It's still a recession, but definitely not a reason to cut back on hanging with your girls. Check out these 10 free or inexpensive ways to have fun with your girlfriends.

1. Potluck Dinners
Choose a theme (Mexican, soul food, etc.) and have everyone cook up a new dish. This is a great way to hone your cooking skills, and the perfect excuse to try creating something new. There's bound to be leftovers, which makes this an easy way to save on lunch money. Can you say two for one? (Take this to the next level and make it a monthly tradition with rotating themes.)

2. Wine Night
White or red, this is the perfect addition to any girl talk. Grab your favorite friends and a few bottles of wine and let the good times roll. No need to pick up the most expensive bottle - there's plenty to choose from under 20 bucks. 3. Mani/Pedi Sessions
Slip off to your local salon for their $20 combo deal. There are plenty of these around the country, so find your spa today!

4. Book Clubs
Choose a theme, or a topic of the month, and find a corresponding book. This is an incredible way to dig deeper on a particular topic, or the perfect excuse to just gather as a group and chat about various issues. Many books are now equipped with discussion questions, making them the perfect choice for a book club.

Here are a few to jump-start your book club today: The Help by Kathryn Stockett, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz or the entire Yada Yada Prayer Group series by Neta Jackson.

5. Spontaneous Picnics
What's better than enjoying the sunshine with your girls?! Grab a few blankets, a bottle of wine, cheese and a few other snacks and spend the afternoon just relaxing.

6. Quarterly Girlfriend Gifts
Who says secret Santa has to be limited to Christmas? Here's how you do it: Everyone randomly select a name, and with a $15 (or less) budget, choose a small gift for one of your girlfriends. Remember the nail polish Alana said she wanted, or Bridget's favorite movie that just came out on DVD? Now's the perfect time to make her day. Gather at a friend's house for the ultimate gift exchange. 7. Get Your Workout On
It's important we encourage each other to have a healthy lifestyle. Hold one another accountable by taking free classes at the gym, or doing group walks/runs around the park.

8. Free Concerts
In a variety of cities around the country, there are a myriad of free spring/summer concerts. Check out your local paper's style and entertainment sections for those coming near you.

9. Matinee Movies
Forget seeing a movie after the lights turn down! Head to your local movie theatre for a matinee with your girls and save at least $6. And, of course, grab your Skittles, Raisinets, and M&Ms from the drugstore before you head in. Who are they trying to fool charging $4 for a small pack of Sour Patch Kids? Child please.

And last, but certainly not least...

10. One of the greatest inventions of all time – the Unlimited Brunch
In cities around the U.S., for $20 or less (some around $12.95), you can enjoy a fabulous brunch with more mimosas and bellinis than you and your girls can handle. (Not sure these are offered in your town? Head to your favorite restaurant and encourage the owner to look into it. It's great for business. Get involved; it's your civic duty!)



Tell us! What are some things you and your girlfriends love to do?


Jovian Zayne is a writer, photographer and occasional radio host in New York City. Jovian also works with Janelle Monae & The Wondaland Arts Society along with Teach For America. Read more from Jovian on Word Up Haay! and follow her on twitter @jovizi for laughs, encouragement and your daily dose of quick wit.