Dear Friend,

I’m writing to you so that you might have the time of your life… or at least make the best of your Friday night with a cheap date and a chick flick. With that thin wallet in your pocket you might think that sitting at home every weekend is all you will remember of your social high school memories. Here is another solution to cure your boredom or spark relationships on a realistic afternoon.

First let’s look at inexpensive places to find a tasty meal. Instead of fast food or pretending your Starbucks beverage is enough, a personal favorite of mine can be found inside Ikea. Yes, Ikea, the home furnishing store. Few people are aware that there is a restaurant hidden amongst the appliances and home furnishings that serves Swedish cuisine, meals starting at $3.99, seven days a week. This convenient spot is at the heart of other easily found activities to share with friends.

A simple way to avoid those awkward silences between new friends is to go and see a movie opening up an easy, common subject. While the Landing is a popular spot, the theater is often expensive and parking is a hassle. Within walking distance of your meal at Ikea is the Regal East Valley Stadium 13, better known as the three dollar movie theater, has this year’s older films for only $3.50. It is a great place to catch-up on movies that you couldn’t afford, and parking is a breeze. If they don’t have what you are looking for, try down the road at Southcenter’s Regal Parkway Plaza Stadium 12 where they are still playing the chick flick Perks of Being a Wallflower, based off of the book by Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller.

To make the ride to and fro more enjoyable create a mixtape, or mix CD, of the music you like including songs that remind you of your friendship or special someone. This not only ensures that you won’t listen to the same popular radio tunes on repeat, but also gives you a collection of memorable moments that could be summed up in a song. A strong theme from the movie and book, Perks of Being a Wallflower, relates to music and the way that emotions and feelings can be expressed so readily thru the verse of a well written song.

Have a spectacular weekend and make decisions that you won’t regret.

Love always, Natalie