Face it Mamas, when it comes to taking care of ourselves, sometimes we have to take back seat. At the end of the day, I consider my day successful if I got my daughter to school on time, if the baby didn’t have any meltdowns, (or, me for that matter), if meals are on the table, and if the house has some semblance of order. Hardly looking in the mirror, I fail to see the bananas glopped in my hair, or that it’s 5 pm, and I am still in PJ’s… for, the third day in a row.
While those day to day things can be easily taken care of, there are a few things that we need to remember to replace throughout the year to help keep us healthy.
Toothbrushes: Recently, I was brushing my teeth, and realized that my tooth brush had been around as long as my son has. Who, by the way, is 10 months old. “Gah”, I thought, as I spit the toothpaste out of my mouth, and hastily threw the old toothbrush away.
It’s recommended that you change your toothbrush every three months, or, when the bristles start to wear. I have a habit of stocking up on toothbrushes when they are on sale, which makes it easier to change them out quarterly. Also, extra toothbrushes come in handy when you have a house guest who forgot to bring theirs along.
Makeup: I am guilty of keeping makeup longer than is recommended. While most dermatologists suggest replacing all products every three months, I tend to keep them longer because my skin tone changes from season to season. (Here in Texas we have warm, hot, really hot, we-are-still-alive seasons.) Makeup is prone to bacter
ia growth, and if you keep your makeup clean, at room temperature, and closed when not in use, you can generally stretch their life cycle from 3-6 months. Just remember: never share your makeup! Especially mascara, as eye infections can be a direct result.
Also, remember to wash your makeup brushes weekly, or use disposable applicators which can both prolong the use of your makeup, and keep contamination at a minimum.
Your Pillow: Ah, there is nothing like laying down at night, and letting your pillow sink into the feathery softness below. Bliss, indeed. As you lay there, contently slumbering, you are kept company by sloughed skin, mold, mildew, fungus, dust mites and dust mite feces. What? Did I just shatter your peaceful image?
You should clean your pillows at least every 6 months, making sure to either have them dry cleaned, or if you do so yourself, make sure that they are dried completely throughout. As a general rule of thumb, your pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years. To prolong the time to two years, use a pillow protector to help keep the harmful bacteria and dust at bay.
Running Shoes: I read recently that you should replace your running shoes every 350-550 miles. With that being the case, my shoes should last me A LONG TIME. Which is quite sad. Anyway, moving on… It really is important to keep your workout gear in top notch condition, which extends to your feet as well. After all, those shoes are doing all the walking, right? Over time, your shoes can lose both stability, and their absorption to shock.
While you may not keep up with your mileage, keep up with the signs that mama may just need a new pair of shoes:
If you start feeling aches and pains you never experienced before doing the same amount of exercise.
Look for creases in the midsole material especially in the heel and ball of the foot areas of the shoes.
Try twisting your shoes. A worn midsole will make a shoe twist easily.
Try on a new pair of shoes just like the ones you are use to wearing. If the cushioning feels flat in comparison, it is worn out.
Source: http://www.fattyweightloss.com/
Bras and Panties: Once upon a time, when I was single, I wore lacy bras, and silk thongs. Then, I got married, had a baby, and all of that changed. Suddenly the lace had been replaced with nursing bras, and the silk with comfy cotton briefs.
While you may not make as drastic of a change as I did; remember to replace your intimates every 6 months to 2 years. In actuality, it’s all about the fit. When there is stretching, gaping, or bunching, toss those suckers out. Replace them, and feel more comfortable.
Even if, you then cover them up with your daily pair of PJ’s.
What do you have difficulty tossing out? Tell us by sharing on our hopping forum!
Andria can be found over at Andria and Co., after she finishes sorting through her closet to see just how many pairs of shoes can be, err, need to be, replaced.
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