Entertainment at home?

[PetMom]

Husband purchased chuzzles an online game and we are just addicted to that and it is very relaxing and entertainment. We have gotten hours and hours of entertainment from this.

We have kept the premium channels on our cable but to do this got very strict with movies out in theaters and purchasing any DVD movies.

Library now - no Barnes & Nobles - no exceptions.

We did last year have grilling out as an expense. I did the numbers and quickly realized this was not us cooking for the week and inviting a few people over. This was moved to the entertainment category from the food category. It was fun, but not worth the money - this year we hardly did this at all to save money.

We really cut the entertainment category this past year as that is so easy to overspend in. When we do have an entertainment purchase we make sure we enjoy it and will use it.

[KatieNK]

I like to go to Barnes and Nobles just to browse. I think it is fun even if you don't buy anything!

[biff]

Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch

Missouri has had a great conservation department for decades. There is a program through which the state stocks ponds on private land as long as the owner allows others to come fish in that pond! Some ponds will never get fished by strangers/neighbors, others will.

I have subscribed to a free Missouri Conservation Department magazine since I was a child in Tennessee (!) and I guess I'd have to add that to my list of at home entertainment. I read a lot.

Oh here's an at-home entertainment I use the internet for. Both before and after traveling, especially on local rural roads or by boat, I like to study the area on Google earth. That helps me figure out some of the terrain I have seen and I get clues to the history of the place. Next time I go out I have more things too look for and questions to ask local people.

Joan,
Good point about the Google Earth...I use google maps a lot as well, and use it for trip planning, etc...I love how it does the street view option, and traffic now too!

[CrazShop]

board games, watch dvd's instead of going to the movies, read and read some more.

[cicy33]

Originally Posted by biff

I use Netflix as well. I just have the one disc at a time, and use a lot of the instant viewing. Blockbuster is great as well. A lot of the same titles, same service, and after you watch the movie you can take them to any blockbuster store and get another movie...You just have to return the store one back to the store, and not in the mail.

Not really on the subject but I heard from someone that the dvds they are getting lately are in bad shape. some are broken. is this a problem? I had considered joining them but don't want to if that is the case

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by cicy33

Not really on the subject but I heard from someone that the dvds they are getting lately are in bad shape. some are broken. is this a problem? I had considered joining them but don't want to if that is the case

I think I've had 2 discs arrive cracked in all the time we've been members, and neither was recently. If you do get a broken disc, you just report it at the website and send it back. They send out a replacement right away.

[biff]

Originally Posted by cicy33

Not really on the subject but I heard from someone that the dvds they are getting lately are in bad shape. some are broken. is this a problem? I had considered joining them but don't want to if that is the case

I have been a member on and off for about 6 years, and have only had about 2 or 3 not work. I have even lost a few and they did not give me a problem. Their customer service has been great, and IMO, they would not hesitate to refund your money if you were not satisfied.

To add to the topic, I used an unused VGA cable that came with my computer, and hooked it up to my TV, and watch the Netflix instant viewer from there.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by biff

I used an unused VGA cable that came with my computer, and hooked it up to my TV, and watch the Netflix instant viewer from there.

I keep meaning to figure out how to do this. We watch one ABC show on the computer because we're never home when it's on. I'd like to be able to do that on the TV as well as the Netflix instant stuff.

[MoneyTrev]

I'm not keen on advertising my website instead of writing a reply but it can probably answer this question better.

Planning Frugal Fun

You might find activities of interest there =)

[biff]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I keep meaning to figure out how to do this. We watch one ABC show on the computer because we're never home when it's on. I'd like to be able to do that on the TV as well as the Netflix instant stuff.

Steve,
Essentially you are using your tv as a computer monitor. Or think about how a computer works with a projector. You can also use computer speakers for the sound via headphone jacks.
You can connect a variety of ways, s video, VGA, DVI.... Picture quality varies with DVI being the best, I think, but it depends on what ports your tv and computer have.
Good luck...
I have been watching a lot of the nature documentaries on Netflix... Awesome!

[Goldy1]

I get netflix. WE were just playing the movies straight from the netflix website to the tv. Some cam ein crappy and the sound was funky;music blaring, dialogue low. WE just ordered this netflix box thing for $100 from a website new. If it doesn't help, we can sen dback for full refund. I hope it improves my viewing quality.

I love nature;parks, walks. Oh this Michigan winter is no fun! Our lakes are great in summer.

[biff]

Originally Posted by Goldy1

I get netflix. WE were just playing the movies straight from the netflix website to the tv. Some cam ein crappy and the sound was funky;music blaring, dialogue low. WE just ordered this netflix box thing for $100 from a website new. If it doesn't help, we can sen dback for full refund. I hope it improves my viewing quality.

I love nature;parks, walks. Oh this Michigan winter is no fun! Our lakes are great in summer.

Merry Xmas!

Growing up in Southern CA, I love the snow!! We don't get much of the stuff (except in the mountain areas) Probably not as much as you guys get though... Say, what else are you doing to entertain yourselves at home this winter?

[webcontacts00]

1. Play in-door and out-door games with family.
2. Read Books.
3. Watch TV.
4. Gather friends for pot-luck.

[biff]

Originally Posted by webcontacts00

1. Play in-door and out-door games with family.
2. Read Books.
3. Watch TV.
4. Gather friends for pot-luck.

What kind of games?

[Almond73]

Some friends of ours recently hosted a game night and it happened to be on my birthday. It was one of the best birthdays I've had in a long time. We played Scattergories (a big hit), Taboo, Zenga, and Spades. Had a blast!

I'm a big Scrabble player at home too. Reading is high on the list and of course surfing and window shopping al la the internet.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by biff

What kind of games?

We occasionally pull out the board games: Clue, Stratego, Monopoly, Backgammon, etc. Also, card games: fish, crazy 8s, war, poker, blackjack, etc.

[biff]

Today's article on using garage space gave me some good entertaining ideas....

[biff]

I am a fish hobbyist, and was thinking about setting up a monster fishtank in the garage...Searching Craigslist now for deals...Super fun hobby, can get a little expensive, but still beats going out and wasting money on food and alcohol!

[maat55]

Originally Posted by mom-from-missouri

We have 2 stocked ponds on this farm that we live on. We also have another pond and a stream on a farm we don't live on.

Catfish, bass, carp.....

I used to love tube fishing in ponds when I was in highschool. If DW was not a city girl, I would love to buy a place in the country with a pond or near the lake.

[Snave]

Kids games such as candyland, etc... with the kids, reading books, internet, and I edit pictures using Photoshop a lot. Actually, editing photos can end up being several hours at a time.