Self-care… what a a loaded term, especially right now when most of us are spread thinner than we’re used to. Overnight we’ve become teachers, full-time caretakers, entertainers, friends, fitness instructors, therapists and nurses, on top of our regular 24/7 parenting duties. It’s a lot.

And as it goes, it’s more important than ever to bask in what little time you have to indulge in some self-love. I’m pregnant with baby number two, so my suggestions below work for anyone but are also generally bump-friendly (a gentle reminder that if you’re expecting, please check with your healthcare provider for safety. Every person and pregnancy is different!)

1) A Candle & An Anti-Inflammatory Bath Soak

Ouli’s Ointment x Ardor Bin Candle - Ouli’s and Ardor Bin are two natural, green and clean brands that collaborated on this incredible candle. I think the coolest part is the the natural wood wick, which you don’t see very often. Cotton wicks, which is what you get with most candles, emit toxins whe burnt over and over. Plus… it seeeriously smells amazing.

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flake - I was experiencing brutal headaches during the first couple of months of pregnancy, until my OB suggested I start taking 400mg of magnesium daily and it seriously worked. I couldn’t believe it took me this long to discover the benefits of magnesium - great for helping inflammation, stress, anxiety, headaches, low energy, high blood pressure, PMS and sleep. She said that I could even incorporate magnesium bath flakes to reduce body inflammation and overall stress. Definitely worth a try. Our bodies are doing so much, let’s give ‘em a break!

2) A Belly Mask & A Face Mask

Palmer's Belly Mask - Here’s the thing, it can’t hurt to throw a mask on your belly in the hopes you’ll get one less stretch mark. But try as I did with every oil and cream imaginable, I still got them… a LOT of them, because the biggest factor in stretch marks (as with a lot of physical features) is genetics. But did I still really enjoy taking the time to show my belly some self-love? Abso-freakng-lutely. And I’ll do it again! At this low price point, I don’t feel any guilt in indulging.

Naturopathica - Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel - I went to Heyday for a facial (when going for a facial was a thing) because Callie spoils me too much. They make your face so soft and bright, you’re like, “take my money and give me all the products”. And then you realize you’re about to spend 2x the amount of the actual facial, so you pull back and stick to the essentials. This is one I couldn’t leave without. Weekly, I do this very gentle exfoliant mask (its so gentle it doesn’t actually peel) and it really smells like sweet cherries. I’d eat it if that was a smart thing to do.

3) Snickerdoodle Mug Cake & A Movie

Snickerdoodle Mug Cake - I confess, I haven’t made this specific mug cake but doesn’t it just sound AMAZING?!??! Also, let’s be real - any recipe that promises cake in a couple of mins? Yes. That is 100% my kind of baking. And if you have any more super easy & sweet treat ideas, please leave them in the comments below for me!

21 Movies When You Need A Laugh - There is some actual gold on this list and even a few I haven’t seen. When Mia goes down, I am heading straight for this list and checking off #14 (it’s avail on Kanopy which is free with your LA Library card!).

4) A Book & A Hair Mask

Untamed by Glennon Doyle - Callie says this is an amazing book for female empowerment. It’s a #1 New York Times Bestseller - "Packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today." — Reese Witherspoon (Reese's Book Club x Hello Sunshine Book Pick). This book “explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others' expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.”

Amika Soulfood Hair Mask - I don’t remember what my hair texture was like when I was pregnant with Mia but this time, it feels like the desert winds have swept over my entire head. I alternate between a hair mask and just plain coconut oil treatments every other week. It’s seriously helped a lot.

5) A Cup of Tea & A Puzzle

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Inner Piece Puzzle - We met Amanda, the co-founder of Inner Piece, during MARKET MARKET while we were both popping up. She is an LA mom of two girls, ages four and seven. “My husband and I started Inner Piece, a modern jigsaw puzzle that spreads quiet time in this loud, distracted world. I am forever on a mission to make parenting as dreamy and peaceful as possible.” We love these fun puzzles - particularly the super cool packaging!

Republic of Tea - Get Maternal - Unpopular statement: “I am not a coffee drinker.” But it’s true. I’ve had maybe 6 cups in my whole life. I’m more of a tea gal. Rooibos is great alternative for dark brew drinkers like myself that enjoy a smoky and full flavor profile.

6) Journaling & Solfeggio Frequencies

Yipikai Papeterie Journal - I don’t know about you but it seems like half of my brain leaves me as soon as I’m pregnant. A journal, whether on paper or just notes on a computer, is a great way to exercise the mind and detail some of the everyday things you easily forget. Also… why not make it cute? This is a really cool Etsy designer from France. These tiny minimal journals are a perfect place to store your thoughts.

All 9 Solfeggio Frequencies - Want a free full body/aura cleanse without leaving the house or paying a witch? Here you go. Whatever your beliefs, these frequency tones seriously help me focus, relax and wind down. Don’t believe me? Scroll through the comments section of this YouTube vid that boasts almost 4 million hits. It’s preeetty pretty good.

Now go forth and treat yoself!

xoxo Christianne

insta: @milowekids