Movies cost an arm and a leg

While watching the Oscar’s last Sunday, I had an epiphany. Although I hear the numbers every weekend, I was in utter shock! The highest grossing movie…362.1 million dollars domestically… didn’t win best picture! I can’t believe the amount of money Americans spend to be entertained. The Husband took the offspring to see a matinee on Saturday and it cost $25! I already had dinner planned so I told them not to buy popcorn. Good thing because that popcorn would have been their last supper. That brings me to this week’s blog. Entertainment is not free. It may cost you an arm and a leg.

Most people are paying for cable or satellite channels in their home. Thanks FCC. In my house, we have at least 200 channels even though we can only watch one channel at a time. Use these channels to your advantage. Call over some friends and entertain them with a movie via pay-per -view or premium channel movie. Sharing an average cost of a pay-per-view movie of $4.99 between 4-6 people is a lot more economical than $8 a piece. Movie night at home is a great way to save money and build friendships.
Here are some elements for movie night entertaining:

• Try to choose a movie that is showing on your premium movie channels. If you are already paying for it; use it.
• Turn down the lights to create a movie theater glow.
• Make some popcorn and add seasonings from your own cupboard. Sprinkle a little garlic, parmesan cheese or even sugar to create different flavors. I like extra buttery.
• Have a pot luck dinner and turn movie night into “dinner and a movie”.
• Plan ahead. Watch the TV guide for movie premiers. If you are purchasing, DVD or Blue Ray release dates often comes with price cuts. 
• Instead of purchasing a movie from the store, rent one. If you are not a repeat movie watcher, it may not be in  your best interest to purchase. 
• Remember the classics. Classics movies are often on the discount shelves in stores.
• Visit your local library. That right check out up to date DVD’s for free.

Until next time,

Smooches

State Fair Food

A couple of weeks ago The Husband and I went to our monthly couples gathering with a few of our favorite duos. Honestly my day prior to the outing was a complete bust so I wanted to go home and vegge. But I couldn’t stand up one of my favorite Diva Friends and her Mr. Diva. Fortunately they did not disappoint us. The food, company and atmosphere were perfect for an evening with good friends. It was just what I needed to unwind and relax. I have to give credit to my Diva Friend for throwing a swanky party without all the frills.
This month, the hostess used a theme of The State Fair. In the south, the State Fair is a huge event in which people buy new clothes, plan out the fair walking route and even use as first dates. The State Fair is also the one place where you can find all your culinary vices in one location. I’m talking about corn dogs, sausage dogs, polish dogs and Italian dogs. Did I cover all the dogs? You can dine on fine pastries such as elephant ears, fried Oreos and homemade donuts. Let us not forget the fried mushrooms and french fries. Yes, the state fair is a place that lives in the heart and mind of every Southerner. After The State Fair, the cholesterol lives in your heart too. Ah… the memories…
Diva Friend made a few of our favorite State Fair delights right in her kitchen. Her fried mushrooms were made with ordinary button mushrooms and tempura batter. Our elephant ears were created with regular refrigerated canned biscuits that are flattened before frying in hot oil. Of course we added powered sugar and cinnamon. As if we needed more calories, she made homemade caramel and candy apples topped with nuts. Wow! We were able to experience the fair in February (usually in Fall) without the cost of a pricey entrance ticket or rides that you haven’t ridden since you were ten. When entertaining, sometimes it only takes a theme to make a party fun. Spending time with good friends is a lot more enjoyable than spending lots of money to entertain them. Dang it! Now I want an elephant ear.

Smooches