A Mother's self care is Essential

How do you celebrate yourself outside of Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is holiday once a year for the world to celebrate mother’s but we all know it’s important to celebrate + honor ourselves every other day as well. For a long time, I set limits on myself because I had children but I wasn’t happy. I started making sure that I indulged in something I enjoy, sans children, at least once a month. It can be anything from skateboarding or going out to brunch with a friend. I find that doing something you enjoy outside of motherhood is a form of self-care and a way to celebrate who you are at your core. 

What has motherhood + beauty routines looked like during quarantine?

If I'm being honest, since becoming a mother I've put less effort into my “beauty routine” but being quarantined has made me step it up. Why? Because a sister has time yall! I’ve mastered waking up earlier than my kids to prep myself for the day. I’ve purchased quality products for my skin and take time to apply them. I’ve spent a pretty penny on the right products for my hair and I faithfully dedicate a day just to my hair. Of course, the longer you spend in the shower the greater chance you’ll start hearing the phantom cries. Honey, on wash day I ignore those cries and proceed with my hair care routine. It’s really all about making time.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to women regarding beauty and self care? 

Don't forget about YOURSELF. Before kids I’m sure you put effort into YOU probably every single day. I was the mom who always made sure her babies looked good while I looked tired and thrown together. You deserve to look as good as your kids. If you can stay faithful to wash day for your kid(s) hair you can make that effort for yourself. If you can make sure your kids have on the cutest outfits before walking out the door you can make sure you put on that fabulous dress that’s been sitting in the corner of your closet under all of your black leggings. If you can moisturize your babies body after a bath or before leaving the house you can make sure you're moisturized from your head to your toes. Don’t forget to give yourself the same energy you give to your children. It’s the little things and efforts that you can incorporate in your everyday that will bring about change and make you feel good. This applies to women without children as well just replace children with something or someone you put more effort into over yourself.

 

Introducing Cheralyn Nemard, mother of Mason and Avery

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During the other 364 days of the year, I celebrate motherhood by counting my blessings. After that, I take time away from the home. This is the only way I know how to recharge. Just like going home after leaving your work office, leaving the house - alone - is just as necessary. The fact is moms don't often get too much time away from their children - someone is either calling your name 50 times or you begin to feel guilty and head right back to them. So, I try to keep it small; I’ll run a quick errand alone, sit in the car in the driveway a little bit, or finish a meal before catering to my kids’ requests. This way I can feel like I put my needs first. There are some other amazing tips in my eBook, Take Care of Yourself: A Mom's Guide to personal well-being.

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When I finally get a chance to wash my face, I take it seriously (especially since these masks have been sabotaging me and calling my acne out). There are no interruptions as a trek through my multi step routine for skin care. Even if the baby is crying, I’m going to apply vitamin c serum first. I’ve taken this stance because I realize that I have to have something. So many things are thrown out of whack when becoming a mother - you lose relationships, roles, and rest - so if you can find at least one thing to hold on to, you must. And, when a whole beauty routine is possible, I luxuriate in serums, oils, and body butters followed by a no-makeup makeup look. I exaggerate my curly fro and head to Target. 

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Find a great esthetician. I was gifted this experience by my husband one Mother’s Day and it’s lasted me 3 years later. The esthetician really taught me about my skin and its needs all while pampering me. Since then, I’ve leveled up from just a bar soap and coconut oil to product junkie amounts of hyaluronic acid and retinoids. Even though I'm running out of counter space, my new skin overrules any other beauty technique and because I set boundaries during my routine, it feels like major self care as I’m alone and in peace when I do it.

Aside from beauty, I’ve found self-care through hobbies. I’ve perfected my hobby of candle making and turned it into a fully stocked business. Check out www.AtHomeWithNoKidsAllowed.com for scents made especially for mothers. The candles were designed to transform you from the middle of a disorganized living room to a Caribbean island sipping daiquiris. Each reader can use discount code: MAMA10 for 10% off the entire order.