As much as I love my husband and son, it isn’t always easy living in a house with two guys. Oh, how I miss lace, florals and pastels. My men would prefer paper plates on special occasions, rather than my treasured Limoges china and crystal stemware. They just don’t get it.

Over the years, I learned to serve hot dogs with a smile and to quit buying stuff like delicate spring greens and morel mushrooms. Yes, we moms from all-male households eventually find ourselves repressing our preferences as we accommodate our family members’ masculine interests. You know, monster trucks, televised sports, greasy tailgate food and other guy stuff.

I do try to get out at least once a week with one or more of my gal pals. We all love to eat, so finding a gathering spot is no problem. We select restaurants with actual tablecloths and will not abide any eatery lit up by large-screen TVs tuned to ESPN. We order wine, linger over our meal and scoff at red meat.

Moms, where do you escape to recharge?

My friend Kathy and I decided to get really girly yesterday and dined midday at Tea Leaves and Thyme, Woodstock’s local tea parlor that offers a full lunch menu. Not a Y chromosome was in sight on the day of our visit. We had a relaxing lunch served with silver cutlery, china tea cups and all the accoutrements necessary for a girly lunch. The menu included light items such as quiche, soups, salads and croissant sandwiches.

For moms needing some truly relaxing girl time, Tea Leaves and Thyme serves traditional English Afternoon Tea. Sit back and enjoy a hot pot of tea served with a lovely display of fresh fruit, scones, tea sandwiches and miniature desserts. Plan to linger in this estrogen-friendly environment and bask in all things delicate.

A good escape for busy moms involves more than just getting away. It also involves reclaiming simple pleasures that motherhood tends to impede: an afternoon of pampering at the spa, a quiet corner and good book or a walk in the woods with your iPod.

This week, I encourage you to spend a couple of hours eating tiny sandwiches and sipping tea from a real cup while wearing white gloves and a floppy hat. Relax and enjoy. Kathy and I sure did.