Mommy Mini-Escape: Champagne, Shopping and Sushi

Sorry guys, this post is just for the ladies. Or - - if you're looking to score pretty big - - read on and surprise your wife with an impromptu kid-free shopping excursion...
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Champagne. Shopping. Sushi. What more could you want for a mini-escape from mommy-life?

Oh. Wait. There are sixteen loads of laundry crowding the hallway, four dozen cookies to bake, a maze of weeds growing in the backyard, six billion emails glaring through my inbox...

Yes. If your mind is as schizo as mine right now, you need a break.

So join me and other Baltimore-area women in need of some 'girls' time' tomorrow night at Girls Night Out (GNO). The premier shopping event is sponsored by local favs Teresa B. Home and Gift, Wee Chic, Panache and Treasure House. It's from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Teresa B's on York Road.

When asked what GNO shoppers should expect, Julie from Teresa B's said "champagne and food upon arrival and a great, upscale shopping experience!" She mentioned that her girlfriend owns a liquor store and recommended a FABULOUS summer champagne that will be served... and that shoppers should save room for sweets and sushi.

Um, yum?

All of the participating stores will have gift basket giveaways (if ONLY we're as lucky as we were at the Baltimore Regional Toddler Fair!). Bridget Quinn Stickline from Wee Chic is giving away a Chic Newborn Start-Up Kit valued at $200. It will include a diaper bag, layette, toy and baby shoes. The lucky winner will be able to choose a basket created for a girl or boy. Check out some of the other sweet items Bridget will have on sale at the event:

Julie expects the "hot ticket" item of the night (at least from Teresa B's perspective!) will be their collection of Scout Bags. Monogramming will be offered on site - - for the bargain rate of $5, roughly half off the regular rate. No waiting for your personalized item! Need a hostess gift for that party you're headed to Saturday night? Mission accomplished.

All of these shops participating in GNO are independently owned by some fabulous women who regularly take part in local networking group. Julie likens it to a retail think tank. She added that Teresa B's does GNO events throughout the year - - and their next is on November 4th, just in time for a holiday preview. (Yes, I am marking my calendar right now...)

Don't think about it and rationalize why you need to do laundry instead. Grab a pre-made meal out of the freezer, hand the kids over to the hubs, and take an hour for yourself. The laundry will still be there on Friday. Any guilt you may feel thinking about your family eating mac 'n cheese on their own will dissipate into your cocktail and california roll...

(cool) tip: RSVP and let them know you're coming! The first 30 women to RSVP earn "girls bucks" to use during the event! Just send an email to teresabhomeandgift AT comcast.net.