I know from time to time me and my boyfriend run into a dilemma. Either what we want to do doesn’t fit with our budget or we find ourselves doing the same cheap date nights; you know, dinner and a Red Box Movie. Other times we struggle to find daycare to really be able to spend intimate one-on-one time together. But we are finding ways to bring out the romance and not be a boring couple – let’s explore them.
Food
I am a pure foody, any date has to involve me eating. If I don’t eat I will be super grouchy, and we all know when the woman isn’t happy, no one is. My boyfriend and I have agreed to have our date nights at local restaurants. I figured if big businesses were suffering then local restaurants must be starving. We are going to stimulate the mom and pop shops, not the million dollar franchises. Just think about it, the first thing you cut out to adjust your budget is going out to eat. Instead you cook at home and pack your lunch. Restaurant.com showcases $25 gift certificates for $10. Match those prices with an awesome coupon code and sometimes you can grab these certificates for $1. Simply google a coupon code for restaurant.com and you are bound to save over 50% off.
There is a such thing as romantic foods such as cherries and strawberries. But did you know you can make chocolate dipped strawberries and cherries for about 10 cents per berry versus paying $35 for a dozen. It is quite simple as well. Buy your berries, and then visit the baking aisle and pick up chocolate squares. Do not buy the morsels because they are very bitter. Most of the chocolate squares give the instructions right on the back of the packaging. Also buy cupcake liners to put the berries in. To sum it up: Buy the berries and chocolate, microwave the chocolate, dip the berries in chocolate and put them in the cupcake liners. Once you are done pop the berries in the fridge, and about one to two hours later they are all ready. Cheap, sweet and delicious!
Movies
The movies are always just as packed as the restaurants for Valentine’s Day. So you should possibly catch a matinée to avoid the long lines. Matinees are also considerably cheaper. Here in South Hampton Roads, where I live, we have Cinema Café. It is a movie and restaurant combined. You order your food and are served your food while watching the movie. This way you have knocked out dinner and a movie at one time. This will leave a considerable amount of time to do something else, so plan ahead.
Self Made
Self Made cards are always the best and, of course, free. However, for those of you who are not creative, just buy a blank card. Inside the card you can write a poem or just list all the things you love about your significant other. Nothing screams thoughtful like writing your own emotions on a card. Its like I always say, anyone can buy, not everyone can make. For example I just gave my friend at work the Rotel Queso dip her and her husband love. I gave her two containers, one for her and one for her husband, for her birthday. She said thank you with a big smile, because it was the thought that counted. More and more I have learned to appreciate the scarves people make, instead of a gift card. And speaking of gift cards, MEN, gift cards are not personable. Try to go beyond a gift card, and get her something she has been asking for or hinting around about.
Valentine’s Day is such a lovey dovey time. Everyone is so nice, and all the red and pink in the stores gets me all giggly. However, as with every holiday we can all fall prey to over-doing it with funds that aren’t readily available. As soon as January hits, come up with a plan and start saving. $30 a week will get you to $210 for February 14. That is surely enough to create a night on the town without dipping into rent or bill payments.
Deal of the week: Kraft Premium Sliced Cheese $1.69, coupon is buy 2 get 1 free, total is $1.13/pack. These are about $3 at most stores.
