As every Modern Mom knows, maintaining friendships is vital to our sanity but who's got the time to plan a night with the gals? If it's been months since you've spent quality time with your girlfriends, take the initiative and set up a gathering.

FIRST STEP: Let your mate know (in advance, of course) that you're planning a girls night (or weekend day) and he's in charge of the chicklets during that time.

SECOND STEP: Email or call the girls to clear their schedules and book Dad or a babysitter for the date you have in mind. Ask for suggestions or provide a couple of different options for the get-together (see below).

THIRD STEP: Plan! We've suggested a few fairly low-maintenance ideas, but really, anything you decide to do will be perfect as long as you and your friends can relax, chat and have fun together.

Pamper Fest

No, I'm not talking about diapers! Invite the gals over and prepare a light menu of nourishing finger foods or ask everyone to bring a small something. Go to your local drugstore and buy two or three shades of nail polish and a mint foot lotion. If you're adventurous try our recipe for Soothing Foot Scrub. Also buy a simple facial mask that's suitable for all skin types. We like Alba Botanica's Herbal Clay Masque or Kiss My Face Organics Deep Cleansing Mask. When the girls come over, take turns giving pedicures and facials while noshing on healthy bites, sparkling water and wine!

Movie Night

I need to plan this because I'm not sure what the last movie I saw in a theatre was (sadly, I believe it was "Minority Report" with Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell in 2002!). If you've got the same problem and your spouse won't go see "The Last Kiss" with you either, get the girls together for dinner and a movie. You get to eat among adults, gossip with the girls, AND eat popcorn and candy!

21 Again?

Even though we aren't able to stay up past 10:30pm AND be social anymore, can't we just try for one night? Now, I'm not suggesting you and the girls go out for an all-night bender, but get out there, go dancing or hang at a martini bar.

Book Club

My friend Kim spearheaded a book club with some moms and I admit it: I was skeptical. I love to read, but a bunch of ladies sitting around discussing what they read? B-O-R-I-N-G. Another thing I rarely admit: I was wrong. First of all, we pick a great mixture of fun books as well as bestsellers like "Lovely Bones," "Diary of a Mad Mom-To-Be" and "Look At Me: A Novel". Then, we get together monthly (rotating homes) and have a potluck dinner. Over great food and good wine, we chat about the book and usually stray to other topics. At the end, we have an entertaining night out and add to our book collections.

Fun in the Sun

Take a day trip to a nice local hotel (our favorite: Starwood's W Hotels) or a day spa even if it's just for a great lunch and to hang at the pool (and maybe even a shopping trip afterwards). You'll feel refreshed and invigorated having taken the time out for yourself and your best pals.

Again, whether it's a well-planned event or simply crashing at home or meeting at a restaurant, it's important to make time for friends and keep in touch. A strong, healthy network of good friends is a Modern Mom's most valuable resource!

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