Do you have any rituals in your daily routine?
For some of us, a daily ritual might include fluffing all the pillows in the family room and pushing the start button on the dishwasher before going to bed, or picking up a personal electronic device and checking email first thing upon waking.  Those rituals are important to keeping our daily lives moving in a rhythmic fashion.  We need them to help us function effectively in our super busy, fast-paced lives.
As much as we need those functional rituals, we also need personal rituals too.
 
Pausing with my cup of cocoa and two Milano cookies.
 
Most of us don’t take time for ourselves.  As women, we generally are attuned to the needs of those around us, putting the needs of those close to us before our own.
Sometime during the day each of us needs to pause in the midst of everything, if only for a moment.
 
If you were to ask my husband, he’d tell you that I’ve never been very good at hitting the pause button in my life. Very early in our marriage he discovered that I relaxed when I had a cup of real homemade cocoa and a cookie.  And so he created a ritual for me at the end of my day.

Towards bedtime each night he asks me if I am ready for my cocoa, and if I am, he cooks it on the stove for me. It’s his way of serving me… of encouraging me to pause from my various roles. Even if it’s the simple pleasure of enjoying a cup of cocoa and Pepperidge Farm® Milano® Cookies.

Mmmm… just the thought is a treat!

 

My Milano moment is to pause with a cup of cocoa and a few Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies.

 

Are you a constant motion machine? These days as a writer, my body might not be in constant motion, but my fingers and mind sure are. It’s imperative that we allow ourselves moments to pause…. even if it’s to enjoy something as simple and yet delightful as a Milano cookie.

It’s in those moments gratitude seeps into my heart.

It’s in those moments I’m grateful for a God who loves me beyond imagination, my patient husband, my generous friends, my fulfilling work, the sounds of the birds feeding near the window, and the rays of sunshine in the midst of cloudy days.

A moment of gratitude savored with a Milano.

A moment of transition from the striving to simply being.

A moment where my heart is revived and fills with joy for the journey.

 

My Milano Moment was a cup of rich cocoa and a Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie.

 

Pepperidge Farm Milano encourages you to take a moment for yourself; to pause from the many roles you play and focus on yourself. In my case, that means enjoying a Raspberry Chocolate or Double Chocolate Milano with a cup of rich homemade cocoa. Mmmmm.

 

Do you feel like you’re a constant motion machine?

Carve a moment from your day, each day, to pause and savor the goodness of life.

 

What would your Milano moment look like?

Tell us about it in the “Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts” below for an entry into a random drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.

 

Thanks for stopping by today!
May your week be filled with extraordinary Pepperidge Farm Milano moments.

Diane

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 Sharing with these extraordinary friends:
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Comments

  1. heather says

    My favorite way to press pause, unwind, and enjoy the moment is to take a nice hot bubble bath with my favorite soft music.

  2. Tonya G says

    I wish I had more free time but work takes up much of my day/week.
    I work from 7am-5pm, and mostly walk to work and walk home so if I count that I work from 6:30am-5:30pm lol.
    My husband takes the car and I walk. I refuse to pay for 2 cars so it works for me 🙂
    On the weekends I try to have more “Me” time. I love to cook, clean, organize and work on my crafts.
    I cherish any time I get at home! 🙂

  3. Erika says

    I’m not able to very often, but sometimes, just going through the Starbucks drive-thru is a big treat!
    P.S. Love your china!

  4. KARENANN SHARROTT says

    My relaxation moment is a hot cup of tea, eating a little sweet treat and watching some television.

  5. Lisa Brown says

    I like to make coffee, grab a good book and just read and relax.

  6. Lisa Brown says
  7. steve weber says

    I like to have some nice music and a dark room.

  8. Betsy Barnes says

    My Milano moment would be me relaxing in my favorite chair with a cup of tea, listening to music 🙂

  9. Betsy Barnes says
  10. Mami2jcn says

    I would close my eyes and shut out the world for a little while.

  11. Mami2jcn says

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/572514206592995329

  12. Elena says

    I like to enjoy a cup of hot tea

  13. Elena says
  14. Carolyn says

    A freshly purchased package of Milano cookies makes me want to put the kettle on, pick out my favorite kind of tea & sit down for a mini getaway from the routine!
    What’s not to love?

  15. Jessica To says

    My moment would involve a good book and some iced tea.

  16. Anne Astromsky says

    I love to relax with iced tea and double chocolate Milanos at night. The dishwasher is running, and I am quietly savor inc my treat at the end of a busily,happy day.

  17. Kelly D says

    My Milano moment is when I sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a few treats.

  18. Kelly D says
  19. nicole dz says

    My Milano moment would be on a sunny day on my patio, enjoying the nice weather with a great view to my garden and some ice cold lemonade and favorite Milano cookies.

  20. nicole dz says
  21. Natalie says

    My Milano moment would be snuggling with my dog on the couch while watching a good movie.

  22. Natalie says
  23. Julie Wood says

    My Milano moment would look like a hot cup of green tea before I do my yoga to help me relax!

  24. Julie Wood says
  25. Milanos are my weakness! Seriously, I bought a CASE last week at Costco. I usually have one package of two everyday with coffee.

  26. OFG says
  27. OFG says

    Reading. I don’t seem to find the time to do it as often as I would like, but there is nothing better than sitting down with a good book and a large glass of water.

  28. A hot beverage early in the morning before my husband gets up. I also check my emails, and make out my to-do list for the day.

  29. Melissa M says

    I like to go on hikes.

  30. Melissa M says
  31. Becky Horn says

    I relax by taking a nice warm bath, cuddling up under my blanket and watch my shows.

  32. Becky Horn says
  33. Mical says

    I set aside a moment of time every week to read and relax.

  34. Mical says
  35. Carey says

    My time to unwind doesn’t happen til kids are in bed for the night. Usually like to sit on the couch with a comfy blanket and the cat.

  36. Patricia C. says
  37. Patricia C. says

    My milano moment is a run on the treadmill and then a soak in the tub with a glass of wine.

  38. Cynthia C says

    My moment would be a warm summer day on my deck with a good book and a glass of iced tea.

  39. Cynthia C says
  40. Jessie C. says

    My Milano moment would look like a peaceful tea time by the sunny beach.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  41. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/574427837270134786

  42. Carolsue says

    My Milano moment would be to sit down with a cup of tea, a plateful of Milanos and a good book!

  43. Stacey b says

    My moment would consist of a cup of coffee, a book and a quiet room!

  44. Stacey b says
  45. Jann Olson says

    Oh yes, I have lots of daily rituals. Especially in the morning. But I love being sporadic and just flying by the seat of my pants some times too! lol! I might have something on the agenda, but if a friend calls that can quickly change with no worries. Love your little cocoa ritual. My nightly ritual is having a nice soak in our tub. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  46. Madeline says

    My Milano moment would be with a good book, a cup of coffee with frothed milk, and a cat on my lap.

  47. Madeline says
  48. latanya says

    I like taking walks

  49. latanya says
  50. rachel says

    A napping baby, hot cup of coffee and a sweet treat!

  51. ELIZABETH P says

    I like to take time and look at pictures of what we have done the last week or month. Really makes me appreciate all the fun and love we have as a family. truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com

  52. ELIZABETH P says
  53. Lee says

    I like to take the time to read before going to sleep. my own quiet time.

  54. Lee says
  55. Patty says

    MY moment for ME? Hmmm……I love sitting in the sunshine, whether it is in the living room on the couch with the rays streaming in, or out on our deck when the weather is just right. Doesn’t matter what time of day it is, but the sunshine has a way of melting away all my troubles, which are not all that many anyway. Ahhhhh…………

  56. Oh, my! I feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit. I love hot chocolate and have a cup almost daily. Sometimes even two. My day just doesn’t feel the same without it. I pair it with toast usually. If it’s homemade bread – that’s even better. I found you on The Scoop. Following on G+ now.

  57. Rose says

    Hi Dianne~
    My favorite time to make time for me is when I am finished for the day ~
    Oh around 7pm ~ I turn the chandelier on dim in my Dining Room ~ sit in my oversized chair in the Family Room with a glass of wine and just breath.
    Evening is my favorite time in my home ~ when the lights are dim and it’s quiet ~ I just look around & this makes me very happy that my husband has worked so hard to give this to me.
    Thank you God for the beauty in my life & for my wonderful guy.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Rose

  58. Katherine says

    Time alone in my sewing room quilting

  59. Katherine says
  60. tina m says

    i take a hot bath and a glass of wine!

  61. tina m says
  62. Kristen says

    This time of year I like to sit in my backyard with the flower blossom peeking out and the birds nesting. A cup of tea and a couple of Milanos could only make this better!

  63. Kristen says
  64. Sandy Klocinski says

    I like to sit in the quiet, no television and no music, and just listen (This pairs very well with a cup of coffee and a couple of Milanos before anyone else has gotten up in the morning)

  65. Sandy Klocinski says
  66. Adrienne gordon says

    On my back deck eating a MILANO.

  67. Margaret Smith says

    I love to wake early in the morning, relax and enjoy a hot cup of tea or two in the morning before my family wakes in the morning. I enjoy sitting back, watching the sun rise and being thankful for all that I have.
    Thanks so much.

  68. Margaret Smith says
  69. nickie says

    My moment would involve a good book and some tea.

  70. Theron Willis says

    Three shots of gin in a cup of organic dark roast coffee helps me adjust to the world around me. That’s my good moment to begin the day with.

    Hope to win!

  71. Denise S says

    I like to read in bed at the end of the day while eating treats.
    lazybones344 at gmail dot com

  72. sarah hirsch says

    i always take time to enjoy time by myself, whether it is to pursue a hobby or just to watch some TV

  73. Kiara says

    I like to take long hot shower.

  74. Debbi Wellenstein says

    I relax in a bubble bath with a glass of wine and a good book!

  75. Brittney House says

    I would be laying on the beach under an umbrella or in a hammock under a big tree with a couple bags of Milano cookies.

  76. Stephanie V. says

    vanilla latte and milk chocolate Milano cookie – the best!

  77. Jen V says

    My favorite way to relax is a nice cup of hot tea, a good book, and some Milanos cookies.

  78. Suzanne K says

    my current moment is my coffee, just the way I like it, in the peace of the early morning, before all the craziness starts.

  79. Leela says

    Having some after a long, hot shower.

  80. John Stetson says

    I like to lay by the pool and let the sun warm my body while my mind wanders. Thankfully it always comes back.

  81. My moment would be nibbling on Milano cookies and sipping on chai tea, while snuggling with a good read. 🙂

  82. Barbara M says

    My Milano moment – enjoying my favorite coffee while watching Netflix curled up on the couch.
    thank you

  83. Barbara M says
  84. Shauntea Crutcher says

    A nice hot shower never fails to relax me.

  85. Anastasia Falling says

    When I get the chance, I just chill out and listen to music 🙂 It’s a calm, fun way to reflect on the day or on life in general 🙂

  86. Anastasia Falling says
  87. Holly B says

    Peace, quiet, and cookies!

  88. Ashley C says

    I like to take time for me to enjoy life by getting my exercise on. A good run or walk outside reminds me of how beautiful this life is and how thankful I am.

  89. Gina M says

    I take a moment in the mornings when everyone is still asleep. I brew a special cup of coffee and enjoy some quiet time. Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  90. Gina M says

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/582520285552885760

  91. Elle says

    My Milano moment would look like me relaxing on the beach with the wind in my hair and the sun on my face with a good book, a cold drink and a delicious snack.

  92. Elle says
  93. Lauren Olivia Wood says

    My Milano moment would be to take a quiet moment at work and eat a Milano with a cup of coffee as a respite from the overwhelming busyness!

  94. Stephanie Phelps says

    My moment with Milano would be my sitting in my swing on my back porch with the birds chirping and a great cup of coffee!

  95. Stephanie Phelps says
  96. Rebecca says

    I enjoy hot baths and chocolate!

  97. Tara O. says

    My Milano moment would be when I’m drinking my morning cup of coffee and reading!

  98. I take time out for myself by making sure I have a daily workout. Taking time to keep fit and healthy makes me feel good.

  99. joni says

    Lying in a hammock on a private beach. Now that is a moment!

  100. joni says
  101. What would your Milano moment look like? Hot tea, good book.

  102. Amy S says

    I love finding time to knit.

  103. Rosanne Morrison says

    My MIlano moment would be a cup of tea or coffee and a whole package of cookies

  104. Rosanne Morrison says
  105. joe gersch says

    My Milano moment would be deep breathing

  106. Michele Baron says
  107. Michele Baron says

    My special moment each day….is a hot cup of tea in a lovely cup….it’s a hug I can give myself…

  108. D Schmidt says

    I make time for myself with a cup of tea, a book and of course some cookies

  109. D Schmidt says
  110. Linda says

    My Milano moment would be a long hot bubble bath, uninterrupted.

  111. Linda says
  112. Suzanna Pickering says

    My favorite way to press pause, unwind, and enjoy the moment is sitting on my back step enjoying the sun and a cup of hot tea

  113. Nicole Larsen says

    I like to go for weekly pedicures and take long baths when the kids are in bed.

  114. Nicole Larsen says
  115. Lisa says

    I like to relax on the couch with my cats, a cup of hot chocolate, and one of my favorite tv shows.

  116. Stephanie Galbraith says

    I do feel like a constant motion machine, with no time to relax.

  117. Kimmy Ripley says

    I like to relax on the couch with my laptop.

  118. maria cantu says

    I take a walk to relax.

  119. Bert Ruiz says

    My Milano time would include a hot cup of tea and my bible

  120. Bert Ruiz says
  121. Margot C says

    I do have something of a ritual of having a coffee (and sometimes a cookie too) at 10am every day!

  122. Margot C says
  123. Anna Pry says

    for me its by reading a good book or taking a bath pryfamily5@gmail.com

  124. Anna Pry says
  125. Kerry says

    My moment would look like coffee with my favorite creamer with a mint milano!

  126. Bruce says

    I like to take a nap in the afternoon sun

  127. Taking a long hot shower followed by a hot cup of tea.

    kport207 at gmail dot com

  128. Debbie B says

    i come home from work and take a short nap then watch my soap operas

  129. Debbie B says
  130. sherri crawford says

    i love a long hot bath by candlelight

  131. Tim A says

    I like to sit in my favorite chair and watch some SportsCenter after the kids go to bed.

  132. Tim A says
  133. Kerry says
  134. Susan Smith says

    My favorite way to slow down and take time for me is to read a good book while drinking wine on my deck

  135. Susan Smith says
  136. mickeyfan says

    Me, a caramel macchiato and the newspaper.

  137. Erica B. says

    Just laying in bed reading.

  138. Richard Hicks says

    I relax by soaking in a hot tub and listening to music

  139. Richard Hicks says
  140. Ellie Wright says

    I like to take a long hot bath and read a cozy mystery. It’s my favorite way to unwind and take a moment to relax and rejuvenate myself.

  141. Ellie Wright says
  142. I like to have a smoke and play computer games. Sometimes I’ll read and take a bath/watch a movie. Whatever strikes at the moment. Thanks for the giveaway!

  143. Aurelie Red says

    After lunch, I like to make coffee and just read a good book !

  144. Aurelie Red says
  145. Kathy Pease says

    My Milano moment would be me sitting by a camp fire relaxing

  146. Kathy Pease says
  147. erica best says

    i love to do that doing a hot shower

  148. erica best says
  149. Carolyn Daley says

    I would take a moment by enjoying Milano Orange Chocolate cookies with a cup of hot chocolate.

  150. Carolyn Daley says
  151. Sarah L says

    I relax in the warm swimming pool and reflect on what I’m thankful for.
    Thanks for the contest.

  152. WHITNEY says

    By watching tv with ag lass of wine and eating a cookie!!

  153. WHITNEY says
  154. Sarah L says
  155. Denise L says

    Milanos + good coffee + a great read = my Milano moment

  156. Denise L says
  157. Betty C says

    A nice long bath, a good book to read, my cup of coffee and Milano cookies to munch on – perfect relaxation

  158. Betty C says
  159. Sarah says

    My favorite way to relax is binge watching a fun show with my husband

  160. Kim H says

    I read or soak in a bath! ky-grandma40@yahoo.com

  161. Daniel M says

    haven’t figured that out yet, no free time never enough hours in a day

  162. Ed says

    I will be bicycling!

  163. I like to go for a long walk or run! Alone!

  164. Jacquelyn Burns says

    I like to sit out by the waterfront, and say the rosary.

  165. Lisa Voyce says

    My moment would be after climbing a mountain and reaching the top, I’d enjoy the view and feel elation of my hard work offering the rewards.

  166. Annette says

    My Milano moment would look like a day at a fancy spa.

  167. Annette says
  168. shea balentine says

    My moment is my lunch time. I’m a work at home housewife.. but my lunch time is my time =) I fix my lunch, turn on nexflix and settle in on the couch for one show…and only one! here lately it’s been the episodes of Iron Chef! After I eat my food, I snuggle my 2 furbabies up on pillows beside me and we finish watching our show together. And let me tell you… if I haven’t taken my lunch by 12:30, they start nudging me… they are ready for their snuggle time.. which reminds me that it’s time to stop, eat, and take a breather!

  169. shea balentine says
  170. Amanda Sakovitz says

    Mine would be running, listening to music

  171. Amanda Sakovitz says
  172. Tracey byram says

    Watching the sun set while listening to music

  173. angie says

    My Milano moment would include a large mug of chai latte and a good book! 😀

  174. angie says
  175. Lisa Garner says

    I take time for myself by setting on my porch swing and reading a book.

  176. Lisa Garner says
  177. My Milano Moment would be snuggling with my cat while reading or catching up on tv.

  178. Thomas Murphy says

    To take time for myself I go for a walk outside.

  179. Thomas Murphy says
  180. Seyma Shabbir says

    My milano moment is listening to music, some hot tea and Milano cookies!

  181. Seyma Shabbir says
  182. tina d reynolds says

    I would relax with them out on the back deck I love just going out there and sitting/unwinding

  183. tina d reynolds says
  184. Buddy Garrett says

    My Milano moment would be relaxing on the deck in the afternoon.

  185. Kathryn C says

    my Milano moment would be relaxing on the sofa eating cookies and drinking hot tea and having my cats curled up around me, purring 🙂

    #SweepstakesEntry

    KC
    kacor7@hotmail.com

  186. Kathryn C says
  187. For me it is playing with my dogs – both relaxing and energizing at the same time.

  188. Tabathia B says

    Eating a snickers bar, while drinking a cold pepsi and reading a book

    tbarrettno1 at gmail.com

  189. Tabathia B says
  190. My Milano Moment would be to just sit, relax and enjoy the day.

  191. susan king says

    I look forward to having dinner done and everything put away. Then it’s me time. If my hubby’s home he’ll watch sports so I get on the computer and see what’s new. After he goes to bed the TV is MINE !! I curl up on the couch and watch TV shows that I have recorded and just live in their world for an hour or so. I do get time for me. The only thing missing is Milano cookies and a big glass of milk !! Thank you for the giveaway !!

  192. CharityS says

    A cup of tea, my favorite book, and snuggled up with my favorite blanket.

  193. Malia says

    I wish we could hang out over a Milano! My Milano moment would be early like 5 am when it’s all quiet and I can be calm and peaceful.

  194. Birdiebee says
  195. Even though I missed the ability to enter into the sweepstakes I had to let you know that Milano cookies are my all time favorite. I always feel like I’m getting a true ‘treat’ when I have one. I usually have them with milk (I’m a dunker!) or coffee and I do always stop to enjoy my Milano. You’re husband certainly sounds like a wonderful man ~ you two are a perfect couple. *hugs*

    • Diane says

      We could have a Milano party!! Teehee!! Wouldn’t that be fun?!
      I am blessed,to be married to my best friend, Mary Beth. 😉

  196. Pamela Gurganus says

    My Milano moment would look like sitting out on the patio on a summer evening with cookies and warm tea.

  197. Pamela Gurganus says

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