Product reviews, parenting articles, and advice for first-time moms from the experiences of real-life mommies.

Last night was our monthly Mommies’ Night Out (MNO) that I’ve written about before. Since I had Karis, I haven’t been able to attend the last few, so I was even more excited about this one. Of course, since we were exchanging Secret Santa gifts, I was even more excited than that, too!

We all met at a cool coffee shop/sandwich bar called Cafe Soleil in Northwest Houston and enjoyed some great slushies, smoothies, lattes, and Vietnamese sandwiches (we all highly recommend it!). After enjoying our dinners and chatting for a while, we got to exchange gifts. The thing that stood out to me most was the amount of thought that went into each of the gifts. You could tell that everyone went out of their way to get their person something special and unique to them.

For the Mommy who hosts dinners on a regular basis, a cookbook by one of her favorite chefs. For the working Mommy with an inate sense of style, a cool set of whimsical ornaments (high heels and purses, of course) and a organizational box to store them all in. For the Mommy who loves winter, and misses the snow in Virginia, a matching sweater, hat, scarf, and glove set. For the Mommy who loves sweets, homemade brownies and a framed piece of the lyrics to “In My Daughter’s Eyes” printed over a close up of HER daughter’s eyes. (Made us all a little misty!) For me, a handmade ‘travel pack’ of diapers and wipes since my Secret Santa and I had JUST had a conversation about keeping extras in the car. Of course, I also got yummy smelly stuff, giftcards to Starbucks and Chick-fil-A (the kiddos favorite place) and even a box of matches to go with my tea lights since she also remembered how much I love the smell of burnt out matches… I know, I’m weird… but, how cool is it that she went that far??!!

For a group of women still getting to know eachother, I thought it was a great night that showed the incredible potential we have of growing even closer as a group. I figure if we could go to such lengths for eachother as Secret Santas, how much more will we be there for eachother through life’s ups and downs?

I’m looking forward to our next monthly event already, and it hasn’t even been 24 hours since the last one. But, isn’t that the way true friendship should really be?

Here’s looking forward to staying late and shutting down the next restaurant, ladies!!