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I sat across from my friend and stifled a giggle. We felt like kids waiting to be found out after stumbling on an amazing world of grown-up wonder. I’m sure there was an invisible but impressionable sign on our foreheads with these words inscribed: mums on a night out.
Looking around, I could see sparkling glasses, shiny plates and white tablecloths; order, efficiency and poise; happy people, glamorous light displays and copious amounts of silver cutlery. Hello Cinderella moment! The last time I was at a fancy-fancy restaurant…was…thinking…thinking…
“Can you believe we are here right now?” I said to my dinner-date more than once during the night.
When asked to road test the ultimate date night AND giveaway a package for your blog readers, well – you say yes please! My husband is hard to pin down because of his work commitments so I arranged for my friend Bernie to keep me company. She came reluctantly, as you can see by her reply to my request.
This is how it went…
Live music greeted Bernie and I as we checked into Hotel Urban in Brisbane. There was perfume to try at the counter (I liked Brittany Spears – Fantasy), flowers, chandeliers, fancy couches and chocolates in our 2 x double bed room.
Getting dressed…
This night was in celebration of a new product by my favourite underwear brand. Berlei makes the most comfortable bras and now do legwear too. In true Berlei form: without a doubt THE most comfortable tights I have ever worn. Love, love, love! The Dig Free hosiery holds you in all the right places so you feel feminine and confident without the discomfort. There’s this wide band up the top so they sit beautifully under clothes and I felt nothing short of fabulous in them!
I promise Bernie and I didn’t mean to match our outfits so well. We both wore the 100 Denier Opaque tights in black.
Check it out online…
Barely There Legwear is available in an 8 Denier Light Shaper with control waistband and unique invisible shaping, 8 Denier Firm Shaper with innovative firming and slimming solutions, or 8 Denier Toe Less sheers. Available in Naked, Golden, Fair, Natural and Black RRP $15.95.
Dig Free Legwear is available in 15 Denier Sheer, 100 Denier Opaque tight and 100 Denier Opaque full length leggings. Available in Naked, Golden and Black RRP $14.95.
Dinner…
With the choice of any restaurant in Brisbane, Bernie and I decided on celebrity chef Matt Moran’s restaurant Aria, which sits on the edge of the Brisbane River overlooking the Story Bridge. Three letters: W.O.W. The incredibleness of the food made me want to sob with happiness.
It was a treat to linger over the menu, reading each description of mouth-watering combinations. Three courses to pick! Bernie picked the same entrée and dessert as I, but went with a perfectly cooked steak for the main meal.
SCALLOPS
seared and served with crisp chicken, seaweed, apple and radishDAUBE
of Ranger’s Valley beef cheeks with carrot purée and toasted oatsSOUFFLÉ
raspberry soufflé with white chocolate mousse and a raspberry salad
After dinner…
Two happy women finished the night wandering along the lit bank of the Brisbane River before heading back to the hotel for a blissful night’s sleep in a soft bed with crisp linen. I was curious to see how the hosiery held up after three courses of food and a walk. The verdict: I could LIVE in them!
Both Bernie and I mentioned what a perfect night it was. We chatted for hours about things I don’t remember and laughed out loud like silly school girls. Ah, yes, it was a good time. I needed that. It’s important to have these Cinderella moments as a mother sometimes, to remember yourself as woman. Isn’t it?
It was a difficult job, but someone had to do it. Ha! Adored every minute of it. Now, over to you…
Giveaway $1,000 Date Night!
Thanks to Berlei, I’m giving away The Ultimate Date Night Package worth $1,000, covering:
– A restaurant dinner for two
– One night’s hotel accommodation
– Limousine transfers from hotel to restaurant.
– Berlei Dig Free product
To Enter
Simply answer this question in the comments below:
Share how you make yourself feel like a woman (as a mum)?
Terms and Conditions
Open from Monday 29th April to Monday 20 May 2013. Open to Australian residents over 18 years of age only. Read the full list of terms and conditions here.
Coming into winter now, and tights have become a wardrobe essential. Pictured above are some of the ways I’ve worn them in the last couple of weeks.
Disclosure
Read my disclosure policy here.
190 Comments
Carly Nielsen
May 17, 2013 at 8:32 amBy wearing sexy underwear and feminine clothes, when I have time to make the effort of course.
Alison Skiba
May 17, 2013 at 8:39 amRed lips, little black dress, heels, fabulous hair, champagne and my fine husband by my side at a swanky bar.
Cassandra Brown
May 17, 2013 at 8:42 amI try to get a manicure or pedicure every 6-12 months. Maybe get my eye brows done. Lately I done have the time. And when I do I either don’t have the finances or have to choose between myself and the kids and the kids normally come first.
Rebecca Walsh
May 17, 2013 at 8:49 amI’ve joined 2 new womens groups including a sewing group that is a child and man free zone of womanly wisdom, laughter, gossip and support.
Stacey Brown
May 17, 2013 at 8:52 amOnce a week when my two children are at kindy, instead of cleaning the house as i should, I grab my kindle, go to my local coffee shop, and enjoy a blissful hour of coffee and reading with only the hum of other coffee goers surrounding me. Makes me feel like a woman and a mummy on a mission for relaxation.
Lyn O'Keefe
May 17, 2013 at 8:53 amGetting my hair done… a nice head massage a new colour and a blow dry and I feel a million dollars! A cute outfit and a night on the town with my husband and it would be a trifecta – now to just find the time… 😉
Ashlee Jackson
May 17, 2013 at 9:01 amGetaways with my husband! We have two young boys and for the last 2 anniversaries, we’ve had the kids babysat and gone away for the night… it was amazing!
Other ways I feel rejuvenated is getting a pedicure, or just going out to meet up with the girls once in a while. Everyone needs something to revitalise themselves!
Christine Afonso
May 17, 2013 at 9:02 amWith hubby doing FIFO and being gone for 3 weeks at a time. Going to the hairdresser and beautican when he gets back for a couple of hours with no kids is fantastic. If only I could have a glass of wine at the same time would make it even better, But coffee is the next best thing 🙂
Janelle Booker
May 17, 2013 at 9:05 amMy daughter and I paint our finger nails and toe nails together. A little girly/womanly thing we do together.
julie bellaney
May 17, 2013 at 9:10 amMy little treats to make me feel good….a nice long uninterrupted shower (when daddy is home to watch kids) where I can wash my hair, shave my legs, have a full body scrub then moisturise after. And a good cut and colour always leaves me feeling fantastic……if I am extra lucky and can sneak away for more than an hour or 2 a cuppa or lunch date with a friend leaves me feeling relaxed and recharged 🙂 would love any of these happened more than a handful of tines a year though hahaha
Victoria vincent
May 17, 2013 at 9:10 amI’ve been sitting here for about 20 minutes trying to find a answer, “what makes me feel like a women” I have struggled with this. I havnt been to a hair dresser since the day I was married, I own as people call them ‘granny undies’ nothing else. I somedays in my pjs till 4pm as havnt had a chance to shower. But then i thought when my husband comes home from work, me dressed in pjs hair not done no make up n he walks up to me kisses me n tells me how beautiful I am. I remember then I’m not just a mummy but his wife n I have a shower get dressed n see the women back in me. Might only happen in a while but that’s enough to remind me that I’m not just a mum.
Mum-me
May 17, 2013 at 9:20 amHow do I make myself feel like a woman and not ‘just’ a mum? Hmmm, I guess when I’m feeling overly frumpy I try to take a few minutes to do my hair nicely (or even just a little differently!!) and then take the time to change my earrings, put on a necklace (something I couldn’t wear for ages when the children were babies), a dab of my favourite perfume, and even some makeup on those really bad days. But mostly I feel like a woman by just being content with what I have – a beautiful family and a husband who all love me despite my appearance or my level of confidence. What makes me feel most like a woman is when my hubby gets that look in his eye (you know the one!!) even when I haven’t particularly gone to any effort to look nice for him. That’s empowering.
Mia
May 17, 2013 at 9:21 amTo be honest, I struggled to think of something to write to answer this question. But if I really think about it, I do get an opportunity two days a week for an hour to sit down with a good book ALONE ha ha. That sounds so boring but its the best I can do. ????
Regina DeGroot
May 17, 2013 at 9:28 amI would honestly love to say that I feel womanly when I get my hair done or wear fancy lingerie or get a mani/pedi… But as a mum of two and running a household, all the kids extracurricular curricular activities and working part time. On top of all that I’m a student midwife and am focused on helping other women feel comfortable through the most womanly thing we can do, birthing beautiful babies and becoming mums themselves. I don’t get a lot of time or spare cash to make myself feel womanly, I barely even shave my legs, but my normal attire when I’m not at the hospital or working is jeans and a t-shirt or trackies and a hoodie or just my pjs! So very un-womanly! So on the very odd chance that I have an hour to myself I take the time to have a nourishing and relaxing milk and chamomile bath and later generously rub my favourite moisturiser or body butter into my skin, and the softness of my skin afterwards, and my partner commenting on how soft he thinks my skin feels, is when I feel the most womanly!
kat
May 17, 2013 at 9:31 amBy taking time out to pamper myself by getting my hair done, dressing up in nice underwear & a special outfit. The last time I did this was at my 40th last year & I felt amazing! I would love to win this as after 11 years & 4 children hubby & I have never had a night away. Your experience sounds fabulous!!
Linda Wegner
May 17, 2013 at 9:44 amBy having a candlelit bubblebath with a glass of wine & a book.
Rebecca Chin
May 17, 2013 at 9:47 amI try and make sure I do my makeup every day & when I am going out try to make my hair a bit special aswell. I also bought myself some nice bras and undies so atleast everyday I feel a bit special. I love to dress up & put on fancy clothes (Im sure thats where my 3 daughters get it from!!) unfortunately like most of us we dont get the chance very often to put on those fancy clothes in our wardrobe but its worth it when you do get to dust them off for a special night.
Tammy roskell
May 17, 2013 at 10:01 amBy getting dressed in what I feel sexy in, starting with my sexy underwear followed by clothes that make me feel good about my body and a little sexy ( even though they may not be the sexiest item) I feel sexy in slim jeans and a nice top
Catherine G
May 17, 2013 at 10:06 amBrushing my teeth is a good start! Who can feel desirable with stinky breath 😉 Next I love taking a relaxing bubble bath (with the kids at the edge of the bath staring in wonder at someone other than them in ‘their’ bath and then coming in every 2 seconds to reach in and splash me or ask me “what are you doing?”). I use my shower ball to give a great all over exfoliation. I then apply a face mask and run around the house scaring the kids who squeal with laughter. Time for moisturiser, normally with another 4 little hands helping. A spritz of perfume, and some for me as well, before slipping into something that makes me feel confident. I can judge my success by the “wow, you look beautiful Mum” comments and the reaction of my husband as he holds me close and tells me how soft my skin feels, how good a smell and desirable I look. I love my kiddies and my husband and nothing makes me feel more beautiful than their love.
Debbie Kemp
May 17, 2013 at 10:21 amI have my hair cut coloured and blow dried every 8 weeks and I always walk out feeling fabulous! I schedule these appointments around a night out so that I can go out feeling beautiful – like a woman! It helps when my daughter says “You look bootiful Mummy”. LOVE
Kirsten Balzer
May 17, 2013 at 10:24 amIt’s all the simple things that I used to take for granted: brushing my teeth and hair, shaving legs and pits, putting on clean, wrinkle free, vomit free clothes and having bathroom time to myself. So simple yet so rewarding and leaves me feeling a million dollars!
Miranda
May 17, 2013 at 10:28 amJust being able to have a long hot shower, shave my legs, wash and blow dry my hair and applying a bit of make up makes me feel like a brand new woman 🙂
Jodie Booton
May 17, 2013 at 11:02 amI have all these beautiful clothes in my cupboard
And never get to wear them. So there’s no harm in glaming
Up to make the kids dinner. Hopefully they think I’m the best
Dress mum that serves them with noodles and spagetti.
Penne Ann
May 17, 2013 at 11:39 amI always keep myself looking well groomed. I exercise, do my own manicure and pedicure’s, go to the hairdresser. I never get complacent or let myself go just because I’ve had children. Before even leaving the house, I do my hair and wear natural make-up and wear neat, casual clothes. You never know if you have a date with destiny, who you might just run into. It makes me feel good and the children tell me I look good too. It’s nice to hear.
Emily
May 17, 2013 at 11:40 amI have started working part time in a shoe shop (best job ever!) after 5 years of being a stay at home mum. I was never one to dress up before having kids, everywhere I went I wore jeans and a top and thongs, yes really, I had a nice ‘dressy’ pair that I wore out. Since working I have loved dressing up to go to work in a nice dress, some tights/stockings, awesome shoes and some jewellery. I really enjoy working, having adult conversation and being a woman out in the world knowing that my family is at home waiting for me 🙂
Susan
May 17, 2013 at 12:00 pmBy putting on my special perfume, good makeup and little black dress!!
Erika
May 17, 2013 at 12:15 pmTo make me feel like a woman I spend time with other strong woman I admire. People like my mum and my fantastic friends who inspire my daily. We share our innermost feelings without judgement.
Jodi R
May 17, 2013 at 12:20 pmThe time and money to make the outside look and feel a womanly million dollars is not now …so I simply give thanks for hot clean running water in a quiet shower and then in a steamy bathroom I often look right into my own eyes and take a moment to appreciate the nurture and love that comes out of me as I do the daily mum, wife, friend, cleaner, student, tutor, community volunteer thing that I do and remember…I am a beautiful woman….from the inside to the out!
sara bravo
May 17, 2013 at 1:01 pmCoffee and giggles with my girlfriends!!! Keeping it simple 🙂
Marisa castellanos
May 17, 2013 at 1:05 pmBy have a long bath, face mask music and wine.
Eric's Elliott
May 17, 2013 at 1:23 pmA pair of heels always makes me feel more woman and less mummy. Boots with a mid-heel on these cold Melbourne days are just the ticket, it certainly makes school drop feel a bit more glamorous!
Victoria Campbell
May 17, 2013 at 1:25 pmI always put some makeup on in the morning even if I’m not leaving the house to make me feel good and feminine, & even if its just mascara! With a 4week & 20 month old I take time out to go to the mall to browse and try on clothes and keep up with the latest fashion.
Charlotte L.
May 17, 2013 at 2:16 pmPut on a nice dress and paint my nails,
A bit of lipstick never fails,
Some nice perfume and jewellery too,
Oh and of course a heeled shoe!
Kate
May 17, 2013 at 3:38 pmI can’t leave the house without mascara on! When I get the chance I give myself a manicure or pedicure. The expense of a hair cut and colour and the time it takes to get done is crazy and I probably only go twice a year so now i’m a “just throw it back in a pony tail” kind of gal and I can’t think of the last time I walked in to a beauticians….
Jade
May 17, 2013 at 3:47 pmThe best way to make me feel like a woman is a lovely afternoon at the hairdresser followed by a pedicure and some chocolate! I take what I can get these days 🙂
Christine Bunn
May 17, 2013 at 4:46 pmI feel Ike a women when my husband takes me out on a date night he opens the car door for me pulls my chair out to seat me for dinner and looks into my eyes and says well done you are such a great mum and wife. Being treated like a princess is the ultimate way for me to feel like a women,
Lisa P
May 18, 2013 at 9:27 amSnuggling up with my hubbie, a hug sandwich with me and my bubby. Walking on the beach hand in hand, helping my daughter make castles in the sand. Dressing up for an at home date, having coffee and a chat with my best mate. Being a woman and mum are two roles in one, full of joy, satisfaction and above all lots of fun.
Claire Lewis
May 19, 2013 at 9:51 amI take the time to shower, wash my hair and shave my legs every day gives me at least 5 minutes alone every morning which helps me recharge for the day, and the confidence that I am an attractive woman as well as a great mum!