The One About Hot Dogs

August 23rd, 2009

This past week was a busy one, made more complicated internally by changes to Quiver’s work situation and changes in our familiar routines. Over the weekend I had been feeling rather overwhelmed and generally behind in so many of the life plots (and attitudes) I need to be cultivating. It seems an odd time to be writing about hot dogs, but here we are.

Sometimes just a little change of plans, tossed with a pinch of spur-of-the-moment can create a much-needed shift in perspective. At some point during the middle of the afternoon (probably about the time I was reading and making mental notes for tomorrow’s final Geek episode of MeMyBook&Eye) I decided to ditch the leftover dinner plans and opt for more of a celebration mindset.

Celebration hasn’t really been at the forefront of our thoughts this week. We’ve been dealing with the emotional and physical ramifications of Quiver shutting down a business and beginning a new job. We’ve been busy with extra responsibilities beyond the normal routine. We’ve been challenged by some of the boy’s growing pains. We’ve been playing catch-up after new strides (quite literally) in Baby Girl’s growing independence. We’ve been cooking and cleaning and bathing and writing and laundering. We’ve been impatient with one another, with ourselves and with circumstances.

So, I decided an impromptu party was in order to lift our spirits and right our vision.

I realize that the word “party” conjurs up lots of different images. To adequately understand our version of a “party,” I’d better explain that we have family parties for just about anything. Usually the standard criteria for a party at the Montgomery house is a pretty sparse list: 1) something to laugh or jump up and down about; 2) something edible; 3) some form of decoration, be it new placemats, party paper plates, construction paper cut-outs hanging from the “chandelier”, table cloths, candlelight, etc. That about covers it.

Yes, I decided that tonight was an excellent time for our third “grill party” of the month–no time like the present. The plans made for extra excitement because we decided to have it in the BACK YARD where we could eat the whole meal OUTSIDE. Big fun. With catsup on top. The trappings of this party? Here’s the abridged version:

8 hot dogs + buns

1/4 bag charcoal + requisite lighter fluid

1 bag Cheetos

Sundry condiments

1 highly portable Pack-n-Play

1 blue checked tablecloth

2 $1 styrofoam airplanes

2 funky plastic things that spin and light up when you push the button

1 happy beagle

5 large marshmallows

1 coat hanger

1 bag mint chocolate cookies (in lieu of graham crackers and Hershey bars)

1 yellow lightning bug

4 “Lighting McQueen” party plates

Napkins (enough)

Giggles (uncounted)

2 tricycles

1 pink pair of pants (size 9mo)

2 porch lights

1 quick trip to the bathroom

4 people I love (so much I can’t stand it)

Somewhere in between squirting mustard, fending off puppy paws, responding to the 637th “Mommy, watch this” and strategically planning my last bite to include part hot dog AND part bun–somewhere in there–I recognized again how much I have to be thankful for, how good I really have it.

Hot dogs with a side of renewed perspective. Who knew?

This past week was a busy one, made more complicated internally by changes to Quiver’s work situation and changes in our familiar routines. Over the weekend I had been feeling rather overwhelmed and generally behind in so many of the life plots (and attitudes) I need to be cultivating. It seems an odd time to be writing about hot dogs, but here we are.

Sometimes just a little change of plans, tossed with a pinch of spur-of-the-moment can create a much-needed shift in perspective. At some point during the middle of the afternoon (probably about the time I was reading and making mental notes for tomorrow’s final Geek episode of MeMyBook&Eye) I decided to ditch the leftover dinner plans and opt for more of a celebration mindset.

Celebration hasn’t really been at the forefront of our thoughts this week. We’ve been dealing with the emotional and physical ramifications of Quiver shutting down a business and beginning a new job. We’ve been busy with extra responsibilities beyond the normal routine. We’ve been challenged by some of the boy’s growing pains. We’ve been playing catch-up after new strides (quite literally) in Baby Girl’s growing independence. We’ve been cooking and cleaning and bathing and writing and laundering. We’ve been impatient with one another, with ourselves and with circumstances.

So, I decided an impromptu party was in order to lift our spirits and right our vision.

I realize that the word “party” conjurs up lots of different images. To adequately understand our version of a “party,” I’d better explain that we have family parties for just about anything. Usually the standard criteria for a party at the Montgomery house is a pretty sparse list: 1) something to laugh or jump up and down about; 2) something edible; 3) some form of decoration, be it new placemats, party paper plates, construction paper cut-outs hanging from the “chandelier”, table cloths, candlelight, etc. That about covers it.

Yes, I decided that tonight was an excellent time for our third “grill party” of the month–no time like the present. The plans made for extra excitement because we decided to have it in the BACK YARD where we could eat the whole meal OUTSIDE. Big fun. With catsup on top. The trappings of this party? Here’s the abridged version:

8 hot dogs + buns
1/4 bag charcoal + requisite lighter fluid
1 bag Cheetos
Sundry condiments
1 highly portable Pack-n-Play
1 blue checked tablecloth
2 $1 styrofoam airplanes
2 funky plastic things that spin and light up when you push the button
1 happy beagle
5 large marshmallows
1 coat hanger
1 bag mint chocolate cookies (in lieu of graham crackers and Hershey bars)
1 yellow lightning bug
4 “Lighting McQueen” party plates
Napkins (enough)
Giggles (uncounted)
2 tricycles
1 pink pair of pants (size 9mo)
2 porch lights
1 quick trip to the bathroom
The first “touch of Fall in the air” night this year
4 people I love (so much I can’t stand it)

Somewhere in between squirting mustard, fending off puppy paws, responding to the 637th “Mommy, watch this” and strategically planning my last bite to include part hot dog AND part bun–somewhere in there–I recognized again how much I have to be thankful for, how good I really have it.

Hot dogs with a side of renewed perspective. Who knew?

Filed under Family + Motherhood | Comment (0)

Morning Luxury

August 20th, 2009

It’s funny how luxurious a morning routine can be. Over the past four years since our morning rituals began to involve a third (and fourth and fifth) party, our schedule has changed, of course. We’ve tried all kinds of permutations to discover a working combination of showering, ironing, dressing, eating, hugging and driving to get the work day started. Typically each trial and error session has given way to the next coinciding with new skills, or stages (or children) in our lives.

I discovered this week that we’ve been living in the lap of morning luxury, Quiver and I waking up with the daily anticipation of barely awake giggles, groggy hugs and more “help” getting to the car than we can handle. We divvy up the jobs, but still, there’s a perpetual full house participation. We’ve both had the opportunity to be involved in waking our children, getting them dressed for preschool, enjoying the plethora of voices and sound effects and conversations that so often are the backdrop of brushing teeth and eating poptarts. Each morning we’ve had the opportunity to double-team locating each child’s favorite tag-along stuffed animal and juicy cup, and to share the buckling tasks of three car seats.

Every day we’ve enjoyed a sometimes challenging, but comfortable full family trip to daycare, a parade of little ones bearing nap mats or bottles or just the gusto of life as boys and a smiling Baby Girl. We’ve ALL traveled to each preschool classroom giving tandem hugs and kisses and “good days”, sometimes forgetting to sign our names acknowledging arrival–first Baby Girl, then Squiggle Bug, and finally, Little Drummer Boy. Quiver and I have waved and blown kisses and eased ourselves into the transition of clients and offices with smiles on our faces and “spit kisses” on our cheeks, pulling out of the parking lot in different directions in preparation for the day’s work.

This week was different. I was reminded again of the blessing we have in just how much we do things together. Quiver has a new job with a local landscaping company that has meant some long hours and a few early mornings out of the house, meaning that he couldn’t participate in our normal AM routine–not so easy for a family man. At least not one from our kind of family. It’s odd to some, but we’re just the kind of folks who like to do things together. It’s not that Mommy or Daddy can’t adequately accomplish the morning requirements by themselves. It’s just that it’s so much more fun when we do it together. Anticipation of the change made us start missing Daddy during p.j. time the night before. And, we couldn’t help asking while pulling on the Transformer underwear, “don’t we wish Daddy was with us this morning?”

Tomorrow morning IF it’s raining–if he doesn’t have to leave the house at 6:30am–I don’t think I’ll complain about how long it takes him to put on his shoes, or the mud he’s tracked across the carpet. I don’t think I’ll insist that Little Drummer Boy go back to the table while I dry my hair or cut short his morning hug so I can hurry through blush and eye shadow. I don’t think I’ll tune out Squiggle Bug’s play by play of Old McDonald’s menagerie or rush him through the slow climb into the tall extended cab back seat. I think I’ll gladly take all the big brother help I’m offered for carrying Baby Girl’s diaper bag, or choosing a “cute” dress or providing some changing table entertainment (volume 10, and all). I think we’ll slow and take a closer look at the road construction crews and the pick-up trucks we pass. I think we’ll look for a front-end loader or a digger. I think I’ll linger with the good-bye kiss just half a second longer. I think I’ll crawl up into the lap of morning luxuring, sit a spell and smile.

It’s funny how luxurious a morning routine can be. Over the past four years since our morning rituals began to involve a third (and fourth and fifth) party, our schedule has changed periodically. We’ve tried all kinds of permutations to discover a working combination of showering, ironing, dressing, eating, hugging and driving to get the work day started. Typically each trial and error session has given way to the next coinciding with new skills, or stages (or children) in our lives.

I discovered this week that we’ve been living in the lap of morning luxury, Quiver and I waking up with the daily anticipation of barely awake giggles, groggy hugs and more “help” getting to the car than we can handle. We divvy up the jobs, but still, there’s a perpetual full house participation. We’ve both had the opportunity to be involved in waking our children, getting them dressed for preschool, enjoying the plethora of voices and sound effects and conversations that so often are the backdrop of brushing teeth and eating poptarts. Each morning we’ve had the opportunity to double-team locating each child’s favorite tag-along stuffed animal and juicy cup, and to share the buckling tasks of three car seats.

Every day we’ve enjoyed a sometimes challenging, but familiar full family trip to daycare, a parade of little ones bearing nap mats or bottles or just the gusto of life as boys and a smiling Baby Girl. We’ve ALL traveled to each preschool classroom giving tandem hugs and kisses and “good days”, often distracted from signing our names to acknowledge arrival–first Baby Girl, then Squiggle Bug, and finally, Little Drummer Boy. Quiver and I have waved and blown kisses and eased ourselves into the transition of clients and offices with smiles on our faces and “spit kisses” on our cheeks, pulling out of the parking lot in different directions in preparation for the day’s work.

This week was different. I was reminded again of the blessing we have in just how much we do things together. Quiver has a new job with a local landscaping company that has meant some long hours and a few early mornings out of the house, meaning that he couldn’t participate in our normal AM routine–not so easy for a family man. At least not one from our kind of family. It’s odd to some, but we’re just the kind of folks who like to do things together. It’s not that Mommy or Daddy can’t adequately accomplish the morning requirements by themselves. It’s just that it’s so much more fun when we do it together. Anticipation of the change made us start missing Daddy during p.j. time the night before. And, we couldn’t help asking while pulling on the Transformer underwear, “don’t we wish Daddy was with us this morning?”

Tomorrow morning IF it’s raining–if he doesn’t have to leave the house at 6:30am–I don’t think I’ll complain about how long it takes him to put on his shoes, or the mud he’s tracked across the carpet. I don’t think I’ll insist that Little Drummer Boy go back to the table while I dry my hair or cut short his morning hug so I can hurry through blush and eye shadow. I don’t think I’ll tune out Squiggle Bug’s play by play of Old McDonald’s menagerie or rush him through the slow climb into the tall extended cab back seat. I think I’ll gladly take all the big brother help I’m offered for carrying Baby Girl’s diaper bag, or choosing a “cute” dress or providing some changing table entertainment (volume 10, and all). I think we’ll slow and take a closer look at the road construction crews and the pick-up trucks we pass. I think we’ll look for a front-end loader or a digger. I think I’ll linger with the good-bye kiss just half a second longer. I think I’ll crawl up into the lap of morning luxuring, sit a spell and smile.

Filed under Day + Day | Comment (1)

Confessions of a Nest Builder

August 11th, 2009

I spent the last two days desperately needing an oxygen mask. I’m on a staycation at Myrtle Avenue for part of this week, and I have been anxious to bring some order to a few areas of our house that haven’t seen it in the last couple of years. One laundry room, one utility room, one walk-in closet and about a dozen boxes and trash bags later, I have the contented self-satisfaction of creating a place for things that have been left wanting and letting go of the unnecessary. I’ve waded through dusty boxes, papers, piles of oh-I-forgot-we-had-that and other allergy inducing stacks of what have you. I’ve sweated, washed, climbed up and down ladders, vacuumed, swept and lugged around giant garbage bags. It’s been a great two days! The only thing that would have made it better is if I had been able to do all that while also hugging my little ones. Alas, daycare was the better option so that the piles and I could have a little alone time to work through our differences.

I’m one of those domestic engineers who is in perpetual nesting mode. There is almost no feeling I relish more than the peace of enjoying my own home when everything is in order. I don’t know how it is for the rest of the human race. I only know that for me, an ordered environment leads to an ordered and relaxed mind. It leads to refreshment and fresh thinking. So, despite the inevitable sweat and sneezing, I can find simple pleasure in creating a place for everything–a beautiful and colorful, yet quirky place–but a specific place nonetheless.

I know what you’re thinking, and I’m perfectly willing to own my obsessive tendencies. It’s not that I have an incessant need to constantly tidy up. The 2 or 3 years it took to create the piles I’ve been ordering rules that out. But, I do “need” a positive environment. I have a coping threshold for how much clutter I’m able to live with while maintaining my good humor and the ability to think rationally. It’s just a fact I’ve come to recognize. Also, I have clear criteria for what constitutes a home rather than simply a house. Part of that criteria includes being surrounded by the pattern and texture of beauty (at least to my eye) and the layered trappings of memory. Feathering my nest puts me in the perpetual process of denoting memories, articulating preferences, stimulating peace, contentment and refreshment through the surroundings that have most come to signify our “place.” In her book, Creating a Beautiful Home, designer Alexandra Stoddard said:

“It is human to want to give physical expression to that which we hold sacred, and to define ourselves–through light, color and texture–by the spaces we inhabit… Home gently and subtly forces you to face the reality of your unique qualities and to mold, contour, adapt, build and change the things that don’t support this truth.”

Making a home out of a house is a gratifying and worthwhile pursuit. After having children, the pursuit has been made even more poignant with the thought that this specific place, which for so much of their early lives is the very center of their world, is the place that will build their assumptions about life and about home for future generations–whether what to emulate or what to avoid. Like it or not, THINGS, the trappings of life and activities and relationships, are often the tangible expression of those abstract, unspoken values and emotions we hold “sacred.”

By “things,” I don’t necessarily mean the latest and greatest from the catalogs, HGTV and Toys R Us. No, those things can sometimes make an impression, but regardless of trends or popularity, it is so often what we do with “things” that infuse them with their power of place. It is the wonder and excitement of my children seeing a Mickey Mouse gumball machine, purchased when I was a child and unearthed from the boxes of personal ephemera. It is the anticipation of filling it with M&Ms for ready snacks where the fun lies in scooping them from the slot. It’s the lamp and hand-me-down lampshade set on a chest to light a darkened corner in the reclaimed entry space. It is realizing I just created Buddy the Cat’s new favorite napping spot isolated from the curious hands and squeals of toddlers. It is an old Valentine I made for Quiver found in a box and hung in a newly cleaned and appointed office bathroom. It is blessing him with a convenient way to clean up during a hot August day of landscaping work. It is speaking an unexpected reminder of all we hold dear.

In my nest building, another of Alexandra Stoddard’s descriptions equally motivates and encourages me to declutter each moment and take good care of it:

“For me, home is the coming together of my past memories and experiences, of my love for my children, husband and friends; my love of nature and beauty; my love of life and belief in continuity; my optimism tangibly expressed in life-enhancing ways–room by room–and of the tender appreciation that no matter how much of myself I put into this home, I, like everyone on earth, am a temporary guest.”

A temporary guest.

I spent the last two days desperately needing an oxygen mask. I’m on a staycation at Myrtle Avenue for part of this week, and I have been anxious to bring some order to a few areas of our house that haven’t seen it in the last couple of years. One laundry room, one utility room, one walk-in closet and about a dozen boxes and trash bags later, I have the contented self-satisfaction of creating a place for things that have been left wanting and letting go of the unnecessary. I’ve waded through dusty boxes, papers, piles of oh-I-forgot-we-had-that and other allergy inducing stacks of what have you. I’ve sweated, washed, climbed up and down ladders, vacuumed, swept and lugged around giant garbage bags. It’s been a great two days! The only thing that would have made it better is if I had been able to do all that while also hugging my little ones. Alas, daycare was the better option so that the piles and I could have a little alone time to work through our differences.

I’m one of those domestic engineers who is in perpetual nesting mode. There is almost no feeling I relish more than the peace of enjoying my own home when everything is in order. I don’t know how it is for the rest of the human race. I only know that for me, an ordered environment leads to an ordered and relaxed mind. It leads to refreshment and fresh thinking. So, despite the inevitable sweat and sneezing, I can find simple pleasure in creating a place for everything–a beautiful and colorful, yet quirky place–but a specific place nonetheless.

I know what you’re thinking, and I’m perfectly willing to own my obsessive tendencies. It’s not that I have an incessant need to constantly tidy up. The 2 or 3 years it took to create the piles I’ve been ordering rules that out. But, I do “need” a positive environment. I have a coping threshold for how much clutter I’m able to live with while maintaining my good humor and the ability to think rationally. It’s just a fact I’ve come to recognize. Also, I have clear criteria for what constitutes a home rather than simply a house. Part of that criteria includes being surrounded by the pattern and texture of beauty (at least to my eye) and the layered trappings of memory. Feathering my nest puts me in the perpetual process of denoting memories, articulating preferences, stimulating peace, contentment and refreshment through the surroundings that have most come to signify our “place.” In her book, Creating a Beautiful Home, designer Alexandra Stoddard said:

“It is human to want to give physical expression to that which we hold sacred, and to define ourselves–through light, color and texture–by the spaces we inhabit… Home gently and subtly forces you to face the reality of your unique qualities and to mold, contour, adapt, build and change the things that don’t support this truth.”

Making a home out of a house is a gratifying and worthwhile pursuit. After having children, the pursuit has been made even more poignant with the thought that this specific place, which for so much of their early lives is the very center of their world, is the place that will build their assumptions about life and about home for future generations–whether what to emulate or what to avoid. Like it or not, THINGS, the trappings of life and activities and relationships, are often the tangible expression of those abstract, unspoken values and emotions we hold “sacred.”

By “things,” I don’t necessarily mean the latest and greatest from the catalogs, HGTV and Toys R Us. No, those things can sometimes make an impression, but regardless of trends or popularity, it is so often what we do with “things” that infuse them with their power of place. It is the wonder and excitement of my children seeing a Mickey Mouse gumball machine, purchased when I was a child and unearthed from the boxes of personal ephemera. It is the anticipation of filling it with M&Ms for ready snacks where the fun lies in scooping them from the slot. It’s the lamp and hand-me-down lampshade set on a chest to light a darkened corner in the reclaimed entry space. It is realizing I just created Buddy the Cat’s new favorite napping spot isolated from the curious hands and squeals of toddlers. It is an old Valentine I made for Quiver found in a box and hung in a newly cleaned and appointed office bathroom. It is blessing him with a convenient way to clean up during a hot August day of landscaping work. It is speaking an unexpected reminder of all we hold dear.

In my nest building, another of Alexandra Stoddard’s descriptions equally motivates and encourages me to declutter each moment and take good care of it:

“For me, home is the coming together of my past memories and experiences, of my love for my children, husband and friends; my love of nature and beauty; my love of life and belief in continuity; my optimism tangibly expressed in life-enhancing ways–room by room–and of the tender appreciation that no matter how much of myself I put into this home, I, like everyone on earth, am a temporary guest.”

A temporary guest.

Filed under Day + Day | Comments (2)

Tues Ten 080409: Mommy Indulgences

August 4th, 2009

I don’t know about you, but when I need a little pick-me-up, buying something special just for myself can really do the trick, especially if it’s something I might not get every day. The problem is that my busy schedule of home responsibilities and work responsibilities isn’t always conducive to trips to the mall. And, in today’s economic crunch, a favorite blouse or jar of perfume may not be in the family budget. If you’re like me, it really doesn’t take much to produce a smile. In fact, sometimes just the act of taking the few extra minutes and thought for yourself can refresh you to more creatively give to the others in your house.

Now, I’m not really a big “tip” writer. Any advice I have to give most often consists of “just do what comes naturally” and “have a fire extinguisher handy.” But, I was preparing this article for an online magazine that has recently decided not to continue publication [more on that later and how it relates to axes], so I decided to share it for today’s Tuesday Ten. This week I give you 10 Mommy Indulgences you can find at the grocery store. Sometimes just a trip to the store by yourself is an indulgence in itself. But, even if you have all your bundles of joy in tow (along with their little stuffed bundles of joy), a browse for one of these little ditties will quickly improve your mood. Mommy refresher on aisle 13!

1. Fresh flowers – Almost every grocery store these days has a florist counter. Check the pre-cut cooler for specials on in-season blooms. You’re likely to find enough stems in one bunch that will boost spirits all over your home and office. Or, splurge on a special potted plant complete with a seasonal decoration or bow.

2. Artisan bread or cheese – Many grocery stores have begun to carry specialty brands of bread and cheese that were once available only at custom bakeries. Forget buying something that your toddler would like and choose a “flavor” just for yourself, or as a special treat for you and your husband to share. Try an assortment pack with samplings of a variety of cheese types. Or, look for a gourmet garlic-cheese, sun-dried tomato or cinnamon bread. Choose a pear or bunch of grapes as well, and you have the makings of a grown-ups only snack time!

3. Magazines – Take your time on the magazine aisle and choose something that really interests you. Magazines are a great way to regroup and get new ideas because they don’t take much time to read. Whether it’s a beautiful cooking magazine, a fitness monthly, an upscale design read or a quick fix of celebrity or soap opera gossip, you can indulge yourself with great bedtime reading for $4 or $5 a pop!

4. Bon-Bons – Yep, I know the unindoctrinated may think you sit around and eat these all day, especially if you are a stay-at-home mom. So, just this once, prove them right. Skip past the kid-size packets of m&ms or oreos and head for your favorite decadent chocolate indulgence. Whether your favorite is in the candy, cookie or ice cream aisle, the only rule is by-pass anything bearing the words “diet” or “sugar-free!”

5. Beauty Products – No, it’s not Lancome or Estee Lauder, but the grocery store beauty aisle offers some great pick-me-up items. Maybe it’s Cover Girl’s Simply Powder, the powder “foundation” that will give your skin a “done up” look in 2 seconds. Maybe it’s Garnier Fructis’ fruity hair wax. Maybe it’s a funky shade of blue nail polish (that was my wedding attire’s something blue) or a juicy lip gloss. Get in touch with your inner pre-teen and go for it.

6. Desk Supplies – Think back to the first day of school. You remember the thrill of new pens and pencils and colorful notebooks. Head to the “school supply” aisle and get yourself one of those notepads with the lined pastel sheets, and splurge for the matching envelopes. Check out the metallic gel pens or the post-its printed with flowers. Whatever gets your girlie started!

7. Greeting Cards – Browse the greeting card section like you mean it. Pick out the perfect pick-me-up that’s just for you. Music, movement, whatever strikes your fancy. Many grocery stores feature a mini Post Office. Go ahead and mail it to yourself right there. If your store doesn’t have the postal option, stick it in your mailbox as soon as you get home. If you’re like me, you’ll forget about it and be totally surprised by yourself a few days later. (Since you’re there, go ahead and pick out one for the other members of your family and prove once again that you are a Rock Star Mom!)

8. In Season Fruit – Shop the organic produce stand for an undoctored taste of the Earth’s bounty. Choose in-season fruits you may not buy often to wake up your tastebuds with fresh flavors. Pick up some vanilla yogurt or caramel sauce for an impromptu gourmet snack.

9. Gift Cards – You can find pre-loaded gift cards for many of your favorite restaurants or retailers at most grocery stores these days. Choose a $10 card to tuck away in your wallet for a gloomy day. You’ll enjoy the anticipation of using it, and you can treat yourself to lunch or just dessert one day when you really need it. Better yet, splurge on a $20 card and treat yourself to some face to face girl talk with a friend—or I’m sure you’re hubby will do in a pinch!

10. Dessert Makings – Yes, this treat isn’t just for you, but you may be the only one who’ll get to enjoy it as a midnight snack. Grab some refrigerated sugar cookie dough, a jar of pre-made icing and some sprinkles for a giant cookie pizza. Choose a graham cracker crust, frozen pink lemonade, sweetened condensed milk and Cool-Whip for a summertime “pink lemonade pie.” Get vanilla ice cream with chocolate and caramel syrups – or go for some ice cream cones for a special treat for the whole gang.

Whatever your fancy, take some time on your next grocery shopping trip to stray from your list. It only takes a few extra minutes and a few extra bucks to treat yourself to your next favorite indulgence.

I don’t know about you, but when I need a little pick-me-up, buying something special just for myself can really do the trick, especially if it’s something I might not get every day. The problem is that my busy schedule of home responsibilities and work responsibilities isn’t always conducive to trips to the mall. And, in today’s economic crunch, a favorite blouse or jar of perfume may not be in the family budget. If you’re like me, it really doesn’t take much to produce a smile. In fact, sometimes just the act of taking the few extra minutes and thought for yourself can refresh you to more creatively give to the others in your house.

Now, I’m not really a big “tip” writer. Any advice I have to give most often consists of “just do what comes naturally” and “have a fire extinguisher handy.” But, I was preparing this article for an online magazine that has recently decided not to continue publication [more on that later and how it relates to axes], so I decided to share it for today’s Tuesday Ten. This week I give you 10 Mommy Indulgences you can find at the grocery store. Sometimes just a trip to the store by yourself is an indulgence in itself. But, even if you have all your bundles of joy in tow (along with their little stuffed bundles of joy), a browse for one of these little ditties will quickly improve your mood. Mommy refresher on aisle 13!

1. Fresh flowers
Almost every grocery store these days has a florist counter. Check the pre-cut cooler for specials on in-season blooms. You’re likely to find enough stems in one bunch that will boost spirits all over your home and office. Or, splurge on a special potted plant complete with a seasonal decoration or bow.

2. Artisan bread or cheese
Many grocery stores have begun to carry specialty brands of bread and cheese that were once available only at custom bakeries. Forget buying something that your toddler would like and choose a “flavor” just for yourself, or as a special treat for you and your husband to share. Try an assortment pack with samplings of a variety of cheese types. Or, look for a gourmet garlic-cheese, sun-dried tomato or cinnamon bread. Choose a pear or bunch of grapes as well, and you have the makings of a grown-ups only snack time!

3. Magazines
Take your time on the magazine aisle and choose something that really interests you. Magazines are a great way to regroup and get new ideas because they don’t take much time to read. Whether it’s a beautiful cooking magazine, a fitness monthly, an upscale design read or a quick fix of celebrity or soap opera gossip, you can indulge yourself with great bedtime reading for $4 or $5 a pop!

4. Bon-Bons
Yep, I know the unindoctrinated may think you sit around and eat these all day, especially if you are a stay-at-home mom. So, just this once, prove them right. Skip past the kid-size packets of m&ms or oreos and head for your favorite decadent chocolate indulgence. Whether your favorite is in the candy, cookie or ice cream aisle, the only rule is by-pass anything bearing the words “diet” or “sugar-free!”

5. Beauty Products
No, it’s not Lancome or Estee Lauder, but the grocery store beauty aisle offers some great pick-me-up items. Maybe it’s Cover Girl’s Simply Powder, the powder “foundation” that will give your skin a “done up” look in 2 seconds. Maybe it’s Garnier Fructis’ fruity hair wax. Maybe it’s a funky shade of blue nail polish (that was my wedding attire’s something blue) or a juicy lip gloss. Get in touch with your inner pre-teen and go for it.

6. Desk Supplies
Think back to the first day of school. You remember the thrill of new pens and pencils and colorful notebooks. Head to the “school supply” aisle and get yourself one of those notepads with the lined pastel sheets, and splurge for the matching envelopes. Check out the metallic gel pens or the post-its printed with flowers. Whatever gets your girlie started!

7. Greeting Cards
Browse the greeting card section like you mean it. Pick out the perfect pick-me-up that’s just for you. Music, movement, whatever strikes your fancy. Many grocery stores also feature a mini Post Office. Go ahead and mail it to yourself right there. If your store doesn’t have the postal option, stick it in your mailbox as soon as you get home. If you’re like me, you’ll forget about it and be totally surprised by yourself a few days later.

8. In Season Fruit
Shop the organic produce stand for an undoctored taste of the Earth’s bounty. Choose in-season fruits you may not buy often to wake up your tastebuds with fresh flavors. Pick up some vanilla yogurt or caramel sauce for an impromptu gourmet snack.

9. Gift Cards
You can find pre-loaded gift cards for many of your favorite restaurants or retailers at most grocery stores these days. Choose a $10 card to tuck away in your wallet for a gloomy day. You’ll enjoy the anticipation of using it, and you can treat yourself to lunch or dessert one day when you really need it. Better yet, splurge on a $20 card and treat yourself to some face to face girl talk with a friend—or I’m sure your hubby will do in a pinch!

10. Dessert Makings
Yes, this treat isn’t just for you, but you may be the only one who’ll get to enjoy it as a midnight snack. Grab some refrigerated sugar cookie dough, a jar of pre-made icing and some sprinkles for a giant cookie pizza. Choose a graham cracker crust, frozen pink lemonade, sweetened condensed milk and Cool-Whip for a summertime “pink lemonade pie.” Get vanilla ice cream with chocolate and caramel syrups – or go for some ice cream cones for a special treat for the whole gang.

Whatever your fancy, take some time on your next grocery shopping trip to stray from your list. It only takes a few extra minutes and a few extra bucks to treat yourself to your next favorite indulgence.