Do you love going to the movies just to get your hands on some of the delicious snacks? So do I. Unfortunately, even if the movie tickets are a decent price, almost all theaters charge an arm and a leg for their snacks. For example, a large soda usually costs $5 or more! You could buy three 2-liters for that price. That's not all though. Popcorn, nachos, and candy all cost a small fortune. Instead of heading to the movies, why not enjoy a membership at an online DVD rental site and *save money in your kitchen making those delicious snacks at home*?

What movie theaters don't want you to know is that many of the snacks you purchase can be bought at your local grocery store for less. You can even find boxes of movie theater candy for around $1 per box. You can also buy a bag of tortilla chips and a bottle of cheese sauce for what one serving of nachos costs at the theater, maybe even for less. In fact, the prices are so much better that you could even afford to make some of those treats gourmet.

Take nachos for example. What does the average theater offer? Usually you get cheese sauce and jalapeno slices and that's it. At home though, you could top your nachos with queso cheese sauce, slices of grilled chicken, and cubes of avocado. You could even get fancy with the whole menu by preparing snacks that match the theme of the movie you're watching that night.

But, let's talk about popcorn. This week, why not kick back with a movie and this delicious treat?

Chocolate Covered Nutty Popcorn
8 cups of plain popped popcorn, cooled
3 ounces of sliced almonds, toasted
3 ounces of sliced pecans, toasted
6 ounces of melted milk chocolate
6 ounce of melted white chocolate

1. Place the popcorn on a nonstick cookie sheet and toss with the nuts.
2. Drizzle each of the melted chocolates over the popcorn and nuts and allow to harden.
3. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Though I wish I could make every trip to the grocery store on my own, it isn't always possible. If you have to load up the car with the kids before you can fill it with groceries, going into the store prepared can help you curb spending and keep everyone in the family in high spirits.

Go with a list
Make a list before you leave the house. If you are constantly bombarded by "Mommy, can we get this?" when you get to the store, include your children in the list writing process. Let each child add one healthy snack to the list, or get their input on the week's meals. Letting your children feel involved in the grocery shopping process helps them have a sense of ownership and may curb the gimmes once you hit the store.

Shop on a full stomach
Heading with hungry children to the grocery store can be as disastrous as going with no list. Not only does a hungry mommy spend more and go off the list with more frequency, but hungry kids are likely to spend the entire shopping trip asking for snacks or whining to leave and get something to eat. If you don't have time to eat a meal before you go to the grocery store, bring along a few snacks and a drink in a snack bag.

Assign tasks to your spouse and older children
Send your husband to handle the meat and produce, and let older children take a portion of the list to complete. Giving everyone a job at the grocery store means less complaining and a shorter trip.

Small incentives go a long way
Though you don't need to bribe your children into good behavior, an occasional incentive or reward can go a long way towards a happy shopping trip. A lollipop in the car ride home for little kids who are good helpers in the store, or thirty minutes of TV time to say thanks for thirty minutes of "helping mom" time are great ways to show your children that you appreciate their help. Don't make a habit of this—but reserve it as a special treat for successful grocery shopping trips with great behavior and no whining or begging.

If you head to the grocery store with your family, going prepared can mean a cheaper, happier and faster trip that everyone can enjoy!