palm springs

There is something to be said about getting away from it all.

The dishes.

The heaps of laundry.

The daily chores.

The driving to and from.

And yes, even the kids whom I love, love, love and the husband I love a ton too.

We mamas just need a break every once in awhile.

My break comes every May when my gal pals from high school days and I head out to Palm Springs. We stay at the same place and have our routine down to a science.

We leave early, keep our bags in the car, and use the pool until check in.

We now know that it is easier to wear our swim suits and cover ups on our way there than to change in the bathroom.



We lather ourselves in sunscreen. My friends know I'm the sunscreen police.


Taking use of the umbrella is a must, even if it means asking someone on the other side of the pool if they plan on using theirs, and then proceed to push and pull the dang thing back to our spot. Who knew those things were so heavy? Apparently not me.


We indulge in lifestyle and gossip mags.


Mojito anyone?


Yes, one for me please!

We forced our lazy, lounging selves up to our upgraded suite which we sweetly request each year when we remind them that we come out every year for our birthday celebration. Who can say no to that? They can't. We are hard core "suite" talkers.

Okay, that was way lame.

It just came to me and I typed it.

Um, debated about deleting it.

It is staying.

Welcome to my dorky tendnancies.

Check out our digs...



And this was on our dining table...



You know you're away on vacay when you take a real shower. Not a half shower. A real shower is when you get to wash your body and hair on the same day. I even went so far as to whip out the flat iron and make-up. Ohhh, it felt SO good.

I couldn't help but wish for the nerve to put wallpaper like this in my bathroom...


We embraced the warm desert air and strolled to dinner. As we waited outside for our table, we watched an adorable elderly couple sitting on the bench across from us.


Anyone else want to sit down and quiz couples like this on their life story? I desperately do. And for the record, you know you're old when you start wearing socks with sandals. Just keeping it real.

We were so full from our dinner that we went back to our suite and crashed. The girls fell asleep and I watched The Real Housewives of Orange County. Quality, television friends. I don't settle for anything but the best.

The best part of the trip wasn't all that we did, it was the not doing that took the cake. I slept in the next morning until 9:45. I don't think I've slept in that late since our pre-kid days. I didn't even feel like I needed my usual cup of happy. I had it anyway. My coffee is like my morning BFF and I didn't want to cause a riff.

We cruised down the street and found a hip cafe where we ordered breakfast and enjoyed eating in an amazing courtyard. Following breakfast, we visited several shops.





All I can say is that I am ready to craigslist all my furniture and begin a major do-over in my house.

Taking advantage of late check out meant that we had more time by the pool before heading home. I must give major props to my friend who drove us home through a wind and sand storm. She kept her cool. I thought we were going to die.

I'm a bit dramatic.

I'm wondering if you have had a chance to get away? Do you ever get to spend time with your favorite gals away from it all? If you have not, I highly recommend it. Let go of the mommy guilt. I am finally realizing 8 years into this mom gig that it is okay for me to take a little time for myself. When I feel refreshed, I function better as a mom. This in turn equals a very refreshed home.

Go for it mamas. You deserve it!

Much love,
Katie