Trying something new

Thank you to P&G’s Have You Tried This Yet? program and Kroger for sponsoring my writing about trying new things and breaking out of my everyday routine. Click here to find great savings on high-performing P&G products at a Kroger store near you. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

This past weekend, Jack remarked at how yellow the sun was as we were driving in the car. It was one of those rare moments when the sun was actually shining in Chicago.  Oh, Chicago in early-March - your typically colorless skies and chilly temperatures that chap my hands and face - you are just not a pretty sight.

So, I admit, up until last year, I had never done the whole spring break thing. Living in the Midwest my entire life, I did not even know what I was missing. But that changed when I broke from the everyday routine, and Jeremy and I headed to Mexico to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary one year ago.

We literally left behind a snowstorm when we departed Chicago for our getaway. Four hours later by plane, we were in warmth and sunshine. We quickly shed our city black wardrobe for soft cottons in bright colors. Margaritas in hand, we felt the pristine white sand tickle our feet and felt the sunshine warm our bare shoulders.  We spent our days reading books on the plush beach beds at our resort, overlooking the Caribbean blue waters.  We spent our evenings dining on fresh produce and fish by candlelight; the soft sounds of waves in the background.

I broke from my everyday routine in a few ways on this trip: This was also the first major getaway for me from Jack, who was two years old at the time. He did wonderful back in Chicago, being cared for by Maria and BFF Amy.

Breaking from the normal routine, this trip taught me the wonders of going to a completely new place and to realize that sunshine is not an extravagance but a necessity in the wintertime.  It also taught me that a few days away from my kids doesn't have to be the end of the world and, in reality, a happy mommy is a good mommy.  This new adventure for me was completely restorative for my soul and spirit.  This winter aside, I think Jeremy and I will definitely be planning yearly escapes, and I encourage you to do the same.

The high in Chicago the day I took

this photo was 25 degrees.