Romance on a Budget

Valentine's Day is often synonymous with lushleast romantic.Creatively Frugal: Valentine's Day
velvety looking redbreakfast versus dinner out or
roses and spending big bucks on your sweetie.breakfast in bed. So many small details can be
You're blinded bycreated with serving a meal at home. It provides
advertisements touting the latest luxury jewelry,the feeling of appreciation.You can light small
over-priced flowers, and exquisite five star dining.votice candles, use favorite glasses, play soft
You can sometimes feel pressure from this singlemusic, and use cloth napkins. The meal itself
day that is supposed to symbolize and conveydoesn't need to be fancy. Use your creativity. If
your emotion of love to your sweetheart.you don't have a tray, use a folded tablecloth or
Expressing your love can be shown with frugala nice basket. By all means, don't forget to clean
abundance and still create heartfelt memories.Youup!Penned SentimentsGreeting cards are an
may not do anything at all because you feel thatexcellent choice to show you care. There are
you can't afford it. Don't skip the holidayendless varieties of romance cards. A card is
completely. The following are some traditionalwell-received.Traditional: The perfect card for your
ideas and then some frugal alternative tips forvalentine. You look through aisles and rows of
inexpensive and thoughtful ways to express thatcostly greeting cards and spend hours trying to
you care withoutfind the perfect one. Valentine's Day is the second
completely emptying your wallet.Romanticlargest card-giving holiday and that is reflected in
moviesMovies are popular on Valentine's Day.the stores. In the mad rush to grab a card and
There isn't any doubt that this idea rates highly onget it delivered, you just sign it "with
the snuggle meter.The following are some movielove".Creatively Frugal: Try love coupons,
suggestions:Sleepless in Seattlehomemade card, handwritten
Message in a Bottleletter, or cut out cartoons from newspaper and
Bridges of Madison Countyadd a few words to it. It's so much more sincere
City of Angelsin your own words from your heart. It's all about
Bridget Jones's Diarythe presentation. Don't just toss your handwritten
Somehere in Timesentiment at your love.Delightful PamperingCupid's
As Good As IT Getsarrow is sure to hit when you give your love a
Jerry Maquireday of
Something's Gotta Giveoverindulgence. Being carefree is so
AmelieTraditional: Big night out at the theaterappealing.Traditional: Spending a ton of cash on a
with the works. Cha-chingCreatively Frugal: Selectspa day gift certificate for your
a nice romantic comedy for your sweetie. Popsweetie.Creatively Frugal: Make a comfort box. In
some popcorn, pour your favorite beverage ofthe box add a cd, scented lotions, bubblebath,
choice, and light a fire if you're able to or at leasthairbrush, candles, tea, cocoa, coffee, book,
some candles. It's all about ambience. You bothbookmark, and give a massage from you.As you
can cuddle up on the couch or have blankets andcan see, creating loving and memorable moments
pillows out on the floor.Confectionary TreatsHarddoesn't have to carry exorbitant prices. It's a day
to imagine Valentine's Day without candy. Theof expressing your affection and doesn't have to
holiday isbreak the bank. Traditional romance can be nice,
notorious for chocolates. They're definitelybut it is often overrated. Being creatively frugal is
decadent and these treats have been acclaimeda gift of the heart. Give your loved one the gift
to have an aphrodisiac effect. It's difficult to passof your time and thoughtfulness.If you're
up this romantic suggestion.Traditional: Godivadesperate and reading this, I'll leave you with a
chocolates or satin and velvet heart shaped boxsmall list of last minute ideas:Dance to a slow
of chocolates. Oohlala.Creatively Frugal: Bulk candysong.Take a walk and hold hands.Take a drive and
or homemade candy, baked goods, or just coffeetell your love your feelings from your heart.
and a dessert at a quiet cafe.Here are two greatGo to a local playground and play on the
chocolate creations to make yourself.Chocolateswings.Read to your sweetie or recite a romantic
Pretzelssong.Add red to the day with red cookies,
Popcornclothing, candles, lipstick, red fruit, etc.Sit and talk
BouquetsSaying "I love you" with flowers canand reminsice and talk about your dreams
make a lasting impression.Traditional: A dozentogether.Play a board game or assemble a puzzle
roses with a short lifespan and hefty price. Youtogether.Watch the sunrise or sunset
think you're smart when you select multi-coloredtogether.Find a trophy at the thrift store to
or any color besides red roses, but oops whatgive.Place notes in hidden places in the house for
about all those rose flower meanings? Are youthem to find. It's extra special when they dont
accurately describing your feelings?Creativelyfind them all and come across them after the
Frugal: Try a single bulb to force such as anholiday is over.Frame a picture of the two of you
amaryllis or tulip, a collection of seed packets foror a place you both have enjoyed together, or
spring planting, or one single flower with themake a collage of sentimental tokens collected
recipient's favorite hot beverage in theduring your relationship.Balloons are a nice gift.
morning.Festive FeastA romantic night out can beKeep in mind that you can tuck a note inside a
lovely. You can have reservations made inlatex balloon before filling it or attach an item to a
advance and can get gussied up for an enjoyableballoon.Happy Valentine's Day and here's wishing
evening. Planning the perfect setting completethat love fills the air as you celebrate with your
with candles, wine, and excellent service is sodearest.Sara Noel is a freelance writer and the
romantic.Traditional: Expensive restaurant out onEditor/Publisher of
the town. The problem is that everyone else hasand Visit both these sites for information on
the same idea. You'll often run into staff that isgetting back to basics through frugality, gardening,
rushed or crowded parking lots and restaurants.lost arts, simplicity, homesteading, and natural
This suggestion has the best of intentions, butfamily living.
lacks privacy and could easily prove to be the