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I work hard, which means I also need to create the perfect experience for myself by creating a “moment for me time” with Häagen Dazs Artisan Collection.
I am a hard worker. Ask anyone who knows me and they’d probably tell you that I work too much. I have a very stressful full time job in the high tech industry. I do portrait photography, including weddings, on the side. I’ve been working on my blog for almost a year now which, all by itself, could keep me as busy as a full time job. But most importantly, I’m a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend to the people I love and care about in this world. Given all these things, I am left with zero “me time” unless I make it happen.
My mid-30s were dedicated to doing a lot of soul searching and finding my voice. During that period of time, I came to realize that if I don’t take the time to focus on me, then everything else starts to fail. I choose to pamper myself by doing things that I love, and this results in me being able to handle everything else that I pile onto my plate. I’m writing this post to share what I do so that it will hopefully inspire you to do the same – prioritize you and the things you love which will, in turn, make you a better person.
Next to my family and food, my next love in life is photography. I fell in love with it about 6 years ago when I learned how to take a proper photo. Before that, I couldn’t capture an interesting photo unless it happened by total luck. I take a ton of photos of clients and of food. Although I enjoy those, they fall into the “work” category more than they do the “me” category. I also take a lot of photos of my kids (when they let me) and those moments are priceless and sacred to me. But, every so often, I get the opportunity to take a photo like the one above. Am I doing it because I have to? Nope. I am doing it purely because of my love of photography and the creativity I feel when I capture a beautiful moment and freeze it in time forever. This type of photo fuels my soul and I took it for no other reason than because it made me feel good.
The second thing I love to do for myself is to read. This may be lame to most everyone out there because reading to them is part of everyday life – no different than brushing their teeth or eating breakfast. But for me, reading is a real treat. I’ve never been a reader. I’m a math and science kind of girl. I used to pay my sister to write my book reports for me. I probably finished only one or two books in their entirety throughout high school and did the very minimum to get good grades in English class. The only time I will pick up a book is when 1) I really need to relax, 2) I allow myself the time to devote to a good book and 3) someone I trust has recommended it. My very literate older sister would be shocked to find out that I actually do love to read, but I only do it when I need it. Reading a good book takes me into a private world that is all my own. Its different than the movies or shows I enjoy with my husband because I am the only one reading the story at that time. I can pick it up and put it down when I please. Reading a book forces me to stop everything in my fast paced world and slow down enough to let everything catch up. Whether it be on a vacation or a beautiful day at the park while the kids are playing, reading a book is considered “me time” for me.
Another thing that I love to do for me is to work in the garden. Not the work-up-a-sweat-digging-wholes kind of work. I prefer to cut plants. I’m actually a pretty bad gardener but occasionally plants keep coming back for more. I find hacking away at plants (i.e. pruning them) very satisfying. Its easy, you can see immediate results, you’re out in the fresh air, and you can let you mind wander. Oh, and please disregard the rose bud in the foreground of the photo that’s crawling with aphids. I need to get my hands on some lady bugs.
Finally, as my may have guessed, one of my most favorite things that I love to do to take a moment for myself is to enjoy amazing food. I have always had a love affair with Häagen Dazs and it has always been an absolute favorite of our family. I have memories of going camping as a kid and my mom melted a carton of vanilla Häagen Dazs over some freshly cut peaches and served us peaches and cream. Do I have any other memories of that camping trip? Not really, but the peaches and cream have a permanent home in my memory bank.
I was in absolute heaven when I saw their new Artisan Collection. Check out all the new amazing flavors they came up with:
HÄAGEN-DAZS® Artisan Collection Tres Leches Brigadeiro Ice Cream
HÄAGEN-DAZS® Artisan Collection Spiced Pecan Turtle Ice Cream
HÄAGEN-DAZS® Artisan Collection Chocolate Caramelized Oat Ice Cream
HÄAGEN-DAZS® Artisan Collection Banana rum jam Ice Cream
HÄAGEN-DAZS® Artisan Collection Ginger Molasses Cookie Ice Cream
For this new collection, Häagen Dazs collaborated with six unique artisans who share their passion for quality and the finest ingredients, in pursuit of the perfect bite. Last night I enjoyed the Ginger Molasses Cookie flavor. It was as if my extreme vanilla bean ice cream mated with my chewy molasses cookies and had a delicious no fuss baby. In other words, it was freaking good and I was more than deserving of that treat.
The ultimate way I take a moment for myself is to take a hot bubble bath. I have always loved baths and to this day I take at least a few baths a week in order to relax. I have no problem eating in the bath and nothing tastes better than a delicious treat like this cold ice cream while you’re relaxing in a hot tub. 20 minutes later and my battery is fully charged and my belly is satisfied.
This, my friends, is my idea of heaven.
I was able to find this new Häagen Dazs Artisan Collection at Walmart in the freezer section right under the “Ice Cream” sign. If you’d like to learn more, you can follow Häagen Dazs on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
What are your favorite ways to take a moment for yourself?
The post Me Time with Häagen Dazs Artisan Collection appeared first on Self Proclaimed Foodie.