Its been a month and a half with the kids at home repeating the dreaded phrase: "I'm bored!"

When the kids are restless and the school year is still another month away, how do you spell relief? M-o-m-m-y-t-i-m-e.

When we get the chance to have a bit of free time, don't you feel like you have to get the most out of it?

This week, let's talk about some local options for some much needed personal time (which does not include going to the grocery store by yourself).

A great after-dinner option is to send the kids to the bath or an evening activity with Dad or Grandma and get a few girlfriends together for coffee at St. Louis Bread Company or a sweet treat at Coldstone Creamery. You really can't beat an hour or two of just talking about all those silly things that make a mom's life unique. Whether you talk about the kids or truly get away for an evening and chat about anything else other than "home," it's a great way to unwind and laugh with a few friends.

A great no-cost solution is to stay up late and watch your favorite movie or browse the "mom blogs." Don't feel bad about creating some time to let yourself do the things you miss when the kids control the media.

If you are up for some time away and a workout at the same time, grab your tennis shoes and your iPod or walking buddy and head to St. Ferdinand Park for a few laps around the path.

The loop around the field is approxamately 0.8 miles, and the lighting and number of people in and out of the park make it a safer alternative for walking at dusk.

If I really want to splurge on myself, there are numerous places to get the royal treatment with a manicure. 

Just around $20 gets you 45 minutes of pampering and cute toenails to show off with your summertime flip flops. Florissant has plenty of local shops such as Pacific Nails, 2175 Charbonier Rd., or Great Nails, 64 Grandview Plaza Shopping Ctr. These salons have walk-in service when you can sneak away during the day.

If you have the support at home, I suggest getting involved in at least one weekly activity that forces you to get some time for yourself, such as a volleyball league, Zumba class or regular coffee meeting with a few friends.

It is easy for us to put off taking care of ourselves when we have so many responsibilites to our family. After it's all said and done, that time we take for ourselves helps build us up and gives us the rest and patience to do the thing we do best—love our families.