Girls Night Out (or In)!

As every Modern Mom knows, maintaining friendships is vital to our sanity -- but who's got the time to plan a night with the gals? If it's been months since you've spent quality time with your girlfriends, take the initiative and set up a gathering.

FIRST STEP: Let your mate know (in advance, of course) that you're planning a girls night (or weekend day) and he's in charge of the chicklets during that time.

SECOND STEP: Email or call the girls to clear their schedules and book Dad or a babysitter for the date you have in mind. Ask for suggestions or provide a couple of different options for the get together (see below).

THIRD STEP: Plan! We've suggested a few fairly low maintenance ideas, but really anything you decide to do will be perfect -- as long as you and your friends can relax, chat and have fun together.

Book Club
My friend, Kim, spearheaded a book club with some Moms and I admit it: I was skeptical. I love to read, but a bunch of ladies sitting around discussing what they read? B-O-R-I-N-G. Another thing I rarely admit: I was wrong. First of all, we pick a great mixture of fun books as well as bestsellers like Lovely Bones, Diary of a Mad Mom-To-Be and Look At Me: A Novel. Then, we get together monthly (rotating homes) and have a pot luck dinner. Over great food and good wine, we chat about the book…and usually stray to other topics. At the end, we have an entertaining night out and add to our book collections.

Fun in the Sun
Take a day trip to a nice local hotel (our favorite: Starwood's W Hotels) or a day spa -- even if it's just to for a great lunch and to hang at the pool (and maybe even a shopping trip afterwards). You'll feel refreshed and invigorated having taken the time out for yourself and your best pals.

Again, whether it's a well-planned event or simply crashing at home or meeting at a restaurant, it's important to make time for friends and keep in touch. A strong, healthy network of good friends is a Modern Mom's most valuable resource!

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