Simplifying Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a great holiday from a simplicity standpoint. Unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving there isn’t an expectation of presents for dozens of people or preparing meals for a whole house full of guests. It is a holiday where spending can get a bit out of control from a spending standpoint as items in demand, like pristine long-stemmed roses and top dinner reservations are in big demand. I prefer having a nice Valentine’s at home with favorite foods, chocolate and perhaps a surprise:
–Keep dinner simple — if you are very comfortable in the kitchen, see Valentine’s Day as as opportunity to serve up something special that your loved one really likes, or offer to prepare their favorites. I think I will make bacon wrapped oysters this year. If you are a novice in the kitchen, but are looking to prepare a rare meal for your sweetie, be sure to simplify things down so they are manageable. For example, look to prepare one dish well, and augment with a beautiful tossed salad.
–Make a special treat — since my husband and I both love chocolate, treats are pretty easy to concoct. I usually make a chocolate custard (with coconut milk) or strawberries dipped in chocolate fondue. Just like dinner, simple can be very good.
–Use small touches to make things festive — I really enjoy aroma therapy, so I have the small aroma therapy lamps that use a drop or two of fragrant oil. Candles would also be a nice touch.
–Make a special track of music – With i-pods and other devices, creating a special, personalized soundtrack is easier than ever.
I would love to hear of other tips to make Valentine’s Day special without breaking the bank.
shared at Frugal Friday
We got a generous gift card for Christmas from a friend. Right away, we knew we would save it for Valentine’s Day, although we may go the day before or the day after, to avoid crowds. It does not matter. My husband always buys me flowers and I hope he will just get me a couple of carnations and not roses, but we will see!
I bought him a book from the Christian bookstore for $10 and will get him a small bag of chocolate from the grocery store and put it in a Valentine’s Day bag I bought last year at 75% off. For my grandchildren and grown kids, I found some plastic hearts in a “stash” I have from a couple of years ago, from the Thrift Store brand new. I put a sticker on them that says “You are Loved” and bought a couple of bags of conversation hearts and filled the plastic hearts. All for $2, and we are talking about 8 people. I found pink socks after Christmas on sale for 75% off, so my daughters will also get those! And last of all, I had a box of kids Valentine’s from last year, so everyone is getting one of those this year, costing pennies but CUTE! My husband is getting one from the Dollar Tree. So my family will know they are being thought of; and we stayed way within our budget! We are doing the envelope system and had one especially for Valentine’s Day for the kids/grandchildren. Happy Valentine’s Day!
We don’t go out to eat on Valentine’s Day either. We just make something nice at home and have a special desert (usually it’s chocolate, too!) The dollar spot @ Target has great things for kids. This yr I got a cute pink mail box for my daughter that I will decorate and fill with some candy and an itunes card – it’s small so it doesn’t take much. I get candy for the hubby and he get’s me meat (we go out of town for a hockey tournament each yr near V-day and they put on a great bbq as a fundraiser w/ fab tri-tip so for that past few years he has bought extra meat to bring home for my gift! It’s super yummy AND I don’t have to cook one night! )
Carla, you are amazingly organized. Good for you.
Debra, meat and chocolate, yum.
Happy Valentine’s!