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You are here: Home / Archives for frugal holiday

Wine and Dine Without Spending a Dime

February 2, 2011 By 2 Comments

couple at restaurant I love everything about Valentine’s Day, from the sappy romantic movies to the yummy heart-shaped edible treats.  While Valentine’s Day may not be for everyone, it’s a great excuse to spend some time with your loved one and simply enjoy each other’s company.  For this reason, I am a huge advocate of saving money and celebrating Valentine’s Day at home in an intimate setting.  So put the kids to bed early, take out the candles, and cook up a delicious at-home meal!

Cook at home!

Are you looking for some great restaurant-worthy dishes to try out at home?  I have compiled my favorite budget-friendly dishes from some awesome frugal bloggers that will make any dinner a hit.  Since Italians are known for their romance, here are some great Italian-inspired dishes to set the mood.

Spinach and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast from $5 Dollar Dinners

  • This recipe is absolutely delicious!  I paired it with a loaf of fresh French bread I got on sale at the grocery store and it was a total hit.

Penne Pasta Casserole from Cheap Eats

  • If you have anyone with a big appetite or you want leftovers, this is a great dish to fix.  A nice twist on traditional pasta that is full of flavor.

Fettuccine Alfredo from Kitchen Daily

  • A great homemade version of a classic dish.  This one is perfect if you need a vegetarian option!

Chicken Parmesan from Good Cheap Eats

  • A great dish with a great story!  Perfect way to share a Valentine’s Day tradition.

Cheap, tasty wine

If you are looking for a great wine to compliment your meal, try going to a wholesale retailer such as Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club.  Trader Joe’s and World Market also have great wines for low prices (by signing up for a free membership at WM you can get additional deals on wine).

Remember, Valentine’s Day is all about spending time with a special someone.  Forgo the crowds and hassle of going out and take a night in to relax and reconnect with these amazing eats!

Filed Under: Cheap Living, Entertainment, Holiday Spending, Money Saving Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Tips For A Frugal Valentine

January 31, 2011 By 1 Comment

heart gift box bow

Okay, call me a romantic cynic.  But as my mailbox and email get overwhelmed with notices of Valentine’s Day sales, I’m seeing this February 14th thing as an opportunity for companies to market items about love to willing consumers who believe they don’t communicate their feelings well enough the other 364 days of the year.

For many of us, though, the economy demands another way to look at the holiday:  expressing our love without killing our budget.  After all, as indicated in a recent CESI survey about marriage and debt, nothing strains a relationship quite like a massive credit card bill.

Frugal Ideas

1. Make your own card. It takes a few minutes of thought to hand-write a note or design your own card, but something personal is always guaranteed to please.  Say it from the heart (after all that is what Valentine’s Day is all about) and you don’t need computer skills to do it either.

2. Give up the chocolate.  Give a coupon instead. Nice thought, but good chocolate can be expensive. Instead, give a “love coupon.”  Your special someone can redeem it for a day off from household chores, a day at the park or at the beach, a move rental of their choice.   The gift of time together is more valuable and lasting than chocolate.

3. Simple Gifts. I know, there are those who feel the need to give something (read: buy something) for Valentine’s Day.  If that’s the case, something nice doesn’t have to be expensive.  Here are a few ideas:

  • Make a card and attach a keychain that says “I love you.”
  • Make your significant other a new playlist of your favorite love songs.
  • Buy a pack of red/pink post-it notes and surprise that special someone with a giant heart stuck on the bathroom mirror or anywhere in the house.  Better yet, write special things about that person on each note.
  • Prepare your favorite meal at home instead of booking reservations at your favorite – and probably pricey – restaurant.
  • Cuddle up and watch your favorite movie together.
  • Buy an empty journal or notebook. Write something you love about that person on every page.

Bottom line, love doesn’t have to be expensive.  It just has to be, well, lovely.

Filed Under: Cheap Living, Featured, Holiday Spending Tagged With: , , ,