Needing a girls day out?

With the temperatures soaring in the high 50s lately, one of my friend and I decided it was time for a girls’ day out get-together. She showed up right on time, and we headed out for a wonderful chat over breakfast. You can’t imagine the various topics of our conversations that were anything but serious. So much to discuss and so little time!

Depending on the circumstances and the people involved, a girls’ day out doesn’t have to be planned. Spontaneity rules and can be very beneficial for the soul. I’ve experienced several planned ones that include everything from a complete day-spa package to a gourmet lunch. These are traditionally planned for a bride and her attendants or other special occasions. The day is filled with fun, gossip and lots of laughter.

Mother and daughter ones also can be loads of fun. Girls of all ages learn early just how enjoyable it is to be pampered. These usually include pedicures and manicures and sometimes foot and hand sugar scrubs that make the skin soft and fragrant. There are plenty of giggles and squealing when girls and their moms get together for these fun times.

I’ve been known to make batches of sugar scrubs to give as presents for birthday and Christmas presents. The results are in: Everyone seems to enjoy them. Although the most popular fragrance is lemon, the lavender and brown sugarhoney ones are also really good. I’m including the recipes just in case you want to try them for yourself. If bought at a retail store, sugar scrubs often can cost from $18 to $30 for an 8 to 12 ounce jar. They can be made in your kitchen at a great savings, with very little labor and lots of fun. Make sure you use sterilized jars. Each recipe makes about four to five half-pint jars.

Natural lemon sugar body scrub (clean-up time): This is great for the kitchen after the chores are done. In a medium bowl, mix 3 cups white sugar, 6 tablespoons of grape seed oil seated in vitamin E oil to make it the consistency of a sugar scrub. Stir until ingredients are well blended, then spoon into jars. It smells fresh and cuts grease, and the grape seed oil is reparative for dry hands.

Lavender vanilla sugar body scrub: In a medium bowl mix together 2 cups of white sugar, 3 tablespoons of sweet almond oil seated in vitamin E oil, 3 tablespoons of white vanilla, some dried lavender bits and lavender essential oil (about 20 drops); then add enough extra virgin olive oil to make it the consistency of a sugar scrub. Mix until ingredients are well blended, then spoon into jars. This is a natural fragrance that aids in relaxation, and the almond oil is a great moisturizer.

The ultimate sugar body scrub (brown sugar and honey): In a medium bowl mix together 1½ cups white sugar, 1½ cups brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of honey, 6 tablespoons vanilla. Add just enough extra virgin olive oil to make it the consistency of a sugar scrub. Stir until well blended then spoon into jars. This is a great cleanser. Brown sugar sloughs off dead skin cells and brings fresh skin to life, while honey moisturizes and is antibacterial.

If you forget to put the lid back on and any becomes dry, just add a bit more extra virgin olive oil and stir until blended. These keep indefinitely in your cabinet.

Labels can be bought at most discount stores or office supply stores. Imagine having your own day spa for a fraction of the cost.