5 After 5, Before-Bed Routines

Do you have a certain list of tasks you have to do before your head hits the pillow each night?

We're talking bedtime routines on this week's 5 After 5.



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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was fun fall activities and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.


Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.


And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!




List 5 things that are part of your bedtime routine


It's hurricane season over here, so we're spending lots of time hunkering down as the storms head our way -- which I guess makes me think sleepy thoughts and wonder what everyone's bedtime routines look like.


1.  Have Dessert

My baklava cheesecake isn't exactly healthy, but OhMyGoodness, is it delicious!

Even though I constantly crave salty and could usually care less for sweet, I can't go to bed without some type of dessert.

Most of the desserts I make are actually pretty healthy, but sometimes I'll have a square or two of baking chocolate or even just a giant glass of cold milk to satisfy this tuck-in-time ritual



2.  Watch something fun to transition to bed


We don't have tv service, so we pretty much only watch DVDs from the library or from what we can find online. G and I usually watch an episode of whatever show we're binge-watching at the moment (currently that's Scorpion), but I also need to watch one more thing by myself before I head off to bed.

Most often, this is one of the shows I own all the seasons to and have to watch annually, like Gilmore Girls or Monk or Psych, but sometimes it's something else, like So You Think You Can Dance or my current favorite show to watch to inspire happy dreams, Bringing Up Bates.

3.  Toothcare Routine


Okay, I'll be honest. The main reason I have to watch a show by myself every night is because it takes me For.Ev.Er. to complete my toothcare routine each night.

I brush for a bazillion years and then floss my brains out while I watch my latest show so my teeth can sleep happy, too.

4.  Read


This isn't always too successful if I'm super-tired, but I usually spend at least 30 minutes reading whatever book is currently on my Nook before I finally pass out. 

5.  Gv Snuggles and prayers



When I am finally -- finally! ready to close my eyes, I snuggle up with Gv and spend time in prayer, which means I get plenty of snuggles from above, too!



For next week:


Favorite activities for "Me Time"


I don't know about you, but once I became a mom, the whole concept of "Me Time" pretty much flew out the window.

However, as Gv gets a bit older, little glimmers of hope are peeping through the fog, telling me that I might be able to steal an hour or two a month for myself, before too long.

I can't wait to see what you share!



That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow both of the hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.



Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated MamaFacebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'
Samantha, at Motivated DaysTwitter // Pinterest // Google+ 



What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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