I think this goes without saying, but parenting is hard work. It takes a level of patience that I wasn’t born with; the kind of deep unconditional love that allows you to experience heaven and hell at the same time; an acceptance that you will probably never get it right, you just hope you get it a little more right than the next person because you live in a constant state of comparison;  a never-ending struggle over how to spend your time because everything you choose to do is at the expense of something else you should be doing; and a bottomless pit of guilt at every corner because you can never fully give 100% of yourself to anything. It’s mentally and physically exhausting and it has the ability to break you. Let’s not let that happen, mom tribe.

Speaking of mom tribe, I had a long overdue call with a dear friend of mine who always gives sound parenting advice in the least judgmental, “I don’t have it all figured out either but here’s what worked for us” kind of way. We were talking about the ineffectiveness of putting a 3 year old in time-out and she said they use the term time-away in their home. Instead of making him sit for 3 minutes by himself (which Deklan has never actually been able to do but thanks for the suggestion, Pediatrician) they have him choose a spot where he can sit and work out his aggression alongside them. I love it. I mean, who doesn’t need time-away? I sure as shit do! I think sometimes we get so caught up in what’s normal behavior and what’s not normal that we forget there is no “normal” and that he’s 3 for crying out loud! You don’t know how to put words to feelings quite yet and so what if you want everything to be done YOUR way and on YOUR terms? Hell, I do too!  Trust me, I’ve thought about throwing myself on the middle of the floor in Nordstrom’s when I find the perfect over the knee boot, but daddy won’t let me buy them because I’m already $100 over budget for the week. Wah. 3’s are hard. Parenting a 3 year old is hard. Parenting in general is hard. Shopping on a budget is hard. It’s all hard.

I need a break, ya’ll. A GUILT-FREE break. The kind you take when you want to forget you even have children. <Did I say that out loud?> The Woodhouse Day Spa – Maple Grove has that affect on you though. It’s HEAVENLY, Ladies and Gents!

The sweet smell of escape when you step inside the doors is intoxicating!FREEEEEEDOM!Fancy seeing you here!Sip, sip, spa!You know what pairs well with wine? Nothing Bundt Cakes. They literally melt in your mouth. I’m quickly becoming addicted to their Bundtinis. I may need an intervention of my own.Say hello to my beautiful Grandma Edie! Her skin is flawless for 88. Dear God please tell me I have her genes!Just in case I don’t, I’ll have to keep coming back for their Timeless Anti-Aging Facial that uses microcurrent technology to instantly tone and tighten like my mom does. Oh hey, Ma!While we are on the topic of beautiful women, meet Amy Adams. She’s the owner of the Woodhouse and is one of the most generous, kind spirited women I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I adore her. Even her staff when asked said the thing they love the most about working at the Woodhouse is that Amy truly believes in putting the customer first. #GirlBossAnd don’t even get me started on this incredibly inspiring human being! About a year and a half after my brother had a kidney transplant, my sister-in-law Cassie was diagnosed with breast cancer. If anyone deserves a little guilt-free ME time, it’s her! During the month of October, The Woodhouse will donate 3% of their service sales to support the fight against breast cancer. All donations will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation, local, state and national organizations. Get your survivor gal pals together and enjoy a day at the spa. It’s for a good cause.Listen, when I do have a little time to myself I rarely choose to exercise even though I know it’s good for me. Allow me to introduce you to the Vichy Shower. It’s a hydrotherapy detox treatment that is equivalent to running 5 miles. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE, VICHY?Believe it or not, I used to run before my bladder turned old and angry. My callused feet are all the proof you need. I had a Farmhouse Pedi the other day where they used this Honey Heel Glaze. It’s the bees knees. I loved it so much I brought a jar home with me. They recommend sleeping with it on your feet under a pair of socks. Move over, Mr Seeman, your sexy wife is coming to bed!Seriously, it makes your skin feel as smooth as a duck’s butt.That’s what she said..

Outfit Details

Cold Shoulder Tee: Zara (also comes in white and grey for only $15!)

Scarf: Zara

Jeans: Paige Transcend Verdugo Skinny

I also tried their shellac polish for the first time which has the longevity of gel, without the damage to your nails. Gel, bye!And VOILA! This is the afterglow of a mom who took some needed time for herself. It’s a good look on me, wouldn’t you agree?

Mom tribe, if you need time-away I’ll share my safe space with you. The Grand Opening for The Woodhouse – Maple Grove is on October 15th from 4-8:00. If you haven’t been, you need to go. The only rule of engagement is that you have to check your guilt at the door. Do we have a deal?

Photo credit goes to my talented friend Amy Hughes Photography. Amy’s travel with Amy’s. We’re good people, what can I say?