It’s the year of self-wellness, and well, it’s almost November so if you haven’t taken advantage of this free hall pass to rest, relax and take care of yourself, mom – here’s your motivation. If you have been fitting in your energy healing, Barry’s Bootcamp, half marathon training and the occasion spa date like myself – good for you! But that doesn’t you can’t do more. I guarantee as a mom you’re not cutting yourself enough slack and out of 365 days and 8760 hours in a year, only using 3 of them for a massage means your not doing yourself (or your children, family or co-workers any favors).

So if you get invited to a Mom’s Night Out – you’re obligated to go. Next time your friend asks you to dinner (or a spa!), say YES. Just like I did this week to a lovely couple of kid-free hours with Momtrends. Okay soooo, you just can’t find the time or your feeling guilty? Here a few “home remedies” to help keep your sanity at home.

1. Stay Healthy – Boiron

Sometimes you can’t take a break, and that means even when you’re not feeling well. So the best solution is to AVOID getting sick. Ok, I know in NYC that’s sometimes next to impossible with dirty subways and kids’ in school with germs. So plan to prep like the mom you are to keep the immune system up with sneaky greens in smoothies, and some Boiron stocked up in the medicine cabinet. These family-friendly homeopathic medicines work best when taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms. And after getting the FLU last season, I have these on-stock just waiting for any sign of sickness. Note: These homeopathic medicines do not cause drowsiness or sleeplessness. There’s no risk of overdose and they won’t interact with other medications, herbs, or supplements. Boiron’s medicines also do not contain any of the ingredients questioned by the FDA for use in children under age 4. 

2. Retail Therapy – JCPenney

Everyone knows that shopping is good for your soul (maybe not your checkbook haha). But there is something soothing about holiday shopping and bringing that magic and joy home to share or wear. I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention, but JCP has really been stepping up their game to compete with cool home furnishings and clothing lines, and this season is set to impress once again. The new Peyton & Parker collection is sparkly, fun and hip all in one – ranging from glittery crowns to matching denim shirts to must-have dinner plates (even if they’re just while eating on your lap!). Starting October 19, shop the new Peyton & Parker Collection is available exclusively at JCPenney in select stores and online.

3. Stay Sane – VTech Toys

It’s time for a moment of truth – you can talk down on technology all you want, but there is nothing better than a little down time because your child is entertaining themselves. And no one does this better than VTech educational toys. You can actually put your feet up and maybe read a couple pages from your favorite book or watch a non-cartoon show on Netflix while your child is busy learning in a fun way that you don’t have to feel guilty about. VTech is a world leader in developing high-quality, innovative educational products that enrich children’s development.

4. Grow a Healthy Immune System – Culturelle

I’ve always said growing up on a farm helped mold my immune system as a child. Cultures and probiotics (hello, I was on a dairy farm!) are gentle and natural and help develop and grow healthy immune systems. Luckily for your baby in 2018, you don’t have to be on a dairy farm to enjoy this – brands like Culturelle can bring this right to your home.  And Culturelle has been top-rated and even #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand, plus having safe and gentle ingredients that work naturally with your baby’s body.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Photo credits: Stephanie Barnhart and Suzanne Cohen.