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TAKE CARE MAMA BEAR! 10 THINGS TO DO JUST FOR YOU

By Julie Dikken, Publisher Macaroni Kid Evergreen, Bailey, & Conifer January 17, 2017
1. Find yourself a new hobby. Try your hand at knitting or crochet. Get yourself an adult coloring book and markers. (Be sure to keep those hidden from the kids — these are just for you!) Try to find something that will make you happy and expand your horizons.

2. Craft a hand-written note. Think of how nice it is to get a letter in the mail. I'm talking about the postal service, not the inbox on your computer. Get out some paper — it doesn't have to be fancy — and write a note to a friend or relative. Stick it in the mail and wait for it to make someone's day!

3. Organize the photos on your phone. If your phone is like mine, you have thousands, including many that need to be deleted! (Did you find any selfies taken by a 2-year-old on there?) It doesn't take too much time, and once it is done you will have so much more room on your phone!

4. Clean out the junk drawer. You know that drawer that you have to arrange just right to get it to shut properly? Now is the perfect time to get that thing organized. You may even find something you have been missing for a while!

5. Do your nails. When was the last time you did something for yourself? Paint your nails a bright color, something that reminds you of summer. You will look at your cheerful hands and think of warmer days.

6. Invite a friend over for coffee. You don't even have to plan for it. Just make the call ... you may be surprised to learn your friend is eager for some girlfriend time too. Don't worry about having a spic-and-span house. She probably won't even notice if the dishes weren't done!

7. Get outside. Go and take a walk, even in the cold. The fresh air will do you good. You will come home refreshed and full of energy!

8. Make cookies. Find a new recipe or use an old family favorite. The house will smell delicious and will be warmer while the oven is on.

9. Have a jammie day! You have let your kids do it, now it is your turn. Even if it's your turn for carpool, put on a jacket and scarf and no one will ever know ... as long as you don't have to get out of the car. Yoga pants count too!

10. Read a book. Curl up in your favorite chair by the fire with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. Take a few minutes out of your busy life to escape into the story.