If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably been in my shoes on a day like today. Picture this: It’s 4pm on a Friday– and not just any Friday, it’s PAYDAY Friday. You’ve been riding the bus on couch change and getting creative with the “back up” pasta in the pantry just to get to the end of the week (half a box of spirals with mustard and siracha….mmmmm). You have something like $6.42 in your bank account you breathed a sigh of relief yesterday when you realized your automatic Netflix charge doesn’t come through until after your direct deposit hits.
All of your pennies have been pinched but now, on Payday Friday, your dreaming up big plans for your recent wealth… until you list all the bills and things you have to pay for over the next two weeks. All your idealistic hopes of “elevating your game” come crashing down with one reality check.
Shit adds up. With the quickness. I’m currently in this boat AND in the hole.
For your consideration, 5 cheap and practical winter activities with to be shared with friends:
1. $5 Family Dinner
Get a group of friends together and pitch in $5 each. Go to the grocery store and buy up cheap, un-fancy comfort foods that are quick to make and easy to share.
Some Ideas: Hamburger Helper, spaghetti dinner, chicken nuggets and tater tots, mac-n-cheese with hot dogs, breakfast scramble, breakfast for dinner, piergoies, frozen pizzas with your own added toppings, and the list goes on. Bonus if you have money left over for dessert or beverages. Double Bonus if you have leftovers to take home.
2. Skill Share
My friends and I often host craft nights where friends bring snacks and libations– though it doesn’t have to only be about crafts. Getting together to share your talents and your resources is always fun, especially when you are learning something new! If you aren’t sure what kind of activities might be fun to try out, consider learning something you’ve had an interest in but haven’t had the time explore. My friends and I are going to start doing small, DIY yoga classes (via youtube videos). Make sure that you keep your goals realistic. Example: If you do a crocheting night, maybe pick a small project that can easily be accomplished by everyone in one night– this will keep your friends engaged!
3. Movie Marathon
Ideas for Movie Marathons: 80′s night, 90′s night, old Hollywood classics, teen films, your favorite movies from high school, horror, sci fi, epic trilogies, movies featuring one actor/actress/director…the list goes on.
Some Other Ideas: Make everyone dress according the the theme of the marathon. Buy plain popcorn and have everyone bring their own, unique seasoning. Make your movie-watching experience a drinking game. Build a giant fort of blankets and pillows and settle in.
4. Tour Your Own Town
Get together with a few people and do a tour of your town either in a car or by foot. Eat somewhere you would never choose to go, like you’re a tourist. Get some books out of the library about your town and use them as a guide. Take turns telling true stories about the locations you visit (“And this is where I was chased by angry dogs because…”) Have people brainstorm some of their ideas beforehand so you can make a rough map to save time and gasoline!
5. Crock-tail Hour
Get your friends together, pool some money, and buy cheap booze, juice, and garnishes. Have everyone make up a drink on the spot OR let them plan ahead of time by setting some ground rules for what they can bring. Hold tastings. Vote for “best,” “worst,” “most creative name,” etc. (Kool-Aid is a great way to keep things cheap and delicious).
There are lots of other activities you can do with friends according to your collective interests but these are just some ideas to get started. If you’re going to give into winter hibernation, you might as well enjoy it.
