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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Valentine's Day on a Budget: Good for the Heart and the Wallet

This morning at breakfast, my sweet husband was asking me about our plans for Valentine's Day, or more specifically, whether we had any, and if we did not, what was it that I wanted to do.

I probably gave him the answer that many men want, but one that they may or may not suggest themselves.

"Let's stay in," I said.

The eyebrow went up and he was quiet for a moment, only to be reassured when he heard my reasoning.

Valentine's Day may be a Hallmark holiday, but regardless of the relationship you're in, it is the perfect day to show a little love.

Luckily, love doesn't have to break the bank.

And, in keeping it low key, you focus on the one you love, without having to buy into the commercial nonsense that dilutes the magic of the night.

And when it comes down to it, isn't it better canoodling with your plus one at home, rather than waiting for an overpriced, pre-fixe , perhaps, mediocre meal at an overcrowded bar or restaurant?

Here are some ways to celebrate the love of Valentine's Day and keep to your spending goals at the same time.

1. Set the tone. Put a note in his lunch...romantic or naughty and inviting. Give him a clue as to what's to come.

 
2. Flirt throughout the day. Send a text, loving or suggestive. Build the excitement and carry it throughout the day.

3. Stay in. We make homemade pizza and wine. He makes the pizza and opens the wine and I...well, I sip the wine, dig out the supplies and occasionally flick a little flour around to start a little trouble.


Markup on drinks average 300-400%. Why not stay in with a bottle of your own wine, some food to get you through the night, and a little Diana Krall or Chris Botti on Pandora? You set the stage. You control the ingredients.  You make the magic.

And, if you're not lucky enough to have a working fireplace in your home, you can always channel your own via Neflix...seriously.

The cozy view courtesy of Netflix


4. Celebrate with friends. Couples' night or Girls' Night In...have people over and celebrate with tapas and sangria, or whatever flavor palate suits your fancy. 

5. Borrow from his closet. I don't know if it's in their DNA, but guys... or at least my guy... loves the idea of me donning one of his shirts. Who needs expensive lingerie? Try the work shirt. Or a tie and heels...you're good to go. A win-win.

Can you go out and break the bank with reservations at a fancy restaurant, drinks at a trendy bar, flowers to decorate your home or office, and gifts to mark the day? Absolutely.

But, if you're on a plan to eliminate debt or grow your savings, or if you simply prefer to have your beloved to yourself, and not share among the throngs of others celebrating among you, then a romantic night in may be just the thing.

It's good for the wallet, it's good for the heart, and if you play your cards right, it's good for the body.

Cheers!


 
What are some of your romantic, low-budget date night ideas?

16 comments:

  1. This is so cute. It definitely made me smile. We're finally getting the couple's massage we promised ourselves after our wedding last June. Then we may just stay in for the rest of the night.

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    1. Thank you, Suheiry! Enjoy your couple's massage...that sounds heavenly. My vote is to stay in...why fight the crowds? Plus, you're already relaxed...snuggle down and canoodle. Happy Valentine's Day! :-)

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  2. These are great ideas! We were already planning on staying in and drinking our own wine, but I will have to try wearing something from his closet, and that fire looks great!

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    1. Thanks, Charlene! Good luck with your guy's wear. :-) Come back and let me know how he liked it. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  3. I also suggested we stay in. And let me tell you, he responded with LOVE. I'm excited about lighting a few candles and having dinner at home... Just like we do most nights. Heaven.

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    1. Janice, that's great! Spending time together is so much more romantic than spending time in a crowded restaurant. Heaven, indeed. Happy Valentine's Day, and thank you so much for stopping by. Please come back again soon. Cheers!

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  4. We're staying in but mostly because I can't stand the wait at restaurants! lol

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    1. Paige, I agree wholeheartedly. There are some menus in which a wait is reasonable. But, for a chain restaurant, or a mediocre pre-fixe menu created for Valentine's Day? No thanks. Give me my homemade pizza and wine any day. :-) Thanks so much for stopping by! And Happy Valentine's Day to you and your love. Cheers!

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  5. Love your ideas!! But homemade pizza should be made everyday, not just Valentines!! Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a loving Valentines with your hubby.

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    1. Thank you, Sara! It was a perfect Valentine's Day. I hope your was grand as well. :-) Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  6. I love this post - randomly I put a note with chocolate in my man's lunch box this morning! We are having homemade shepherd's pie - cannot wait! Have a lovely Valentine's Day and good luck with NaBloPoMo :)

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    1. Love it! Shepherd's Pie is the best comfort food...delish in this cold weather we've been having here. Thanks so much for visiting! I hope your Valentine's Day was grand.

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  7. Great ideas for celebrating love!!

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    1. Thanks, Rachel! :-) It was a great day (and night). I hope yours was fabulous as well!

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  8. My boyfriend and I spent V-Day eating boneless wings from Kroger, drinking beer, and watching Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Technically, that's how we spend most of our winter weekends, but we enjoy it. I do like dressing up occasionally and going to nice restaurants, but my fancy clothes aren't that practical with all the snow we've been having! We save the fancy dates for nice weather, when there isn't a V-Day up-charge.

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    1. Love it, Belle! It's funny how going out becomes less of a big deal after you've been together for a while. And you're completely right about the up-charge...infuriating, especially since the food becomes the equivalent of bad wedding food. :-/ Thanks so much for visiting!

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