One of my favorite Great Escapes as a busy mom is looking forward to getting my hair done. There’s no denying that highlights, professional cuts and styling can really add up on one’s budget. However, it is important to pamper yourself every so often (say, 6-8 weeks!) so that you don’t become burned out at all the “giving out” of attention that we parents excel at! I especially feel entitled to pampering my hair, because I put up with my daughter’s super-long hair, which goes past her shoulders and takes me the better part of breakfast to get brushed. 12 hours later and I am wrestling her …

On Thursday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m., Carlin Tripp comes up from Dartmouth to woo the caffinated crowd at Perk's Coffeehouse in Norwood. This one-man band will dazzle you with his brilliant combination of rock and blues, with the folksiness of a storyteller interwoven in each of his ballad-like songs. Now that school is out for summer, it's all the more important to remember to pencil in some "Me Time" with your girlfriends! Start the summer off right with a heart-felt songwriter crooning away as you plan out the rest of your summer escapades with your friends...who knows what else lies in store…

This past weekend, my family and I traveled down the Cape to open our Cape house for the summer. While we were all together 99% of the time, I made sure to spend a few luxurious moments at a time doing things around the house and yard that made me smile! This week, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite quick “Me Time” happiness-makers….bird watching! While gardening this weekend, I couldn’t help but notice the bold yellow and black Baltimore Oriole that swooped and chittered from tree to tree. One of the more strikingly colored birds, Baltimore Orioles do not always fly so far north …

As my readers may know, I am an avid gardener and believe that it is a great parent-child activity. However, I also believe it is a great solo activity at times as well.  Furthermore, shopping for plants, seeds and seedlings can be quite a hands-on experience and can be much more relaxing and pleasant without your hands full with the kiddos. This Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the Sharon Garden Club is holding it's annual Plant Sale. We try not to send you off too far away because we know your "Me Time" is time-limited and we want to help you make the most of it, locally! However, …

Why not consider Mother's Day a week-long event?  If you've read my recent Mother's Day column, you will know that I highly encourage all Moms to spend time outdoors, immersed in nature. It is a great way to escape the hectic daily grind! As beautiful weather is predicted for the entire weekend, why not discover Medfield's Noon Hill Reservation, a gentle hike with breathtaking views of Norfolk from atop the Hill itself. This hike lends itself to the novice photgrapher, as it winds through beautiful paths beside the Charles River, as well as rare flowers like the Pink Lady Slipper. Naturally, …

Mark your calendars, because a very special guest will be giving a gardening lecture for the Powisset Garden Club of Dover. Laurel Landers, an accomplished gardener and graduate of the Horticultural Training Center at the Arnold Arboretum, will talk about perennial gardening.  Entitled "The Succession of Bloom” this lecture will give you all you need to know about how to design stunning perennial gardens. With her advice, you can dig in to your own backyard with the confidence of a well-designed plan. Which will surely leave you with a few hours of “me time” to enjoy this beautiful weather …

This week, it may be dificult to justify a long break away from the kids. With Passover and Easter holidays adding extra excitement and preperations to the already busy April Vacation week, we here at Dover-Sherborn Patch wanted to suggest a timeless activity that can be added into your schedule without deadlines, hours of operation and added expenses to this week's activities. Consider taking some "me time" by hiking the beautiful trails of the Noanet Woodlands in Dover! These trails are perfect for that sunny window of opportunity this week, while your kids may be off at a play-date or …

Do you work all week, taking care of the kids, the bills, the house, and the hubby and find that by Friday night you are already in your pj's by 8 p.m.?  Are you exhausted? Well, we have a great idea for you. Stay up and get out this Friday. Perks Coffeehouse, located at 685 Washington Street in Norwood, may just have the best coffee in town.  Sip on a cup of java and be whisked away on a melodic evening, as you listen to the winning sounds of acoustic marvels, Fiske and Herrerra.  This duo is on tour promoting a new album, and is really gaining popularity on the radio. Upcoming shows include…

You may remember the epic snow we had this winter, and even the snow last week!  One of the many major snowstorms this winter forced the cancellation of local writer and national fitness guru Michael Schiemer's book tour stop at the Dover Public Library. However, winter's loss is spring's gain. Or maybe it will end up being a spring "loss" for you....as Michael Schiemer is BACK with a new date planned for a book signing and informational discussion on spring weight loss. Leave the kids at home and run on down to this special event, on Monday April 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the Dover Town Library. …

Each week, Dover Patch searches for things to do close to home that are great excuses to win you some “Me Time.” After all, it is important to take time each week to plan an activity that YOU are excited about. This week, we have found a great event in Norwood that will be double the fun…proceeds from Saturday night’s  Ellie Fund Dinner at the Norwood Sheraton go directly to help programs that support women with breast cancer and their children. Assistance to these women includes help with transportation to cancer treatments, childcare expenses, housekeeping and nutritious meals. This would …

Dover-Sherborn Patch knows how strenuous life can be for a mom. So we look for excuses for you, a busy mom, to steal the car keys and find a great escape nearby…kid-free, husband-free. After a long week, every mom deserves some “Me Time”!This week, we wanted to highlight a unique, funky clothing boutique in Norwood. It is called “Habitat: Clothes to Live In” and their clothing is indeed both stylish and comfortable.  Located at 349 Lenox Street, it offers a great selection of spring clothing. Despite the snow that has fallen this week, there is definitely a new season upon us. Therefore, it …

Now that the Valentine's chocolates have been, errrr, put away...it is time to think about getting into fabulous shape for springtime! Soon this dreary snow will be a thing of the past, and we will all want to look and feel our best! Get started on your personal fitness, with the help and zeal of  Medfield native Michael Schiemer.  He is a certified personal trainer with a ton of fitness, nutritional and motivational experience to offer! This weekend, map out your "me time" for working out with a personal trainer.  Figure out the details, who will watch the kids, what time commitment you can …

Although an often solitary practice, meditation can be even more fun in a social setting.  At the Healing Moon Wellness Center, located at 1 Walpole Street in Norwood, a Sunday retreat is being organized to help women "feel, understand, balance and celebrate EXACTLY who we are.”  Essentially, this workshop teaches about the chakras, in particular the solar plexus.  The course combines writing, dancing, painting, yoga and meditation to regain balance and inner harmony.  Something that all busy moms need! Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow, as this is the “color” of the soalr plexus chakra…