Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, poolside lounging, and... kids being home all day long. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been eagerly waiting for summer to arrive, only to realize that being a mom in the summer isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Between making endless snacks, playing referee to sibling squabbles, and ensuring everyone gets their sunscreen on (did someone say sunscreen art on the walls?), it can feel like there’s not a minute left for yourself. But fear not, my fellow fashionista moms—I’ve got your back with some summer self-care routines that are not only quick and effective but also incredibly necessary. Let’s dive in, shall we?

I used to think mindfulness was reserved for those zen types who wear hemp clothing and drink herbal tea. Then I had kids and realized that my own version of nirvana involves a moment of silence when no one is yelling "MOM!" If you're a busy mom like me, you'll appreciate the power of quick, mindful moments throughout the day.

*The 3-Breath Trick: Whenever you feel the chaos building (like when the kids start arguing over who touched who first), take three deep breaths. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. It's a mini-reset button for your brain, and honestly, it's like a spa break for your mind. I’ve even caught myself doing this in line at Target. It works wonders!

*Mindful Coffee (or Wine) Break: Instead of gulping down your coffee as you try to stop a Lego war, take a moment to actually taste it. Sit down for a minute or two, close your eyes, and savor each sip. If it’s wine, well, that’s an evening treat—because you deserve it, sister.

*Sensory Stroll: Walk barefoot on the grass or sand. Feel the textures underfoot, listen to the sounds of nature, and just be present for a few moments. Pro tip: Leave the kids with Dad or a neighbor so you can actually enjoy it without “Mom, look at me!” every five seconds.

Mindfulness is like the little black dress of self-care. It's chic, it's timeless, and it goes with everything—like a hectic mom schedule. These quick exercises help ground you, making the insanity of motherhood a bit more bearable. You might even start enjoying those "Mom, look at me" moments—okay, maybe not every time, but at least more often!

I remember the first time I tried meditating with my kids around. Picture this: I’m sitting cross-legged on my yoga mat, eyes closed, trying to find my inner peace. The kids burst in, take one look at me, and start doing their best impressions of me. Let’s just say I achieved a new level of *exasperated Zen*.

However, I’ve since learned the art of the 10-minute meditation. It's all about finding short bursts of tranquility amid the chaos.

*Guided Meditations: Apps like Headspace and Calm have quick sessions tailored for moms. They’re perfect for when you need a moment of calm but can't disappear for an hour. My personal favorite is the one titled "Coping with Chaos." How fitting.

*Nature Sounds: Pop in your earbuds and listen to soothing nature sounds. Whether it’s ocean waves or a forest stream, these sounds can transport you away from the madness for a blissful 10 minutes.

*Gratitude Meditation: Focus on three things you’re grateful for. It’s amazing how this small practice can shift your perspective from "Why is there a peanut butter smear on my wall?" to "I'm so thankful for these sticky little hands."

Meditation for moms is like yoga pants—everyone’s doing it, and for a good reason. It’s about taking that small slice of your day to recharge and refocus, so you’re better equipped to handle whatever life (or your kids) throws at you. Plus, it gives you something to do while you hide in the bathroom from your little darlings. 

Speaking of mindfulness - gone are the days when I had an hour to luxuriate in a full skincare routine. Now, I’m lucky if I can slap on some moisturizer before someone barges in needing a snack or a bandaid. But we moms still deserve to look fabulous, even if we’re running on three hours of sleep and dry shampoo fumes.

*Cleanse: A good foaming cleanser that refreshes your skin is essential. I’ve found that something citrusy helps wake me up in the morning (well, that and coffee).

*Serum & Moisturizer Combo: Find a serum that hydrates and gives your skin that “I slept for eight hours” glow, and mix it with a moisturizer for a quick one-step routine. Pro tip: Choose products with SPF because we’re all about that sun protection, baby!

*Tinted Lip Balm: A swipe of tinted lip balm gives you a polished look without the hassle of a full face of makeup. Plus, it’s perfect for those spontaneous selfies with your little ones.

*Concealer & Mascara: Concealer is your best friend when you haven’t had a full night’s sleep since, oh, 2018. Add a quick coat of mascara, and you’ll look like you’re ready to conquer the world—or at least the playground.

Skincare minimalism is all the rage right now. Busy moms everywhere are embracing quick routines that deliver maximum results with minimal effort. It's about enhancing your natural beauty and embracing the #momlife glow—because let’s face it, that’s the only glow we’re getting sometimes!

Let's talk about something that's equally crucial for a busy mom's sanity and style game—your wardrobe. I mean, who says you can’t conquer the world (or at least the laundry pile) while looking fabulous? This summer, I've embraced a few trends that keep me comfortable yet stylish, even when my day involves chasing a toddler around the backyard.

*Maxi Dresses: These are a godsend. They’re like wearing a fancy nightgown all day long. Perfect for those scorching summer days when pants are simply too much to handle.

*Wide-Brimmed Hats: Protect your face from the sun and look effortlessly chic. Plus, it’s a great way to cover up a bad hair day. Just pop on a pair of oversized sunglasses, and you’re officially in stealth mode.

*Comfortable Sandals: With kids around, there’s no such thing as “sitting pretty.” You’ll need to be ready for anything, and that includes impromptu foot races or a surprise run to the ice cream truck.

*Bold Accessories: Statement earrings or a chunky necklace can transform your look from "I just rolled out of bed" to "I’m a fashionable mom-on-the-go." The best part? They’re child-proof, meaning they won’t break easily even if your toddler decides to tug on them like they’re her new favorite toy.

Practical fashion is the mom’s secret weapon. It allows us to maintain our sense of style while still being ready for any curveballs motherhood throws our way. Plus, with all the extra confidence, who’s to say you won’t start your own summer fashion trend in the neighborhood?

Who doesn't love a good beauty treatment? Especially when you can do it at home without needing to pay a babysitter! I've turned my bathroom into a mini spa, and it's been my sanctuary ever since. Here are some quick beauty hacks that can be done at home.

*Sheet Masks: These are the best inventions since sliced bread. Pop one on for 10 minutes, and your skin will thank you. Plus, you can pretend you're a ghost and give your kids a little scare. (I may or may not have done this once. Or twice.)

*DIY Foot Soak: Fill a basin with warm water, add some Epsom salt, a few drops of essential oil, and voila—you've got yourself a spa-worthy foot soak. Perfect for when you've been on your feet all day. While you're soaking, put those kids to work rubbing your shoulders—hey, it’s never too early to start training them!

*Quick Mani-Pedi: In the summer, it’s all about flaunting those toes. Keep your nails looking fresh with a quick mani-pedi session. Opt for bright, fun colors that scream summer vibes. And if the kids want to join in, give them some nail stickers and let them have a ball. You'll get some peace while they create their masterpiece—double win!

As busy moms we are always looking for ways to incorporate self-care into our daily routines. Quick beauty treatments are the perfect solution—they’re effective, easy, and can be squeezed into even the busiest of schedules. Plus, who doesn’t want to feel like they’ve just had a mini-vacation in their own home?

As moms, we’re experts at putting everyone else first, but this summer, let’s make a pact to prioritize ourselves, even if it's just for a few precious moments each day. Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary. By taking care of ourselves, we're better equipped to take care of those around us. Plus, a happy mom means a happy household, right?

So, here's to summer self-care routines that are as fabulous and unstoppable as you are! Go ahead, embrace these quick and effective tips, and make this summer about rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul. You’ve got this, mama!

And don’t forget to share your favorite self-care tips in the comments below. Let's create a community of fabulous moms supporting each other. Because, after all, we're all in this together! Keep enjpoying the sunshine.

xoxo