If you’re a mom, you know exactly what I’m talking about. All day every day we run around, always doing for everyone else. But the older I get, the more I’m realizing that I need to take a step back and just breath every once in a while.

Sometimes, that means locking myself in the bathroom for an hour with a good book and a cheap bottle of wine. Other times, it means blatantly ignoring everyone, and focusing entirely on knitting. When I’m really lucky, I’ll escape to the basement to my “workroom,” where my sewing machine and all my happy crafting stuff is; I’ll create for hours before anyone even finds me.

The point is this. You deserve to treat yourself. If you don’t keep yourself happy, it will show in the way you do everything else; from working to home to spouse to kids.

And, if you partner gives you grief, tell them it’s either a few hours of you time every week for free, or $300 a week in therapy. I’m guessing that they’ll choose the free option, but if they tell you to go to therapy, pocket the cash and go to a spa instead.

Easy ways to treat yourself.

Find a new author you love. Maybe it’s Oprah’s pick, maybe it’s not. But a good book that you’re enthralled with let’s your mind escape for a few hours. Read something serious one month, read something sleazy and easy the next.

Give yourself the gift of a magazine subscription. My husband often says that magazines are the perfect answer for those who like to read, but are short on time. With articles that are much shorter, you can get through an entire story over one cup of tea.

Send yourself flowers. Okay, I know this sounds completely cheesy, but really think about it. You pick what you love and have it delivered to your door. Plus, as an added bonus, when your partner sees them he’s going to ask where you got them. When you tell him that you sent them to yourself, he’ll never let it happen again - guaranteed.

Write a friend a letter. Remember the days before technology took over the world? I used to love nothing more than getting a letter from a friend. In fact, at one point, I had pen pals in 5 different countries (um, yeah, I was a little bit nerdy); but I loved getting a little handwritten note. Today, we’re so wrapped up in social networking, email, and text messages, that the art of composing a simple letter has been lost. So buy some fabulous stationary (or get crafty and make your own) and write that letter. You’ll be surprised at how much you have to say, and how relaxed you are when it’s finished.

I know these aren’t “style related,” but I am a firm believer that a relaxed and refreshed you, means a more radiant and confident you. And whether you know it or not, 95% of being stylish is how you carry yourself.

The New Year is right around the corner, and don’t think I am not aware of it. Every year, I make resolutions and one of them typically includes working out. After gorging myself over the holiday’s, this seems like a no-brainer.

But with that said, this year I have not made myself a slave to the food; truly. Much of that is because I’ve been much more aware of what I’m eating this year. However, that’s a whole different story that doesn’t belong on this blog. What I’ve discovered though is that by eating better, I have more energy and I actually want to work out.

Say what?!?

Yep, I want to work out. I actually look forward to going downstairs and climbing on the elliptical. Granted, I use it as an excuse to watch trashy tabloid television shows, but who cares? What I’ve also noticed that I want to work out even more when I have super cute workout clothes to climb in to.

Upromise is partnered with some super-fab stores that offer some super-fab workout clothes. You’ll feel good putting them on, and you’ll feel good buying them because they’re super-affordable.

Gaiam :: organic cotton workout wear; super comfy, super soft.

Target :: a carrier of C9 by Champion; stylish and affordable.

Nike :: classic in styling; modern in construction.

Old Navy :: incredibly affordable, bright, motivating colors.

The North Face :: if you love being outdoors not matter the temperature, you’ll find your match here.

Enjoy your holiday’s and don’t worry too much about the fudge and cookies. But do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some very cute workout gear if you are planning a big lifestyle change after January 1st.