ROMANTIC DATES WITHOUT THE HIGH PRICE

Everyone loves to be romanced, yes even the guys. Who doesn’t love sweet gestures to let you know someone cares. Anything from a romantic dinner date to gifts and even trips. I know I do and I know that costs money too. But romance shouldn’t take a back seat when funds get tight. Therefore, I’ve come up with ways to keep the romance alive when the funds are dead, especially with Valentine’s Day around the corner.

Step Outside

We live in South Florida! We are very fortunate that we don’t have to plan around snow days and winter weather. So take advantage of that, by packing up a few blankets and heading to the beach one night. Sit and stargaze with your significant other. And to really impress them, check out this awesome StarDate site and have some fun seeing what’s out there in the sky. Plus, you can cuddle up with the blankets and just enjoy a beautiful night. 

Try heating up your romance by sitting around a fire pit. If you don’t already have one, they are not too pricey to buy and I know you’ll get more than one night use out of it. Bring a blanket, some chairs, maybe play some music and don’t forget the S’mores. This could be a great way to spend a romantic night with your loved one. 

Maybe the idea of sand and fire are not you’re thing, that’s okay because there are plenty of outdoor things you can do like a drive in movie. Don’t forget to pick up the snacks before you get to the theater (to save some money), this is a great way to relax, not have to worry about the loud talking behind you and a great way to be cozy with your other half.  

Bring it inside

My boyfriend Chris cooking

Maybe the idea of being outdoors isn’t for you, and that’s okay too because I know how humid it can get in South Florida. So, bring it indoors. Instead of going to a fancy restaurant, try cooking a meal together. I am a terrible cook, but my boyfriend is phenomenal.  So I enlist his help in the kitchen and we cook dinner together.  I find it so romantic when we laugh, joke and are extremely silly while we prepare our meal. Plus that way there’s no, “I cooked, you clean”. We both do that together too.

Another date night idea that I love is game night, show your competitive side yet have fun. To enhance the date night, invite other couples over and play on teams of two. This will be fun as you learn to play together and work towards the same goal… beating your friends.

Keeping with the indoor theme, try creating a scavenger hunt. These can be so many romantic when done right. Ask questions that will trigger previous dates and write cute poems to hint at memories. A scavenger hunt is a great way to take a walk down memory lane and relive why you love your guy/gal.

Make a Day of it

Sometimes day romance is the best romance. Surprise your significant other with a day movie, it will save you some money, plus the theater will be less crowded and it will feel like a private viewing. After the movie, go to a late lunch, again the prices will be cheaper and if you plan it right, you’ll be there in time for happy hour which almost always includes food items.

Now that your adults, who said you couldn’t have dessert before dinner? Go to your favorite spot for an afternoon desert, or go bowling and be silly in those tacky shoes. Be sure to check out your city calendar too because sometimes they have free events in the community that could be fun to attend.

Day dates can be just as romantic as night time dates… if you make them. And being romantic doesn’t have to break your budget either. There are many great ways to be romantic this Valentine’s Day… you just have to be creative! 

^Alysha