Kristen Lee is the owner of Woodgroove (www.woodgroove.com), handcrafted, one-of-a-kind uniquely
personalized gifts, including heirloom growth charts, blocks, plaques and more. Here's what this Southborough,
Mass., mother of two girls has to say:

"When my days seem like Groundhog Day over and over again, it can be rough. At times, the daily monotony is enough to make anyone crazy. Although I do the things I do to keep life moving in the right direction for my family, it’s just so much better when it doesn’t feel so dull or stagnant.

One thing that helps me is having something to look forward to. Whether it is an individual activity for me (going out with friends), an outing with the hubby (date night) or something we plan as a family (museum visits, indoor rock climbing, etc.), just knowing that a fun, different and special 'something' is on the agenda gets me through the boring day to day much easier.

I’ve also realized that these things don’t have to be extravagant or expensive to make a difference. The kids don’t care what an activity costs. They are just as excited to have a picnic in the park as they are going to an amusement park. The break from the everyday expectations does us all good. More recently, we have really tried to include the kids in our family event-planning process. As they get older, they have definite opinions about what is fun and what isn’t. In everyday life, we work very hard, so rewarding ourselves should be just as important. Take the time to keep it exciting by finding activities and events to look forward to."

Katrina Emmerson Kugel is the co-founder of jasmere.com, an online marketplace that spotlights ‘gems of the web’ and offers their products at up to 70 percent off for 24 hours. Here's what this Silver Spring, Md., mother of two boys has to say:

"1. Declare the day/hour/week 'Mom Camp.' Make a plan with your kids for what activities you’ll do, what field trips you’ll take, make your own blend of trail mix together, come up with an official Mom Camp song. At the end of the day, gather in their 'cabin' with flashlights and share your favorite moments as you tuck them into bed.

2. Have the kids help you make smoothies, but let them pick the ingredients; make ice cube tray popsicles with juice and toothpicks; or have the kids make their own dessert recipes and prepare for the evening meal. (Applesauce, chocolate chip and Maraschino cherry graham crackers, anyone?)

3. Create a toy box in an out-of-the-way storage area. Add to it anytime you find a great deal on children’s gifts and also put away a couple of their birthday gifts to open later. When it’s too hot to go outside, a 'new' toy can go a long way to entertain stir-crazy little ones.

4. Go to your local (air-conditioned) art museum with sketch pads and colored pencils. Let them pick a painting that inspires them and put their own spin on it. These pictures are often suitable for framing and giving as gifts for the holidays. If all else fails, host a 'cocktails and chaos' party. Fill up a baby pool and give squirt guns to the little people, fill up the margarita pitcher and give (nonbreakable) glasses to the big people, and celebrate. You made it through another dog day of summer.”

Dawn Butler is the co-founder of Namaste Inc. (www.namasteinc.com), a line of hip, durable, animal- and kid-friendly, fashion-meets-function handbags. Here's what this Los Angeles mother of two has to say:

"I am blessed to be married to a wonderful man and am proud to be mom to two amazing kids, but dog day-weary moms…I feel you! As women, I believe we have a tendency to want to do it all: wife, mother, businesswoman, etc., and be the best we can possibly be at everything we do. After years of doing my very best to be the ringleader of my own little three-ring circus, I decided it was absolutely necessary to follow a few very sound pieces of advice my mom has been giving me for years:

1. Take time for yourself. We’re so busy being caretakers that it’s very easy and common for us to forget to take care of ourselves. Whether it’s an hour a week or an hour a day, if I take a little bit of time out for myself, it makes a world of difference for me and my family.

2. No one is a mind reader—if you need help, ask for it. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. The truth of the matter is that those closest to you are more than happy to help.

My family is my greatest joy in life, and they will always come first, but it’s about finding balance and utilizing the resources I have in and around me to make it all work. We should always seek balance and remember that mom is a person, too. Namaste."