Movies

Ahh, who doesn't love a lazy Sunday? As I sit here with my glass of wine and popcorn, I realize that the only thing missing is a classic romantic comedy. Unfortunately, there was a mix up with the cable bill and it got cut off yesterday :(. So what's a girl to do? Luckily, I have some inside info on ways to watch movies and shows online -- for free!

Most of us have heard of sites like hulu.com where you can watch some of your favorite TV shows for free (the key word being SOME). Others -- mainly the good ones, in my opinion -- will cost you a little cash. Hey, it's not much compared to paying for cable every month, but it's also not worth it if you can find a site that lets you watch those shoes for FREE. Thankfully, I have found that site. It's located at http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/.It's 100% free and there are thousands upon thousands of TV shows and movies listed! All you need is an internet connection to watch almost anything you want! So if the economy is hitting you hard, this is definitely an option you should consider.

Being able to pay for cable each month is a convenience, but considering the alternate options, it might be better to just skip that convenience. And if you're concerned that your TV will go to waste, worry no more. Most modern laptops, desktops, and televisions have an HDMI outlet. All you have to do is plug one end into the computer and the other end into the TV, and there you go! You can watch whatever is on your computer on the TV instead.

I think it's important to mention that if you want to watch basic cable shows, most of them host recent episodes on their respective websites (abc.com, cbs.com, tbs.com, etc.). Honestly, I think it was a blessing in disguise that the cable got cut off. Why waste $50, $100, or $150 a month on something that you can just as well watch online for free?

Do you use the internet to watch TV or movies? What sites do you use?

Pay Your Bills with a Click

Most of us have joined the world of online banking. The clear, up to date balance and transaction list have a way of relieving stress in an instant. For college kids, Mommy and Daddy can keep track of funds to try and guide their children in the right direction towards responsibility. Whatever your reason, online banking is just plain convenient.

Now, other companies are "going green" (aka saving money) by offering online bill pay as opposed to the old fashioned way of receiving bills in the mail, filling out the paper work, writing a check, addressing an envelope, adding a stamp (who even has stamps anymore?), and finally sending it off to be paid. Weeks later, the payment is cleared, just in time to start the process again for a new bill. I remember seeing my mom pay bills when I was little. It took her hours as she sat there with piles of paper all over the table trying to "organize" them and file them away in a filing cabinet. "You'll have to do this one day too," she used to tell me. Umm, I don't think so.

Times have changed and there is new way to pay bills. Yep, you guessed it: online. The majority of billers accept, if not encourage, online bill pay. I personally pay my rent, utilities, cable and internet, and cell phone bill online -- all to different companies. My bank even offered me a $10 incentive (which I took, of course) to pay my bills online through their online bill pay section of online banking.

So next time you get out that pen to write a check, look for the web address on the bill. It's most likely that particular company is already encouraging you to do so.

Ordering Food

Last night my boyfriend and I had our nightly discussion: what should we have for dinner tonight? It was getting late and restaurants were closing, so our choices were slim. Then I did what I always do. I got out my laptop to see what deals I could find on thecampusspecial.com.

The Campus Special is a company that is very dear to me. You see, I just recently got an internship in sales with this INC 5000 corporation. (And I applied for it online, of course.) They list coupons on their site, but in the food court section, they also take online orders. This is perfect for someone like me who hates having to explain what I want 15 times over the phone. When you order online, it's clearly spelled out: NO MUSHROOMS, or EXTRA CHEESE, my common preferences.


Often times, I find myself lazy, in my bed, and hungry. I want delivery, but I don't want pizza. The Campus Special makes sure to cater to the needs of all the picky, but lazy, people at each college campus. Another site that helps with decisions about food is the ever popular urbanspoon.com.

On Urbanspoon.com, you first choose your city or area. Then you can narrow it down to either the type of food or, my favorites, delivery and late night. Other options include romantic, outdoor dining, and live music, as well as a price scale for any budget.

For some reason, online ordering seems to be more popular with restaurants that have delivery, but there are some places where you can order online and then pick it up. I always stick with delivery, though.

Do you take advantage of online specials and coupons? Have you ever ordered food online?