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.
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!
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.
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:
Savvy Southern Style + Just a Girl and Her Blog + Green Willow Pond + DIY by Design + From My Front Porch to Yours + Jann Olson + Living Well Spending Less + Dwell Beautiful + Joy in Our Home + Carrie This Home + by Stephanie Lynn + My Mod Vintage Life + Cozy Little House + A Stroll Through Life + Stone Gable + My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia + Home Stories A to Z + Just a Girl and Her Blog + NY Melrose Family
My favorite way to press pause, unwind, and enjoy the moment is to take a nice hot bubble bath with my favorite soft music.
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! 🙂
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!
My relaxation moment is a hot cup of tea, eating a little sweet treat and watching some television.
I like to make coffee, grab a good book and just read and relax.
tweet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/572491726402666497
I like to have some nice music and a dark room.
My Milano moment would be me relaxing in my favorite chair with a cup of tea, listening to music 🙂
My tweet — https://twitter.com/bbdream34/status/572508994729865216
I would close my eyes and shut out the world for a little while.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/572514206592995329
I like to enjoy a cup of hot tea
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/572516973482913792
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?
My moment would involve a good book and some iced tea.
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.
My Milano moment is when I sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a few treats.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/572544341417308160
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.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/572556067575504896
My Milano moment would be snuggling with my dog on the couch while watching a good movie.
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/572582994210381826
My Milano moment would look like a hot cup of green tea before I do my yoga to help me relax!
My tweet entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/572768915291447297
Milanos are my weakness! Seriously, I bought a CASE last week at Costco. I usually have one package of two everyday with coffee.
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/572862966829203456
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.
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.
I like to go on hikes.
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/573490762052042753
I relax by taking a nice warm bath, cuddling up under my blanket and watch my shows.
I tweeted https://twitter.com/bdiane35/status/573675696993800193
I set aside a moment of time every week to read and relax.
tweeted – https://twitter.com/micalpt/status/573780388096540673
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.
Check out @crunchycolletti’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/crunchycolletti/status/573980307591835651?s=09
My milano moment is a run on the treadmill and then a soak in the tub with a glass of wine.
My moment would be a warm summer day on my deck with a good book and a glass of iced tea.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/574304347745599488
My Milano moment would look like a peaceful tea time by the sunny beach.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/574427837270134786
My Milano moment would be to sit down with a cup of tea, a plateful of Milanos and a good book!
My moment would consist of a cup of coffee, a book and a quiet room!
Tweeted https://twitter.com/MomOF2Boysz/status/574958080384987136
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
My Milano moment would be with a good book, a cup of coffee with frothed milk, and a cat on my lap.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/576347803510792192
I like taking walks
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/577107476845178880
A napping baby, hot cup of coffee and a sweet treat!
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
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/579793779382583296
I like to take the time to read before going to sleep. my own quiet time.
tweeted at
https://twitter.com/leedhowell/status/579819448808443904
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…………
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.
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
Time alone in my sewing room quilting
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/580429933870227456
i take a hot bath and a glass of wine!
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/580517139204952064
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!
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/580584430978334720
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)
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/580659275816656896
On my back deck eating a MILANO.
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.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/580689412528410625
My moment would involve a good book and some tea.
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!
I like to read in bed at the end of the day while eating treats.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
i always take time to enjoy time by myself, whether it is to pursue a hobby or just to watch some TV
I like to take long hot shower.
I relax in a bubble bath with a glass of wine and a good book!
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.
vanilla latte and milk chocolate Milano cookie – the best!
My favorite way to relax is a nice cup of hot tea, a good book, and some Milanos cookies.
my current moment is my coffee, just the way I like it, in the peace of the early morning, before all the craziness starts.
Having some after a long, hot shower.
I like to lay by the pool and let the sun warm my body while my mind wanders. Thankfully it always comes back.
My moment would be nibbling on Milano cookies and sipping on chai tea, while snuggling with a good read. 🙂
My Milano moment – enjoying my favorite coffee while watching Netflix curled up on the couch.
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/581630971532820480
A nice hot shower never fails to relax me.
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 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/581943290855092224
Peace, quiet, and cookies!
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.
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
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/582520285552885760
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.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/582556752677310464
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!
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!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/582637871447834624
I enjoy hot baths and chocolate!
My Milano moment would be when I’m drinking my morning cup of coffee and reading!
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.
Lying in a hammock on a private beach. Now that is a moment!
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/583848164660273153
What would your Milano moment look like? Hot tea, good book.
I love finding time to knit.
My MIlano moment would be a cup of tea or coffee and a whole package of cookies
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/586016516589522944
My Milano moment would be deep breathing
https://twitter.com/angel320/status/587011890791874563
My special moment each day….is a hot cup of tea in a lovely cup….it’s a hug I can give myself…
I make time for myself with a cup of tea, a book and of course some cookies
tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/587061800623075330
My Milano moment would be a long hot bubble bath, uninterrupted.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/587390959505125378
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
I like to go for weekly pedicures and take long baths when the kids are in bed.
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/588046786461356035
I like to relax on the couch with my cats, a cup of hot chocolate, and one of my favorite tv shows.
I do feel like a constant motion machine, with no time to relax.
I like to relax on the couch with my laptop.
I take a walk to relax.
My Milano time would include a hot cup of tea and my bible
tweet https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/591231117161697280
I do have something of a ritual of having a coffee (and sometimes a cookie too) at 10am every day!
I posted a tweet too: https://twitter.com/AnnaZed/status/591494757660033024
for me its by reading a good book or taking a bath pryfamily5@gmail.com
i tweeted https://twitter.com/thepryfamily2/status/591707909555380225
My moment would look like coffee with my favorite creamer with a mint milano!
I like to take a nap in the afternoon sun
Taking a long hot shower followed by a hot cup of tea.
kport207 at gmail dot com
i come home from work and take a short nap then watch my soap operas
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/592169636847693824
i love a long hot bath by candlelight
I like to sit in my favorite chair and watch some SportsCenter after the kids go to bed.
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/SCDiver00/status/592206463881326592
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/592349022565838848
My favorite way to slow down and take time for me is to read a good book while drinking wine on my deck
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/592487003008143361
Me, a caramel macchiato and the newspaper.
Just laying in bed reading.
I relax by soaking in a hot tub and listening to music
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/592645934242242560
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.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/592838223673581570
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!
After lunch, I like to make coffee and just read a good book !
My tweet https://twitter.com/AurelieRed/status/593029055269761024
My Milano moment would be me sitting by a camp fire relaxing
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/593109003695095808
i love to do that doing a hot shower
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/593111240060243969
I would take a moment by enjoying Milano Orange Chocolate cookies with a cup of hot chocolate.
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/DarkMysticNight/status/593134698928349185
I relax in the warm swimming pool and reflect on what I’m thankful for.
Thanks for the contest.
By watching tv with ag lass of wine and eating a cookie!!
I sent out a tweet: https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/593224440793563136
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/593231888422043649
Milanos + good coffee + a great read = my Milano moment
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/593245220831002625
A nice long bath, a good book to read, my cup of coffee and Milano cookies to munch on – perfect relaxation
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/593305151739273217
My favorite way to relax is binge watching a fun show with my husband
I read or soak in a bath! ky-grandma40@yahoo.com
haven’t figured that out yet, no free time never enough hours in a day
I will be bicycling!
I like to go for a long walk or run! Alone!
Tweet: https://twitter.com/coriwestphal/status/593533613792108544
I like to sit out by the waterfront, and say the rosary.
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.
My Milano moment would look like a day at a fancy spa.
https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/593660174788907009
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!
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/lilahshea/status/593674622186455040
Mine would be running, listening to music
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/593723923503648769
Watching the sun set while listening to music
My Milano moment would include a large mug of chai latte and a good book! 😀
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/593784538649628672
I take time for myself by setting on my porch swing and reading a book.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/593794716463796226
My Milano Moment would be snuggling with my cat while reading or catching up on tv.
To take time for myself I go for a walk outside.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/593846968385961984
My milano moment is listening to music, some hot tea and Milano cookies!
https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/593849553486483456
I would relax with them out on the back deck I love just going out there and sitting/unwinding
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/593853014999371776
My Milano moment would be relaxing on the deck in the afternoon.
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
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/593879472631369730
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
For me it is playing with my dogs – both relaxing and energizing at the same time.
Tweet link https://twitter.com/dddiva/status/593886588154707968
Eating a snickers bar, while drinking a cold pepsi and reading a book
tbarrettno1 at gmail.com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/593887574420287490
tbarrettno1 at gmail.com
My Milano Moment would be to just sit, relax and enjoy the day.
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/593891937725325313
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 !!
A cup of tea, my favorite book, and snuggled up with my favorite blanket.
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.
Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/593983704894050304
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*
We could have a Milano party!! Teehee!! Wouldn’t that be fun?!
I am blessed,to be married to my best friend, Mary Beth. 😉
My Milano moment would look like sitting out on the patio on a summer evening with cookies and warm tea.
I tweeted about this promotion. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/595654011224772608