Dayna from the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library sent this note about a fun program at the library last week. She says the one thing she learned was that she should have an assistant next time–we’re reduced to a generic photo this time because Dayna was too busy to take photos!

Girls Night Out: create and enjoy natural spa products. The program was for 10 -14 year-old girls accompanied by an adult female (Mom, older sister, grandma, etc.)We had pre-registration for 24/12 pairs. The program filled up and a couple of the women called and got my permission to bring an extra girl. Each was asked to bring a towel and reminded that if they had food or plant allergies, they would want to pass on this program. Using library resources and mainly common kitchen ingredients I came up with a “menu” for the evening. This included the following:

First Course –Exfoliation:

Refreshing orange and cornmeal scrub

Yummy brown sugar scrub

Second Course – Customized skin care: masques for all skin types

Oily skin – Egg whites, witch hazel and lemon juice masque

Dry skin – Yogurt and honey masque

Third Course – Finishing touches

Oily skin – Apple cider vinegar astringent

Dry skin – Cocoa creme deep moisturizer

Dessert – Beeswax and honey lip balm

I set up work stations for making each of the items, including ingredients, supplies and recipe. Everyone pitched right in and got busy! Next, everyone rotated around the room trying each “course.” They got to choose either the astringent or moisturizer to bring home. I made the lip gloss because that required using the stove–everyone got one (Although I’m not sure it turned out as well as I had hoped.) I used our die cut machine for hearts to decorate paper sandwich bags, and also to cut out a cute heart-topped box for their lip gloss. They made these at the end.

I pulled a table of books on related subjects. I also created a resource list and bibliography they got to take home.This program had wonderful response. I’ve been asked to repeat it next year. Also, participants expressed an interest in more “mother-daughter” programming. This age group is very enthusiastic and loves hands-on types of programming.

The most costly items were the natural products I purchased at the health food store. I did locate good wholesale sites for aromatherapy and cosmetic making products, and also for ordering containers.

For more information on this program, you can contact Dayna at the public library in Eau Claire, or me at iflsyouth@gmail.com. Dayna sent me bibliographies and recipes!