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Valentine's Day on a Budget
Saying "I love you" doesn't have to be expensive. After all, it's the sentiment that counts. Do-it-yourself techniques can help save you money, with the benefit of putting a personal touch on the holiday. Here are some fun, creative ideas you can use to express your feelings towards those you love, without spending a lot of money.
Cards
If you've purchased a card lately, you may have noticed how expensive they can be. Why not make your own? You don't have to be especially creative to pull off something that looks great. Pick up some paint color swatches in reds and pinks at your local hardware store. Look for colors like "lipstick red" or "kiss me pink". Glue them to pink, red, or white cardstock to create a fun, creative card. Write your own special message inside.
Other ideas:
- Write a love letter
- Send a dozen free e-cards
Sweets
For some, it just wouldn't be Valentine's Day without chocolate. Instead of splurging for a box of premium chocolate, get creative instead. Use a pizza pan to shape cookie dough into a big heart-shaped cookie. Adding bright red M&Ms in a message (think initials or short words) to the batter is a fun touch. Or, bake a cake and top with a romantic saying or favorite quote.
Other ideas:
- Bake red or pink cupcakes
- Chocolate mousse
The Romantic Meal
Instead of fighting the restaurant crowd, make your own romantic meal at home. It's less expensive, and you'll also be able to create a more intimate setting. Don't forget the candles and mood music. Candles can be found at your local dollar store, and you can create a playlist of love songs from your current music collection. Or, borrow a CD from the library.
For menu ideas, turn to the Internet for creative new recipes. Sites like Coupons.com have a wide range of recipes that will impress even the toughest food critic. Plus, the recipes include printable coupons on ingredients for added savings at the grocery store.
If you have children, wait until after they go to sleep for a late meal. Or, if you're lucky to have grandpa and grandma close by, request some free babysitting.
If the weather allows, packing a picnic meal can be incredibly romantic. Meats, cheeses, fruit and an inexpensive (but good) bottle of wine create the perfect setting.
Other dinner ideas:
- Use a small cookie cutter to make heart-shaped mini sandwiches.
- Buy heart-shaped pasta and use it in your favorite recipe.
Flowers
Even in February, you can take some great cuttings from bushes and shrubs outside. Evergreen boughs and bright red dogwood branches look great when combined with a single red rose and tied with a decorative ribbon. Or, buy an amaryllis bulb or packet of seeds. Include along with a note saying, "My love for you grows stronger every day."
Delay
Celebrate Valentine's Day a day or two later, and you can save big. This works especially well if the 14th falls midweek. You'll find everything discounted up to 50%, and you just may be able to get a restaurant reservation!
Other Gift Ideas:
Mixed CD of love songs
Homemade coupons for back rubs
A photo of yourself in an inexpensive frame
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