Working from home has both its advantages and disadvantages. Most people seem to focus on the perks, which are pretty awesome considering I can make my own schedule and take vacations days whenever I want— but to be able to afford those comforts I have to work my booty off, often more than 40 hours a week, and that's in addition to all of my other home and momly duties. I'm sure you can relate!
My main focus for 2016 was to bring more balance to my life. In the past I would sit on my computer and work from the morning until night, getting up only to pick my daughter up from school and to make dinner. It was a cycle I knew I had to break because it wasn't healthy physically or mentally. When the New Year rolled around I vowed to make some changes, and I'm happy to say that I've stuck to them.
One of the biggest has been getting in some "me time" throughout the day.
I've partnered with LÄRABAR to share some of my "mini-moments" with LÄRABAR minis. All opinions are my own.
My favorite change has been the addition of my morning walk, which starts just after my daughter goes to school. I've been walking from 2 ½- 3 miles a day, which takes between 30 and 45 minutes. It's a great time for me to reflect on the day ahead while getting in a bit of activity. I often stop to sit for a few moments to take in nature (I love watching the birds!) while enjoying a small snack and a bottle of water.
My new go-to is LÄRABAR minis from Sam's Club in Chocolate Cookie Dough & Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. With only THREE REAL INGREDIENTS, they're a smart and delicious way to start my busy day.
When I'm back from my walk, it's business as usual with the exception of a healthy lunch break. Once three o'clock rolls around I get in the car with my hubby to pick up our daughter from school.
It's been fun having a few minutes to ourselves to talk while we wait in the car line — it's also the perfect moment to indulge in another LÄRABAR mini. We also use this time to put on some zen meditation music while we chow down for a "mini-moment".
Once home again I try to put all my focus on my family, and shut down all work by 5pm. It hasn't been easy, but the affect its had on my husband and daughter has been worth it. We now cook and eat dinner together, watch movies and play board games. I suppose we're taking a more simplified approach to life... and I kinda love it!
I do have a few guilty pleasures of my own, and have been setting a bit more time for me once my daughter is in bed. I love watching my "shows" on demand and on Netflix, and devour multiple episodes of Game of Thrones and House of Cards before I settle for the night.
I also have a bit of a sweet tooth, and one of the ways I have been getting my fix without overdoing it has been with LÄRABAR. One mini Chocolate Cookie Dough or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip LÄRABAR and a cup of vanilla tea is an amazing way to end my evening.
I had been a fan LÄRABAR before I discovered LÄRABAR minis at Sam's Club, but the new packaging and mini option have made it super easy for me to enjoy more guilt-free "mini-moments" throughout the day.
If you haven't tried LÄRABAR, get to Sam's Club for an in-club demo (AKA FREE SAMPLES!) from March 21 - April 1. I know you're going to love how versatile they are ... and you really can't beat a bag of 30 mini LÄRABARs in yummy Chocolate Cookie Dough & Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip! NOM!
MELISASource
Larabar Minis sound great. I keep Larabars with me everywhere I go for on the go snacking. This size is even better!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
Those look like the perfect snacking size. I love that I can get them at Sam's Club. It's my go to place for pretty much everything.
Pam
I love LaraBars. I keep them in my purse for a healthy snack when I am out and about.
Ora Lee Gurr
I haven't heard of LaraBars till now. I'll certainly look for them. Healthy to-go snacks are hard to find, and oh-so-wonderful to have..
Catherine S
Larabar's are so yummy. I need to pick up some minis for when I travel.
Lindsey Paris
I've had several if these in my post-race boxes this year, and I like them very much. Enough to boost me, but not bog me down.
Liz Mays
These sound like great little snacks. It's nice that you were able to find them at Sam's Club!
Ann Bacciaglia
This looks like a great snack. I will have to pick some up to try. I like to try to keep something in my bag for when i need a quick snack.
Theresa
Larabar sounds delicious! I like the mini options that sound like a treat without overindulging.
Toni
I find I can't eat a full bar or I feel sort of weird (physically). A mini bar would be just right for me!
Nicole Escat
Looks really tasty, I love peanut butter so much! Adults and kids would love this
Tonya
These will be really handy when I'm traveling and in need of a snack. I've not seen them yet in my local store, but I'll be keeping an eye out.
Kelly Hutchinson
These Lara Bar Minis are the perfect snack! It is the right sie for me as I am watching my sweet intake.
Rosey
Me time is nice. Having those with a cup of tea would be nice too.
Tracey
Larabars are my fav! I love the simple ingredient list and all the different flavours.
Camesha | Mama Motivator
Larabars are a definite favorite. Real ingredients win me over every time!