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Creatively
Frugal Fun
Times with Close Friends
"What are some fun and low-cost ways to spend
one-on-one time with your closest friends?"
"My husband and
I raise horses. He trains horses -- our own and for other people --
and I give riding lessons. You would think we would get tired of
riding, but one of my favorite things is to have a friend over to
ride, or to just spend time with our horses, watching them and the
colts, etc. My friends say it is so relaxing, it makes them forget
about the daily grind because it is something different, and because
the horses are so engaging. We did something called Equine Assisted
Psychotherapy one summer with the therapists and clients from a drug
treatment center, but I always knew horses could do therapy without a
therapist present, just by being themselves. They help keep me sane,
and spending time with them and a friend is a treat for me, as well as
my friend." ~ Brenda
"My best friend and I go camping at least one weekend a month
that way we get away from the kids and stuff and spend time together.
Another idea we have discussed is doing canning in the fall together,
then we would get food for the season, and time together. Another
friend and I rent movies from the library and watch a movie together.
Another friend and I like to walk together. She has two dogs and
I have none so that gets us together, and her dogs get to walk
together..." ~ Tracey
"One way that a friend and I enjoy
getting together is to go to a big bookstore and just 'window shop.'
Occasionally one of us will buy something that particularly catches
our eye, but most of the time we just browse through the store. Our
conversation, which doesn't need help, flows through all of the
various topics we see from the books that catch our interest. Then we
may stop for coffee or tea and something sweet to share. We can spend
hours doing this!" ~ Joni
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"Two of our closest friends are
also living very frugally, and are as conscious about the need to stay
within a budget as we are. Of course, this makes it easier for us to
find low-cost ways to get together.
Probably our favorite way of doing so is simply getting together at each
others' home, and preparing and sharing a meal together. We decide, over
the phone or email, a good time to get together, whose house, and who
has what in their pantry. We have a rule that no one gets to go out and
buy something special, thereby getting off budget. Then, we get together
at least an hour before we are to eat, and prepare the meal together in
one of the other’s kitchen. This is a wonderful time of sharing how
each other’s week or month (if it has been a while) has been going,
what is new, and so on. There have been times that we just needed to
huddle in the kitchen, in the middle of meal prep, and just hold hands
and pray aloud together. Then, we share our meal together, and if time
permits, play a board game together afterward, or just sit on the deck
or patio and look at the stars while continuing to work on solving
life’s mysteries.
These are some of the best memories out of all our years together as
friends. It is a time of regrouping, recharging, and refueling each
other in more ways than one." ~ Melanie
"I recently adopted the custom of entertaining friends at my home
after dinner for dessert and coffee. When I was in Europe this was
a nice way to be social without spending a fortune. My guests stay
for about 90 minutes and we have great conversation. I am also a member
of a Women's Group that meets at our church one evening a month to
discuss issues that pertain to our health, family, creativity and just
plain fun like playing board games. This has been successful in
only a few months. Our church also has divided member families into
groups according to where we all live. As a group we get together every
other month at different homes for brunches, swim parties, movie nights,
game nights, potluck dinners....whatever the group wishes to do.
This has helped the membership 'bond' better with each other and
provides safe and frugal entertainment. We started this
'Shepherding Group' six months ago and all the groups in our community
seem to be doing well." ~ Janice
Editor's Note: Thanks to these readers for taking time to share
their ideas!
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