Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

Tis the season to give-- but why not enjoy yourself in the process? Some must have mommy essentials: First: After dropping the kids at school (or letting Daddy watch them on Saturday morning), head to your local caffeine refill station to buy your favorite fru-fru coffee drink. You can get the skinny version if you must, but don't skimp on flavor; add some low-cal mint, nutmeg, or cinnamon for a little zing. Catch up on a few texts while you wait and then you're off! Second: Head to your favorite department store for that little black dress you've been dying to fit into all year long. Reward yourself for all that hard work at the gym. And get some new shoes while you're at it. Make sure they're cozy but sexy too, not just practical "Mommy" shoes. You need to sparkle at those upcoming parties and holiday banquets, so grab some new earrings and a necklace too. While you're there, pick up that flashy new watch your mother-in-law wants and boom, it's one thing off your list! Auntie might like that new handbag two aisles over as well. Third: Bounce over to the salon for a new hairstyle and a manicure. What better way to get ready for the new year than to charge December with a new look? Go darker, go lighter, go redder, go longer, go shorter (well, you could get extensions???), it doesn't matter as long as you're feeling fabulous. Did I mention you should bring a best friend along for your day as queen? (This is where she pushes you over the edge when you're thinking of running back to your car.) Nails are next. Now, you could go with the standard French manicure, or you could pick a dazzling red, pink, or green, depending on your personality. The last stop: This one is for your home. Since you spend so much time in it, spoil yourself with a few calming items for your surroundings. Buy a new holiday candle for your kitchen: creme brulee, peppermint, or vanilla. Then get a fragrant holiday wreath for the front door. Tip: when the season is over, you can dispose of your wreath in the backyard fire-pit for some fun S'mores with the kids. But you forgot to buy some fun holiday hand soap for the downstairs bathroom? Not a problem, there's a warm apple crisp one waiting for you just a few stores over. After being on your feet all day long, head home to soak with your new pomegranate bubble bath. Did I mention you might need another job to pay for all of this? That's okay, spending less will be a resolution for the upcoming year, not this one, LOL. :)