{"id":36423,"date":"2017-09-12T18:05:53","date_gmt":"2017-09-12T23:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/?p=36423"},"modified":"2017-09-12T18:42:20","modified_gmt":"2017-09-12T23:42:20","slug":"afternoon-refreshers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/?p=36423","title":{"rendered":"Eight Afternoon Refreshers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Afternoon refreshers are the best way for me to get through my day as a busy mom.\u00a0 I love every minute of being the mother of our sweet Little Miss, but sometimes a girl just needs a break, right?\u00a0 Thankfully, Little Miss takes a good two-hour nap, and that is the me-time that I use to do some cleaning, some blog work, some paper work, and some pampering.\u00a0 Afternoon refreshers come in all shapes and sizes, and they can take 10 minutes or even three hours if I want them to.\u00a0 I have so many simple little rituals that I enjoy, and I thought you might like to know about them.\u00a0 So, when my girl is tucked in for her afternoon siesta, you can bet I&#8217;m doing one or many of these things, and you can do them, too.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-28515\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_1584.jpg\" alt=\"Give a plain match box the French touch with a printed cover - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"961\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_1584.jpg 2056w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_1584-215x323.jpg 215w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_1584-682x1024.jpg 682w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_1584-300x451.jpg 300w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_1584-900x1352.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>Light a candle<\/h2>\n<p>I often have a candle burning in our home most of the day, but if not, I am sure to light one during afternoon nap time.\u00a0 If I am in the kitchen, I light one that is on the island, and if I am working in my office, I light a votive that is always in there.\u00a0 I make sure the fragrance reminds me of the time of year.\u00a0 For instance, right now I am burning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B01AHFXD9C\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=the2sea-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B01AHFXD9C&amp;linkId=3c9be59c37d36d447bf9709cd9f25bd1\">Crisp Morning Air by Yankee <\/a>candles.\u00a0 Since we are about to transition from summer to fall, this fragrance reminds me of the smells, sights, and sounds of late summer.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33668\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3771.jpg\" alt=\"Kitchen tour - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"961\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3771.jpg 2056w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3771-215x323.jpg 215w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3771-682x1024.jpg 682w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3771-300x451.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Play some music<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>We always have music playing in the background on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B00X4WHP5E\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=the2sea-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00X4WHP5E&amp;linkId=0d0ded05706d03abca337ff6e09383fe\">Amazon Echo<\/a>, but with our little one around, it&#8217;s usually princess music or Disney music.\u00a0 The girl loves herself some princesses.\u00a0 But during my afternoon relax time, I play my kind of music like Chris Stapleton or some Neil Diamond oldies.\u00a0 Music is such a treat even though it&#8217;s such a little thing.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35494\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/IMG_1640.jpg\" alt=\"Perfect for summer, watermelon juice recipe.\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/IMG_1640.jpg 2848w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/IMG_1640-215x323.jpg 215w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/IMG_1640-683x1024.jpg 683w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/IMG_1640-300x450.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Drink a beverage<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I love to sip on a drink during my relaxation time.\u00a0 In the summer it is unsweet tea, coconut water, <a href=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/2017\/06\/01\/watermelon-juice-recipe\/\">watermelon juice<\/a>, or just sparkling water.\u00a0 In cool weather I&#8217;ll make a cup of tea, Russian tea, or a latte.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-22003\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Magazine-Cover.jpg\" alt=\"Magazine from HGTV - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Magazine-Cover.jpg 616w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Magazine-Cover-430x323.jpg 430w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Read a magazine<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you are a mother of toddlers, then you know how tough it is to get some time for reading.\u00a0 I like to read a novel at bedtime, but during naptime, I pull out my decorating and entertainment magazines.\u00a0 I enjoy <em>Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living,<\/em> <em>Southern Living<\/em>, and <em>People<\/em>.\u00a0 There&#8217;s no heavy reading for me because it&#8217;s down-time.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-34348\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1357.jpg\" alt=\"Jamberry nails - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1357.jpg 1878w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1357-316x323.jpg 316w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1357-1001x1024.jpg 1001w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_1357-300x307.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Do your nails<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Getting a professional mani\/pedi right now is almost impossible.\u00a0 Little Miss isn&#8217;t quite ready to sit through one of those sessions while I am getting my nails redone.\u00a0 So, I use some Jamberry nail appliques and give myself a pretty good manicure.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35488\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eye-patch.jpg\" alt=\"Skyn Iceland\u00ae Hydro cool firming gels\" width=\"640\" height=\"853\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eye-patch.jpg 480w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eye-patch-242x323.jpg 242w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eye-patch-300x400.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Give yourself a facial<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I worked in a cosmetic surgeon&#8217;s office when I lived in San Francisco, and it was so easy to pick out the ladies who really pampered their skin.\u00a0 Working there was a life lesson for me to take care of my own skin.\u00a0 I have ridden a bicycle across the United States three times, and that means I spent way too much time in the sun.\u00a0 I am trying to reverse the negative effects of all of those days in the sun by taking special care of my skin now. I love giving myself a facial, which again would be tough to get on a professional basis with Little Miss around.\u00a0\u00a0 Nap time is the perfect time to take care of this.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36424\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Screen-Shot-2017-08-10-at-8.42.27-AM.png\" alt=\"Screenshot from Youtube - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"640\" height=\"579\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Screen-Shot-2017-08-10-at-8.42.27-AM.png 686w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Screen-Shot-2017-08-10-at-8.42.27-AM-357x323.png 357w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Screen-Shot-2017-08-10-at-8.42.27-AM-300x272.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Do some Youtube yoga<\/h2>\n<p>Mom and I love doing Youtube yoga.\u00a0 There are tons of instructors on Youtube ranging from the very beginning courses to expert courses.\u00a0 I pull out my mat, park myself in front of the television or computer, and do 20 to 30 minutes of good stretching and breathing. Even Little Miss even does children&#8217;s yoga sometimes when I am cooking dinner.\u00a0 Yoga is one of my favorite ways to relax.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30364\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_2361.jpg\" alt=\"Gas log maintenance - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"850\" height=\"711\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_2361.jpg 1858w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_2361-386x323.jpg 386w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_2361-1024x856.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_2361-300x251.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Turn on the fireplace<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>We are lucky enough to have a fireplace equipped with gas logs that we can turn on and turn off instantly.\u00a0 If it&#8217;s a cool or cold day, you can bet I will turn on the flames during my afternoon refreshers time.\u00a0 It adds a level of coziness that my body wants, and it just adds to the relaxation atmosphere I am trying to create.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36425 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/8-Afternoon-Refreshers.jpg\" alt=\"8 afternoon refreshers for busy moms - The 2 Seasons\" width=\"644\" height=\"483\" srcset=\"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/8-Afternoon-Refreshers.jpg 644w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/8-Afternoon-Refreshers-430x323.jpg 430w, http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/8-Afternoon-Refreshers-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Do you have any special routines that you do during the day to recharge your battery?\u00a0 We would love to hear about them.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Cheers!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Affiliate links used.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Afternoon refreshers are the best way for me to get through my day as a busy mom.\u00a0 I love every minute of being the mother of our sweet Little Miss, but sometimes a girl just needs a break, right?\u00a0 Thankfully, Little Miss takes a good two-hour nap, and that is the me-time that I use [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36425,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36423"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=36423"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36559,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36423\/revisions\/36559"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/36425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/the2seasons.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}