Okay mamas, when was the last time you got together with your girlfriends outside of a play date with the kids? If you can’t remember (or don’t even know what I’m talking about), it’s time to arrange a girls’ night out STAT (that means immediately)! No, it’s not easy to arrange, especially with littles, but the extra work it takes will be SO worth it!
With all of the schedules and details that we parents have to keep track of, it’s easy to forget that we need to schedule in some fun. I know I’m not the only one that struggles with this! As important as our relationships are to us, if we don’t write in the date night, one on one times with our kids, or girls’ night out on our calendars, months can go by without realizing that we’ve neglected to schedule them.
That’s why every month my monthly intentions include at least one girls’ night out every month. That might not sound like a lot to you, but the goal is to get together with a girlfriend at least once a month. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, it’s just a time to get together with a friend who supports you and you enjoy spending time with.
Ideas for Girls’ Night Out
Time with girlfriends doesn’t have to be a weekend away (although if you can swing it – go for it!). Here are some ideas to help encourage you to plan your next girls’ night out :
- potluck dinner with wine
- movie and dinner
- free concert or outdoor movie at your local park
- a long walk at your local nature preserve or park
- coffee and a long chat
- frozen yogurt and a long chat
- yoga class
- painting and byob class
Trying Something New
This year my word has been “spark joy.” I’ve been intentional about trying new things and paying attention to how I feel while doing them. Does it spark joy in me? In others around me?
One of the new things I recently got to try was a painting class with Painting with a Twist. I’ve been wanting to attend a class for a long time. One of my sisters is a fan of these events with her own girlfriends. The classes are scheduled around a particular painting that you want to try. I chose a class for my friend Aimee and I that was a painting of a tree.
They have prepared canvases and paints all set up for you. Aimee and I put on the aprons they had there and were ready to get started. It’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Painting with a twist locations play music and have cups and plates for you if you choose to bring wine, finger foods, or other non-alcoholic beverages. There were two instructors – one at the front demonstrating the steps, and one on the floor who could give you tips if you wanted them.
Aimee and I did our own thing, content to play with the colors and methods.
Painting the same thing in a classroom setting reminded me of my yoga practice. Yoga instructors will frequently remind us to honor your body and stay present on your own mat – not to compare yourselves with others. In the painting class, I reminded myself to stay on my canvas and do what felt good and right to me, not to look around at others’ canvases. This was a time to play, using the instructions as a starting point but letting my curiosity guide the process.
Here are our finished paintings:
I placed mine in my special space in my bedroom. I sit in this space every morning and it’s a great pop of color that brings me joy:
Benefits of a Girls’ Night Out
- You will feel renewed – not having to think of everyone else’s needs before your own.
- You will get a chance to check in with yourself – how am I, really?
- Stepping out of your routine is a great way to add perspective
- It is a chance to try something new with people you love to hang out with!
- You’re modeling the importance of friendship for your children
PIN IT FOR LATER:
What is your favorite thing to do on a girls’ night out? Let me know in the comments!
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Amen! My friends and I are so fanatical about fitting in a girls night every month that we plan the next the outing during the current one. We’ve been wanting to do a painting party, but the nearest place (I think it’s actually this franchise) is a couple hours away. We’re going to make it happen, though!
That’s wonderful Abby! Good for you for making that a priority. It’s so important!
It is so important especially for Mums to take a break and do something for themselves. My friend just went to one of these painting classes in Brisbane. It was through a work function and she loved it. We are arranging to go together and it looks like a lot of fun.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
It is Sue! Have a wonderful time with your friend!
I’ve attended many girl’s nights at painting places. I am terrible at it, but at least there are friends! #DreamTeam
That’s wonderful Heather! I bet you are better than you think.
I wrote something similar for dads about a month ago. It really is important to keep these friendships going and make the effort. Hard sometimes, but crucial #familyfun
Absolutely Jeremy! Dads need this too.
I have written previously about the value of female friendships in my life and the role they play for us all generally and couldn’t agree more that we all need to take time out to nurture those friendships as much as we can and as you say it doesn’t need to be complicated. The simple get togethers are often the best. Love your idea of doing something new together too. #familyfun
Thanks Jo, yes we shouldn’t neglect to get together due to money! Simple times are memorable times
It is definitely needed but as you say, not always easy to arrange. Lovely ideas. #familyfun
Thank you Jaki
I can really see that this would work well for a girls’ night out! Lots of creativity and lots of laughs.
It is Michele! I rarely let myself be creative so it was a real treat
Definitely need a girls night out. I have a lunch date with a couple of them on Saturday so that is still something. 🙂
#brillblogposts
That’s great Nichole! I love lunch dates where no one has to cook!
Once a month doesn’t sound like much, but to a busy mum it sure rolls around quickly! I try to see friends at least once a month, but it doesn’t always happen. It’s nice to have time to myself without the kids when it does happen though!
Absolutely Victoria. Good for you for planning the dates even if it doesn’t always happen
I love that you schedule a girls night every month! I have been meaning to have a wine and movies night with a couple of girlfriends for a while now, but it just never seems to happen!
Making time for ourselves is important!
<3
A wine and movie night sounds excellent!
I haven’t had a girls night out in ages! That said it looks as though we have one planned for next week and I cannot wait. It had been way too long! I love your choice of activity too. Good one you for your regular girls time. Thanks for joining us at #familyfun
Getting a night out is so important for moms! Great ideas and tips here, I try to get out with friends or even MY mom at least once a month. Thanks for the reminder. #Blogger’s Pit Stop
I haven’t had a girls night in months! Very much overdue. I have done painting before though as a date night.
Oh I need to do this!! My other half has been telling me that I need to get organised and I love the idea of trying something new like a painting class. Thank you for linking up to #dreamteam x
A mom definitely needs a girls night out to just take a break…These are some lovely ideas shared
http://www.simpleindianmom.in/boost-immune-system-naturally/
Thanks for sharing this great reminder along with some great ideas to make it happen at Booknificent Thursday at Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
I’m way overdue for a Girl’s Night Out, and that’s because all my close friends live out of state. I have date day and nights with the hubs, but having time with the ladies is freeing and relaxing.
I have been invited to Painting with a Twist before, but couldn’t make it. I hope to attend some day. Great job on your painting!
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