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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Valentine's Day on a Budget

This morning, my sweet husband asked 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. 

For starters, he has been teaching a class on Saturdays for the last six weeks, so we have been playing catch up on weekends. Also, we're going away with friends next weekend, so a romantic night in sounds great. 

Valentine's Day may be a Hallmark holiday, but nevertheless, it is the perfect day to show a little love. 

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


Also, 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 a rushed, overpriced, pre-fixe, and 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 open a bottle of 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?


26 comments:

  1. Awesome suggestions..my husband would love all of these.

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  2. I hate Saturdays, but I am determined to "pamper" myself this weekend! Haha!

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  3. This is perfect for my husband - he prefers things that 'matter' :)

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  4. LOVE this... totally gonna use these!

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  5. I totally agree a night in sounds perfect. No distractions or the restaurant chaos to deal with, win-win.

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  6. Dinner at home became our tradition the first Valentine's after we got married. We go a little fancy and make filet. It's always nicer to do it that way because no crowds, no waiting on reservations and no worries about who's driving home.

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  7. Staying in is the way to go! We typically do. This year we'll pick up chinese food after our massages (not couple, but at the same time). Have a great one Kelly!

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  8. I love the idea of staying in for Valentine's Day. It can be so much more fun and relaxing doing something new and unique at home...and the drinks are bottomless!
    Amanda
    www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com

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  9. That's so true! There have been plenty of times we stayed home and just enjoyed each other's company. We don't always have to follow the trends and then be made to feel badly about it. Great post!

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  10. We love to stay in on Valentine's. I'm lucky to have a husband who cooks for me, but I'll be sure to get the wine!

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  11. I was thinking of staying in and making pizza as well. I am five months pregnant and we have a three year old at home and I hate the idea of scrambling around to get a babysitter and then me being exhausted by going out and doing dinner. I'm good with pizza and cheesy rom-coms!

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  12. Great ideas and with life as busy as it is these days staying in often sounds good to me. Much more relaxing.

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  13. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, Michelle. :-)

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  14. Hate Saturdays? Why??? I hope you did pamper yourself. :-)

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  15. It's the little things. :-) I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, Danielle. Thank you for stopping by!

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  16. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, Heather. :-)

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  17. And given the snow we had, it was definitely the right call. And it was delicious too. Hope you're faring well through this latest round and that your foot is better.

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  18. We had a steak too...and it was delicious! I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, Rachel!

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  19. A massage on Valentine's Day, couples or not, sounds perfect! I hope you and MFD had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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  20. Agreed, Amanda. The savings on drinks alone make it a win-win. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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  21. I don't feel badly at all...I love date night in. :-) But it's nice to go out too...it's finding a healthy balance that's right for the two of you. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, Carolann

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  22. You are lucky. :-) Mine will cook with me, and at times, cook for me. But I wanted to do something special for him. And he's so good at picking out the wine...a win-win. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, Jennifer.

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  23. I love at home pizza night. And my husband is really good at getting the dough just right. :-) We have no kids, but I am like you...pajamas, wine, and good tv...sounds great to me. Thanks for stopping by, Angela!

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  24. And in winter, or at least winter here, with our 100+ inches of snow...staying in becomes a no-brainer. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, Laina.

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  25. We much prefer nights in as well. Much quieter and stress free!

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    1. Agreed. Quieter, stress free, and on your terms. Hope yours is wonderful.

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