"Instead of waiting for a table in a loud, crowded restaurant where it can be tough to have a conversation, you can learn great cooking techniques and be able to talk to each other during class."
— Jennifer Vogel
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| Life is for celebrating with friends and making memories. So don't let the economy put a damper on your fun. "We all get so caught in our busy lives that we forget what we really want and what we dream about," said author Pam Grout.
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Making time for friends and adult conversations adds balance to life. "Make plans in advance before you realize you're too busy to do it. Then you can't get out of it or make up excuses," Grout said. And quality time with friends doesn't have to be expensive. So, call the girlfriends, set a date and try our budget-friendly ideas.
1. Be a patron of the arts.
A trip to the local theater, ballet, museum or symphony can be an inexpensive and fun way to spend an evening. Look for shows or events at your community theater, a performance school or a local university. Some events even may be free!
2. Play board games.
No time to plan? Have a game night! Play cards or another favorite game that adults love. To get out of the house, find a local restaurant or bar that has a weekly trivia night. Better yet, kick out the guys and kids and host a poker night for all of your girlfriends.
3. Take a cooking class.
Sign up for a cooking class with your friends. Learn something new and catch up with the girls. Jennifer Vogel, co-owner of a cooking school in Cincinnati, believes cooking classes make a great night out. "It's fun! Instead of waiting for a table in a loud, crowded restaurant where it can be tough to have a conversation, you can learn great cooking techniques and be able to talk to each other during class," Vogel said. "There is a lot of laughter in our classes."
4. Hold a clothing swap.
At the start of a new season, ask your friends in advance to bring any of their unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories to your party. Let everyone sort through and pick out the items she wants. Donate any unwanted clothes to charity. It's a fun, free way to update your wardrobe.
5. Go for dessert.
Get your girlfriends to dress up and go out to a restaurant just for dessert. You'll avoid paying for an expensive dinner but still have a special night on the town.
6. Host a spa night. Nothing says girls' night like a spa party.
Give manicures, pedicures and facials. Serve fun, healthy drinks and turn on some chick flicks. If you want to go all out, hire a masseuse to give massages. A spa night is a great way to pamper yourself and spend time with the girls.
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