This post is written in collaboration with Barnes & Noble and the new NOOK. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog! 

There was once a time as a first-time mom where I really struggled with leaving my child. I realize this is natural, especially for FTMs, but I mean I REALLY struggled. I refused to have anyone else put him down for a nap. We planned our date nights around his bed time so I would be able to put him to bed. I would only go out if my husband was home to watch him, and I was only gone for a very short while. I felt like I was leaving a piece of my heart out of my body every time I walked out the door, so I avoided it as much as possible. I remember someone telling me I needed to go and take some time for myself, but myself was no longer important compared to this little nugget of joy I now had in my arms. I didn’t care about caring for myself, only for him.

Can you relate? I’m sure some of you can. I know this concept of “me” time can be foreign for some of us mamas, especially us mamas who work away from home. It was foreign to me for a long time.

But eventually I realized I wanted, no NEEDED, some time to myself. I needed some time to take a breather so I could come back to my babies and be a better mom. I missed my hobbies, I missed the gym, I missed feeling like myself. I realized I would never TRULY be the old version of myself, and that’s okay because I do like this new version. But I needed to care for this new version like I did the old version, and maybe that means taking an hour away for a pedicure, yoga class, cup of coffee, or reading a few pages of a good book on my NOOK. Or an hour to do NOTHING except sit in silence. 

You know when you’re on an airplane and they tell you to put the oxygen masks on YOURSELF before your children? I always thought that concept was totally crazy. Like heck no, I want to help my kids first! It wasn’t until I became a mom that I realized why they say that. 

Because if you’re not caring for yourself, you can’t care for anyone else.

It took me awhile to get that as a first time mom. AND, as a second time mom, if I’m being honest. I’m ridden with guilt the second I walk out the door and leave my kids, but I know I have to in order to take a break. I am blessed to have a wonderful new babysitter who my kids literally LIGHT UP for. They are having a blast, and I feel comfortable knowing I can leave for a little bit and clear my head if needed. 

If you guys have been following my blog for some time, you know I used to blog DIY projects and home decor inspiration. A lot of that changed when I became a mom. I no longer had time for DIY. I no longer had time to browse Pinterest and feel inspired. I no longer had time to browse my favorite cottage magazines that I’ve read for years and years. I also felt a little stifled in our condo because I was limited with what I could do to it. I really missed this hobby of mine. Moving into our home last year gave me the inspiration I think I needed to pick it back up again. It looks a little different this time around (DIY projects are late at night, and Pinterest is on my phone early in the morning or right before bed), but I’m indulging nonetheless.

I recently invested in the new Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet 7 as a way to browse my favorite home decor magazines without having the clutter in our home (because….toys. Everywhere.). I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner, but I’ve really enjoyed having it so far! It’s the most affordable NOOK ever at only $49.99. Yes, you read that right. I. KNOW. It’s got 7″ LCD screen that’s perfect for viewing my favorite magazines on (and books too!). I’m able to subscribe to Country Living and The Cottage Journal right on the tablet and automatically get the new issues when they go live. I also don’t have to worry about any little hands ripping magazine pages. It’s also got front and rear-facing cameras, Bluetooth connectivity, and much more. There’s all full access to the Google Play Store, and the NOOK store, which feature millions of books, apps, games, movies, and TV shows.

I literally have inspiration right at my finger tips with the Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet 7. I’ve always loved these magazines like The Cottage Journal because I love reading about the homes as well as taking in the gorgeous photography. PLUS, I can order whatever I want right on here! It makes the perfect stocking stuffer or gift under the tree, to treat yourself (or drop a not-so-subtle hint) this holiday season that you’d like a NOOK too!

And take that “me” time, mama. You deserve it.