Dating 

On a budget! 

Together 32 years...31 years married

Dating your spouse is important but some times money gets in the way of having a "proper date". You don't need a steak dinner and a movie to call it a date. Time spent with your significant other is about being together and building memories.   With Holiday season right around the corner I'm sure everyone's budget is gong to be a bit tighter than normal.  So I thought it would be good to share some of our favorite budget friendly dates.

When Smokin Hot hubby and I were first together we were FLAT BROKE! Flatter than a pancake broke. (I think you get the picture) Anyway, we had to get creative with the gift giving and the date nights. Looking back though it was the memories that make those times so priceless because putting the extra effort and thought into a gift and date makes it that much more special.

Now if you were to ask Smokin what his favorite date was he would tell you that it was (and to be honest still is) Costco! Walk around get some samples then buy lunch at the food court for under $5. And if we wanted to splurge a VHS rental from Blockbuster Video.  Did I just let the cat out of the bag on how old I am? 😏

Whether you are dating, married, or married with kids, these ideas I'm about to share are great for the here and now.


Date #1: At home picnic and a movie

A good homemade soup is great for date night!

We loved doing this when our kids were younger. We tucked our girls into bed, turned on a movie, and enjoyed a nice dinner. The dinner need not be complicated. Sometimes it was a platter of crackers, cheese, and apple slices. I loved making soup and toasting up some bread. Simple but filling and so warming on a cool, Fall night. Lay a blanket on the floor and have an indoor picnic together.  The point is enjoying the each other's company and getting in some quality cuddle time.

Date #2: Sweet Saturdays

Enjoying some coffee and down time!

Go to a bookstore and look around. Get a coffee at the coffee shop and split a dessert. We did this on Saturday afternoons. We paid a teen we knew and trusted for a 2-3 hour window to babysit and just spent some down time together.


Date #3: Dream a little Dream

Expressing your goals together is a bonding experience!

 
It is so good to reconnect. Setting some time aside to dream of the future is a great way to do that. Sharing goals we have as individuals and as a couple. Your significant other should be your biggest fan. Communicating what your hopes, dreams and goals are so important.

Nothing better than an indulgence that doesn't break the bank!

If you have little ones wait till bedtime then pull out a couple nice pieces of chocolate (Dove candies are our favorites) and a bottle of wine. (We like Charles Shaw ($3) or Robert Mondavi ($7)) Make this time a time to focus on each other. Soft music is nice too

Date #4: Homemade dinner....Together

Building memories over a nice dinner!

My daughter made her boyfriend's grandma's spaghetti recipe as a special gift for their holiday time. He loved it and the night was super special.  This year they plan on cooking together since this is something they love to do and is also budget friendly.  Working together to create a delicious meal bonds a couple together, or could tear the couple apart if one gets too bossy and controlling.  (Not that I would know anything about that though!😇)

The point is that with the right attitude and some creative thinking you can still date and spend little to no money.

I hope these ideas help to activate your creativity on how to spend time together on a budget. Really it boils down to the person you are with. Creating a moment in time where you are focused on each other and not social media or the troubles of this world.

Always do your best to be in the moment. Someday you will look back and say those were the good old days.

Be blessed!

Lar

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