Ten minutes doesn’t sound like a lot of time. But when you read about all the imaginative ways that Divalysscious Moms Founder Lyss Stern and television producer Julie Klappas came up with for moms to spend it, it suddenly sounds quite luxurious.
Inspired by the idea that moms need occasional “mommy time-outs,” Stern and Klappas wrote “If You Give A Mom A Martini,” a new book featuring suggestions from friends, colleagues, and notable moms on how to decompress in under 10 minutes.
The suggestions range from practical to amusing to truly inspired. Ultimately, says Stern, taking time for yourself makes you a better parent.
“My two boys were the inspiration for the book,” she says. “My whole philosophy is that if moms are happy, then the kids are going to be happy.” Highlights from the book follow.
Find a Bloom for Your Room
Lilacs and freesia and peonies, oh my! When you need to remind yourself that there’s an actual woman inside the mom, say it with flowers.
Visit a florist in your neighborhood once a week and have your child pick out a single, delicious stem for the bedside table. It’s a little thing that will fill your bedroom with a gorgeous fragrance and make you feel special all week long.
Getting Your Kicks
While playing soccer with your child, punt the ball really, really far, then race over to a lawn chair and sip iced tea until he or she returns. Instant quiet time!
Let It Go to Your Head
Do a handstand. It’s a surefire way to clear your mind and feel instantly refreshed. If you do this at a particularly chaotic time in your home, you’ll fund that peace is instantly restored.
After all, what can your kids do to Mom when she’s standing on her head? If you’re worried about your balance, practice with a wall behind you. Keeping your weight forward over your hands, push off one foot and swing the other leg up toward the wall. Immediately lift the leg up to join it.
Feel the blood rushing to your head, and enjoy the view.
Sort Your Skivvies
It may not be glam, but go through your undie drawer, and throw out all of your old granny panties. It’ll feel great.
Sure, you used to have lingerie before the kids were born. But somewhere along the way, did you go from wearing La Perla to La Fruit of la Loom? If so, our criteria for the big panty purge are to get rid of anything that:
• Has an elasticized waistband hitting above your navel.
• Could mortify you should you be rushed unexpectedly to the ER.
• Would be worn by Bridget Jones on one of her fat days. And in your next free 10 minutes? Order new lingerie online!
Power Down
When your life is beginning to resemble a Calgon commercial sans bubble bath, hit the mommy pause button and turn off all of your electronic devices: PDA, cell phone, computer.
For 10 whole minutes, go somewhere quiet and remain unplugged. If someone important questions why you were not reachable, tell him or her that your child flushed your BlackBerry down the toilet.
