OK... so you have finally twisted hubby's arm and he is going to babysit (why is it, when Dad's look after the kids, it's called babysitting but when we do it, it is our job?!? hmmm)... or grandma, aunty, friend or paid babysitter.... Grab a friend and organise a Mum's time out (or even better a Mum's day out!).
Where do you go and what do you do?
In summer, there are a million things you can do!!
Since the weather has been so lovely (well, apart from the 40+ degree days but we will just forget those!).. I highly recommend brunch, lunch, dinner or going to a bar for cocktails anywhere near water or with a gorgeous view! What is better than having a meal, a glass of wine, gorgeous views and fantastic conversation with a good friend?!?
Check out markets (after a meal, of course) There are heaps of markets on at the moment, check local papers for details...there are also heaps of night markets around during summer, so keep an eye out on local entertainment sites like citysearch.
Movies!!! Go all out and do it in style. Try Gold Class at Village (www.villagecinemas.com.au), or Hoyts Directors suite/ La Premiere (Hoyts is my favourite as you get champagne or soft drink and popcorn included in the price www.hoyts.com.au).....Hoyts also have ladies nights, where they show a 'chick flick' and you also get a goodie bag. The last one I went to was 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' and we had a fabulous time.
Another movie option is going to the Moonlight cinemas: www.moonlight.com.au.... one of my favourite things to do is go to the botanical gardens and watch a movie on a huge screen, bats fly overhead and it has a fantastic community feel about it. There are other open air and roof top cinemas around, check ww.citysearch.com.au or similar city sites and local papers to find out where they are.
Shopping: Nothing beats shopping with a girl friend. I love shopping in the city or at the more classier Westfield shopping centres www.westfield.com.au. For example, the Doncaster Westfield in Melbourne is just sheer opulence, you really feel special shopping here with their gorgeous chaise lounges to rest on when your feet start aching. http://westfield.com.au/doncaster/
High tea: Most high end hotels offer high tea now and they are absolutely gorgeous! I love dressing up in a gorgeous dress and heels to go to a high tea. You feel so classy and spoilt while you are there. I love the high tea at the Sofitel hotel and the Windsor hotel is just as lovely. The Langham hotel also does high teas. Some lovely cafes in the country also do devonshire teas and beautiful afternoon teas (I know of a few lavender and rose farms that have cafes), so go for a drive and find one :).
Even thought they are held later in the year. My favourite of all high teas is The High Tea Party. www.thehighteaparty.com.au A fantastic girly day out. I have been the last two year's and have loved it each time. This year, in Melbourne, it is being held at The Windsor Hotel. The High Tea Party is a day of decadence witha gorgeous traditional high tea, fabulous fashion style seminars, hair, nail and beauty pampering, lingerie showcases with complimentary fittings, Portobello Road Market Shopping and much more... high tea parties are also held in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Music: One of my biggest passions is music and I love going to see a live band especially in a bar/ pub. There is just something about a raw performace. Lounge bars are also fantastic for some smooth tunes. It's nice to just chill out with a glass of wine and listen to some great jazz or soul music. Local councils also have bands playing in local gardens/ parks... so check their website and local papers. Wineries are also great for having a meal, glass of wine and to listen to some great local bands. Check out your local wineries website (most have sites these days) for details.
Art Galleries/ Exhibitions: I am also a huge art lover (mainly Impressionist art) and enjoy going to exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria. There are international (and local artists) galleries in all capital cities and regional centres.
Tours: There are a myriad of tours out there... shopping, cafe, coffee, chocolate, photography, become a tourist in your own city and take a tour of side streets etc.... there are so many to do. Google which tour interests you and where or go to your local information centre.
What do you like doing with your friends?
