r/Mommit • u/Llama_Llama_Drama • 21h ago
What is one small indulgence you started doing for yourself after having kids? Not extravagant, just every day things…
Mine is buying matching pajama sets. Not the luxurious silk pajamas, just cotton sets from Amazon or Sams Club. BUT they have definitely made a difference by making me feel a little more put together. Even though my house is a hot mess & my toddlers are screaming banshees. I at least look like I’m ready for it 😂
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u/theycallmepeeps 21h ago
Love the pajama sets idea. I take baths once a month with a nice bath bomb.
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u/Ok_Oil7670 17h ago
I want you to start taking baths more often than once a month. I have the feeling you deserve it.
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u/theycallmepeeps 17h ago
Oh and now I’m crying? I promise I’ll do it more often!
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u/keenlychelsea 11h ago
Yeah, I agree, I think like once a week with a fave mask (if that's your bag, and it doesn't feel like a chore).
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u/cat_power 15h ago
I asked my husband for a nice set of matching pajamas and man he delivered. He got me TWO sets, long and short sleeved from cozy earth. They are luxurious.
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u/CountessJade45 20h ago
Bath salt soaks under fairy lights
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u/Consistent_Magician2 20h ago
I do this too! Epsom salts, lavender oil, star lights. :)
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u/DystopianTrashPanda3 19h ago
I’m obsessed with Epsom salt with lavender oil baths. My body just feels so relaxed after. Also read a book in there sometimes too.
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u/virtualhighfiver 12h ago
Was doing this regularly while pregnant with my newborn this past fall/winter. It was relaxing until my 4yo would knock on the door with a concerned, “MOM, WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THERE?!” 😂
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u/Sarabeth61 20h ago
I’ve gotten really into candles. I’ll be damned if my house is going to smell like poop and farts eternally.
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u/unicornswish 9h ago
Same! What are your favourite scents? I have a black cherry one for now which is okay, really loved the yankee candle christmas scents but I'm looking for something cozy to burn year round.
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u/ashleyncc1701 20h ago
I preorder books
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u/so_not 19h ago
Oh I do this too! Getting Onyx Storm on the day it came out was very nice.
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u/ellehcimtheheadachy 33m ago
Me too! Although I found out there were a bunch of parties for the midnight release that I probably would have attended if I didn't have a kid. Lol.
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u/quickbrassafras 16h ago
What are you reading now?
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u/ashleyncc1701 15h ago
Just finished the Windy City series by Liz Tomforde and loved it! Right now I’m reading Strung Along by Hannah Cowan. I’m eagerly awaiting the release of Fearless by Lauren Robert’s next week!!
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u/Cheshyre_says 4h ago
I've started buying physical copies of my favorite indie books. Then I put a bookshelf in our main room, in part so I can stare at the book spines for a moment of escapism.
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u/BlackSpinelli 21h ago
Getting my hair done more frequently and my eyebrows done.
And also eating the candy when I want some dang candy.
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u/iamaglow 19h ago
Yes to the eyebrows! The appointments are usually quick and make me feel so much less of a hot mess 😂
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u/gennygemgemgem 13h ago
Having regular hair appointments has been such a treat for me. Even if my hair is a greasy mess, I can still manage to look presentable with some (a lot) of dry shampoo and a lip stain.
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u/arielrecon 20h ago
Self care time. My husband and I alternate who puts which kid to bed for the night. My eldest is a night owl and needs someone to hang out with until he goes to sleep but my youngest goes to sleep pretty quickly once he's in the mood. He is usually out by 8:30 so whoever gets him basically gets the night off to do whatever they want. I make it a point to make at least one of these nights per week a self care night where I do skin/nail/hair care. It makes me feel more in control of my life lol
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u/heatherista2 19h ago
I managed to get my three year old to understand that she can have my attention for 99.99% of the day, except for the ten minutes in the morning it takes for me to write in my journal.
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u/Ok-Lake-3916 20h ago
I bought an espresso machine when my daughter was 10 months old. Making myself a latte and enjoying it hot is something I prioritize.
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u/RandyOfficial 16h ago
Same! I was given a nespresso machine and aeroccino and I order myself the fancy flavours and espressos. My husband rolls his eyes at my coffee stash but whatever, he gets whiskey, I get my coffee🤷🏻♀️
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u/FaultSuspicious 20h ago
Some mornings I wake up ~1 hour before my family. I immediately UberEats a fancy coffee from Starbucks, and once I get it, I sip it in our sunroom while I read/watch reels BY MYSELF. Then I take a few minutes to do my makeup and get dressed without anyone bothering me. It’s such a small thing but it’s such a nice, slow way to start the day.
But every single day, no matter where we are going or what is on the schedule, I do my makeup and put on jewelry. Helps me feel pretty and put together and not like a grumpy frump lol
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u/drinkwhatyouthink 17h ago
I work from home and my day starts at 5:30am so those couple hours of peace before everyone else gets up fuel me.
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u/Exotic_Ear9150 17h ago
I love this. I have 4 kids. 8, 3, 21 months and 3.5 months. I cannot wait to do something like this in a few years when I’m not sleep deprived lol.
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u/Laziness_supreme 7h ago
Me: thinking to myself, damn I’d have to be up at 4AM to beat my kids by an hour.
Also me: scrolling reddit at 3:32 AM because my 7 month old has been sleep regressing for a week.
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u/idk123703 20h ago
Gym membership!
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u/missingmarkerlidss 16h ago
This is mine! Drop babies at the ymca with the darling childminders, 45 minute workout, 15 minute shower with no toddlers trying to climb in the shower with me. Pick up my sweet angels ready to take on the day! Or if I’m having a terrible day, ditch those little monsters with the darling childminders, get a fancy coffee from the swank y cafe, drink it in the attached library while reading magazines for an hour, pick up my children who have miraculously transformed into little angels, ready to take on the day! 🤣
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u/Pretend_Airport3034 20h ago
Same with the jammies. I love Walmart’s joyspun sets with the pockets!
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u/Sydlouise13 15h ago
I’m sitting here in my joyspun muumuu right now
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u/Pretend_Airport3034 15h ago
I have the muumuu and the set in the pink and grey cheetah print lmao 🤣
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u/Sydlouise13 15h ago
I have 2 of the pink dogs and hearts and the pink cheetah print all MuuMuus and I love them especially since they’re so light!
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u/Pretend_Airport3034 15h ago
I love the pockets lol 😂
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u/Sydlouise13 15h ago
That has been my biggest beef with pajamas since I was a teen (I’m a pajama connoisseur) and I love the pockets!
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u/HovercraftGreat7871 17h ago
Did the your baby’s matching pajamas inspire you to get some? Sometimes my best inspiration for self-care comes from doing the adult version of what I do for my kid. When I started making sure he ate veggies, I started doing it too. And I worked harder at making them taste good! I didn’t do that for myself pre-child.
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u/NicoleD84 17h ago
Klondike bars. I was always made to feel like they were a luxury food when I was a kid, now they’re my luxury most nights after the kids go to bed. And specifically after they go to bed, it’s not as enjoyable if they’re awake.
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u/Robin_Daggerz 20h ago
Pajama gang unite! That’s exactly what I did too (down to the Sam’s Club jammies) and it makes such a huge difference in how I feel everyday.
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u/CuppCake529 19h ago
I learned how to do dip nails and every two to three weeks I set aside a couple of hours to do my nails. It's something that makes me feel pretty at a fraction of the cost because I do it myself.
I'm about to have my 5th (and hopefully final) kid.
Since I have a lot of different colors, it costs about $28 every 3 months because I have to buy new liquids. If you include incidentals like nail polish remover, plastic bags, cotton balls, files (i buy in bulk) maybe $35 every 3 months? Way better than 40+ every 2 weeks.
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u/DystopianTrashPanda3 19h ago
Oooooh I’ve been wondering about this! How was the learning curve? Any tips or recommendations?
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u/theycallmepeeps 18h ago
Not who you’re responding to but I just started using NailBoo dip (IG ads got me) and it’s got a small learning curve but lasts forever. One of the steps is to file over the dip before you put the activator on and I’m learning that you can really go hard with the file and it’s not gonna jack it all up- it makes it all smooth so there’s nothing to pick at on the edges once you’re done. The first time took forever but after that it really wasn’t too time consuming.
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u/CuppCake529 18h ago
I've been doing it for just over two years, and still, sometimes, I do better than other times. I didn't use a drill until recently, so you can do everything by hand to start so you don't ruin your nails.
There's a reddit and also tons of YouTube videos.
The one bit of advice I'll give you is that the liquids are most important next to nail prep. The cheap ones on Amazon will make you feel like you'll never get the hang of it. Powders, you can go cheap on.
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u/cannoli-ravioli 16h ago
Thanks for sharing cost! I go get them done every 3ish weeks and spending obviously way more than that but think it would be fun to learn.
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u/chickenwings19 12h ago
I do my own nails too. Just gel polish, but have been doing this for over 10 years now. Got my own kit and set of polish. I love doing them, hate it when I can’t but I do try and do them every 3 weeks or so
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u/rillybigdill 9h ago
I recently discovered dip and its the only thing that makes my nails look good! I suck at doing my own nails but i try to stretch it to 4-6 weeks. I also get gel pedicures which last a really long time too. It all feels very indulgent but oh well!
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u/so_not 18h ago
I formed a book club with some friends and it has grown since then to include a few more lovely new friends.
We don't all read a specific book each month or whatever. Instead we all just read what we want. We all like the same genres (romantasy mostly, but also fantasy, YA, and romance). We have a group chat where we basically share memes and recommendations. It's been a balm for my soul.
We've also started getting together once a season to basically drink, eat, read, do puzzles, hang out, and talk. We all look forward to them SO much. Like the next one is a month away and we cannot hide our excitement.
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u/Sufficient-Jaguar453 5m ago
I formed a cookbook club. Once a month we get together and all cook recipes from the same cookbook. The host that month gets to choose which cookbook we use. There is something so nice in prioritizing cooking something non-kid friendly and then having a night out with a lovely group of women.
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u/HerCacklingStump 19h ago
I order a fancy “spa tea” blend from a tea shop and have it almost nightly in bed.
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u/daisyjaneee 18h ago
This is the first thing on this thread that actually appeals to me lol, what tea is it? I need something that feels new and special!
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u/MittensToeBeans 20h ago
Getting my eyebrows tinted. My usual place just started offering it and I love it! It doesn’t last as long as they claim it will but dammit those 10 days where my brows are full are great
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u/Infamous-Goose363 18h ago
10-20 minutes of yoga after putting the kids to bed and reading a little each night
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u/thesevenleafclover 17h ago
My baby girl is one and I’ve gotten three pedicures in the past year. That’s three more than I had in the prior 10-15 years.
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u/MyBrosPassport 20h ago
Same with the PJs! I just broke out a new set last night ❤️ it makes me feel so much better. I also with this bub after about a week at home decided I wasn’t going to wear ‘comfy breastfeeding clothes’ (read: daggy and gross lol) this time round. I located all my stretchy, comfy clothes, then ordered a few more things online and I’ve felt properly dressed the whole time. It’s been so great. I don’t care if someone visits or spots me in the yard anymore lol.
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u/mama-ld4 19h ago
I make latte’s at home (protein or regular) and I do my best to drink it while it’s hot.
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u/lilac_roze 19h ago
I put baby to sleep and have a nice bath every other night. I found it’s the best way to unwind
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u/PistachioIcedCoffee 19h ago
I go once every 10 weeks and get my hair done. I just get a few highlights and a trim but it makes me feel SO put together. At an event the other week, I saw an old coworker who asked me if I had extensions in my hair. I told her I’m just finally taking good care of it. It felt great, especially since I’m in the midst of that awkward baby-hair-fly-aways-stage of my hair growing back after my second baby!
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u/Forsaken-Fig-3358 18h ago
I drink Topo Chico mineral water....It comes in glass bottles and makes me feel super decadent
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u/AmayaNyt 18h ago
I decided to start a yarn of the month subscription. I mostly feel like I am just starting a yarn hoard because I barely have the time to even look at the instructions for a project before the next one comes. But it is something I can do when I have hands free and a little time on the couch. Hopefully during nap time (if the 3.5-year-old actually goes down) or if I wake up earlier on the weekend.
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u/TheCarzilla 18h ago
Just finding time to myself. A walk with an audiobook or podcast, a puzzle with an audiobook or podcast. I go to bed about 45 mins after everyone else so I get to watch something I enjoy and have no one to answer to.
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u/bethanechol 15h ago
Keeping costco smoked salmon in the freezer at all times.
It's my favorite and easiest "fancy luxury food", and on a weekend it takes less than five minutes to throw together toast, cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and tea, and suddenly i have a high protein filling breakfast that feels a little like i'm at a luxury hotel even while the littles are slinging eggs everywhere
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u/TA_readytobedone 14h ago
Does it defrost well? I never even considered freezing lox before.
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u/bethanechol 6h ago
It does!! Texture comes out exactly the same in my experience. I always let it thaw gently in the fridge for a day or two before I start using it.
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u/Leather-Union-5828 16h ago
I drink way less these days, but occasionally once the kids are asleep I love a glass of cab, a good face mask, and my reality tv. It’s cost efficient and really helps me unwind and decompress.
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u/iguanasdefuego 18h ago
When Ben & Jerry’s goes on sale I’ll buy some smores or Americone dream and it’s ONLY. FOR. ME. (I will buy a big tub of chocolate for the family)
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u/SweatingDiamonds 15h ago
I have a solid skincare routine. Sounds silly but it makes me happy and is my own way of winding down every night. It’s expensive and I don’t care 😆
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u/cat_power 15h ago
Taking more time to do skincare so I can spend less time doing my makeup in the morning. I rarely wear foundation and/or concealer now since I’ve been taking better care of my skin. I just do mascara and my brows most days for work.
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u/GlitterMeThat 15h ago
And sunscreen!!!
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u/cat_power 15h ago
Part of my morning skin routine! I’m a pale potato so it’s definitely necessary 🙈
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u/ContentSherbet8532 14h ago
Buying myself supermarket flowers to enjoy for myself every two weeks. Especially enjoyable after a stressful shop with a toddler and a newborn
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u/EbonyDr17 20h ago
Making sure I still do my hair and nails. I didn’t want to be a mom who let herself go after having kids. I also never gave up my purse for a diaper bag. I’ve always loved styling my outfits with a nice purse from my collection.
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u/mrscrc 14h ago edited 14h ago
Yes I didn’t start wearing matching pjs until I had my kid lol. I’m in them all day and it makes me feel less like a mess. I also try and workout 3 to 4 times a week. I started it cause it helped so much with my mental health after baby was born and now it makes me feel so good! I’m in better shape than I ever was before I became a mom. I also crochet, have a ten set skincare routine, read and meditate.
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u/burlapsacs 20h ago
Eating out for lunch, instead of bringing it, when I’m working from the office. When I’m at home it’s usually PB&J
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u/2-Franks-Love-Me 17h ago
Rollos. Such an underrated candy and so freaking delicious. Also, fuzzy socks, cute teacups, and matching pjs :)
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u/Purple_Grass_5300 19h ago
lol I have more matching pajamas than anybody should own. Like probably 15 per holiday lol including ones like st Patrick’s
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u/AdhesivenessLumpy333 18h ago
I started a mug collection, my great grandma and grandma both had one when I was little and now I’ve started my own! I get one every holiday now and I love it so much!!
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u/RealWorldMeerkat 16h ago
An unlimited membership to Club Pilates. It's an hour every couple of days when nobody needs me and I can turn my brain off.
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u/Jinkies_77 10h ago
Fresh flowers. I buy a bundle at Costco every week or every other week. It's a habit I started in Italy because they were so cheap at the markets. It makes me happy to have a fresh bunch of flowers on the table :)
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u/Piper110720 17h ago
I bought a gel nail set and treat myself by taking my time doing mani/pedis while drinking a glass of wine and watching a cheesy movie after everyone is in bed.
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u/snapparillo 17h ago
Nails always done and buying the damn latte. I used to think buying coffee was so wasteful when I could just make a pot at home. It’s not a weekly thing by any means but it always perks me up. I especially love hitting the grocery store Starbucks before starting my shopping.
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u/Saltycook 16h ago
I buy nice coffee. I don't go to coffee shops often, and I'm fairly frugal. Not to mention, I have a sensitive nose, so I try to drink local coffee because it's fresher. The fresher it is to its roast date, the better it tastes. I grind it every morning and make it in a French press. The ritual is something I really enjoy.
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u/Gillingsworth 15h ago
Another member of the matching pjs team! Target and aerie have been killing it lately! I don’t usually like to sit in my pjs all day but when I’m wearing matching ones I don’t mind as much!
I’m getting back into getting my hair done as well and I’m thinking about lash and brow tinting too since those seem quick and easy.
My other indulgence that I’m picking back up is gel pedicures.
I’ve been eyeing an espresso machine (like a delonghi or similar) but not yet!
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u/TheSorcerersCat 15h ago
I pay for a leg wax. After I'm done breastfeeding, I'm going to pay for laser hair removal treatments. I've gotten brave enough to do a bikini wax but I'm still not brave enough to do armpits. That can wait for laser.
I love how smooth it comes out and I don't have to spend extra time shaving in the shower or considering which bottoms to wear to the pool. Just always ready to go.
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u/Few_Consideration577 13h ago
Definitely Loungewear. I would have never thought I’d look forward to a matching set of loungewear 😂
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u/Bizzzzzzzzzzy 10h ago
Now that my kids are out of diapers and will go play together I turn off the tv and take time to stand around looking out the window planning the garden, and day dream about excursions I can do with the kids. I’ll doodle and plan and listen to audible books out loud while sketching and journaling sometimes and have given my kids their own sketchbooks to journal their ideas in. It feels healthy and I don’t feel guilty about not spending every waking second playing with my kids.
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u/basicallyemobubbles 16h ago
This isn’t extravagant but i started using my spare money for self care items and finding a love for smelling good and a small obsession with finding lotions and stuff that make me feel and smell nice
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u/chocolatebuckeye 15h ago
I got myself a set of little sleepies pjs for adults. I’m hooked! They’re so great and comfortable in all temperatures too!
But my thing would be homemade cups of tea/lattes and baths after the kids go to bed.
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u/tevamom99 14h ago
I waited too long on this, but working out. I’ve been doing dumbbell routines to build strength and it’s been great for helping me process my mom rage, plus my adhd/sensory seeking kid (who needs heavy work to regulate himself) has wanted to join in. I got my dumbbells a few at a time from target/dick’s sporting goods and I follow Nourishmovelove (she has free YouTube videos) and Getmomstrong (paid for her membership though).
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u/sgtducky9191 13h ago
I get my nails done every 3 weeks, and pedicures every 6 weeks in the summer. Every evening my husband and I have little treat before we go to bed, just a cookie or muffin or something, but it's our time together ❤️
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u/keenlychelsea 11h ago
Omg! I've been loving matching pajamas sets. It makes me feel so chic, lol. Sofr buttery clothing to bed? And around the house? Yes please!
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u/sigalbearfish 6h ago
I started getting my nails done and sometimes do cute designs. Also got back into reading, and collect special edition books
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u/Thoughtful-Pig 3h ago
Move bedtime for the kids up as much as I can, so I can get much-needed time alone at the end of the day. It's a total necessity.
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u/AdorableEmphasis5546 18h ago
I like to take a nice long bath about once a week. Sometimes 3+ hours. I have all the things with me too. Sugar scrub, hair mask, face mask, lavender body wash, hair oil etc
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u/FoolishAnomaly 5h ago
Making myself an iced coffee. It's not a bougie as Starbucks but it hits the spot!!
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u/Cheshyre_says 4h ago
So many little things help my sanity.
- I get my hair done twice a year
- I've recently started getting my nails done every few weeks. The hour and change of no kids, just focusing on me, wonderful.
- I build the big Lego sets with my spouse as our bonding time when the kids are in bed, it takes us ages to get thru one, but we can't use our phones during, so it helps us be in the moment with each other.
- Books. I usually read extensively in KU and Libby, but when I really loved the story, I'll buy a physical copy of it to keep.
- The good creamer, and I don't share.
- Fancy coffee beans for my spouse. He doesn't share either.
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u/justamom2224 4h ago
casually taking down ideas from this sub
So far, the little things I do have been very small. I’m still learning. I became a mom a little over two and a half years ago. I got myself a nice coffee maker, that can do hot/iced/cold brew. I get my syrup flavors. I get my favorite flavored coffee grounds and my favorite creamers. Then my cold foam. My toddler likes to join on my coffee making and I make him his “fancy” coffee. It’s just chocolate milk with cold foam on it lol.
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u/family_black_sheep 2h ago
It's going to sound dumb, but I always have a sudoku book. It's a paper book and pencil. It lets me put down the screens and feel like I'm actually challenging my mind instead of sitting there being yelled at for more snacks or put something back together.
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u/tempermentalelement 1h ago
Saturday nights for 2 hours, I go in the garage, leave the kids with my husband, and watch Banana Ball. It's very therapeutic, lol. Might even have a vodka soda while I'm out there.
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u/LDBB2023 20h ago
Putting whipped cream on my morning coffee! It’s a brief moment of indulgence as my twins yell at me demanding more fruit 🙃