Hi there, my dears. Last week flew by as usual and so absorbed was in getting through our daily existence that I failed to take a single photo for my darling Weekly Wrap Up post! Lucky for me on Saturday we were invited to a Bar Mitzvah party for the son of some dear friends of ours. What you see here are the products of the fun photo booth they had at the party.

For we parents subsumed by the business of raising kids and overseeing their soccer practices, ballet rehearsals and homework, making time for friends can be challenging. Your household hasn’t been attended to (witness our broken washing machine that has waited months to be fixed since guess who didn’t manage to call the repair person) so how do you find time for a coffee, lunch or drinks date with your girl friends?

As I get older and wiser, though, I’m increasing reminded of the significance of time with close friends. What gets me through the parenting doldrums has been my sweetie, my family, and my close adult friendships.

How much time do you make for friendships? Tell me below and enter our weekly giveaway!

In my view, parties — especially as our lives become more complex — really matter. Nothing brings people greater joy that a festive setting offering the chance to eat, chat, dance and just enjoy time with others. If you’re like me and fried to the max by mommydom, NEVER say no to a party invite. Spending time with friends will invigorate you, refresh you, recharge your batteries and ultimately make you a better mom. There’s certainly something to be said for stepping out of your yoga clothes and putting on a dress and makeup, too!

So with all being said, on Saturday Marc and I exited our normal routine of driving to soccer practice, playdates and birthday parties and spent a fun-filled and meaningful day celebrating a thoughtful young man, his loving family, and the importance of family and close friends.

Here’s proud mom Brande (far right), my friend Tamela (center) and me posing inside the photo booth.

Brande’s loving nature, her commitment to charitable work, her intellectual curiosity, and her stamina amaze me. She works full time while raising kids and then donates her time to amazing philanthropic organizations. When her son the Bar Mitzvah boy talked about giving back to needy children in India, I was not surprised.

Another proud mama who never misses a phone call, is always there to advise, chat and help, and who challenges herself to reach her full potential as a woman is my dear friend Tamela. Having a background in the fashion industry, Tamela has recently launched an interior design studio. Check out her gorgeous work and follow her please on Instagram!

And let’s not forget my best friend and partner-in-crime Marc. Thanks for putting up for me, for keeping the romance alive, and for being the one to do the early shift on Saturday mornings! Love you!

That’s it folks for this week and make sure to check back in soon since we’re launching two amazing giveaways this week! Don’t miss out!

Thanks so much for reading and see you all soon!

Melissa

Weekly Giveaway

Prize: One (1) $50 Amazon gift card.

Rules:

Enter using the Gleam widget below.

Open to U.S readers.

You must be 18 or older to enter.

You have multiple ways you can enter to increase your chances of winning.

ways you can enter to increase your chances of winning. The giveaway ends on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time).

Winner will be announced on the widget below within 48 hours after the giveaway has ended.

Weekly $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

