Frugal Friday

Especially after my last two posts involved spending money...and they involved movies....

I love going to the movies and so do my kids. But we all know, it is crazy expensive.

Here are some tips....
*Many local theaters offer free or reduced family movies. Check your local theaters for details.
(In CU, over the summer, both theaters offer $1 movies M-F mornings)

*Many theaters have reduced concessions on a slower weeknight...often Tues or Wed.
(In CU, the Bev has $1 night on Tues and the Savoy offers a bucket program and punch-card system)

*Many theaters offer a frequent movie-goer programs (e.g. see 10 movies, 11th is free)

*Always see movies before 6pm! Matinees are always cheaper and some theaters offer Twilight fares between 4-6pm.

*Try to eat before you go. (and sneak in a granola bar)

*Avoid movies in 3D...there are more expensive and usually don't offer kid's or reduced prices.

*Read reviews ahead of time and make sure you are making the most of your movie time. Even with movies I thought I really wanted to see, I make sure they are either really good or really fun. (So sorry, Mr. Depp Public Enemies will have to wait for DVD).

*Over the summer, check out your local park districts, pools, parks, libraries, community organizations for movies outside! They usually don't start until at least 830pm but they are almost always free.

*Read local blogs, online magazines, event sites, newspapers for movies being shown. The university shows lots of movies on campus for a couple bucks or free. This is also a great way to see some independent films and documentaries.

*Of course....check out DVD's from the library and have your own home movie night.

I really got swept UP

Movie Review: Up (PG, 96min)

First of all, my 3yo finally sat through an entire feature film in the theater! We did miss the short film before the movie since, despite repetitive inquiries, he decided he had to go to the bathroom then. Secondly, I LOVE Pixar films. They are, by far, my favorite family films over the past 15 years. Many of them top my overall favorite film list.

So, get your kids to go to the bathroom before the movie and get to your seats on time because the first 10mins of the film are so amazingly sweet, I had a smile plastered on my face the entire time. Additionally, grab a couple extra napkins at the concession stand because this is a tear-jerker (I heard audible sobbing in the theater (and not from me this time)).

I don't even know what to tell you about the story without ruining any of it for you....let's see. It follows a man's discovery into the next journey of his life, Carl Fredricksen. Along the way, we meet a scout named Russell who it trying to complete his Assisting the Elderly badge. We also come across a rare bird, later named Kevin, and a technologically-assisted talking dog, Doug. Overall, it is a story about moving on through your life when challenges arise whether it be getting older, learning new things, finding safety, or breaking free from the pack.

Of course, the animation is spectacular. The overall visual effect of the film was soothing to me. I absolutely loved the look of Mr. Fredricksen. I think he reminded me of my grandpa. The voice talents are perfect. And, again, there were moments that would break your heart, make you laugh, and get you to the end of your seat.

I highly recommend it to all ages. It was fantastic on the big screen but I am sure we will love it on DVD as well. I don't think I missed anything watching it in 2D but it is available (at a greater price in 3D in many theaters).

Fun for the Whole Family

If you are looking for something fun to do this Thurday, head over to your local Goodrich theater (in CU, Savoy 16) and experience Forever Plaid's 20th Anniversary. Complete with introduction by the actors and sing-a-long! Great for all ages!

For details, see here.

The love the book

I recently told my daughter that I was not going to allow her to see the newest Harry Potter film until she read the book. So, she plowed through it. I waited patiently for her to finish to see what she thought. I won't ruin it for those of you who haven't read it but there are some major twists and turns in the book. "So, were you surprised by the ending?" "Are you sad about it?" (of course I sobbed while I read it the day it was released) "No." "No." What?! "Did you know what happened?" "Ya."

How awful! To ruin one of the most exciting book series by knowing the ending....I feel horrible for her. I so remember the excitement of getting my brand new copy of HP after waiting so long and secluding myself from the world until I turned the last page. And that excitement is not there for her.

The excitement of newly released stories has been happening for centuries. Did people wait expectantly for William Shakespeare's newest play to be debuted? Did JRR Tolkien get letter after letter asking to leak out the destiny of Frodo? Did libraries have year-long waiting lists to see what chaos Ramona would get into next? Did kids huddle in their rooms without outside communication until they read the latest Box Car Children book? To some degree, I'm sure.

And if you wait long enough, people stop talking about the books and you can enjoy them untainted by media. By the time my 3yo is ready to read Harry Potter, the stories will be preserved once again.

What has changed is that information was disseminated so slowly before the past 10 years. Most people still have no idea what happens at the end of Hamlet. But now, all the great books and plays are quickly swept up into the movie business. The first thing that happens when a book becomes a sensation...the movie rights are sold. Very few read book reviews but lots of people read movie spoilers (I don't even know of book spoiler sites, although I'm sure they exist). And with the internet, one can quickly find out what happens in a story.

On the flip side, I LOVE watching movie and play versions of books. I often read books that I know are being made into movies. I guess my high school English and film teacher ingrained the Venn diagram on my brain.

My hope is that our new found need for quick and simple information does not ruin the amazing journey of reading a book. That people will understand the excitement and satisfaction does not mean finding out the plot in the final chapter but in the engrossment that grows with every page turned. One of the best feelings in life is having that strong desire for the book to continue even after it is over.

Fitness Friday

Personal training is a great way to learn how to exercise, push yourself, and focus your fitness. If you have the time and the money, go do it! Add it to your normal fitness routine (or use it as a jump start!).

However, there is another option. Many places are offering small group training. You train with a personal training with 3-5 other people with similar goals. It is fun and more economical. The Fitness Center in Champaign offers Pod Training for groups at about $15/session/person (which is half the individual rate).

Think about getting a couple friends together and working out together...motivating each other, laughing with each other, getting in shape together. If you are getting married, round up your bridesmaids or groomsmen! If you are in a weight-loss group, get together to work on your goals!

Things I have Found....

Things I have found in my house this past week:
*Scissors in the dryer

*All the legos in a bottle of apple juice

*A wolfman figurine in the Parmesan cheese

*A whole bottle of conditioner slicking the bathtub

*A cup of lightning bugs wrapped in plastic wrap

*Piles of grass on the carpet under the dining room table

*A lion in the butter dish

Things I am still looking for:
*Smart Card for the Dish Network receiver

*Most of the forks

*My bag of Dove Dark Chocolate Almond candies

*The curtain rods for the boys' windows

*A clean towel when I get out of the shower

Frugal Friday

Summertime can get pretty expensive. Just having the kids home all day can add up on the grocery bill. But I also feel like we go out more...to eat, to play, to travel.

So pick your activities wisely.

Our Top Three Free Summer Activities:
1. The Library!
In addition to the regular amazing offerings of the library (I mean you can just go there and read in the A/C) but most libraries have a great selection of additional activities over the summer. Not to mention, summer reading programs for all ages!

2. Park District Sponsored Concerts!
In CU, both districts offer a few EACH week at various locations and offering a wide variety of music. (see here for Champaign and Urbana listings).

3. The Outdoors!
Play in the yard, turn on the sprinkler (and run through it with your kids), walk to a park, explore a local forest preserve or woods. Sit outside and read, have dinner on the deck, go catch lightning bugs! With or without kids, these things are fun things.

No Means No

Lately, I have gotten very frustrated by my children misunderstanding the word "No".

They will ask me for something (can I have a marshmallow for breakfast? can I stay up late and watch Clone Wars? I can put this book in the microwave? I get a facebook page?), I will clearly respond "No." They will ask again, repeatedly, and I will calmly answer "No" each time. An hour later, they will ask again.

I think "No" is a pretty clear message. Once in awhile I will give reasoning or an alternative to the request.

No means no.

Summer Time...its here!

Sure, its really a couple days away but Mother Nature says it is summer people! This week it is H-O-T! Into the 90's and humid!

We are entering those days when I don't let my kids play outside too long at a time. When every time you step out of your air conditioned house you say "Whew, its hot out here!" When you sweat like a beast in your car that has been sitting in the sunniest spot in the parking lot while you try to roll the windows down as fast as possible. When a popsicle never tasted so good.

I like the idea of summer...fun in the sun, more free time, I love the pool. And I have just come to accept that fact that I sweat...a lot. But I also can't wait until October when the humidity finally dies down and you get to wear a sweater again.

And despite what is happening outside...this is also the time of year for layering your clothing. The movie theaters, libraries, and grocery stores become so cold you have to remember to bring a coat with you so you don't freeze. And if you don't have A/C, those are the places to hang out.

So stay cool out there and drink lots of water! Enjoy!

Last Chance to be in a Movie, for now!

Film Extras for Leading Ladies Ballroom Competition

When: Saturday, June 20, 9am for most of the day.

Where: Franklin Middle School, 817 N. Harris, Champaign

What: Series of scenes at an amateur, Midwestern ballroom competition

Who: All ages (10 years old and older) and types. We will need at least 100 people for this scene to watch and mingle during the competition. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring:

2-3 costume choices within these guidelines:

One scene takes place in early Fall, One scene takes place in early Spring

No Black, white, pinks, bright greens, t-shirts, jeans, logos or trademarks, large prints

Think special occasion or church. Men can wear suits, ties, tuxes, if desired.

Women should wear normal make-up.

Please bring something quiet to do while you are waiting throughout the day (reading material, crosswords). Do not bring ANYTHING that makes ANY noise. Cell phones must be turned off for the duration of filming. We will provide some food and drinks. You may bring your own as well. It will mostly likely be very hot that day, so please make sure to drink lots of water.

Leading Ladies is not responsible for any damaged or stolen property. Consider leaving valuables at home. You will not receive payment or housing for this position. You will receive screen credit.

Participation is subject to crew’s approval.

For more information, contact Jenna at (630)532-7672 or jenna@leadingladiesmovie.com

Let Love Lead

www.leadingladiesmovie.com

When Babies Attack

While reading an article on the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, I couldn't help but notice the 'related' article, When Babies Attack. It made my laugh because it was so true. I've gotten hurt often by my own children and students...rarely intentional, but painful nonetheless.

You know you are a good parent when your 2yo slams a Thomas the Tank Engine right into your temple so hard your eyes tear up...but you don't scream, or throw the train across the room....you take a deep breath and say "Wow, that really hurt, I'll be right back." You leave the room and head to the bathroom to silently yell and decide if the ER is necessary.