Valentine's Day on a Dime

Ah, love. It's such a beautiful, yet expensive thing. No, really. It's expensive. If you're married, think about the dating part of your relationship. Going out to eat, getting drinks, purchasing items to shave your legs with if you're a lady (or a dude who likes smooth legs), you get the idea. Not to mention the cost of an engagement ring, a wedding, a honeymoon, etc. It's expensive! Plus, those aspects of the relationship - all the flash and the gleam - morph into yoga pants, fuzzy legs and boxes of wine. These are the true golden days of a relationship. One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite shows, "30 Rock" and one of my favorite people (Tina Fey) is:

"I wish I could start a relationship 12 years in, when you really don't have to try anymore, and you can just sit around together and goof on TV shows, and then go to bed without anybody trying any funny business."

Oh Liz Lemon...you and your wisdom.  However, it seems that even those couples who have fallen deep into the groove of life seem to wake up around Valentine's Day and feel pressured to revisit the land of expense to prove their love for one another again. Mr. Pennies and I typically celebrate Valentine's Day...ever. I don't know if we've ever done anything special for it. And readers, please don't feel sorry for me. I'm not one of those women who acts like Valentine's Day doesn't matter when I secretly build it up in my head hoping my husband will do something romantic. I'm an INTJ. We don't get romance. We don't appreciate romance. We don't do romance. (To find out your personality type, go here).

For those of you out there who have romance on the mind, here are some fun ideas that won't break the bank:

1. Cook a lovely meal at home.
And it totally doesn't have to be fancy! It could be a favorite dish that is insanely unhealthy so you only eat it once in awhile. My aunt makes my uncle beef stroganoff for his birthday. This is so thoughtful, sweet, and delicious! We have some "forbidden" foods in our household that are just so terrible for us, yet delicious, that it's worth bringing them back on special occasions.

2. Complete an item off the "Honey Do" List
You know what I'm talking about...that thing that your honey keeps nagging  reminding you to finish or start. Why not just do it all in the name of Cupid? Or...all in the name of sanity?

3. Dip your own strawberries
I heard a commercial today for a half dozen way over-priced strawberries. Right now, strawberries are $1.29 at ALDI. You can buy chocolate chips for another few dollars. Spend some time together and make some sweet memories (and desserts!) all on a major budget at just a fraction of the original cost!

4. Create a candy bouquet
These are so cute and do not have to break the bank! For just $10 - $20, you can channel your creative side and make one of these bouquets! Notice how I don't recommend flowers? Maybe it's the breastfeeding talking, but Mr. Pennies better not show up with flowers or a bouquet I can't eat.

5. Bring home some wine
...or the beverage of your significant other's choice. It shows thoughtfulness on your end and is appreciated by your loved one. All Mr. Pennies needs to purchase to win my affection is a $3 of Winking Owl Pinot Grigio. What can I say? I'm a cheap date.

6. Plan an adventure and make a memory
Be creative here. Go some place you've always wanted to visit together. Go play tourist in your own city or town for the night. Get out there, have fun, make memories and don't break the budget!

Thank you again for stopping by, friends. I hope I've provided some ideas for your Valentine's Day. Enjoy!