Back when I ran my mommy blog I connected with a local blogger here in Los Angeles. She and a partner run the site MomsLA. They have events all the time around the city and I’d been invited to attend a few. Every time an event came up, I had a scheduling conflict. It was usually something to do with the timing of the event and my kids school schedule or the location of the event being too far from my kids school. I was beginning to think I’d NEVER connect with these ladies in the flesh. Then, I got another invite to an event and I was determined to go. It was going to be in the evening, so that made it even more doable. This time, this mom says yes! I worked out a schedule change with my husband so he’d be at home in time for me to go.
On a Tuesday night, I threw on a little lipgloss and rolled out to a boutique on Melrose Ave. for the Sip, Shop and Style event. As part of the event, we had to schedule our complimentary manicures. As someone who never polishes my nails (they chip too quickly) this was going to be a treat.
As soon as I walked in, I found other moms with blogs that I connected with instantly. We noshed on baked treats while talking. We all clicked, exchanged info and promised to get together for brunch.
The event wasn’t an all night thing. It was just the right amount of time to get away, be me, and make connections. The cocktails and manicure didn’t hurt either. A few days later, I caught a glimpse of my manicure as I was driving to pick up the kids. It was just a little reminder for me that it’s never a bad thing to get away and treat yourself.
I’m reminded of a few things that happens when mom says yes:
- I don’t get out on a school night often, but when I do – it’s good! When I make it to an event, it’s usually a weekend thing because that’s what’s easiest for my family. When I can make it work and get out during the week, I make sure it’s worth it and fully enjoy it!
- It’s so good to change up the normal routine. Doing something out of the normal day to day routine is a good shock to the system. As much as I like routine, I also love to change things up when I get a chance. Doing the same thing all the time can get boring. When I open myself up to one thing, it usually leads to more opportunities for more experiences.
- Who doesn’t like to have conversations about things adults are interested in? I love talking to my babies, I’m always reminded of how mature they are and how quickly they are growing just by the things they want to talk about. Make no mistake though, my kids are not adults. There’s still a need to talk about other things that only other adults will get.
- Put on the clothes! Let’s face it. Any time out with other adults is a chance to put on the clothes you won’t wear around your kids because they’d find a way to stain them in 2.2 seconds. I usually go for the silk tops and white pants type clothes on these occasions!
- You need a reminder of who you thought you used to be. Let me explain that. The woman you thought disappeared once you had kids… she’s still there. You can still enjoy a cocktail party, indulge in a little pampering and shop for something that didn’t come from an app on your phone.
So tell me, when was the last time you said yes to switching things up a bit?
It’s definitely good to change up the routine. I try to do that every once in a while.
I actually just got back from a double conference. I usually just go to one at a time, but these were back to back and in the same city.
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It sounds like that was a fun event. It is always fun to change things up. I recently got off early and went to a movie on a week night. I need to do this more often.
I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to say yes to new opportunities more often. That’s how we grow.
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I’m headed out for a girls night this weekend, and I’m really excited about it. I said yes to the girls night!
You would think we would remember this, but we do not. I can read this type of article every few months just to remind myself that I do not change it up and I need to do so again, so thanks!
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It’s always great to have a little me time and get to connect with friends. I feel so much better when I have a little time to recharge.
I try to change things up as often as i can. This is the year i am determined to try new things.
I love what you did with your ringer’s nail. I hate schedule conflicts too. Changing routines might not be necessarily bad.
Ha! I’m trying to do the opposite more. I had to learn I need to say “No” more often. I spread myself way too thin. I do almost always say yes to my bff for a GNO or lunch date, though. 🙂 I’d love to have some more quiet alone time. LOL!
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I don’t change up as often as I’d like. I think I say yes way too much, especially to my oldest, that I really need to change that. I’ve become a lot better with saying no to blog things though which his a plus.
I love number five! I think I need a little reminder, it’s been too long since I’ve seen that woman I used to be.
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Mom needs time to say yes. It is important to change things now and then.
My goal is to say yes more often to opportunities. I love this post.
So happy you said yes and got to do fun things with other moms. I m not a mom yet but I heard how difficult it is to have time for yourself and step out without the kids. You need that for yourself because you will always be a mom/wife but sometimes its ok to mingle and just be a woman and bond with other likeminded ladies!
I love meeting other bloggers – whether they’re mommy or fashion or lifestyle ones. I have a group here in NJ of digital moms and we try to get together every few months or so. I’ve made a lot of good friends there….