When me and my husband were engaged, someone gave us some advice I thought was silly. They told my husband that if I chose to stay at home as a mom to make sure that I had the chance to take a break every now and then. That whatever profession he chose, he would get to come home from work, but home would be my work.
I received compensation for this post, all ideas and opinions are my own.
Fast forward ten years, three kids, and two major moves later, and I get it. Life as a mom is so fulfilling and so crazy. My husband is currently a full time pediatric dentist resident and we don’t get to see him as much as we would like. At this current stage in our lives, breaks are few and far between for both of us, but I have found that keeping a few things around the house help things feel easier when the days seem long.
Encouraging Words- I love quotes and being reminded of the task at hand is always a huge motivator for me. I have little prints framed all over the house that I change out regularly. I also keep a quote written on my bathroom mirror in dry erase marker. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time they are words that make me smile or laugh.
Candy/Snacks- This sounds silly, but when a long day comes to a close, sometimes I just need a treat. A “Good for you mom! You did it!”, end of the day reward. I think most moms shoot for a piece of chocolate, I have a secret stash of potato chips.
Small Reminders- This bracelet is a small reminder of something my mom used to always say and has become my little family’s motto, “I can do hard things.” There are seasons in life, some of them are easy and full of goodness, others are hard and full of goodness. Good news though, you can do hard things.
Music- Music is a very powerful, emotional experience for me. There are days that seem so much longer than others, but turning on our favorite songs for a dance party always lifts our spirits and keeps us laughing.
Fresh Flowers- Nothing makes me smile more than fresh flowers. There is something about coming down the stairs, groggy and disheveled to start the day, and seeing beautiful, blooming flowers on my kitchen table. They are a breath of fresh air. Here in Alaska, we are approaching the darkness that winter brings and flowers are a little boost of sunshine in the long winter months.
We don’t have a lot of shopping options up here in the north, but I am lucky enough to have a Kroger grocery store. Fun fact. Did you know that Kroger is the largest florist in the country and that they are the ones who provide the rose garland for the Kentucky Derby? I always pick up my flowers while I am grocery shopping. Check out this video and see why I am so proud to support them:
Kroger’s Roses are all Rainforest Alliance certified. That means that they originate or contain ingredients sourced from Rainforest Alliance certified farms or forests. Farms and Forests bearing this certification go through rigorous environmental, social, and economic criteria. This criteria is designed to conserve wildlife.
It is so refreshing knowing that the people I am buying my flowers from, know where they are coming from, and they are proud of supporting such amazing farmers and forests. Visit Kroger to find out more about what they are doing to contribute to a sustainable social, economic, and environmental future and look for the little green frog seal next time you are shopping.
Janeane Davis
Friday 2nd of September 2016
Our homes are supposed to be a sanctuary. It is important to take time smell the roses and enjoy what we have at home.
Kristin
Thursday 1st of September 2016
We have several rose bushes. Nothing like properly grown roses for a vase though.
Liz Mays
Thursday 1st of September 2016
Yes, a bouquet of fresh flowers always cheers me up! I enjoy them very much.
Amy Desrosiers
Thursday 1st of September 2016
I am more of a flower in nature type of person. My husband usually gets me actual bushes for holidays. These roses are pretty though.
Claudia Krusch
Thursday 1st of September 2016
These roses look so pretty!!! I love having fresh flowers on the table!