Romance on a Budget
Having a birthday on the mostromanticday of the year isn't always sweet and rosy. With everyone going out for a romantic dinner together, the restaurants fill up with reservations, and couples alike, leaving no room for walk-in patrons. I have come home feeling rather unpleasant, to say the least. After all, it is my birthday, and I can't enjoy it like everyone else. This in mind, I have learned to be very creative, and utilize my imagination.
In today's economy, who can afford to spend at least $100 on a romantic dinner for 2, a movie at the cost of $35-$50, let alone a baby-sitter, and the gifts, add some $25 chocolates, and $100 roses for your sweetheart., and you can plan on spending a good $500 just to be romantic, for 1 evening. Wow, it's cheaper to go on a 4 day 3 night cruise to The Bahamas.
Now, if you are planning to be romantic at home, that's a fantastic idea. You can also spend a lot of money doing it yourself this way, if you don't plan ahead, and keep your budget in check. You can prepare some romantic Chicken Piccata with capelini "angel hair" pasta for 2, and have a wonderful meal, it's simple, yet elegant, and will not rob your wallet. Throw in an $8-$12 bottle of wine, or some sparkling cider, or water if you do not consume alcohol, some Italian bread, fresh berries, and fresh whipped cream, heavenly.
My main recipe for our economic times, is simplicity. This is by far, the most inexpensive, most romantic, and less preparation, time together, over other date nights, so far.
First of all, buy some silk rose petals, they sell these at most Dollar Stores, and craft stores, they come in a variety of colors, pink, red, or white, and candles, white works best, and looks better. Starting from the front door, lay a path of rose petals, leading to where you are, typically the bedroom, or a hot bubble bath filled tub. Illuminate the path with candles, as a guide. If you are in the tub, place petals around floor, and also in tub if you like, have only candles for light. Some soft, light music is always welcoming. A bottle of champagne, for 2, with some fresh strawberries is as cozy and toasty as 2 could possibly hope for. If the bedroom is where you are to be discovered, then place petals all around you, and on the sheets, with candles placed around the room moderately. You can still have the champagne, and strawberries. I think the rest of the evening, will make its own memories.
Watch a movie on the sleeper sofa, or make a nice big comfy spot with blankets, and sleeping bags, and pillows, and camp out on the floor, with a simple picnic. A basket with wine and cheese, some fresh market bread, and fruit, always hits the spot. This is also light on the palette, as well as digestion, you won't feel like a large meal weighing heavily on you, for the entire evening. It is rather romantic to feed your partner, and the finger foods alone, provide touch, which is sensuous. If you and your partner want to have a little bit of fun with a game theme, have some note cards, and write down intimate ideas, for each other, that you would enjoy giving, or receiving. (example.) To have your sweetheart paint your toenails..etc,... This can be lots of fun. Use your imagination, and enjoy the occasion, most of all, enjoy one another. Drop pre-written ideas in a box or hat, and then take turns choosing the note cards.. Ah, crazy fun....and curiously sexy.
If watching one of your old pre-owned videos doesn't sound interesting, or renting one from the video store, watch some old home movies, or piece together your favorite family memories, and burn your own CD-DVD, enjoy special moments together, making new memories at the same time. Now you have had the perfect romantic fantasy dream date, with little effort and time to prepare, relax and enjoy each other, the moment and occasion, without draining your funds or zapping your energy.Happy Valentine's Day.
