Mommy Meetups" each month now throughJune 2013. Each meeting has atheme and offers an opportunity for moms (not to excludeMr. Moms!) toget together anddo something, learn something andshare something interesting. The next one is Feb. 7.
I decided to attend andfind out what the last meetup was all about. Theprogramfocused on Natural Beauty and making your own products from common household items, or natural ingredients.
Let me say, for the record, I am a new mom with a busy scheduleon a strict budget.For me, convenience is soimportant, butI alsowant the best for my family at a fair price. I want safe products in my home that don't haveall those harmfulchemicals companiessneak in. Sometimes, those store bought products don't come cheap, and I don't like to spend a ton of money on beauty products if there's something better out there and less expensive. So I've heard making your own products is actually easier, cheaper,and less time consuming than you'd think- as long as you know what you're doing.
Grapes, sugar and grape seed oil is all you need for this at-home manicure.
I'm here to testify, Lucy was onto something with thegrape stomping. Justpour some sugar on those grapesand you got yourself a manicure (or pedicure in her case). The sugar combined with the grapes exfoliates hangnails from your cuticles. Re-moisturize with grape seed oil and…Voila! Soft, beautiful hands, in seconds. And with all that diaper changing and hand washing, this could be your newfavorite home remedy.
Learn moretips and tricks using natural, at-home products
I alsoattended a natural beauty program at last year's Women's Wellness Weekend, called "Crunchy Cosmetics". At first I was skeptical (because like I said, I'ma busy mom I don't have much time for making stuff) but since I've been using what we made, specifically the Christmas Creme (almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E, shea butter and peppermint oil), I swear it'sbetter thanBurt's Bees– and I love it even more because I made it. Of course, I shared and we traded some secrets (like applying a strawberry to ablemish, or whitening teeth with yummy ingredients from your kitchen) so now I justgrab basic household items I already havefor mini pampering sessions! This meetupis exactly whatI have been looking for…long as I have thesupplies and fun doing it.Somuch more funthandoing it alone at home too.
Women's Wellness Weekend at Claytor Lake, offered "Crunchy Cosmetics"
Mommy meetups in the past have includedtea tasting, basket weaving, a Christmas cookieexchange, and next upisblanket making (all inone hour!)-plusa chance to make some friends.Come chat with other people, talk to our rangers, bring your kid…after all, we're all neighbors!Hey, maybe even host your own meetup and run a program of your own? We'd love that! Ifyou've had an idea you've been dying to see at the park, we have a groupof peoplethat meetevery month to talk abouttheir interests and parkrelated stuff. We call them ourFriends group, they're volunteers, and we'relooking for new members to join. Don't worry, there's no commitment,Leesylvania invites you to attend a meeting without even becoming a member; the meetings are open to everyone.
The Friends of Leesylvania hold a Kid's Fishing Tournament every year
So meetup with us.Come tothe next Mommy (or Daddy) Meetup on February 7. Let'smakesome warm winterblankets, swap stories, drink hotchocolate,anddon't worry aboutthe supplies. You justbring the company.We typically meet the first Thursday of the month in the Visitor Center at 11 am-12 pm. The program is free and open to the public. Next Friends meeting is Jan. 15 at 7:30 pm.
Find out more about this and other programs offeredby calling the Visitor Center (703) 583-6904 or email Virginia State Park.
Not familiar with Leesylvania State Park? The park is in the southeast area of Prince William County, about 25 miles from Washington, D.C., and Fredericksburg. From I-95, take Rippon Landing Exit 156, then go east on Dale Blvd. to U.S. 1. Jefferson Davis Hwy. Turn right on Jefferson Davis Hwy., and then turn left onto Neabsco Rd. (Route 610) east for about two miles. Or, use this map and/or directions from Google.