I am so sick and tired of these lifestyle magazines providing cost saving ways to manage your stress and have more fun. What kind of budget are they on? What kind of drugs are they on? When they recommend a spa weekend getaway I know that the recession has moved them from uber- wealthy to still pretty darn wealthy. These editors are not speaking to me-"clinging to middle class with bloody fingernails". And I'm damn lucky to be here too. I am perfectly aware that our economic situation is not fun but it is also not dire, and for that I am thankful. Compared to most of the world we still live like royalty, but living here in the Bay Area does take the gleam off my crown sometimes as I too struggle to find ways to stretch any form of disposable income that I may come across under the couch cushion.
I am also sometimes as appalled by my weight watchers team leader's suggestions as much as the editors of lifestyle magazines. "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." -BULL. "When you want that cookie just take yourself on a long walk, meditate, or go shopping instead." Are you kidding me. A long walk with 2 kids fighting and screaming "are we there yet?", meditate (don't make me laugh) and cruising the bargains at Goodwill is not exactly soothing my soul. By the time I have tried any of these tricks I could eat the whole bag of those cookies!
I am scarce on $ and seriously scarce on time but I believe I do have an abundance of similar souls out there just like me. So for those of you REAL moms here are some quick fast tricks that work for me and maybe one or two of them could work for you.
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RELAXATION:
The trick is that we don't have much time for this so we've gotta make the most out of precious little.
1. 10 minute Bubble Bath. I get in for 10 whole minutes by myself with my favorite trashy mag and zone out. Sadie will then join me with her toy catalog. We read together I get her washed, get out and throw Dey in and we all emerge somewhat clean and somewhat rested.
2. 10 minute chair Massage at Whole foods. Mind you, I can't even afford to buy a head of lettuce at this place but I will stop in on the way home from the cafe and sign up for 10 minutes of heaven. It's not much but I does the trick. ($10.0)
3. Foot massage by my husband.-Obviously you need a loving partner for this one but it's free or maybe you can barter. I will offer to do an extra house chore if I can please get a few minutes on each tootsie. (cost-1 load of laundry)
4. A glass (or bottle) of 2 Buck Chuck. I'm not condoning alcoholism, but red wine is good for you remember? And in moderation a nice glass of chuck can smooth out the rough edges of a hard day. (Cost $2.00)
5. A call to mom
6. Giant ooey gooey melt in your mouth chocolate chip cookie. I'm sorry, but when the freezer breaks, the grinder overheats, your employee never shows up and the toilets clog again (wait that's my life) and you can't do anything but laugh at the absurdity of it all, nothing makes the stress go away faster than this drippy buttery goodness. It's not a long term fix but it can hold you over till you regain your composure and can solve your problems. (Cost-only 1.10 at SadieDey's Cafe)
7. Movie Night-Netflix has saved us hundreds in late fees previously owed to the Buster. The trick is to get a movie that appeals to a preschooler and to us so we can sit through it 37 times. I recommend anything Pixar. Make a big vat of popcorn and cuddle up. (Cost $14.00 per month)
8. Family Dance party. Movie credit music makes Sadie's heels kick up . I don't know what it is, but at the end of each movies she clears of the table and dances to the credits. We decided we might as well join her, so after movie night we turn off the lights, turn on the xmas lights and have a dance party. (FREE)
9. Sex. It's fun. If it is not free than there is something amiss in your relationship. It fits the 10 minute time frame. (just kidding sweetie...)
Excursions:
1. The poor man's snow trip. Back when we were DINKS we actually rented a cabin in Tahoe for the ski season. We were so spoiled. Our kids LOVE the snow but a Tahoe getaway is not in the cards. We don't want to disappoint the kids so here's what we do. We pile up everyone including Griffin the wonder dog, and head to Grass Valley. We stay at the Holiday Inn there which is very nice and allows dogs. We bring up lots of games and cuddle and watch movies. In the morning we head up 80 until we hit snow. We pile out, romp for an hour, pile back in and head to the Starbucks for cocoa. The kids ,and the dog, fall asleep on the way home and talk about the trip to the snowy mountains for weeks. They think we were there for days.... Don't you dare tell them otherwise. (Cost- $200.00 for gas, food, lodging)
2. Rock Climbing. Here's a fun night that we tried this Wednesday. We bought a 20.00 yearly membership to REI and let our kids go indoor rock climbing for an hour for FREE. We supported a cooperative business and got our kids some exercise and skill building. They got their choice of Power bar for a dessert and we called it a night. We'll be back on Wednesday's till they ring that bell! (Cost-$20.00 then FREE)
Now for my plug. Stop reading here if you don't want to read my own infomercial. SadieDey's was not come corporate plan to amass large amounts of money. Thank goodness or I would be really disappointed. No, it was because I needed a place that was fun for both me and my kids. I know in my heart pleasing a 3.5 year old and a 35 year old at the the same time was actually possible. I knew it needed a playspace for them and coffee for me and it could not cost a fortune. 4.5 years later from this initial epiphany it is all waiting for you:
Here's why SadieDey's is also a bargain: Rather than pay for expensive music & tumbling classes you can get everything your preschooler needs for 5.95 ALL DAY at our indoor playspace and cafe which includes but is not limited to:
- A Mother's Helper to additionally provide entertainment and fortbuilding
- Sing-A-long with Nanci and Friends
- Play-doh time with no clean up necessary
- Fine Motor and Gross motor play
- Dramatic play
- Early Development Socialization
- Full Service Breakfast lunch and dinner cafe with organic coffee
- Healthy, wheat free, gluten free menu options
- Homemade pastries
- Scrumptious Salads
- Big comfy Purple couch to sink into for a couple hours
- FRE wifi to catch up on life
- Sassy staff to make you laugh ;)
Please post any cheap outings or relaxation tips you may have here too.
Susan Older-Mondeel is the founder of SadieDey's Cafe . Sue wanted a community place where she could enjoy her children and enjoy herself, preferably with a strong coffee in hand. Where was this common ground for children and the weary adults who love them? Well it was in her head and in her heart and now at 4210 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland CA. Check it out at http://www.sadiedeyscafe.com/ or call 510-601-REST (7378) SadieDey's Cafe-You've gotta eat, Kids gotta play!
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