ME time: My favorite spots around the {510}

This post was sponsored by domain.ME who wants you to have more time for ME. All opinions and picks are my own.

I recently wrote a post on rookiemoms.com about that magical lucky moment when my husband tells me that he’s taking all three kids for a few hours so I can be alone. The only catch is that I’m not allowed to work. When this special gift of “ME time” happens and I don’t have a plan in place, I feel a little banished. So, I like to keep a running list of my favorite places to get away from it all:

Run for the hills: Speaking of running list, my favorite running loop is from the flats of Berkeley up Dwight toward campus and around the stadium and back down. If I’m training for a big race and need to add more milage, I will add some out-and-back along the Ohlone Greenway until I break double digits. But if I’m running ALONE for my “ME time,” I am unlikely to do more than five miles. Hopefully they’ll let me back in the house for a shower.

Brunch at Bette’s: I pretty much adore breakfast food with friends or on my own. The advantage to being solo is that I cut my waiting time significantly by cozying up to the counter as a party of one. Bette’s Oceanview Diner is on Fourth Street in Berkeley.

Throw some pots in Temescal: If my loved ones want to treat me to some regularly-scheduled ME time, I would love to sign up for another pottery class at Studio ONE on 45th Street in Temescal.

{No photo, but you can imagine me elbow-deep in gooey clay}

Bike to the movies: If Alec and I want to see different movies or take turns on nights out, you can find me cycling to the theaters around the 2200 block of Shattuck in Downtown Berkeley. I like the freedom bike ride (of no kids!) and removing the hassle of parking from the equation. I might buy my Junior Mints before entering. Shh.

UA7 in Berkeley is 2274 Shattuck
Shattuck Landmark Cinema is 2230 Shattuck
California Landmark Theatre is around the corner at 2113 Kittredge

Massage: With a little planning, I make a reservation with the National Holistic Institute for a half-price student massage in Emeryville (this place is totally hit or miss depending on who I get and no requests are allowed) or I might call ahead for a spot at Golden Island Massage for a “reflexology foot massage” (it is a whole-body, clothes-on, forceful hour of the team using my own body as a weapon against me).

Pedicure: My go-to place for getting my toes done is Ashby Nails near the BART station and weekend flea market. Walk-ins welcome but weekends can be busy. Bring your flip flops.

This post was inspired by “ME Day,” an international day of enjoyment created by domain.ME, celebrated annually on March 16th. This day promotes the values of diversity, tolerance and freedom, as well as self-appreciation, work/life balance, and the importance of taking care of ourselves.

Thanks again to Domain.ME for sponsoring today’s post; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. We’ll be sharing a few more in this series: places for ME time with your family, ME time with your friends, and ME time for a date so stay tuned!