I don’t consider myself a party animal, and I haven’t stepped inside a night club in about seven years. Still, I love going out–but I’m not talking about the “partying until I can barely walk” type of going out. It doesn’t matter whether I’m going to the movies, eating out, or walking down the aisles at Target–sometimes I just feel this compelling need to get out of the house. And even when I plan to spend a weekend at home lounging on the couch, it never happens. I start to get cabin fever somewhere between 5 and 7 p.m., and I crave fresh air and a change of scenery.

Now, I know it’s possible to spend time outside the home without spending a dime. But that rarely happens in my case. I’ll get hungry, which means I have to eat. I’ll drive pass Starbucks, which means I’ll want a latte. I’ll window shop, and I’ll likely see an item that will look great on the fireplace. Don’t get me wrong–I’m not a compulsive shopper. But I realized a long time ago that the more time I spend outside the home, the more likely I am to spend money. And right now, everything is expensive. I’d rather spend time at home without breaking the bank–but how?

Watch a Movie in Your Own Living Room

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of movie-ticket prices increasing every year. We pay $10 per ticket, and don’t get me started on the overpriced popcorn and candy that my husband can’t resist. Save yourself some money and grab a movie from Blockbuster or rent season episodes from popular television series. I recently discovered the show “24,” and my husband and I spent last summer and fall catching up on past seasons. It was a cheap and fun way to spend time indoors.

Switch Up the Mood

Maybe you’re tired of the same old scenery and you need a change, and that’s why you enjoy dining at little Italian bistros with soft lighting and relaxing music. Create this atmosphere at home, and you can save a ton of cash. Plan a special meal, and try your hand at a new recipe. Trade in the bright lights for candles, put on some relaxing background music, and get rid of any and every distraction (e-mail, cellular phones, worries, children, etc.).

Plan a Game Night

Spending a night on the town with friends is fun…but it’ll cost you. Move your energy indoors, and everyone wins. Invite a few people over and bring out the loudest and funniest games–Taboo, Catch Phrase, Monopoly, or anything else that brings out the crazy in people. Order a few pizzas and split the bill, or make your own mixed cocktails. If you’d rather spend time with family, do a puzzle together. My husband once held me hostage for an entire weekend and forced me to complete a puzzle with him. No television, no computer–just us and a 1,000-piece puzzle for two whole days. I fought it in the beginning, but in the end, it turned out to be one of the best weekends I can remember.

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