Sometimes a girl’s just gotta have fun, ya know?
But between juggling a home, career, kids, and a husband, it can be kind of hard to remember that. Daily tasks become redundant, and before you know it you’re trying to organize a little get together at your house and realizing most of the people you want to invite aren’t even in your circle anymore.
Not that this happened to me recently or anything.
I’ve talked many times about the importance of maintaining friendships and how critical it is to take care of yourself.
I can’t stress this enough. Luckily, I have a few friends who are really good about dragging me out. When they first call, I always sort of hem and haw…thinking about all the things at home I could be getting done instead. But once I’m out, life is good.
So in light of how much fun I’ve had, “out with the girls,” I thought it might be nice to share some of the more exciting “date nights” we’ve had; maybe we’ll inspire you to go out and have a little fun too.
Rockin’ Sushi
The first requirement for this date is having a sushi restaurant that participates in such an event. But from what I’ve heard, Rockin’ Sushi is pretty popular all around the United States. If you’ve never been, here’s what you can expect: black lights, disco balls, music, drink specials, and a super-festive mood.
Traditionally, sushi restaurants are pretty quiet. But on these nights, “tradition” is thrown right out the window.
Not a fan of raw fish? No worries. Try veggie or tofu sushi or any type that incorporates cooked fish. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
A Movie and Dinner
I know, this doesn’t seem very exciting. But here’s what you need to do. Go to the movie first, and then hit up dinner after. You’ll have plenty to talk and laugh about and often, movie plots tend to mirror real life situations. Throw out the big, “what would you do if….” question to get the conversation flowing. The other point of this date is to watch a movie that your husbands would never want to see and that your children aren’t allowed to see.
If you have a series of movies you follow (ahem, Twilight perhaps?), buy tickets for a midnight showing! Go for dinner and drinks first and then head to the movie. Is it a late night? Absolutely. But is the atmosphere in a theater completely different at a midnight premier? Heck yeah!
Bowling
When’s the last time you put on a pair of bowling shoes? We always joke with our oldest daughter that we’re going to join a family bowling league, just to embarrass her. Because, for some reason, there’s a little bit of stigma that goes with the whole bowling thing. Traditionally a dimly-lit and slightly seedy place, a bowling alley conjures images of big-bellied men drinking draft pitchers and donning shirts with their names on them.
But no longer my friends, no longer.
During a recent business trip to NYC, I was lucky enough to go to Lucky Strike bowling alley. Most. Fun. Ever.
Don’t have such a swank alley in your neighborhood? That’s fine! All you really need to have fun is your girlfriends anyway!
A Hobby Group
This could really be anything; for me, I prefer to meet with my friends over food or knitting. And I prefer to meet somewhere that is not my (or anyone else’s) home. A wine bar, coffee shop, or a chill restaurant all work just fine too. There’s something ridiculously relaxing about just having a good cup of coffee and some needles moving in your fingers.
You might already be part of a book club or something, but my general feeling is that book clubs don’t give you quite the same freedom as other hobbies; with book clubs, you really have to stay on topic.
So what do you think? Have I inspired you to do a little date night with your own friends? Now inspire me! Share your girls’ night out ideas below!
Photo Courtesy of Lucky Strike
