A few years ago, my husband and I spent the weekend at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, one of the country’s oldest hotels with a top-rated spa. From the oversized fireplaces to the plush robes, everything about that place screams luxury.
With an infant now, it’s harder for us to get away for fancy weekends, but self-care is still just as important (maybe even more important now, actually). As mothers, we often put ourselves absolutely last, after our kids, our husbands, our jobs, our housework. At the end of the day, there’s often no energy or money left for ourselves.
Running around feeling exhausted and haggard isn’t sustainable or healthy – there’s something about not being able to pour from an empty cup.
We shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of ourselves, giving ourselves a few extra moments alone, or for goodness sake, both washing AND drying our hair.
Here are five quick, easy, and affordable luxuries you can do at home to take care of yourself.
- Infused water
This one really is super easy. Adding a few slices of fruit and a sprig of an herb easily transforms water from something I drink because my body needs it to something I drink because it tastes refreshing and feels elegant. I usually keep a pitcher in the fridge as it encourages me to stay hydrated and is such a simple way to indulge. My favorite recipes (if you can call them that. I mean, really, you’re just putting fruit in water) are sliced strawberries and basil, sliced cucumber and pineapple, or sliced lemon and mint. Fill a large pitcher with water, add your ingredients, and put it in the fridge for a few hours. Ta-da! Sip it out of a champagne flute if you’re feeling extra fancy.
- Fresh face mask
To me, few things are more relaxing on a weekend night than a glass of wine and a face mask. I usually keep a fresh face mask from Lush in the fridge, but if I haven’t had a chance to get down to the mall, I’ll whip up a few at home. They’re surprisingly easy to make, with ingredients I usually already have at home. My go-to mask is one-half avocado, mashed with a teaspoon honey and a tablespoon of oatmeal. Not only is it ultra-hydrating because of the oatmeal and avocado, but the honey adds both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Leave on for ten minutes, rinse off with warm water, and enjoy your glowing skin.
- Bath bombs
Okay, so you’re hydrated, your face is soaking up all the goodies in your face mask, and you’re ready to take your relaxation to the next level. Enter bathtime. Throw a bomb or even a melt (my preference is a melt -the shea or cocoa butter dissolves into my water and leaves my super-dry skin feeling like buttah). These are so ubiquitous now, even stores like Victoria’s Secret and bath and body works are carrying these. Go one step further and purchase from a local store or Etsy shop and support your fellow mamas.
- Silk pillowcase
Hear me out on this one. It’s a little pricier – I suggest Slip pillowcase for $79. There are cheaper versions on Amazon, but I’ve found that they tend to pill or are a silk/polyester blend, which doesn’t have the same benefits. I’ll admit it that has a steep price tag, but makes an excellent Christmas/birthday/Mother’s day gift. But it’s luxurious and worth it. The silk helps prevent bedhead and wrinkles. Less time spent on my hair and less money spent on wrinkle cream? Yes, please. Plus it feels like heaven. (Pro-tip, if you’re a drooler, choose a lighter color, which is less likely to show drool stains).
- Lavender pillow spray
What goes better with a super fancy pillowcase than a relaxing mist on said pillowcase? I love sinking into a freshly laundered bed, but I don’t have the time or energy to wash my bedding every day (I’m lucky to get once a week). I love to fake it by spritzing my pillow with a lavender linen spray right before climbing into bed. You can pick these up almost anywhere. I usually get mine at TJMaxx or Home Goods for just a couple of dollars, and they last a really long time. 
So there you go, mamas – five quick and affordable ways to take care of yourselves. Now, get out there and treat yo’ self.
