Actually, hotel towels always seem too thin or slippery to give real resistance. Bands pack down flat and you know they'll work every time. Just my two cents.

I love how you and your sister laugh while cooking. My friend Carla and her roommate tried a budget food challenge last winter. They bought a big bag of rice and beans, then got creative with spices and frozen veggies. Their big win was a huge pot of chili that fed them for three days straight. They said it was honestly kind of fun, like a puzzle. Your mileage may vary, but finding those cheap meals can really bring people together.