How long have you lived in OC? My entire life:)
Children: Ages: Emily 10, Nixon 8
What is your favorite thing to do with your kids in OC? Our favorite thing to do is visit Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, and the beaches!
What did you do for work before Mom’s Day Off(MDO)? I have been a stay at home mom for the past 10 years, before then I was an event planner. Shocking, I know. HAHA!
Tell us about MDO and how it came to life?
5 years ago I had the idea to have a moms only pool party. No kids, no spouses. I wanted a day off with my friends without distraction or responsibility. I created a secret facebook page and sent it out to my group of girl friends and titled it MOMS DAY OFF. I told them this was a mom only party and no kids or significant others could come and that I just wanted them to bring their bathing suit and a towel. On the party day I had custom shirts and hats for all the girls that went with my tropical party theme as a momento for the day. We ate, drank, swam, and hung out until our hearts were content. We all had the best day ever and decided we needed to do this every year. It has become our annual tradition ever since and there is truly nothing like it. This last year I decided that all moms need to experience this amazing day. Over the years MDO has bonded us in a way unlike anything else. How often do you get to have a full day with just the women in your mom village? It’s so special and so unique. It’s exciting to me that I can share this because it has meant so much to me and mine.
How do us Mamas go about setting up our own MDO?
I tried my best to make the experience of planning as pain free as possible. Each theme has its own downloadable and customizable invitation. Start there. Once you have sent out your invites and confirmed your guest list, you can purchase all the goodies for your chosen party theme on the website. I have hats, shirts, and party decor. I really want each person’s MDO to be special to them. Make it your own. It does not need to be a pool party…it can be anything you make it!
The only absolute things that are non-negotiable in executing a MDO are:
* It must be at least an entire day…no 1 hour party nonsense. And girl, if you can get a full weekend, run with it!
* There must be no kids or significant others anywhere near you. No babies on the baby monitors, or kids inside and your outside. They must not be around…They will find you, they always do! Ship them to grandmas or let the father handle them!
*NO MOM GUILT ALLOWED! I mean it! How many times have you wiped a butt without a thank you, or folded all the laundry without anyone even noticing. You get this one day. LIVE IT UP! Think of this time as sacred. It’s not for anyone but you. You get to be selfish for the entire day…ENJOY IT!
You can tell I’m very passionate about these rules. LOL!
What are the different MDO themes?
There is a nautical theme, Friends theme, 90s hip hop theme, and Fiesta theme!
I love your Mantra:
An epic day without significant others and offspring, dedicated to celebrating your survival of motherhood and the mom tribe that has supported you along the way.
What other piece of advice would you give Mom’s trying to figure out Motherhood?
Honestly, I’m still trying to figure it out! It’s hard and exhausting and wonderful all at once. I genuinely have no answers… But, the best thing I can say is early on I decided that I was going to allow myself to have my own life outside of being their mom. For me that means making my friendships a priority, dating my husband, and exercising regularly. I once heard someone say, “you can’t drive anywhere if your tank is empty.” Giving of yourself is wonderful as long as there is a “you” to give.
How can Moms find MDO, so that they can start planning events of their own?
website: momsdayoff.com
Instagram: Moms_day_off
Facebook: moms day off
I know we all can’t wait for life to return to normal and plan an epic Mom’s Day Off!!! Thanks for getting the celebration started for all of us Mamas!!!
