way back when i found myself a young, financially challenged, single mother and extra money was not an option, i looked for ways to bond with my 3 girls that involved only a minimal outlay of cash. one of those experiences was a weekly special event we affectionately named, ‘family made for tv tabloid movie night.’
for a couple of hours, once a week, we put together a pile of junk food and sat, all in the same room, eyes rapt with wonder, as we watched a myriad of horrible films, mostly featuring ‘stars’ on the cusp of their careers, as they careened through dramas, comedies and everything in between. with poorly written scripts, acting that was an insult to the profession, and cheesy, overblown sets – we embraced it all, and sat, transfixed and transported – laughing, crying, singing, just enjoying the thrill of it all, but most of all, it was the shared company that we all remember.
Life doesn’t imitate art, it imitates bad television. – Woody Allen
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I didn't have my glasses on.... 
Now that’s entertainment, Beth. When you set your expectation at “Lifetime Movie,” you surely won’t be disappointed! It sounds like you and your little 3 loved it every week, and that’s two thumbs-up in my reporter’s pad.
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thanks, mark. we still talk about those nights. )
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When I started reading this I immediately thought of the phrase “Lifetime Original Movie.” This is a great idea. I don’t know how many times I’ve shown a movie I used to love to my kids, only to have them say it sucks. This way we can go into it with the understanding it’s going to be bad!
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food – yep, set the bar low, and all is a bonus. )
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I think it’s better to watch the movies on Lifetime and Hallmark channels with family, and especially growing children around. There aren’t that many good options around, unless one wishes to settle with mindless violence and age-inappropriate scenes or humor that can have serious impact on children. You really did the correct thing, as a good Mom. Thanks for sharing.
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deo – well not sure if this would be sanctioned by the parenting police, but it worked for us )
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I remember doing similar things with my parents – and then later with my own children :)
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colline – so fun!
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Movie night! Amazing how it starts out being hokey and then everyone ends up looking forward to it.
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jan – you are so right )
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I think that it is so important to do things together as a family, whatever that may be and for however long you can. We have certain traditions that we try to always manage to achieve and I bet your daughters have nothing but fond memories of those movies nights. Great post and a great reminder Beth. :-)
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jade – yes indeed. and thank you )
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Beth you had me belly laughing at the title. Great visual of you and your daughters mocking the bad tv programs.
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tomnardone – happy you enjoyed it, we sure had a ball )
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I loved this post, Beth! I am a big t.v. addict, particularly love the Hallmark, LMN and Lifetime silly, romantic comedies during the holidays. I get my Channel Guide from Time Warner and circle things with a pink highlighter like a crazy old lady!
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robin – i thought you would like it, happy you did, and everyone of those was a great memory ) enjoy away )
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We have two boys and I think one of the main reasons that she wanted a girl was that they could watch cheesy, sappy movies on Lifetime. She is forced to watch them alone, usually when the testosterone is out of the house….
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ah – no doubt )
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We really need to get back to “Family Time.”
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yes, we do. how ever we are able –
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Ha. I have one friend in particular that I love doing this with. We just hang out and watch crappy movies. It began with crappy Charles Bronson movies but we expanded it. Great post :)
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ah, the joys of these shared pleasures )
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like a picture
from my childhood
only better :-)
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happy you enjoyed it )
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I also remember those together moments – shared with popcorn on the couch or floor watching movies, even when I was little with my parents, as my girls got older I got too embarrassed with what they wanted to watch! :-) xx
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)
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You’ve got us in BK in the holiday spirit! Thank you!
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my pleasure )
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I love watching “junk” with my teen. Smiling at your fun.
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it’s something most everyone can love and pretty harmless to boot )
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It’s all about the connection and time together.
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Those are often the best memories– when you’re just working with what you have.
My sister in laws and I used to get together and watch trashy lifetime movies! I had forgotten about that… good memories :)
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aussa – i’m sure lifetime had no idea they would have so many fun fans )
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Sounds like fun to me!!!!!:-)
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yes, indeed )
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LOVE this quote! Life doesn’t imitate art, it imitates bad television. – Woody Allen
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thanks roy, and it’s so true )
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Never mind the cheesy performances let’s indulge in
some of those treats you have :) :) Mmmmmm lovely :)
Andro xxxx
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Funny and true perspective 😂
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❤️
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