8 easy ways to do Valentines day on a budget

There is no shame in wanting to celebrate all things L-O-V-E

Ah come on now, we've had a good seven weeks without any major dates in the Calender so can we really complain that Valentines Day is already upon us? Em, YES. We've just about recovered after the dreaded 5-6 week gap between pay-days over Christmas and already we have to think about presents and celebrations. 
There is no shame in wanting to celebrate all things L-O-V-E on February 14th with your partner. Maybe you are lucky enough to have a baby-sitter booked and paid for the night. Wining and dining may be on the cards. 
A lot of people will find themselves in a pickle though. When you consider the price of a present, meal, transport and paying a babysitter it could end up being a very expensive Tuesday night. So why not try out some of these more modest ways of celebrating the mushy day. 
  • Have dessert. Simples. Your regular mid-week dinner so no pressure for the cook, but when the kids go to bed snuggle up with the other half over your favourite dessert. The fancy ice-cream you usually can't justify. The one with the Pralines yeah? Ah go on, it's a lot cheaper than a night out.
  • Wings and Beer. Steak and Beer. Both easy to throw together and a real mid-week treat. A nice steak dinner or tangy bowl of chicken wings for dinner followed by a nice cold beer with your other half. It'll be a novelty if nothing else.
  • Melt some chocolate and dip strawberries in. A cheeky glass of Prosecco and your sweet treat is a lovely gesture for the one you love.
  • Get a take-away. You usually can't justify a mid-week curry but if there ever was an excuse to not cook it's today. Throw on something handy for the kids and have a cheeky take-away when they go to sleep. Oh the thrill.
  • Buy a new scented candle and a big bar of chocolate. Another food related item. Can you tell what the way to my heart is?
  • Point your hubby in the direction of a  LUSH bath bomb. You'll be floating on cloud nine after your V-Day bath. Happy wife happy life, eh?
  • Leave a cute note in your other half's lunch-box. Imagine how delighted he will be when he finds the note and a few chocolates with it? He'll tell you he was mortified but deep down you KNOW he loves truffles so he was CLEARLY delighted.
  • Agree to no present buying and gift each other with your PRESENCE instead. Watch a movie and cuddle up for the evening. Disclaimer – this one involves actually not expecting a present. Nobody needs a V-Day bickering fest. 
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff writer at www.familyfriendlyhq.ie.
Check out her own blog at www.loveofliving.ie

Tracey Quinn

Proud mum of two who got married on Don't Tell The Bride and had an accidental home-birth (loves a good story). She's passionate about breastfeeding, positive thinking & all things cosy.

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