How I Find “Me Time” While Traveling with Kids
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of PEOPLE®, InStyle®, and Sunset®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Since becoming a part-time work from home mom a few years back, I’ve discovered how hard it can be to carve out “me time.”
A natural introvert, I crave need solitude daily. Quiet time. I don’t always get it.
Sure, I’ve tried the whole “waking up an hour before the kids” thing, but they just somehow wake up early with me.
Girl’s Night Out happens too infrequently…and while valuable to my mental health – even GNO doesn’t charge my batteries quite like quiet time alone does.
So this year, for my birthday, I think my husband was a little surprised that I wanted my gift to be a long weekend staycation at the nearby lake, with the whole family in tow.
The truth is, just as much as I need my introverted quiet time, I also enjoy being with my family most of all. So, when we set out on our lake vacation, I had to build in time to get away for a bit.
The goal of this trip was to have a super chill agenda. I didn’t pack a curling iron or dressy clothes. The point was to get away from all that. Away from screens, obligations, and keeping up appearances.
I didn’t even stress with the packing like I usually do. The most important things to pack were a swimsuit and sunnies. Everything else we needed we grabbed at Jewel-Osco on the way to our destination: food for breakfast and lunches on the boat, sunscreen, and a stack of light reads.
And chill, we did. We would wake early and eat breakfast on the boat, while it was quiet.
We’d putter around while the air was still cool, daydreaming about what it must be like to own some of these incredible lake homes.
Or, ya know, that vintage Rolls there in the driveway.
Afternoons were spent at the pool. It meant a lot of, “Watch this! HEY MOM!! Watch this!!”
As fun as that is, my husband and I took shifts and I was able to carve out a little time to myself with my legs dangling in the water and a fruity poolside drink or two.
Family vacations mean no date nights, but the laid back lake vibe meant dinner was super casual. Leisurely walks to dinner across the beach…
Past the dock…
And sitting right by the lake, dining al fresco.
I loved every minute of my time with this crazy crew.
But I also loved those moments I was able to step away to recharge. Like early morning walks to grab a coffee.
Walking the docks at sunrise.
And enjoying the quiet “me time” with an iced coffee and a stack of my favorite magazines: PEOPLE, InStyle, and Sunset. Daydreaming about outdoor entertaining, while soaking up the great outdoors.
I told my husband that I wanted to hang on to that relaxed vacation feeling when we got home.
But sometimes vacation is merely a state of mind. I tend to make it too complicated sometimes. Sure, I may not be able to plow through a book like I used to, but there’s no reason I can’t take a few minutes to relax with a light read and a fruity drink in my own back yard.
After all, my happy place is wherever my family is.
What about you? Which is your favorite magazine to read while enjoying some “Me Time”; PEOPLE, InStyle, Style Watch®, Real Simple®, Sunset, or Southern Living®?” Let me know which magazine and why in the comments below, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $50 Albertsons gift card!
A winner will be selected randomly through http://www.random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends 11:59 p.m. ET Wednesday, August 9, 2017. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only.
Then, visit your local participating Jewel-Osco and use this coupon link to receive the $2 MyMixx offer on PEOPLE, InStyle, and Sunset (use this link for the coupon at your local Safeway banner store).
Southern living!!!! Growing up in Oklahoma, that magazine is everything here!
I have a lot of Southern Living fans it looks like!
My favorite me time magazine is Better homes and gardens I love getting decoration Ideas!
I love Real Simple and Southern Living for my decor ideas!
Real simple!!! PS your pictures are always so gorgeous.
Thank you so much!
“People” for sure. The articles are interesting and I always learn something I didn’t know before.
Love PEOPLE because it’s easy to read a little but here and there!
Southern Living is my favorite, I love the mix of recipes, design/decor and lifestyle.
I do, too!
I like People Magazine and Real Simple the most – I have never heard of Sunset! Must go check that out more! Great photos! Glad you had a great staycation!
Sunset has gorgeous themes and inspiration each issue. I love People and Real Simple, as well!
This looks like out of a Southern magazine– it looks absolutely stunning and so peaceful. I am glad you got to have that experience!
~ http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com
Wow, thank you so much! ❤️
I am loving all these great images of your vacation. Such a great place to be. Especially in your mind ????
Southern Living for sure! My Mom always had a subscription and I was always thumbing thru it. So to this day, I still buy it at the checkout. Always great recipes as well!
I love that story! Nostalgia!
Absolutely love People and Real Simple, long time faves! I would love to drop everything and go on your trip, looks fabulous!
I would drop everything to do it all again, too!
As a Georgia girl, I love Southern living
Your summer sounds so fun!! I really love the pics you shared and the post. Thank you for writing and sharing it with us!!
I like reading People Magazine the most. I always find it interesting and I always read about something I didn’t know before.