Like the rest of you – my children are a dream come true. They are the best gift this life could have ever blessed me with. I am also lucky to have a loving and supportive husband. And while my family is enough to make my life complete, I sometimes feel like I lose a piece of myself during the day-to-day grind. For me the solution is some time with my girlfriends. Many of my close friends are also mamas of young children so it can be tricky to find the time – but I encourage you to FIND THE TIME. Getting out with my girlfriends is therapeutic – it’s good for the heart and soul. I go home feeling extra fulfilled and with an extra full heart. I have girlfriends who understand me, who make me laugh until my abs hurt, who think my extreme sweet tooth is ‘normal’ (or at least tell me it is…), my friends assure me that it’s okay to have a not so easy day (and to have days where I am on the verge of tears at the drop of a dime)… they are caring and fun-loving.
So how do we find the time? It’s not always easy, but we plan ahead and make an effort to have one night out together each month. In college I might have scoffed at the thought that one night out a month would be enough – but when you become a mama, time tends to move at warp speed! We look forward to it, we make it special. So I encourage you to start up a message thread, group email, Facebook message, text group with your closest girlfriends – throw out a few dates and pick the one that works for the majority. Etch it on your calendar with a permanent marker and make an intentional effort to get out with your friends… you won’t regret it!
(Disclaimer!!: The following post may make it seem like I get out a lot… these are all photos taken during my monthly night out! When it comes to nights out – it’s the quality (and who you spend it with), not the quantity!)
With that said, here are some fun ideas to make Girls Night Out (or In) even more memorable!
1. Iceskating: In the winter months it is hard to motivate yourself to get outside, but last month my friends and I went to The Edgewater and did a couple laps around the rink, (it was frigid and I am Hell on skates, but it was SO much fun!), followed by drinks & dinner.
2. Paint Night or Let’s Get Crafty Party: My friends and I had a party with The Crafty Project and is was a blast – she is Madison based and I highly recommend getting your friends together for a fun night of painting. She sets everything up and walks you through your project and you get to take home your new creation!
3. Girls Night In: Everyone can bring their favorite (sweet or salty) snack – wear comfy clothes (aka elastic)… and enjoy each other’s company. Paint each others nails… watch a chick flick. Laugh together. It’s that easy! (Here is one of our favorite recipes for Girls Night In!)
4. The Comedy Club: Most cities have a comedy club and it’s a great way to get out and LAUGH – after all, laughter is the best form of medicine, right?!
5. Restaurant Week: Restaurant Week takes place twice a year in most major cities! Last year we went to The Melting Pot together and this year we plan to try something new!
6. Shopping Party: (The Purple Goose, Evereve, Apricot Lane) They provide snacks, you get an exclusive discount (and you can bring WINE in… I call that a win/win!)
7. The Piano Bar: In college my friends and I LOVED going to the dueling piano bar! So this year for my birthday I decided that was how I wanted to spend my night! We went out for sushi on the square and walked over to The Ivory Room for the nightcap! (Bonus: you can sing at the top of your lungs to your favorite 80’s tunes and no one will be able to hear you!)
8. Wine Tasting: Hit up a local winery and enjoy a tour and some samples (make sure to bring at least one pregnant friend so you have a safe ride home (wink wink)… or Uber it!)
9. Madison Moms Blog – Moms Night Out!: We hold 3-4 MNO’s each year – keep your eye out for the next one! They tend to sell out so make sure to buy your tickets early and be ready for a fun night with friends!
10. Favorite Things Party: I hosted one of these last year and it was SO much fun – here is how they work!
11. The Spa…: Need I say more?!
12. Run a Race: I’ve always had a passion for running and Madison has no shortage of great races! Find one that’s just for fun (aka not timed) so that your girlfriends can join you! When it’s not timed, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the experience with your friends!
More ideas: Go to a basketball game – the UW women are fun to watch and tickets are very reasonable, hit up a concert or live music, bake cookies together, make freezer meals, go to a movie, do a yoga or a barre class… get out of your comfort zone and try something new!
So there you go – there are 12 ideas for you and your girlfriends… one for each month of the year! Are you new to Madison? Are you feeling lonely and looking for some ‘Mommy’ friends? Many of us have been in that same boat – here’s a post about how to develop lasting friendships when your life is feeling consumed with diapers, soccer games, potty training, t-ball practice and Daniel Tiger.
And at the end of the day, I can truly say that ‘I get by with a little help from my friends!’
