Grab Yourself Some "Me Time" & See Mom's Night Out #MNOMAMARAZZI #MOMSNIGHTOUT

As moms how often do we find ourselves torn between wanting to spend quality time with our kids and spouses as often as we can while juggling housework, careers and schlepping kids to various activities? Thanks to The Moms, earlier in the month I was invited to attend a screening with my fave mom-bloggers of the newly released faith-based, comedy film Moms Night Out which stars Patricia Heaton {the hilarious mom from Everybody Loves Raymond and Malcom in the Middle} and Sarah Drew {the quirky and loveable Kepner on Grey's anatomy}, Sean Astin and David Hunt. Before the screening we mingled while sipping delicious Mom-mosas  and other yummy cocktails courtesy of Martini and enjoyed sweet treats from  Baked by Melissa.  

From the first ten minutes the theater was all laughs, which really never died down throughout the entire film as we watched Allyson a Stay at home mom, wife of a busy travel-for-work husband and mom blogger navigate her way through the perils and joys of motherhood to 3 high energy children. How is it possible that when you seemingly have it all: the successful & good looking husband, the white picket fence and adorable kids, you are still unhappy with your life? A dilemma that has Allyson spazzing out like Susie homemaker turned incredible hulk, and sobbing in a closet {while looking at old glitzy party shoes} about her life that once was.

One of the moments/ quotes that stood out to me in the film was when Allyson's very understanding husband {played by Sean Astin} explains to his wife that she needed to heed the advice that most flight attendants give at the beginning of a flight. "You must put your oxygen mask on first, in order to be of any help to anyone else", comparing a girls night out or a hobby to an oxygen mask, a necessity to live.  As moms we sometimes forget that we need to take care of ourselves first, both physically and mentally before we can be good to anyone else. One of the many things I love and appreciate about my own hubby is that he encourages me to take moments for myself, whether a long bubble bath, a walk around the block or brunch with the girls because he knows I need it for my own sanity every now and then.

So as recommended, Allyson rounds up her ladies {the pastors wife, played by Patricia Heaton & the best friend Izzy} and we follow along as the movie takes us on an outrageous girls night out adventure in which  the hubbies are left in charge of the kids, and we witness the disastrous yet hysterical series of events unfold, while these glammed up moms give it their best efforts to paint the town red.

We've all been there, paralyzed by stress and guilt: questioning our parenting skills, wondering if others are judging us, seeking an identity outside of being a mom, and occasionally needing a moment to ourselves to enjoy the things and people we loved before having kids. No joke it's a balancing act, I stayed home with each of my boys for their first 2 years as a choice. One that my husband and I made because honestly childcare expenses are so high in NYC and with me being an educator I just couldn't see my kids being cared for by anyone else but myself or close family. Often I wanted to pull out my hair, and still do from the sleepless nights and potty training days of long ago, to battles over the TV and meltdowns of today and needed an outlet which was in part why I started this blog. Through events like these hosted by The Moms I've been blessed to be able to meet and become friends with lots of other mom bloggers who have all at some point tried to find their voice in the blogosphere while managing a household.

After the screening we were all lucky enough to sit in on The Moms live Q&A with the cast for SiriusXm radio, which was a blast! They discussed the ups and downs of parenting and marriage while managing careers in the spotlight and it's great to see that despite their celebrity status we all go through the same things and try to be the best parents we can be since there just isn't a manual on how to do it. I was able to ask Sarah Andrew on air if there was a friend or family member who she had been nervous about watching her child only to be relieved that everyone was safe & sound and had a good time. Fortunately for her she says she's been blessed with amazing family who insist she go out while they babysit. In the midst of my question, the adorably handsome Sean Astin {of Lord of the Rings and 80's classic The Goonies} walked in.

This Mother's Day I was able to indulge in the best of both worlds {thanks to my mother-in-law who gladly relieved me of my mommy duties}, an entire day to myself which included the rare joy of sleeping in past 8am, lounging in pajamas while watching tasteless -girly television {hubby had to work} and actually being able to talk to my bestie Liza on the phone {without hyper monsters yelling in the background}, opposed to just shooting her a text in ten minute intervals. After a relaxing Saturday, my two monsters returned home, eager to greet me with hugs and kisses. My hubby prompted our 3 year old and asked "What do you have to tell mommy?" he jumped up in my arms and with conviction yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY" which had me cracking up. We ended up playing board games and cuddled upon the couch watching movies and had breakfast for dinner.

By far some of the best movies are the ones that you can find yourself relating to, that make it easier to laugh at yourself and that make you realize you aren't alone in this crazy life as parents. If  you have yet to see Moms Night Out, arrange a sitter,  grab your girlfriends or go alone for two hours of  "mommy" time because you deserve it!  Watch the Trailer, I guarantee you and the family will laugh a bunch and even get a little teary, if you're a cheese-ball like me sometimes.

How do you find time for yourself & what's been your own favorite Moms Night out Moment?

Reading This: "Hold Me in Contempt" T.V Personality + NY Times Best Selling Author, Wendy William's New Juicy Romance Novel

*Disclosure: The opinions expressed are honestly 100% my own. I was invited as media and received a giftcard from Burlington Coat Factory. No other compensation was given.

                                                                                                                                    photo credit:{ Top R & Bottom L} Fredy Mfuko

What's the first thing you consider when invited to sit in on a fun and intimate conversation at The Hudson Bond between The Moms Denise Albert & Melissa Musen with the vivacious, cheeky and incredibly successful talk show Queen and author Wendy Williams? Of course, you are asking yourself  "What the Heck am I going to Wear?". Fortunately, Burlington Coat Factory provided us with an amazing opportunity to spruce up our wardrobes with some fun Spring finds. I won't lie, I also considered whether or not I would utter her infamous "How you doin?" back at her if given the opportunity, without sounding too ridiculous.

For a young, mom like myself who's always on the lookout for fresh finds, loves trying new looks and is on a budget, Burlington is a great place to shop. They have an array of great quality, name brand selections, at a reasonable price point {up to 70% off department store prices} that are trending. Which will most likely guarantee you walk out of the store without that dreaded buyers remorse because you know you scored a great deal!

I narrowed down the looks I wanted to go for: I'm not afraid of a fun print and I love color-blocking and had been coveting the tweed collarless jackets we see styled in the magazines lately. The Burlington experience was great because everything was organized and made my hunt for the perfect outfit that much easier.

Now, we all know Wendy Williams loves color from her fabulous Wendy Show audience, so I aimed to please.There were a few options I had in mind: tops with darker colors/ prints that I could pair with either coral or cobalt blue skinny jeans that I already owned versus brighter pieces, like a yellow blazer I ended up going with that was under $20 and a vibrant floral print tank. That morning, I  just couldn't wait for the mamarazzi event, I was so excited to show off my look, not to mention I got my hair done the afternoon before, so I was feeling Brand New! All of the guests really looked gorgeous, you could see everyone's personalities & sense of style shine through in their Burlington outfit choices.

                                                                                                                     photo credit: Fredy Mfuko

Now that you've seen the look, let's dish on her juicy book! It's a new, as she called it "Back Breaking" romance novel  titled "Hold me in Contempt" . I think all in attendance were in awe of how she manages to do it all: mother, wife, talk how host and best selling author who may I say also looks fantastic to be turning 50 this July. Wendy owns up to the fact that she has a writing partner, who's expertise is exactly that, writing and is a part of the Harper Collins family. While Wendy is good with coming up with the juicy story lines to keep us readers entertained. Keeping her supporters involved was important to her, so she had her Wendy Show watchers and Facebook fans vote on the title and cover art.

The novel "Hold me in Contempt" teaches a valuable lesson that I have found myself telling a few of my girlfriends in the past, who are overly selective when it comes to finding a man and it's the simple idea that You never know where you are going to find love, and you need to be open minded to it. The main character Kim Kinds is trying to get past her roots in the streets: A mom who abuses drugs, and prostitutes, an alcoholic father and becomes a prestigious assistant district attorney. She falls for a guy named King who has swag for days and who she shares amazing, intense chemistry with. A terrible accident puts a wrench in her plans, and she's hiding a secret that could ruin everything. When the past threatens to ruin their relationship the question: Is love enough? comes into play.

The moms asked Wendy Williams some great questions that evening as did some of the bloggers who were present.

When asked why she decided to give it a go at her first romance novel Wendy explained:
" I wasn't ready to write the second part to my NY Times best selling auto-biography  because I have more life that I want to live before giving you a part 2. Having written already about some of my comical times and tragic times working in radio, romance was my next obvious choice, that proved to be effortless."

As an avid reader, Wendy's favorite types of books & writers/ inspirations include: advice books and romance novels and authors Jackie Collins, Nora Ephron and Robert Greene {48 Laws of Power}.

Advise to her 28 year old younger self: "I wouldn't tell her much because she's too hard headed to listen to a 50 year old and thinks she knows it all, but I'd tell her: young Wendy, don't worry it's all going to be better than you think!"

After The Moms wrapped up their mamarazzi Q&A, guests each received a signed copy of the new book Hold Me in Contempt, chatted with Wendy, posed for pictures, indulged in cocktails and mingled.

                                                                                                                      photo credit: Fredy Mfuko

                                                                                                                           photo credit: Fredy Mfuko

I can't wait to see if the love and bond between Kim and King conquers all and sees them through. Be on the look out for part 2 to this book, and Wendy is hoping for a movie version with networks like Oxygen and Lifetime.