Last week, a few of us gathered for breakfast and a movie.  No, we did not meet at a restaurant and go to the movies later.  Being broke and unemployed, we decided to go to a movie early to save a couple of bucks on the movie tickets.  Surprisingly, the new movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was playing at 9:30 am!  The showing we chose also saved us from the massive opening day crowds.

Since it was morning, we decided to use our ticket price savings to buy breakfast.  We bought kolaches, water, and apple juice and stashed them in our “big purses.”  Don’t judge!  I know you all have sneaked in a snack or two to the movies.  And if you haven’t, you should.  They charge $3.50 for water!  Water!!

We thought the theater would be completely empty except for the three of us.  How foolish!  Due to this being a Harry Potter movie opening day and the summer and during the recession, there were at least 30 people in the theater.  (Only two people appeared to be under the age of 18!)  It was kind of sad but also kind of funny!  We have to laugh to keep from crying.

The whole breakfast at the movies experience was new for me but a lot of fun.  We were able to entertain ourselves and save money too.  Anyone up for another cinematic chowdown?  The Time Traveler’s Wife starts on August 14^th!!!

Picture in your mind your vision of “Ladies Who Lunch.”  You will see a group of women dressed to the nines, partaking in a delectable salad at an ultra-exclusive restaurant or country club.  Perhaps they are meeting to discuss their latest philanthropic endeavors or are dishing dirt about unfaithful husbands or a recently dethroned Park Avenue Princess.

However, for the Broke and Unemployed, the “Ladies Who Lunch” look dramatically different.  Instead of being dressed to the nines, we can be found in comfy short shorts or skinny jeans with a cute flowy top and kicky sandals!  (All of which are from budget-friendly shops such the Gap, Old Navy, or Target.)  Instead of the fancy restaurant, we have plopped ourselves down in the food court of our local mall.  Picture huge slices of pizza, sub sandwiches, and a heap of Chinese food in place of salads. Mmmm, comfort food!  In place of salacious gossip, we choose to engage in the first b*tch-fest of the day about our former bosses.  (They have no idea what talent they have lost!)

Strolling through the mall at 2:00 in the afternoon is a newfound luxury.  It helps the Broke and Unemployed still feel like a part of society and rips us away from the internet, at least for a few hours.  It is during uncertain times like this that one has to turn to friends.  After all, misery loves company!  Once you have established your own budget, decide if you can treat yourself to a piece of costume jewelry or some makeup while at the mall lunching.  You may not be able to indulge yourself with a new designer bag but walking out of the mall with at least a teeny tiny shopping bag may boost your spirits!

*A note of caution - beware the nosy makeup counter saleslady who not so subtly inquires what you are doing in the mall at 2:00 in the afternoon.  Respond cheerfully with “We are Ladies Who Lunch!”