Boys may forge the bonds of friendship at a ballpark, but girls prefer to bond over lunch and shopping at the mall. As boys grow into men, it isn't unusual for the venue to change to a golf course. Women? We proudly continue the shopping tradition taught us by our mothers and just move the locale to more exciting places.

While I realize these scenarios may be cliches, my friends and I are proof that the generality fits us like a comfortable pair of walking shoes, particularly as we search for good bargains. Last weekend, we raised the level of the female bonding experience to new heights in the shopping mecca that is New York City.

As we walked down Park Avenue gazing at the glittering sights and sounds of the Big Apple, it was obvious that just one male mind in the group would have totally changed the dynamics of the experience. We five savvy shoppers moved as if in concert with one common goal — and thought nothing of plunking down $16 for a half-ounce tube of "plumping up" pink lip gloss.

Traveling by subway, we experienced Manhattan's quaint shops, restaurants and the bright lights of the theater district, seeing and doing as much as is possible in a three-day marathon.

We shopped in Chinatown and lunched in Little Italy, saw the glamour that is Times Square and promised each other we would do it again.

This friendship bracelet is my offering of appreciation to my friends and yours as a reminder that you should never take friends for granted. Make one for each of your pals, because friendships occasionally need to be taken out and dusted off. I combined instructions I found at various Internet sites to make these simple bracelet designs.

Supplies you will need:

  1 millimeter satin cord or embroidery thread in six different colors

  Clipboard

  Pony beads (optional).

Cut cord into six, 24-inch lengths.

Tie the ends into an overhand knot and slip it under the clip on the board to hold. Make sure each cord is separated.

Start with the cord that is farthest to the left. Place it over the thread next to it so it forms the shape of the number "4". Bring it under that thread and pull it through the hole. Do this twice.

Continue making the "4" shaped-knot over the remaining threads, one at a time, until the thread that was originally on the left is now on the right side.

Repeat the process with each thread, always starting with the newest first string on the left.

When you have enough weave to fit around your wrist, make a knot to hold your weave. Tie the ends together.