I came across this month’s issue of Woman’s Day—not a typical purchase of mine, usually favoring Vogue or Women’s Health and when I’m feeling organized, Real Simple. Plus, when my faith life needs some encouragement, I reach for Gather (I hope you do too!).
I was struck not only by Woman’s Day’s promise of losing 15 pounds before Thanksgiving (yea, right.) but also by a section about Thanksgiving-inspired spa treatments. Plus it featured some easy-to-do, homemade, pumpkin-related masks. More internet searches reveal a host of DIY pumpkin treatments. I’ve included a couple below.
This particular article reminded me of the Chocolate Spa networking events that I organize with young adult moms (and one that we offered adult leaders at the ELCA Youth Gathering last July) and I thought it could make a great addition to a post-Thanksgiving or pre-Christmas gathering you might plan.
Now, I’m not sure how to use these recipes for a large number of people, but perhaps they would work well with a small gathering. Plus, after the treatments, why not include a devotion? And maybe it would be a good time to talk about Thankofferings? Could your participants bring food for a local pantry? How else might you build on these ideas?
We have so much to be thankful for, and gathering a group of women together in community and enjoying some pampering is truly a gift. So, will you be throwing a spa party after the holidays? If so, I hope you’ll tell me how it goes.
(Please note: Beauty experts always advise a patch test prior to application, in case of a reaction. And all ingredients should be shared with your guests especially if they have allergies.)
Elizabeth McBride is the director for Intergenerational programs and editor of Café.