Nothing beats indulging in a little R&R while also catching up with your girlfriends. Many spas or bathhouses have communal areas where you can lounge together, soak in a hot tub, and blissfully sip on flavored water while you whisper and laugh about the latest episode of “Real Housewives.” Sometimes, it’s just nice to enjoy some peace and quiet…together. Especially when it involves covering your eyes with cold cucumbers.
5 Girls’ Night Out Ideas That’ll Make You the Unsung Hero of Your Group Chat
When your girls’ night out plans finally move out of the group chat and actually come to fruition, nine times out of ten they probably involve some version of dinner and drinks. And while that’s a perfectly fine way to spend an evening catching up with your besties, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. In fact, I once read that our brains are attracted to novelty, and we are more inclined to have stronger memories of events when they involve trying something new.
Ever since, I’ve been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to making social plans. Sometimes, it’s as simple as trying a new type of cuisine or exploring a different part of town. And at other times, it’s a little more adventurous…like glow-in-the-dark kayaking under the light of the moon. Since it’s hard enough to find a date that works for everyone in your friend group let alone agree on a restaurant, I’ve got you covered with five out-of-the-box ideas for a girls’ night out that are sure to make memories that stick.
Catch an action-packed flick at the theater
Going to the theater to watch a film feels like an outright luxury these days, especially since many of us usually stream movies from our couch. Not to mention, watching a movie in a group setting just hits differently, whether you’re laughing communally, booing the bad guy, or sitting on the edge of your seats together. And honestly, where else do you get the opportunity to eat your weight in butter popcorn and concession stand treats?
If you don’t have a G.N.O. on your cal in the near future, I highly suggest adding one ASAP to go see “The Marvels” movie, which opens in theaters November 10. It’s the first film in the Marvel comic universe to ever feature a trio of all-female heroes (plus it was directed by a woman). Judging by the trailer, this sequel to “Captain Marvel” has no shortage of high-action superhero sequences, but it also has lots of humor sprinkled throughout as well. I absolutely love the strong, fearless female energy this film gives off and think it would be a perfect one to go see with your girl gang.
Marvel Studios’ The Marvels | Official Trailer
You’re probably already familiar with the “sip and paint” concept. Well, a “sip and script” class is very similar in that you get to learn the ancient art form of calligraphy while sipping on tasty cocktails. This company holds calligraphy events nationwide and focuses on teaching you how to letter specific items like envelopes or place cards. Who knows, you may even discover that you have a few hand-lettering queens just waiting to be unleashed in your friend group. And bonus points if any of you happen to be getting married soon because you’ll be able to crowd-source the calligraphy duties for the invitations.
While you might have already gone with friends to see a psychic, chances are you probably haven’t had your auras read yet. And you might even be wondering WTH is an aura? Essentially, it’s the dominant color that surrounds your energy field—aka what kind of vibe you’re giving off. By having yours read, it can help you see if your energy may be misaligned with your overall life goals. In the same way that palm readings and psychic fortunes can open the door to juicy conversations, I can only imagine the memorable topics this might spark among your group post-aura-reading.
4 fall date night ideas to add to your bucket list
It’s the coziest time of the year and the perfect time to try out some new date-night ideas. These are a perfect way to spice up your week with your significant other. Fall date-night ideas don’t have to break the bank and they can also be done as fun activities with friends.
So, grab whoever you love most, pick your favorite date idea (or two) and get to planning. The best way to celebrate any season is with the one you love.
Fall picnic
While it is getting colder, the changing of leaves makes for the perfect background for a cozy picnic date. College Green is an especially good place for a picnic this time of year, as it looks like it’s right out of a movie scene. You can also venture to Emeriti Park for beautiful scenery, but if the weather is too cold you can move the picnic inside.
When it starts to get cold, the first step to any good picnic is a cozy blanket. Grab what you don’t mind getting dirty and bundle up. As for food, you and your date can grab some takeout from Court Street for a special treat or pack some snacks of your own. You can even bring games to the picnic or simply catch up and enjoy a meal. It’s a perfect way to slow down and enjoy all of fall’s beauty while spending time with your person.
Go for a hike
Because fall foliage doesn’t last long, it’s essential to see all of the beauty before it goes away. Going on a hike is a great way to get some exercise while spending some alone time with your partner. If you’re looking for a place to hike, Stroud’s Run State Park is beautiful this time of year and boasts over 10 trails to enjoy. Stroud’s is 15 minutes away from campus and a great destination for a day trip.
Can’t make it to Stroud’s? A walk around campus is a great option. You can venture off toward State Street, or even make a big loop around Ohio University’s campus.
Paint and sip
Looking for a date night idea that brings out your creative side? A paint-and-sip night is the perfect way to let your inner artist out. First, you’ll need some canvases. You can find these at Walmartstarting at $2.47, or you can just use white printer paper. Painting kits are also sold at Walmart and range from $5 to $20. If you’re looking for an even simpler way to do this date night, you can use markers and pens you may have lying around.
Pair your painting night with a fall drink to create the perfect “paint and sip” night. You can find amazing fall mocktail and cocktail ideas here. The beauty of this date night is that you can do it in the comfort of your own home. It’s a fun way to mix things up, and even paint something you can use as decor.
Elevated movie night
The best way to unwind and cozy up during the cold season is a movie night. For date night, there are lots of ways to spice up your movie night and bring the theater to you. Rather than watching a movie on the couch, create a cozy hideout on the floor. You can even add lights or candles to add a warm ambiance.
Along with a cozy space, the next thing every good movie night has is snacks. Popcorn is a must for movie watching, and if you want to add even more activities to date night, make a special snack with your partner. Caramel apples are a common fall favorite and can be made with ingredients easily found at the markets on campus. Find an easy recipe to make them here. All that’s left is to turn on your movie and enjoy.
