On February 13—and all the other days—I am grateful for the lady friends who help me survive the balancing act of raising teenagers. If you, too, rely on a tribe of strong, powerful land mermaids, join me (and the indomitable Leslie Knope) in celebrating our gal pals.
Take a spa day! Have a party (with waffles)! And if your language of love is gifts, here are a few actual ideas, from my heart. None of them is sponsored (tragically); they’re just good ideas.
MY BOOK (OBVIOUSLY)
One reason I started this project in the first place was to help parents of teenagers feel less alone. Share the love! If you have a girlfriend whose life is being disrupted by teenagers (or almost-teenagers), Beyond Mama Bear is a gift of hope. And support. And laughter about our shared struggles, and real, practical advice for making the best of the adolescent years! Shop local and grab a signed copy at the Tattered Cover in the Denver metro, or find it on amazon.com!
NOTES OF GRATITUDE
Here, from Emily McDowell Studio for Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, is a most excellent list of ways to give thanks to our girlfriends. Share hers or write your own (and be sure to include all the ways your Galentine helps you be a better parent to your offspring)!
EMERGENCY UNICORN
When she is simply overwhelmed by the crappiness of life, give your best girl a pocket-sized reminder that she’s “amazing!” I have personally given several of these absurd little things to my friends. Available online and—shop local, Denverites!—I got mine at Hope Tank on Broadway, where your gifts give back. (I recently bought up their supply of Emergency Unicorns, but even if they’re out of stock, I promise you’ll find gifts at Hope Tank worthy of your favorite ladies.)
GLASSY BABY
Seriously, I wish glassy baby would sponsor me. I’ve been aware of these pretty little votive holders, hand-blown in Seattle and Berkeley, beloved and fanatically collected by many, but I just finally received one of my own last year (a gift from a girlfriend, of course). And I get it. It’s truly beautiful and warm and yummy when a candle burns inside. It’s brought me a lot of joy and I intend to spread it as far as I can. (10% of the sale of each glassybaby is donated to the glassybaby white light fund to help people, animals, and the planet heal.)
When you live with teenagers and weeks of winter lay ahead, February can be especially cruel. Let's take every opportunity to celebrate what's good. At the top of my list: the women who inspire me, help me, give me hope and make me laugh. Happy everything, girlfriends. Shine on! <3