It’s here. The H word. The holidays are just bursting with so much sparkle and shine that it can’t contain itself to December let alone after Thanksgiving anymore.
And who’s really complaining? I’ll take my turkey with a side of (Southern) comfort and joy any day. Because when it comes down to it – if I didn’t go out and celebrate, I would be on my couch at home working hard on deadlines that aren’t really life-threatening or cleaning dishes and doing the usual mom stuff that we THINK is important but what’s really important? Actually enjoying yourself sometimes. There’s no shame in that!
Momtrends is really good at this. They love to throw really incredible parties and really spoil and pamper us – and remind us that we deserve a little time off, too. There isn’t a parent I know who doesn’t work overtime in the home or at work to give their children the best. And sometimes, well, a lot of the time, I think we all forget that.
I was told by a couple friends that I don’t give myself enough credit, and they’re right – I don’t. We all don’t. It was very hard for me to come to terms with taking a full day off basically to myself, with friends to enjoy and prep for an evening out like this, but once I was in it, and once I got to the event, I realized how just grateful I am to have friends who know this is just what a parent needs.
And I want you to do the same.
Here’s a peek at how we (well, how Momtrends) did it – I was just a bystander.
First you have to convince a friend to come with you.
It’s much for fun to laugh when you knock over nail polish and accidentally throw your phone at the manicurist trying to take a selfie when your bestie is there. And if you live in NYC, GlossLab is your second bestie. For only $89/month you can get UNLIMITED manicures, pedicures AND this includes gels. Have a chip? Pop in! Heading to the beach or a date night? No problem. I guarantee you spend $89 each time you go to other places PLUS GlossLab is fancy. It is a nail salon 2.0.
Now a party isn’t a party without a blowout. Listen, I’m a Yinzer but if there’s one way to truly feel good and not do myself – it’s a blowout. Glam + Go is famous for their 15-minute blowout, so you can’t even act like it will take your whole day.
Now, what good is hair and nails without some bling? Marcia Moran decked out with something sparkly. I went with a pair that easily goes day to night. Ok fancy day but let me live a little.
And of course, there are no leggings in a holiday soiree. Cabi Clothing helped us get some of our swagger back. Look, I’m a busy mom from Pittsburgh. I live in black and yellow workout gear basically, so Cabi is a lifesaver and will even host a party at your place so you can get some tips from real stylists. Take this outfit for one. Geanine’s for two. Think very grown and sexy without “mom jeans” in the vocabulary. I’d date me.
But you can’t stop there. This is when it gets good. If you know me, it’s always about the food and drink. And in NYC, we have some serious eats. One of my new favorites is SUGARCANE raw bar grill– with horrible views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge right off the waterfront in DUMBO.
Also, before you eat, presentation means everything. Did you NOT binge-watch Downton Abbey as I did? Food is only as pretty as the plates it sits upon and these Tighemi green gems can’t help but make you feel like royalty. Simple touches like a beautiful table can make a major statement.
Back to the food. You’ve had chicken and waffles but have you had DUCK and waffles? Oh, yes. And this pretty little thing call caulilini? Yes it exists (on the seasonal menu at SUGARCANE raw bar grilll!) and it’s as tasty as you think it is.
Now after you’ve mingled, wined and dined, it’s necessary that you go home (and send guests home, too!) showed in pretty gifts. Eo Creative Works makes these incredibly fun (and eco-friendly!) bags to wrap up in, and then use to regift and gift again. Tis’ the season! Did I mention that eco-friendly name tags are all the rage as well? Mabel’s labels has you covered.
Well, now that you’re as jolly as St. Nick (and probably have a bowl full of jelly too!), it’s time to go home, put your feet up and just enjoy the perma-smile that you’ll have for a few days (and blowout!). A solid few hours with friends will do that to a girl.
Now it’s back to deadlines and rush hour commutes on city streets, but till the next soiree….
Many thanks to Momtrends for this sponsored post and event. While we were provided items and compensation, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Football Food and Motherhood.
