I like nice things and I am not afraid to say it.  There were some points in my life where I lived a "Champagne life on a Beer Budget", as the saying goes.  I think everyone deserves nice things, at least one item that when they look at it, makes them smile. 

I love to shop, always have, which is why I am in retail.  When I travel, many times I will pick up a small item to remind me of the trip.  I have a curio cabinet that is filled with these trinkets and I love looking at them.

When my husband and I lived in Warsaw, we traveled quite often to other countries and around Poland.  I picked up beautiful hand made linens in Germany and Hungary, crystal glasses in the Czech Republic, pottery in Spain, drawings from Italy, amber, wood carvings, pottery in Poland.  Do these items sit in a closet and collect dust?  No, I use these nice items almost daily. 

My dining room table has hand made linens on it everyday.  We drink water and wine out of the crystal glasses and I use my Polish Pottery every day!

Why do I mention this?  Because as Mothers, we tend to put everyone else;s needs before our own.  We very rarely treat ourselves to something special, we would give up everything we have for our children.  I know that is how I feel.  But I challenge you this year to treat yourself to one nice thing.  Whether it is a small pottery coffee cup, a piece of jewelry, a crystal wine glass etc.  and use it often to remind yourself of how special you are!