Momsday: The Great Escape

Hello, Moms! How is everyone doing this week?

Ready for some great ways to get out and enjoy time with your husband and friends this week in Baldwin-Whitehall? Our community always has something going on, and this week is no exception.

Lent is upon us, and that means it is time to get out and try one of our local fish fries for dinner on Friday. on Greenridge Drive in is one of the many local churches in our area serving up some great food.

St Gabriel's offers dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays during Lent (except Good Friday). The parish's fish dinners cost only $8.50 each and feature hand-breaded fried cod, baked orange roughy, shrimp and seafood cakes. St. Gabe's also offers a wide variety of a la carte items. This is always a great way to enjoy dinner out in a welcoming, social environment and to see many of your friends and neighbors that you have not seen all winter.

To me, Lent is like the kickoff to spring, and fish fries start to bring everyone back out into the community from their cozy winter homes.

After your fish dinner at St. Gabe's on Friday night, March 18, you can head over to  on Curry Road in to catch Norman Nardini. That’s right – Norman Nardini, a great Pittsburgh musician that has been around for many years. Did you know that Norman and his band opened for Bon Jovi at CONSOL Energy Center in February?

Norman and his band always put on a great show. The cover charge is only $3, and the band starts playing at 9 p.m. Grab your friends and head out for a great night of music. Norman Nardini is playing right here in Baldwin!

Now that spring is on the way, it's time to do some shopping for some new things for the house or maybe that new spring wardrobe. But with your dollar being stretched further than ever these days, where do you find a bargain?

What about the local thrift stores? I was out and about this week and stopped by the , where I found some great bargains. I found a new blouse with the original tags from Macy's still on it! It is always fun to grab a friend to go with you on a treasure hunt at thrift stores.

With all the money that you save, you can afford a lunch out with that friend afterwards to help you both unwind during a busy week.

Hey, is baking one of your secret stress relievers? Love to get your hands in some dough and forget about the hundreds of things that you have to remember being a busy mom?

Next Wednesday, March 23, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the , HappyJack Bakery Owner Lynnette Kelley will demonstrate how to make her flaky pie crust. You can discuss baking tips with other moms and sample some goodies. The class is free, but online registration is required. Register this week before it's too late!

So, there you go, moms – some more great ways to gets some "mommy time." Remember that every mom needs some.

Have a great week!