I’m a mom to 3 kids, 2 of them are twins. I wasn’t one of those people who was afraid or panicked when I found out we were having twins, I was ecstatic. We had been going through fertility treatments for a couple of years and even lost a pregnancy, so the news that two babies were on the way was very very welcomed. I would never say that I always wanted a big family, but I would say that I knew that I wanted more than two kids. I think I instinctively knew that this was going to be my last pregnancy and 3 kids seemed like just the right number to me. The pregnancy was somewhat smooth, no huge problems, but not easy sailing either. The delivery was another story, I spent months recovering. During that time I found myself at home, alone, taking care of the 3 kids. I also had just transitioned from a full-time job so the whole thing was a bit of an adjustment for me. During that time I found a few things that helped get me through some of the rougher days. Although I admit, when I look back I have mostly all happy memories of that time. Those kids were a lot of fun.
For some reason, my kids were always very well-behaved in the car. I found that if we left the house every day, things seemed to run smoother. My oldest daughter loved this, as she wasn’t stuck at home all day with screaming babies (she was 6 at the time). Many days we’d load the babies up in a stroller and walk around the mall or a store. Most of the time we didn’t buy anything we just enjoyed getting out and walking around.
As they got older I found that we spent more and more time in the car so I started to use that time as a little bit of “decompression” time for myself. I’d usually load up my purse with a bunch of magazines, a soda and a treat. Then I’d spend my time flipping through magazines and enjoying a snack as I waited for soccer practice to end, or dance or whatever it was that day. My oldest is now 19 and those babies are about to turn 14!!! I find that I need those quiet moments just as much as ever.
Since I work at home (this blog) and the kids are gone all day, quiet is not the problem nowadays, the problem is walking away from work and taking a minute to pause.
I find sewing very relaxing… the problem is, when it’s your JOB sometimes it’s not relaxing. The busier I get, the more I find that I still need a sewing project as a coping mechanism. The problem is that it gets muddled in with all of my deadlines. I decided a while ago that I need to keep some of those sewing projects just for myself. Things that I sit down and sew with NO intention of ever blogging about it.
Right now I’m playing around with English paper piecing and smocking. I try a few days a week to pause from what I’m working on and sit and work on what I call a “slow sewing” project. I’ll turn on the TV, pour myself a soda, and grab a treat. 
One of my favorite treats are the Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies… For me they are the perfect combination of crunch and dark chocolate. I just have to make sure that I only take two out of the package and put the package right back in the cupboard, otherwise I’ll eat the entire bag!
To help us all remember to pause for a moment (myself included) I’ve made a free printable for you that you can download over on the templates page. It’s one of my favorite quotes: 
“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy”… Wise words, even though they are sometimes hard to follow.
As a way to help you find a moment for yourself, today one lucky reader has a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!
You can use it to indulge yourself a bit. Whether it’s a spa treatment, a fun night out with your family or a magazine and a bag of cookies, you decide! To enter for a chance to win, just leave a comment below… Tell me: “What are some of your favorite ways to pause and take a moment?” I can’t wait to read all of your ideas, I may even need to adopt some for myself!
Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/4/15 – 6/30/15.
Be sure to visit the Pepperidge Farm® Milano® Cookies brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Kelly O. says
I love those cookies!! my guilty pleasure!
Amy chappell says
I love to unwind watching a good show on tv, or sewing. 🙂
Anita says
I love to unwind with some handwork, embroidery or knitting and a good movie on the tv.
Bunny Wilson says
My favorite way to unwind is a long hot bath while reading a book.
latanya says
reading a good book outside
latanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/595298054837776384
Kelly D says
I enjoy going on a nature walk or enjoying a cup of coffee.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/595341247994290176
Julie Wood says
My favorite way to get me time is to make healthy smoothies, and spending time doing my yoga and meditation. It really helps me stay focused!
Mami2jcn says
I spend “me” moments early in the morning before everyone wakes up. I catch up on emails and just enjoy the silence.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/595362587535122432
Lisa says
I love to have a cup of tea, some cookies & curl up with a good book!
Pat S says
I sit quietly and reflect on the blessings in my life. Even spending a few quiet “mindless” moments gives me a new focus…
Elena says
I like to enjoy a cup of tea and read a book
Elena says
tweet https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/595392106664960001
Jane Brown says
i like those Milano cookies also, they’re not too sweet and are just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Stephanie Williams says
i take a moment to relax first thing after getting my kids fed. I review my day with a cup of coffee and then read or check blogs for the next 15 minutes. I also use dr. Appts as time for me too.
heather says
I pamper myself with a bubble bath and Milano cookies.
janice lashley says
My favorite moment of pausing is to just stop everything I’m doing at the moment, pay attention to my breathing and everything going on in my surroundings and to mentally list things I have in my life that I’m grateful for. And like others when I need a bit of time to myself I create things, quilts, embroidery, painting, etc. I also love to look at my garden and just sit in a chair as the sun goes down and breathe in how it smells. Thank You so much for your giveaway. janicelashley@gmail.com
Dorian says
I am lucky enough to live up in the mtns. away from the city lights and noises. I have a house full of 4 kids that I homeschool, so finding quiet time, a time to pause in my day, is pretty important. I love to just go outside and talk a walk by myself. Just sit under pine tree and listen to the wind blowing thru it. It also helps to get up before the sun, so that I can have some quiet all to myself 🙂
Theresa M. says
I like to unwind on my covered deck. In the evening I sit on my glider and gently rock, sipping on a glass of wine and watch the moon come up.
Crafty Ashley B says
Sometimes I’ll take the long way home just to be alone with my thoughts. I’ve also just driven to one of the lakes in town and just sat looking at the water. No thoughts, no purpose, just being.
Pamela Gurganus says
My favorite way to pause and take a moment is to sit out on the patio with a good book and a nice glass of wine.
Pamela Gurganus says
I tweeted about this promotion. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/595606309988388864
jessica w says
I love to read a book, paint my nails, or some of fun activity.
jessica w says
I tweeted too! https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/595616100307468290
Sarah J. says
There was a time, a few years ago, when I was working part time, working on my MS, and had an infant. My job and my school were both 30-60+ minutes from my house in opposite directions, so my commutes were lengthy but I realized after finishing my MS, moving away from my job and being home with 2 kids that I missed that time in the car- it was quiet and it was mine! Now I sew and go out shopping/ browsing to decompress and have time to myself, or my husband takes the kids out so I can have quiet time at home.
auschick says
My guilty pleasure is Tim Tams and sewing kids clothes 🙂
Kathy E. says
I like to unwind (more than once a day) playing Words With Friends on my iPad. I’ve made new friends in Colorado and Vegas just playing the game. Want to play? I’m pretty good! 🙂
Lars says
I love to unwind with my wife in the evening – sometimes we have tea and cookies in the evening.
Thanks!
Larslaura27@gmail.com
MelanieC says
If I”m home…I love taking a hot shower. If I”m out and about…Iooking through the photos of my kids always makes me happy.
Elizabeth @ Pineapples and Polka Dots says
I love that print! Thanks for sharing it, and for the reminder! I love doing a craft project of some kind, or sitting outside in our deck and relaxing!
Jessie C. says
My favorite ways to pause and take a moment are reading and taking a long walk.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/596162326262218752
Doris McCarty says
Oh darn, now I want a cookie.lol!
Kim D. says
My favorite ways to pause and take a moment is with a good book or a movie.
Kim D. says
tweeted https://twitter.com/mom22girlz/status/596205521880756224
Ashley C says
I love to do yoga, that’s my chance to take time for me and reflect.
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Lisa Brown says
i enjoy coffee and a good book
Lisa Brown says
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/596325956848996354
Sarah Hall says
I like to take a few minutes, have a cup of tea and read a good book.
steve weber says
I love to unwind with some good music and stiff drink.
steve weber says
tweet= https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/596401536969773056
rachel says
I like savoring my breakfast by myself!
Vickie says
Not that special but, a cup of coffee and a treat of Chesapeake Dark Chocolate cookie..decadence and my escape. ..although the scenery is spectacular on my deck.
courtney b says
I sneak away when my family Is watching I lock the door and jhop in the bath tub with a good book 🙂
I get probably about 15 minutes if that but its worth it! !
courtney b says
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/596553181552738305
Mary says
I would have to say my favorite way to unwind is to literally “pause” and reflect on what’s going on in my life at the moment. I am a teacher and I can always find work to be doing, whether it’s grading, planning, reading about ways to better myself as a teacher, reading about ways to better my students, or finding cool new ideas for our class projects (I teach 3 levels of Fashion in a high school). I’m also getting married at the end of the month, so I’ve been super busy lately. It’s really hard for me to just sit still and not “do.” So, my little ritual has become that no matter how long my to do list is, when I wake on Saturday morning I go sit in an old recliner on my sun porch with a cup of coffee and I watch the sunlight start to cover everything in my backyard, I appreciate all of the sounds around me, all of the green around me, and I just think about and remind myself how lucky I am to be sitting here, how lucky I am that I have so much to do and worry about. Those times that I pause my busy life for even just 15-20 minutes, are some of the happiest times of the week.
katie k says
My favorite is chocolate & coffee! a good book or magazine and sit in the backyard and enjoy the sunshine… or in the living room by the fire if it’s cold.
Kathie says
Walking is a great daytime relaxer but at night, it’s a glass of wine!
madeline says
hello sure enjoy your web page for it has helped me with so many great ideas…..cookies are great and i agree we do need a time out for us ….would love to win but that is okay if i don’t for i still get to look at your great web pages and get to learn new projects weather it is for the kids, grandkids and the guys …ahhahahah..love the sewing thing for sure it is a good medicine for what ever ails a person …so that is truly my hide out …
sandra says
watching prime time
amy pugmire says
I love to take a hot bath and get a pedicure.
amy pugmire says
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/596899738395348992
Nicole D says
Some of my personal favorite ways to pause and take a moment always involve chocolate. Weather it is my favorite Milano cookie, or chocolate pieces it always helps me unwind.
Nicole D says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/597269878249160707
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
“What are some of your favorite ways to pause and take a moment?” I relax by doing my prayers in a rocker chair in front of our huge patio door while enjoying the peace and quiet…and birds and animals on our 45 acres of God’s country!
Lauren says
I like to take a coffee break in the afternoon.
Amy L says
I like to take 5 minutes to do some deep, slow breathing. It relaxes me and clears my head. Then I drink a glass of water and go on with my day.
Amy L says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/amylou61/status/598545637206925312
Gina M says
i like to sit on my patio with a cup of iced coffee.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Gina M says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/600316713406734336
Stephanie Phelps says
My favorite way to pause and take a moment is to grab a cup of coffee and run to my computer and catch up on the latest post on my bogs or to enter a few giveaways! 🙂
Mary says
I find a moment to myself in the morning. I love to sit on my deck overlooking the backyard, have a cup of hot coffee vs. lukewarm reheated, and enjoy the morning sun as my dogs take their morning stroll around the yard!
Mary says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/mhelming/status/603616222295543809
Karen Propes says
I love to take a break and walk outside and sit on the deck for a little while. It helps relax me/
ncjeepster@aol.com
Karen Propes says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/ncjeepster/status/604471489597972481
ncjeepster@aol.com
Lauren E. says
My fave way to make me time is to just sit on the porch & watch the hummingbirds.
Amy Tong says
My favorite way to take a moment is to grab a cup of tea with some treats, anything with chocolate will do…and watch my favorite TV show. 🙂
amy [at] utry [dot] it
BusyWorkingMama says
I unwind with a long spin class session all by myself. It feels great to work out and refresh my body!
D SCHMIDT says
My favorite way to take time for myself is a cup of tea, a cookie and a nice magazine
Claire Ross says
When I need to pause and take a minute I automatically switch on the kettle!!
Cathleen says
Well, to be honest I like to put my kids in the bathtub where they will play for a while and I can lie down on one of their beds!
Elle says
I love to go out running. It helps me clear my mind and I like getting lost in the music.
Anastasia Falling says
I love to curl up with a treat, something to drink and catch up on the tv shows or movies I’ve been wanting to watch 🙂
Anastasia Falling says
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/610351552230895616
Tari Lawson says
I like to grab a cup of tea and a good book.
Lasonda says
I like to walk on the beach to unwind.
Sandy Klocinski says
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/610449257305350144
Christina Sparks says
I like to take time out to take a hot bath and relax afterwards with hot chocolate and cookies.
Margaret Smith says
One of my favorite ways is to read a good book. Thanks so much.
HilLesha says
I love taking time for myself by going hiking. It’s my favorite way of getting in touch with nature. 🙂
Barbara M says
I enjoy watching Netflix favorites and having an iced coffee to take a moment.
thank you
Barbara M says
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/610487219145580544
Debbi Wellenstein says
I like to take time for myself with a good book and a glass of wine, or a cup of hot cocoa.
Cynthia C says
Sometimes in the afternoon I make myself a cup of coffee and enjoy it while reading a magazine.
debbie says
I like to take a moment with a cold glass of iced tea, a good book, and maybe a cookie!
debbie says
tweet https://twitter.com/suburbsanity/status/610555475361406977
Amber says
I love this printable! I too find it relaxing to go walking around places, often stores, even if I am not shopping for anything at all. Reading, cooking, and crafting are other ways I take breaks from the busy-ness of life.
Stephanie V. says
Love something in quiet – like a facial, massage or steam. Been years but a tired, working mom can dream! tvollowitz at aol dot com
Ashley C says
I love to get up before everyone in the mornings and go for a run!
mickeyfan says
I love to sit on the porch and watch the world go by.
Denise S says
I unwind by reading in bed in the evenings.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
Brittney House says
I love to lay around watching movies or TV with my favorite snack.
Kristen says
I like to take a cool drink and sit in my backyard watching the birds….lately there’s been a beautiful little woodpecker 🙂
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/611333411236491265
sarah hirsch says
I like to unwind by watching a little brainless television
Kathleen says
I unwind with a long hot shower and a cup of tea.
kport207 at gmail dot com
Dawn Jones says
A cup of coffee out on our porch watching the hummingbirds, because what’s better than caffeine and tiny birds? Have a great day!
Dawn Jones says
https://mobile.twitter.com/dawnm1993/status/612274464626208768
Rosanne Morrison says
I like to take a moment with a cup of tea and a good book. Today I was served tea in a restaurant with a tea cup and no saucer. Do we not know in America how to serve tea? We are a coffee nation it seems.
Rosanne Morrison says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/612808156419346432
Min K says
I always have a variety of books available to escape with.
maria cantu says
I like to read a book while drinking coffee.
Leela says
A long, hot shower.
Michelle Castagne says
My favorite ways to pause and take a moment are with earl gray tea and cookies or a good glass of wine in the hot tub.
Kristine R. says
I like to have a glass of wine and a good book when I need a moment!!
Kristine R. says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/McKenna_1444/status/613361822876372992
Kimberly Hilbert says
My favorite way to pause and take a moment is to find a quiet space and just have a hot cup of tea.
Venus Marie Lay says
I spend me time reading a good book!
Karen Drake says
I like to take a warm bubble bath and drink a glass of wine to unwind and relax.
Kimmy Ripley says
“Me time” for me is in the morning and evening while I drink my coffee and go on the computer.
Debbie B says
i take time everyday after work and enjoy watching my soaps or reading a book
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/614591892206911488
Tamara says
My favorite would be from reading a good book and having a cup of green tea!
Tamara says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/614617209294467072
Susan Smith says
My me time is on my balcony with a book and a glass of wine.
Amanda Sakovitz says
Running in the morning is my favorite way to take a break
Kathy Pease says
I like to listen to music and sit by our firepit
ELIZABETH P says
I like me time that I can read a book – sometimes I play hide and seek with the kids and find a few moments of peace since I’m such a good hider.
joni says
I like having a coffee on my porch swing.
Thomas Murphy says
I like to have coffee and read a book.
Jennifer Sines says
A few minutes of yoga and meditation helps me recharge when things get crazy.
Angela W says
I love to sit outside and read a good book
Bert Ruizi says
I like to take a moment with a cup of tea and my Bible
Bert Ruizi says
tweet https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/615252266266722304
Kerry says
I like to lay in the sun with a good book!
Daniel M says
get up and get some exercise
Keeley Sullivan says
I love to read to relax
Lisa Garner says
I like to pause and enjoy singing a great song when it comes on the radio.
Denise L says
Sometimes grocery shopping ALONE is the best me time! I can read all the labels I want 😉
Ed says
I enjoy bicycling.
Stephanie Larison says
I love to relax in bed with a good book. Even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Lisa Voyce says
Being my dad’s caretaker and my grandbaby’s part time babysitter, I’ll have a caramel latte when they are both napping.
Crystal F says
I like to soak in the tub and read for a little while. Thank you!!
Wanda McHenry says
I enjoy a cup of coffee sitting out on our patio enjoying the birds in the mornings.
Breanne says
I like to read.
Erica B. says
I like to do a crossword puzzle.
rajee says
Need to go to gym and then hot coffee make me feel lot better
angie says
I love to truly savor things, be they a bite of tart apple or seeing a butterfly flutter by. I pay attention and that feeds my soul daily. 😀
Ellie Wright says
After the kids are in bed I like to relax with a hot bath, a good book, and a glass of sweet iced tea.
Tabathia B says
I curl up on the couch once everyone is down for bed, read and enjoy mini snickers.
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Richard Hicks says
I take a moment for myself when I go cycling solo.
Richard Hicks says
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/615978756910501888
Laurie Emerson says
Some of my favorite ways to pause and take a moment is to do some spinning. I love my wheel and it is so relaxing and soothing.
Jerry Marquardt says
I take time for myself with a great Milano Cookie and enjoying the day.
Kathryn C says
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/616031870313230336
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
Kathryn C says
#SweepstakesEntry:
I like to create time for myself by relaxing on my sunny porch with a good book or some magazines, a hot beverage (tea) & some Milano cookies!
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
denise a says
I like to pause and take a moment to read a good book and have a great cup of tea!