• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Yellow Bliss Road

Easy, approachable and family friendly recipes for any home cook.

  • About Me
    • Meet the Team
    • My Favorite Tools
  • Contact
    • FAQs
    • Disclosure
    • Sharing Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
  • Collaborate
  • Signup >
Display Search Bar
  • Recipes
    • View ALL Recipes
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Asian
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast Recipes
      • Casseroles
      • Egg Recipes
      • Muffins
      • Pancakes
    • Desserts
      • Brownies and Bars
      • Cake and Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • No Bake Desserts
    • Dinner
      • Casseroles
      • Easy Weeknight Dinners
      • One Pot Meals
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Chicken
      • Beef
      • Seafood
    • Lunch
      • Easy Weekday Lunches
      • School Lunches
    • Cooking Method
      • Air Fryer
      • On the Grill
      • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
      • Slow Cooker
    • Dips and Sauces
    • Mexican
    • Sandwiches
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
      • Vegetables
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups and Stews
  • Holiday Recipes
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Halloween
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Seasonal Recipes
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Fall
      • Spring
      • Summer
  • Free Printables
    • Christmas
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Easter
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • School
    • Birthdays
  • Home/Crafts/DIY
    • Crafts and DIY
    • Gift Ideas
    • Home Decor
    • Photography Tips
  • Family
    • Adoption
      • My Adoption Story
    • Birthdays
    • Travel
Follow me on Facebook! Follow me on Pinterest! Follow me on Instagram!

Home » Recipes » When Mommy Needs a Time Out: Ten Tips for Taking Break Without Breaking the Bank

When Mommy Needs a Time Out: Ten Tips for Taking Break Without Breaking the Bank

Published on February 6, 2013, Updated February 3, 2015 by Kristin Maxwell | 10 Comments

543shares
  • 32
  • 511

Follow Me on Pinterest

 Most days, I love my family. I love my kids, I love our home, I love our life.

But then there are THOSE days. You know the ones – where five bills come in the mail at once, the cat pukes all over your new duvet, the computer freezes in the middle of writing a post, the plumber informs you that what you thought was going to be $100 repair has turned into $1200, your six year old tells you he hates you, you burn your last bag of popcorn that you were planning to eat for dinner, and the green eyed monster is rearing it’s head as you stare at one beautiful home after another on Pinterest, only to discover that EVERYONE is better than you.

When Mommy Needs a Time Out - 10 Tips for Taking a Break without Breaking the Bank

Yeah, I had had one of THOSE days.

I was irritable, I was tired (exhausted is more like it) and as a result my temper was quite short.
So, I took a personal day, a mental health break if you will. I gave myself an entire day to do whatever I wanted to do, not what I “needed” to do; and the best part was that I got to do it ALONE. No kids whining about being hungry, or that they’re bored or that the other is “looking at them.” Four glorious hours, and they were ALL MINE.

I went to the mall and tried on new makeup. I bought some new colors, including a new mascara that Melissa recommended (and I must say, I love it too!), and I let myself get talked into buying a rosewater spray that supposedly helps keep your makeup looking fresh all day. We’ll see about that.I ate salted caramel frozen yogurt with lots of fresh fruit for lunch. And I bought a really cute new Chevron skirt to wear to SNAP.

It was a good day. A really good day. It felt indulgent and wonderful, and it just made me happy. I was recharged and felt like I was ready to take on the world. I felt like I wasn’t “just a mom” but a woman, too.

It is so important for us as moms, to make sure we take care of ourselves. You know that saying:

When Mommy Needs a Time Out - 10 Tips for Taking a Break without Breaking the Bank

 

It’s meant as a silly little tongue in cheek kind of thing, but if you think about it, it’s really true. If you’re not happy, it’s reflected in the way you parent your children. At my house, that generally translates into more yelling. Not a good thing.So I encourage you…No, I CHALLENGE YOU – today, tomorrow or the next day,  just sometime soon – to give yourself a time out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Hand your kids off to your spouse, the nearest relative, or a friend who “gets it,” and take some time to just enjoy something indulgent.

I’ve put together a list of my favorite things to do when I get a Mommy Break, that won’t break the bank:

  1. Get a pedicure or manicure
  2. Get a haircut/color
  3. Go for a walk
  4. Window shop at the mall
  5. Try out a new shade of lipstick or eye shadow
  6. Have lunch, dinner or even some frozen yogurt with a friend
  7. Go to a local sandwich shop or Starbucks, and eat lunch quietly by yourself
  8. Go to the library or local bookstore and sit and read for a while
  9. Watch the sunset
  10. See a movie by yourself

Or if you’re home alone, watch a chick flick with a big bowl of ice cream or a glass of wine, take a long hot bubble bath complete with candles, or (gasp) take a nap!

However ~ Do not:

  1. Clean house
  2. Grocery shop
  3. Make a “quick trip” to Target.
  4. Take children with you.

There is no such thing as a quick trip to Target. This time, it’s all about YOU.

Most importantly, don’t feel guilty – we all need some time to refresh and recharge, and reconnect with the person – the woman – we really want to be. The woman who’s hiding inside that flustered, exhausted, irritable mom.

I’m no expert, but if there’s anything I’ve learned as a parent – when Mama’s happy, everybody’s happy!

Do you take regular Mommy Breaks? What do you like to do when you get time to yourself?

Previous Post
Next Post

About Kristin Maxwell

Kristin Maxwell is the creator and main recipe developer, writer, and photographer of Yellow Bliss Road. A self-taught cook and self-appointed foodie, she specializes in easy, flavorful and approachable recipes for any home cook. Read more about Kristin HERE.

5 Secrets to Dinnertime Sanity

free email bonus
Tested, Tasted & Terrific!

Reader Interactions

Join the Conversation

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Michelle says

    December 12, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    I am all for taking time to yourself of course we all need it, even time away from the husband too. However I do believe that now a days women are taking this to the extreme or at least in my town. I am a childcare provider and in the past years I have seen more and more child left with me for the entire day while the moms go shopping, clean house, hair appointments, the list goes on and on, any excuse really. Or there’s the ” I have so many appointments ” we live in a small town how appointment could you possibly have that take the entire day. I agree that you can leave your children but the ENTIRE day come on, not right. We get plenty of time alone when our children turn 18 and move away. Just think of that. I do get time alone but it doesn’t need to be even once aweek. Once a month should be more than enough. Children miss there parents and talk about it all the time. I also see lots of kids lashing out from not enough family time. As a mother find a balance. Not just think about yourself. After all you chose to be a mother.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      December 13, 2013 at 9:33 am

      I completely understand you point of view. I certainly understand how some moms can take this to an extreme and my hope with this post is that we can each find our own balance that benefits both mother and child.

      Reply
  2. Mel says

    April 15, 2013 at 4:46 am

    I second the quiet Starbucks lunch idea. For some reason, sitting in the jazz-filled, calm environment of SB with a cuppa and my laptop just really takes the pressure down a notch for me.

    Reply
  3. Anne @ Domesblissity says

    February 10, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    I’m lucky that I can take regular breaks now that I’m separated, I’m afraid to say. I could never take a break when I was married. Just wasn’t possible. For the last couple of weeks I have made it my business to do at least one thing indulgent on at last 1 day of that weekend. Nothing too expensive but just for me. Not sitting at home, listening to silence, looking at the computer. Getting out of the house, seeing a show, having a cheap but nice meal at a restaurant, whatever. We so need it, you’re right!

    Anne xx

    Reply
  4. Maureen says

    February 6, 2013 at 5:03 am

    You forgot to add that taking time for yourself shows your kids that you value yourself. That, in turn, teaches them to value themselves. Win, win and not the least bit selfish!

    Reply
  5. Rhissanna says

    February 6, 2013 at 3:52 am

    Absolutely. It also teaches children a lesson, that people need space and time to themselves. That’s important, too.

    Reply
  6. Our Pinteresting Family says

    February 6, 2013 at 2:20 am

    It’s definitely a great idea to take some “me time”. Glad you had a day to yourself. In August I started going to a place that just does work out classes and I got to about 6 classes a week and I love it. It’s a great way to relieve stress and have fun.

    Reply
  7. Kelly Rinzema says

    February 6, 2013 at 1:49 am

    Love this post, now to work on the not feeling guilty part 🙂

    Reply
  8. Patty Sumner says

    February 5, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    Great ideas..Its sound like your getaway was very refreshing.. needing one of those days…don’t have kids at home but just so much to do……moving, the sale of this house…getting it ready..I havae had a BAD day. I do believe I will go take a relaxing hot bath….thanks and blessings!

    Reply
  9. Melissa @ No. 2 Pencil says

    February 5, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    Love this Kristin! Just got home from a tiring day of running errands, I think I might close my eyes for a minute while the kids nap. xoxo

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m KRISTIN!

I'm a busy wife and mom who loves to cook, bake and create. All of the recipes and tips you will find here are created with your busy family (and mine!) in mind.

Read More »
Follow me on Facebook! Follow me on Pinterest! Follow me on Twitter! Follow me on Instagram! Email me!

5 Secrets to Dinnertime Sanity

free email bonus
Tested, Tasted & Terrific!

POPULAR TODAY

  • Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
  • Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl
  • Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
  • Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Mexican Chicken Casserole
  • Ground Turkey Recipes
  • Baked Pork Chops

ALL-TIME FAVORITES

  • Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
  • Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Au Gratin)
  • How to Make Authentic Mexican Rice
  • Cheesecake Cookies
  • All-Natural Mattress Cleaner – How to Clean Odors and Stains from Your Mattress
  • Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl
  • Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
  • How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
  • Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Yellow Bliss Road, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Browse Around

  • Chicken
  • On the Grill
  • Pasta
  • Dinner
  • Soups
  • Sides
  • Salads
  • Desserts
Follow me on Facebook! Follow me on Pinterest! Follow me on Instagram!
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Collaborate
  • Privacy & Copyright
  • Recipes by Category
Copyright © 2021 Yellow Bliss RoadTheme by Once Coupled