Thanks to Starbucks for sending goodies along for review and for sponsoring a sweet Starbucks giveaway! All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.
In the recent podcast I took part in with Sarah, (go check it out! It’s a fun one!), one of the things we touched on was finding time in the day, every day, to do at least one thing for yourself. Parents tend to put themselves last because, understandably, our needs seem less urgent, and we have enough discipline and maturity to wait a bit longer than our kids do. But friends, the danger in this logic is that we always put our needs and wants in the spot on the to-do list that never gets crossed off. And if we don’t give ourselves a little bit of TLC, we will start to wither, and we’ll eventually break. For me that looks like a crying meltdown in front of my husband followed by two hours locked in my room by myself with the entire carton of ice cream and whatever I can find on Netflix to help me totally zone out.
Been there? Or some version of there? Yeah…we all have.
I think having a good cry every so often is totally healthy, but what’s even healthier is keeping yourself from getting to that breaking point in the first place. And I think what it means to do that will look different for everyone. For me, it means finding realistic ways to treat myself. I’m not going to be able to afford a weekly pedicure (both in terms of costs and in terms of time), but I can afford to treat myself to premium coffee.
And I’m not talking about heading out to Starbucks every day, either (once again, my wallet and my schedule are both not able to accommodate that!). Instead, Starbucks is right at home with me. Iced coffees are one of my favorite things EVER, and that means that I need to do them right and make them with truly delicious coffee. It doesn’t really get much better than Starbucks, and I can brew it at home and keep my costs reasonable. If you LOVE coffee like I do, treat yourself to a really beautiful tumbler and to quality coffee, like Starbucks, that you can brew from home. Your taste buds will be so grateful, and if you are anything like me, everyone in the house wins when mama gets her good coffee. 🙂
Lately I’ve been enjoying Pike Place Roast from Starbucks. It’s a medium roast and it has some subtle flavors of cocoa and toasted nuts. Basically, it’s terrific! I need a dark roast to get me going in the morning, but Pike Place is my second cup of coffee choice (which happens around 10am). I will brew it in the tumbler immediately after making my first cup, and that gives it time to cool down a bit before I’m ready to pour ice over it.
So whether you prefer your coffee hot or iced, I bet you super duper love it when it’s free! Want to win some? Let’s do this!!
Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a lovely To-Go Tumbler just like the one pictured above, as well ask a K-Cup Pike Place pack. YUM!!!
Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.
hannah harris says
I wake up early and go for a long walk, it keeps me balanced
Sand says
I reserve an hour for my workout every day. That’s my “me” time!
Amy Smeltzer says
My favorite break time is a relaxing bath or a long nap.
Chelsey says
I try to take little mini breaks during the day to just do nothing and relax a few seconds!
Candice N says
I stay up a little later and enjoy a half hour doing what I want, rather than what I *need* to be doing. Keeps me sane!
kathy pease says
I try to get morning time things ready the night before so I dont have to rush
Laurie Emerson says
I always get up a lot earlier than anyone else in the house. I like to sit on the front porch with a hot cup of coffee and watch the sun come up. It is my own me time and helps the days go so much better.
Ali B says
I always wake up in the morning and have a cup of coffee, and I also drink tea throughout the day. It is such a nice way to treat yourself, and I always do a crossword puzzle while I drink my coffee!
Buddy Garrett says
I always get up at the same time every morning to have some time for myself.
Katie says
I wake up early and enjoy coffee and the news. Its nice to enjoy the calmness of the early morning.
Suzanne h says
I make sure to sit down in my morning and have my coffee.
Nellie C says
Once the kids are all in bed I take time to watch a show and enjoy a cup of coffee
Nic B says
I leave for work a few hours later than my boyfriend in the morning so I use that time to relax, plan my day, and spend time with my pets.
K Anne says
After the kids have gone to bed, I go to my bedroom and read. That is my time. I read every night.
Stephanie O'Day says
I always try to spend some time either reading, or hopping in the tanning bed right after I get off of work. It’s a great way to relax before the craziness starts up again at home!
AEKZ2 says
I get me time after my children and husband go to bed.
Kaitren Cole says
I take a long shower and then stay up and relax while everyones sleeping so I can have some time to myself (me time)!
Les Johnson says
I wake up 30 minutes before everyone else and have some quiet time. I check emails, drink some tea, etc. I need the time before I start my hectic day.
Michelle S says
I have things prepped before bed, make ahead and freeze breakfasts to make the process go faster.
Seyma Shabbir says
I usually multitask. Watch my fav tv shows and fold clothes at the same time. While food is cooking, I vacuum the house, etc.
Joy Q says
I get up early and go for a morning walk
Debra Hall says
i do all my house work in the mornings than except for dinner my day is done
Erica B. says
I wake up a little early to enjoy my time in bed.
Cori Westphal says
I’m a night owl, so I usually spend some alone time after everyone has gone to bed!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Rochel S says
When my kids are finally in bed I take a break and do whatever I want like reading a book or catching up on some shows…
Katie J says
I love to lay in a warm bath and read.
Donna Kellogg says
My alone time is in the evening when I put the kids to bed I have about a hour of just me time.
Jill Myrick says
I get up a couple of hour s earlier in the morning than every one else in my home does.
That way I get some me time to enjoy my coffee and to sit on the deck and start my day peacefully.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
tina reynolds says
I go for a walk in the evening thanks for the chance
tina reynolds says
I go for a walk in the evening
Angela Ash says
I carve out time for myself several times a day. It may not be much each time but the little moments add up. I work outside early and or late in the day when it’s not too hot. I catch up with friends and family on the phone or online. I read, even just a few articles in a magazine. I love soaking in the tub and drinking hot tea before bed.
Lisa L says
I wake up 1 1/2 hours before everyone else does!
Lisa V. says
I like to take a hike or a walk.
Madeline says
I get up an hour early to exercise and read a bit.
andrea v says
I spend my boys naptime relaxing with my DVR and a sugary treat.
Robin says
I like to put on headphones after work and listen to music for awhile.
Brittney House says
I like to watch a couple movies a week because it’s relaxing to me.
Susan Christy says
I get up early in the morning to sit outdoors when it’s quiet and not too hot.
Bonny McDevitt says
I get me time when my daughter wants to play in her room and when she is aslepp LOL!
Helga says
I go outside and watch the ducks and geese play in the water.
Cheryl B. says
Lately, I have been sitting on my deck with a cup of coffee. Just taking a few minutes for myself.
Jessie Weaver says
Almost every day I take a long bath and read – during the school year, usually at night before bed. It really helps me to relax and release the tensions of the day. And if it’s been a really bad day, I might bring wine with me. Or ice cream.
Sarah Jestings says
I listen to my mp3 player first thing in the morning before I wake up the kids.
kara kjellman says
My 30 minute daily workouts!
ashley kirchner says
while my daughters napping i have a snack lol
Dana Cerrito says
I take a shower at night and lay my clothes out for the next day
Becky Page-McGill says
I get on Facebook to carve out my time.
ruthann says
I try to do a 20 minute brain meditation cd everyday
Connie Tillman says
I try to read my bible a little every day — getting better at it!
Alanna says
Working out early in the morning!
Tawnya says
I try to get some me time when the baby naps, at least when I don’t have too many chores to catch up on. I also really enjoy my showers. I feel like I can block the world out.
Tammy Woodall says
I follow you on Instagram. http://www.instagram.com/livesimply1111
Tammy Woodall says
The time I find for myself is during my first cup of coffee.
Donna M. Clark says
I get up 45 minutes before it’s time to wake the kids.
Emily says
I either stay up a little later or get up a littler earlier than normal.
gayle gildehaus says
My time is just before bed with a cup of decaf coffee.I am a single mom of six and that is my me time.
kathy artis says
I play lexulous online with my sister in another state
J Spatafora says
A 10 minute walk after my Elderly Mother falls asleep
Brandy Williams says
I get up early so I can have me time.
Rachel G says
I like to take a walk before my family gets up.
Audrey Glatz says
Make the most of my daughter’s nap time. Whether it’s relaxing or working to get unfinished chores done. I make the most of that time!
Denise S says
I get up earlier than everybody else to have some peace.
Allie says
It take longer showers
Monique Rizzo says
I leave for work a bit early and stop at Starbucks for coffee and reading time!
MaryAnn says
I stay up about an hour after the kids go to bed to spend time alone.
Ally says
I make sure I have some time just sitting on the couch with my love so we can talk about our days.
jaime says
I watch tv before bed
brooke t says
ealry mornings!!
Chrissy Malave says
Late at night while my kids sleep or early in the morning before they wake up I enjoy a hot beverage and watch a movie.
Elizabeth says
Before bed I try to take time to have a cup of tea and read for a little while on watch a show on Netflix.
KHBride says
I lay in bed for a bit before starting my day and getting up
CHRISTINA DUTRA says
everyday my fiance and i take time out of our busy schedule to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee together. along w/ my homemade biscotti. i have so much time to myself through out the day, i rather spend my alone time with him.
Aqdas Ahmed says
I play Scrabble on my phone in my “free” time
angela saver says
I try to take a walk with my hubby in the evening!
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
Tanya Cox says
When my daughter takes a nap, I get some much needed things done and have time to make my tea.
Shannon says
I stay up later to catch up on my “grown up” shows…and read…for about 5 minutes before I fall asleep. Lol
Megan Sweet says
I stay up a bit after everyone else has gone to bed and crochet, watch tv, or play video games.
DeAnna N Keller says
I wake up early, before my kids so I can have a little “me time”.
Megan Parsons says
I love to come inside for half an hour every day while the kids and my husband are outside. The quiet is so heavenly!!
Megan K says
I take a nap with my toddler!
Naomie says
I go to work lol. I also try to give myself an hour to read before bed.
christine j says
i try to sneak in a little yoga time at night
amanda whitley says
i wake up early before my kids so i can have a little me time.
Jennifer H says
I try to get up a little earlier than the kids so I can have some me time.
Austin Baroudi says
I get up earlier than my daughter!
Shelia S says
I get up earlier than anyone in the house so I can have time alone.
Veronica V says
I take a bath every night to unwind.
fyizza ahmed says
i pray a lot.
Caryn says
I like to knit or zone our in front of the TV at night!
Silvia Fugate says
I get up early so I can just sit in peace in the morning and enjoy my cup of coffee. I need these moments alone to get prepared for the day ahead.
Kiley P. says
I stay up and relax after everyone else has gone to bed.
Birdiebee says
I wake up earlier than everyone else in the house and go out to the porch to sit in the sun and sip either my tea or drink a cup of coffee.
Missy Marie says
I take a little time to enter giveaways and surf the web. Usually before the kids wake while i have my coffee and ease into the day.
Joretta Foster says
I have coffee the first thing in the morning
susie king says
I get up early for my time. It works better than late at night for me.
Dawn Hecke says
I aways take time for coffee during the day.
Portia smith says
I make sure to get in my workout every morning
Rebekah Outland says
After the kids go to bed I try to read, take a bath, or catch up on my netflix shows! 🙂
Samantha L says
I wake up fifteen minutes before hubby so I have the bathroom all to myself. Silly, but it works for me 🙂
Marija says
I wake up early so I can start my day slowly, sipping coffee, taking a walk through my garden, and doing some reading. I feel much more relaxed throughout the rest of the day when I start off slowly.
Holly Mitkowski says
I have the option to start work early so I can end early 🙂
Dorrie Turner says
It would be a challenge but let the children and significant other know that 15 mins. or a half hour at a certain time a day you are taking a time out. Meditate, write, listen to music, go for a walk. After you stick to the schedule as best you can, you should be able to have that time without much effort.
Sheila K. says
I read for pleasure every day—it’s a must!
Susan DeVaux says
I get up 30 minutes before everyone else. I watch the news and drink coffee. 🙂
jenn giannetto says
i like to take some time to play a game or listen to music while my youngest is napping and my oldest is in school
deanna says
I exercise. That is my ME time.
Donna L says
I must read every night before I go to sleep.
Brandy Fisk says
Morning shower before the kids get up.
Meghan says
stay up just a little later just to have some relaxing time
Autumn says
I have coffee on my drive to take my boys to school!
laura ari says
I get up early before everyone else to get a few minutes to myself before the crazy day begins!
betsy says
i have my coffee in the morning
shelly sawicki lash neuhouser says
At 7am when I get home from work, I relax with a cup of coffee!
beth cole says
I love to relax at the end of the day, when everyone is sleeping and the house is quiet.
Randi S says
Oh, I have no idea…this is something I need to get better about.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
I take time for myself at night after everybody else in bed.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Karen T Gonyea says
I meditate every morning to keep me calm all day long 🙂
soha molina says
I meditate for 20 minutes.
meredith says
I have a long commute so that is my time
Marissa M says
I read before I go to bed 🙂
Debbystef says
Nothing better in the world than that first cup of Starbucks !!
Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage says
I stay up too late.
Maryann D. says
I get up very early. This gives me some quiet time before everyone else wakes up and I do get work done too.
Rebecca Orr says
My me time is spent reading and entering a few giveaways. I do it when my daughter is napping or in the evening when the kids are in bed. Right now, my fiancée has the kids doing something fun while mom has me time. Lol
Cassandra says
I use my train and bus rides to read, listen to music, and catch up on social media.
Jessica L says
I get up before the kids to exercise in the morning, then I stay up for an hour or two after they go to bed so I can read or watch TV…it’s hard to carve out that time consistently when you have a baby that doesn’t sleep through the night! But I keep working on it 🙂
Nancy says
Use a little of your child’s nap or quiet time to do something for yourself : make a healthy lunch, have a favorite beverage, read a book, etc.
Cynthia C says
I watch Netflix and have a small piece of dark chocolate in the evening.
Jennie says
If I can’t find time to be by myself, I crank up my kind of music from my mp3 player while I cook. It gives me enough umph to make it through the day and let’s me enjoy something I like.
Mary Beth Elderton says
I like to stay up a little later at night.
Claire says
I get up a little earlier than I need to in the morning so I can write in my journal. Nobody’s awake to bother me!
Iliana R says
I usually am the last one to fall asleep in my house so I use those minutes as a “me time”!
Leela says
A hot shower is as close as it gets.
courtney hennagir says
After I put the kids to bed,I make myself a cup of tea and read.Perfect end to a busy day.
Sue Hull says
I’ve raised my daughter. Once a week I go to Starbucks for a frap to treat myself. Thank you for the awesome giveaway 🙂
nickie says
I stay up a little later and read.
Leigh Anne Borders says
I like ot get up early and take walks.
Mihaela Day says
I usually get up at least 30 minutes before everybody else and then I schedule the entire day while I drink my coffee 🙂
Michelle C says
I love to spend time watching TV and reading blogs after my kids have gone to bed. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
Sandra VanHoey says
I get up a few hours before any kids get up so I can enjoy my coffee and relax before they wake up
trish says
I get up early
latanya says
I stay up a little later than the rest of my family for me time
Ashley Compton says
I Love your blog Tiffany! Its awesome! Thanks so much!
Viv says
Usually its after bedtime but I take 30-45 minutes for knitting or embroidery just to unwind, Ad of course I HAVE to read a bit before bedtime. Usually a chapter or a few pgs if its a long book but it helps me find me again. In the mornings I make my coffee cocktail-as in mix not Drink-I don’t like the taste of coffee alone so in my Keurig I brew a hot cocoa than a Starbucks Caramel coffee. I mix the two in my BIG thermal, add milk and creamer to top off the cup and drink. Usually it comes out to a third of the cup for each…soooooo good
Heather Rowland says
I love my Starbucks! It’s always a treat when I can go there, but when I can’t (which is most days), I will fire up my Keurig and use my Starbucks and I’m in heaven.
Leah McDaniel says
I always get up around 20 minutes before anyone else in the house. This allows me some quiet time to have coffee or read the news. It is a great way to start my day.
Summer says
I try to get up early enough every morning to sit and drink my coffee alone. Starting my day off with quiet time makes a HUGE difference in how I feel throughout the rest of the day. 🙂