Aaah the days of lazy freedom…I recall a Saturday morning in September when my usual rise and shine time was 9:00 am at the earliest. I had just taken a new job the day before and gave myself a whole week to rest before I delved in a new position at a big corporate office. So that very day in September, I was sleeping in my bed while at my feet “little Payton” slept too. Payton was a beautiful German shepherd and the first and only dog I’ve taken care of. She was curled up like a ball until she woke up with a slight yawn. Then she turned her head towards me and put it on my hips. She looked at me with her big brown eyes, and I could swear she was saying: “What are we going to do today?” I said something with the word “go”and immediately Payton started whining and jumping up and down with excitement. (Geez I’m tearing up right now just thinking of her!)

Next we got in the car and drove to the waterfront in Kirkland WA. Our routine went something like this: park the car, grab a big beach bag with magazines, treats and lay out at the beach overlooking Lake Washington. It was the two of us hanging out like BFFs! Ha. After two hours or so, I would put my beach bag back in the car and go for a long walk. I’m telling you, Kirkland’s waterfront is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen, full of quaint shops, cafes and local restaurants. So that was “me” time during my mid-twenties. Move forward in the future and “me” time looks different but is still much needed and less taken for granted. We have three children ages 9, 6 and 4. They are all very active, full of non-stop energy and joy.

A silent house is rarely the norm so any quiet time happens late at night when all the kids are down and my husband is at worship music rehearsal. During this time I can take a “pause” from my non-stop active day. I will make some coffee, sit on my favorite chair and read a book or catalogs that I’ve put aside for times like these. I’ll probably play two of my favorite Pandora’s stations (Classical Piano and Spa Radio). And yes, the coffee is caffeinated since caffeine has no effect on me whether is day or night time ;) I think this time would be perfect if “Payton” was hanging out by our fake fireplace all curled up in a ball. Payton passed away when my first born was 5 months old and I miss her very much.

How do you spend your “me” time? Do you take time to re-charge and take a break? Or while you are reading this post you are thinking, “What is “me” time? There is no “me” time these days. I’m always on the go, working, driving kids here and there or making dinner and doing laundry at midnight!”

I completely relate to the words I wrote above but I’ve also learned that if I don’t pause, sit down and enjoy the quietness of one evening, I will work myself to full-time crabbiness and a grumbling attitude.

This is a long answer to “How I spend my “me moment”. A lovely lady from “Red Envelope*” asked me this question and I if she is reading this post right now I’d like to tell her how thankful I am for the opportunity to blog about this subject and be reminded of the blessings in my life.

Please take a look below at a few gorgeous gifts from Red Envelope. Any of these would complement “me time” perfectly.

From top to bottom clockwise: llolia candle, eberjey millie robe, cashmere ballet slipper, year of seeds gardening kit  and personalized pet bow. (For all you pet lovers ;)

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*I personally love Red Envelope and all the opinions above are my own.