Living Frugal in Recession Times and getting back to basics at the same time!

So, rethinking the whole "I need entertainment" syndrome led me to rethink many other areas of my life, and average daily routine. As the prices of everything elso going up, I had to find ways to pay for the necessities of life- utility bills, car repairs, cell phones, food, etc. You know all about it. There is none out there immune to this juggling act. Except lots of balls are now falling...Well, I really got down to brass tacks, and obviously, lots of paid forms of entertainment went south. But after pondering my options for viable substitutes, it all came down to "there is no place like Home". You remember where that quote came from-don't you? I had to look into what I already have and find ways to be content and make the best of it. So, into the DVD collection we accrued thru the years, dusted them off, bought my Movie popcorn online at Movietyme popcorn.com for 20.00 for 2 -12 pound bags of the best popcorn you will ever eat. We also remembered the great kettle corn we loved to eat at Hershey park(say goodbye to that)and found a super simple recipe for it, and on Friday nites or any movie nite, we make a batch of kettle corn, get out some blankets, and watch a favorite dvd. No gas, no lines, we can burp freely, bathroom breaks, great company, and we save about 75.00 plus 8.00 gas to get to that not so great movie. We now have fun planning movie nite, searching for cool old movies, (Dean Jones and Doris Day have become cult favorites with us recently) and planning snacks. We even take walks. We could even stand to lose a few pounds this way too. The kids are now aware of how NOT to spend money. Very interesting concept. They can really run with it. Give them a few good basic ideas and they will have fun too planning a cheap nite in. We are going to experiment soon with the Laptop in the car for a "DRIVE in Movie" experience. We gave up soda, and make cheap iced tea instead, lot of savings giving up soda. Making rice krispie treats are good too, just make sure you get Krispies on sale. And we have taken up reading again. ANd cleaning the house the right way. We now visit more with local neighbors, and coffee time is now special with that drop in friend. Cooking up french fries for the kids is healthier and Definitely cheaper. We now hang the clothes outside to dry and spend time- get this -TALKING with each other!!!! We
have found this recession to be a time of coming together and not falling apart!