Valentine's Day on a Budget!!!

Less than a week left before Valentine's Day, and most of us aren't prepared. If you're anything like me, Valentine's Day is just another day. A day glorified by retailers, Chocolatiers, florists  and card makers everywhere. I feel that in a relationship you shouldn't rely on one day to express your love for your significant other, it should be spread throughout the year. But... I am a woman and I do love chocolate and flowers and jewelry so I won't complain. :)

Valentine's Day isn't just for women though. Personally, it's always hard for me to figure out what to get my husband. I know he doesn't like chocolate or flowers or stuffed animals so it's always a question of what to get him that he doesn't already have to show him that I love him, that I know him and that he is my whole world and something not too expensive. Most of the time it isn't something I can buy at the store, it is what I do that he enjoys most. 

 So this Valentine's day I have planned an inexpensive, low key and romantic night in. (Who wants to wait over an hour for a table at a restaurant anyway.)

1) Romantic candlelit dinner for two. 

We have 2 little kids so we feed them there dinner and have our romantic dinner after their in bed. Plan a delicious meal, something that you don't normally have. (i.e. Filet Mignon, steaks, Lobster, etc) This may be the most expensive part of the evening.  Last year my hubby made dinner, and it was wonderful. He found this recipe online and ran with it. (Click link for recipe)

 Crab Stuffed Chicken Breast

 

2) Set the mood

 Make a playlist and have it playing in the background while enjoying your dinner. I went through all my music and found all the songs that were out when we first got together, all the songs that reminded me of him or just my favorite romantic and mushy songs. Soft music playing during a candlelit dinner just sets to mood tenfold. Don't have any music on hand?  Spotify and Pandora have lots of playlists available.

7 free playlists for Valentine's Day

3) Gift

You don't have to spend a bunch of money on a gift. Why not make one. I made this cute little picture for my hubby. I just used a photo I already had and Photoshopped it a bit, printed it out and put in a frame I got from the dollar store. 

I also got this really cute idea from Love, Actually  blog. This super cute box is filled with goodies for your guy. You can fill it with tons of little things that he likes, chocolate, little knickknacks, notes, memories, etc. The idea is that whenever he gets sad, mad, or whatever, he opens the box, picks one or two items to cheer him up. Really thoughtful right?! Check out her blog and all her wonderful ideas. Here are a few other gift ideas. (Click on photo to go to original post)

4) Dessert

I don't mean cake or pie, although that's good too. But it's always nice to give your guy a little something "extra" on special occasions. On Valentines day, I like going the extra mile. Artificial rose pedals are sold at the dollar store. Spread them on the bed, light some candles all around the room, and play some soft romantic music. Slip on something sexy and you can take it from there. 

Hope this gives you a few ideas on how to have a great day without spending a ton. Happy Valentine's Day to All...