. That ten minute drive is so uplifting and refreshing! It is one of my favorite parts of the day.
Expecting our first baby in a few short weeks! New found appreciation for morning walks with me and the pup, enjoying the weather, leaves and wiggly baby snug in my belly.
I wake up before the kids to have breakfast and coffee in peace.
No matter what, during my lunch hour each day, I go for a walk. Whether it’s outside or on the treadmill (winters are tough..), having those 20 minutes to clear my head, indulge in a podcast or YouTube video, can make my day or turn it around.
I’m a mom of 2 and expecting our third in a few months. I have found exercise is the best thing I can do for myself, but it sure is hard to fit in. So I get up early, or sometimes do a workout in my office (I have my own company and an office that is very private once the doors are closed!). More recently, I’ve enjoyed relaxing with a scented candle and a good book!
I’ve started treating myself each evening with a book and a cup of herbal tea. It helps me wind down my day and preps me for a good night’s sleep. I’ve started appreciating the boot-camp style weightlifting class I’m taking weekly for helping me realize my strength.
I have a whole new appreciation for my running shoes and the dog! Three times a week, the dog and I get to go for a run (nothing crazy long or fast) but I get to totally unplug and just work through everything. It’s been amazing and helped me be a better mama!
Once a week I take myself out for lunch and bring a magazine to read. If I get through the meal without checking my phone I treat myself to dessert too.
I’ve learned so many self-care tips from my mom, which is why if I won, I’d give the gifts to her. She has taught me to take pause by letting out lent up energy through creativity – writing handwritten notes, sketching, and daydreaming.
I’m expecting my first in December and am really trying to embrace self-care during these last few months of pregnancy! I’ve enjoyed taking my pup on a walk and listening to podcasts. 🙂
Get my hair done. In fact, I am quietly sitting at the salon (by myself) enjoying myself right now!
I have a 7 month old and I so enjoy winding down at the end of the night with Netflix and a good beverage, sometimes tea… sometimes wine… 😊
After living without a bath tub for two years, I really get into my bathtime rituals – candles, bath bombs, glass of wine, music… the works!
Take a long bath and treat myself to ice cream or wine after a long day.
Making sure to get outside every day! Calms me and the babe. Being able to get through a whole cup of coffee without it going cold is also a treat! Doesn’t happen often, but its great when it does.
Naps!
Light a fall candle and read a book!
Getting groceries delivered – saves so much time and I don’t have to bring two kids to the grocery store. Best time saver.
I’m 31 weeks pregnant with my first and have been sick the entire time. I couldn’t have made it without a long shower at the end of each day, and when I feel up to it, I like to make a stop on the way to work for fall pastries at my favorite local bakeries.
I try to have a cup of tea and turn my phone off before bed each night. So relaxing.
Hi! I just hit 20 weeks with my first pregnancy and I have become so much more aware of the importance of slowing down (mainly because of how I’m walking!) and taking time to read a book before bed, using a face mask weekly, and buying really decadent lotion. ❤️
I’m a first time mama with an 8 month old. While she naps and I’m able to relax for a moment, I treat my self by reading blogs, (like yours!) reading books, and doing kettle bell swing sets.
A few minutes of a good book before bed, a nice glass of wine, or a dance party by myself to let it all out! After having my son, I learned such an appreciation for the little things, to recognize how gratifying they are and how wonderful it is that they make such a difference!
There are few things that relax me more than ending the day on my big overstuffed sectional with my husband and puppy. He might be watching a game while I read a book but just relaxing in each others presence is the perfect way to end each day.
I make a cuppa tea and find a good book!
Light a luxury candle when I get home from work
I love to spend “me” time curled up on the couch with a bowl of homemade guac and a giant Dr. Pepper. Sometimes though, I try to remind myself that fresh air is truly the best remedy and I’ll take my fluffy pup Archer out for walk by the lakes.
A coffee from my coffee place and a walk around lake Nokomis while listening to a podcast.
Little things. I have plants and I care for them. Sometimes I drink coffee in the garden and just watch them.
I always light a candle as I get ready for bed. Washing your face feels less like a chore when the environment is relaxing!
To feel like me again, I grab a beanie, coffee, and my pup and head into the woods for a slow walk in the silence.
I have an appreciation for the quiet moments in the morning before all the kids wake up! I try to end my day with yoga to unwind 🙂
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Every night, when I’m getting ready for bed, I diffuse some lavender on my nightstand. I’ve done it for so long (and take it with me when traveling!) that when that amazing smell hits my nose, it switches my brain over to knowing it’s time for bed.
Exercise, time with friends, and some alone time with my husband! All important things for keeping myself and as a result my family happy!
I try to keep my room clean and spare of a lot of things. Having a calm space to end my day has made such a difference in my sleep! I’m in the first trimester of pregnancy so I need all the rest I can get!
Coffee, makeup and spanx
A morning run on the trails and really appreciating my health and the love of family ❤️
I’m expecting my first baby (a little girl!) in January, just a two weeks after you, Kate! Getting excited and nervous, but really starting to savour moments of quiet with my husband – just watching a movie or reading side by side with music playing. Taking my pup for long walks, and indulging in lots more baked goods until baby girl comes. Would love this mama package! Hope you’re feeling wonderful and strong in your pregnancy this time around!
I’m expecting my first child, and I can’t wrap my mind around how much my life is about to change! I find myself appreciating the little things that make me feel like me, like wandering alone around my neighborhood with no particular destination, browsing for hours at the library, and reading a book in bed.
A hot bath + good book at least once a week. A honey lavender latte with hemp milk at least once a week. A spin class at least once a week. These things kee0 this mama-to-be happy!
Hot bubble baths, warm coffee, and quiet moments to myself are more precious now that our baby girl is here. I still wouldn’t change it for the world!
I have a little 5 month old and another sweet baby on the way! I appreciate taking a nice bath after a long day, leggings, long walks with my girl and the dog, and when my husband lets me get extra sleep on the weekends!