There's nothing like the gift of being able to turn off your alarms the night before and to indulge in sleeping in until at least 9am & what mom doesn't love waking up to breakfast in bed made with love by the littles on the morning of Mother's Day? I think It's one of the sweetest gestures right along with handmade cards with their feet and hand-prints on them!
To celebrate Mom's, DavidsTea has created a collection of gifts inspired by the ultimate Mother's Day Treat.
Who doesn't love to receive gifts of appreciation from loved ones? Presents are nice to receive during holidays but I'm definitely the type who would prefer to experience something new with my favorite people. Anyone who knows me well enough knows i'm not very materialistic, a homemade card from my two lil' monsters and venturing off to see somewhere new is the best gift you can ever give me, and maybe a digital photo-book that has all the memories from the day in a book, opposed to living on my phone or on Facebook. Yepp, I'm super cheesy that way.
For Mother's Day America's Best Racing invited a few local mom bloggers and their families out to Belmont Park for a VIP experience at the park, cheering on horses and firing up the grill. I'd never been, so it sounded like the perfect way to spend the Sunday with my 3 guys and my blogger babes. Naturally, conversation among the moms focused of course on what we were going to wear. Whenever I think of horse racing I remember Julia Roberts in her polka-dot dress in the classic film Pretty Woman. I definitely chimed in and hoped everyone else was planning to wear gorgeous hats and fascinators. I mean, how often were we going to get to dress up like that, so why not? My hubby made my favorite pasta salad to add to the potluck and we ended up renting from Zipcar so we didn't have to worry about the commute on public transportation. By now he knows my sissy and I end up a bit cranky after a long day out. It's a quick ride to Belmont Park (in Elmont) from where we are in Queens but we definitely experienced a bit of traffic because it was a holiday. At least folks were out and about celebrating their mama's!
Belmont's backyard was filled with fans who were enjoying their picnics as kids rode ponies and jumped around in the bouncy house. Visitors are also able to see the horses up close before their race in the paddock.
As we toured the area with Dan Tordjman and Victoria Garofalo who are Brand Ambassadors for Team ABR Live we watched each jockey ride around on their horse and some of the kids asked for pics. Meanwhile my animal obsessed four year old's inevitable meltdown ensued. If you could only see his face when we gently burst his bubble when he asked to ride one of the horses. After explaining to him that they were too fast and he wasn't quite big enough he refused to meet the jockey who was standing nearby because he could race on the horse and Tristan couldn't. I felt so bad and tried not to laugh.
We only placed one bet and didn't win, but we did learn 2 great tips from Dan and Victoria: Look for a horse with your birthday to bet on and that you can bet on the all places a horse may come in, 2nd, 3rd etc not just the winning horse.
The afternoon was fantastic! Everyone looked so poised and polished, the food was yummy and the moms truly had a great time! Thank You America's Best Racing for having us. Make sure to Follow ABR on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook
Note: Opinions expressed are 100% my own and no compensation was received for this post.
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 Outwhich 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?
I can't believe the Weekend is here again, time flies when you're sick in bed I guess. My Crohns Flares caught the best of me but I'm feeling tons better now, thanks to the Hubby and our boys taking care of me. The monsters ideas of taking care of mommy were rubbing my tummy {CJ} and blowing raspberries into my belly button {Tristan} to make the ouchies go away. I love them bunches! Anyways What do you have planned for this Mothers day weekend? I'm going to pop by and see my mommy today and bring her something to add to her collection of turtles. Some friends of ours and the Hubby and I decided we were overdue for a movie night {debating Think Like a Man or The Avengers} and one of my besties who's preggers insists that we go to the 24 hour IHOP {can't argue with a pregnant woman} in the city so that's our plan for Saturday. I'm suspecting that my boys will treat me to breakfast in bed, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than in my comfy pj's with a stack of magazines, movies and my boys. Happy Mothers Day to you and/or the special ladies in your life!
A friend shared this video of a mom's version of "Look at me Now" on my FB page, so hilarious. Chasing toddlers, laundry and Starbucks, the story of my life!
I'm an 80's baby so having a boombox at the beach or family picnic just makes sense.
I lived in an apartment on the 15th floor as a kid, but the idea of this Cloud City exhibit {opening May 15th} on the rooftop of the MET has me slightly nervous yet excited. Another date night in the future.
Loving this Etsy shop for it's canvas totes, onesies and tees with printed funny phrases.
This outfit from Luca Luca reminds me of a dress the Hubby picked out at Forever 21 for me {he's my stylist.lol} that I'm planning to wear this Saturday, weather permitting. I'll Instagram a pic {feel free to follow me @dellah} and tweet a pic {@djubilation} of my version.
Jason Wu + Tufted anything is a must have, but I'll have to start a savings jar for this loveseat.
The new Privet House line for Target maybe a more chic yet frugal way to find great home decor.
For all us Instagram lovers, this camera concept is perfection!
A thirst quenching glass of plum sangria sounds like a great summer party drink!
I spotted this hotel and Spa in this months Lonny Mag and I'm adding Marrakech to my list of must see places.
A coffee table book that is a must have, showcasing legendary photographers with their world known work
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