The Budget Diet

“Mamma always said, life is like a box of chocolates!” It’s a classic line from the movie Forrest Gump, and it’s the inspiration for a homemade Valentine’s gift!

Step #1:
Quick…go eat all the chocolates in a heart shaped box, so you can make this great gift to give your kids or your husband for Valentine’s Day! A little box will do, but if you’re feeling ambitious…go for the big box of chocolates!

Step #2:
Simply fill the empty compartments with small snacks, little notes or little trinkets! Here’s a complete “how-to” tutorial from my friend at Roots & Wings Co! She filled her heart shaped candy box with all kinds of healthy red snacks for her children like Baby Bel Cheese, red grapes, cherries, baby tomatoes and strawberries! Of course, you can make it personal and fill those compartments with just about anything for a child or a grown-up…

• Those cute little heart candy’s with the sayings on them.
• m&m’s.
• A piece of jewelry.
• Heart stickers.
• A love note!
• Tickets to an event.
• A heart shaped eraser.
• A tiny picture!
• A key chain.
• A tiny seashell
• A magnet
• Lip Balm
• A heart shaped charm
• Walk around your house…I’m sure you’ll find some tiny treasures!

Let your imagination fill up that empty box of chocolates!

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Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Budget Cupid is here to help put a little romance in your life for less this Valentine’s Day with 10 cheap date ideas!

 
 
 
 
 
Enjoy Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Champagne by the Fireplace
How romantic, just like a scene out of the movies! Take it one step further and make the chocolate dipped strawberries together:

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Revisit Your Wedding Album
Cozy up by the fireplace and rekindle the flame as you look though your wedding album! How’s that for a FREE DATE NIGHT!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dine In, Not Out
Cook a nice dinner together and don’t forget the candlelight! Try a some new recipes or recreate a meal you saw on Food Network.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Scenic Drive
My all time favorite date with my husband was when we took a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hiking, picnics and sunsets…how romantic is that?
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Walk on the Beach
If you live in a warm climate, and you’re near the beach – take a walk, hold hands, collect shells and enjoy a glass of wine.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Wine Tasting at Home
Ask your local wine store to recommend a few cheap wines then cover the bottles in brown paper bags, taste and rate. You just might discover a new favorite cheap wine! Don’t forget to pick up a nice loaf of French bread from the bakery and a couple of deli cheeses.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Couples Massage
If you’re looking for a cheap date, the $200 couples massage at the local spa is most likely out of the question, but a massage at home can be much more romantic! Check out an instructional book or watch an instructional You Tube video together, take turns giving each other a massage and RELAX!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Half & Half
If you can’t decide what to do for Valentine’s Day, each of you should plan an activity. Maybe you plan dinner and your spouse picks a movie? Celebrate the entire weekend, and you can each be in charge of a day. Add to the romance by surprising each other with your plans.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Movie Night
There’s nothing better than curling up together on the couch with a warm snuggly blanket and watching a romantic movie! My personal favorite? Love Actually!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Celebrate Early
If you have a Bank of America credit card, check card or ATM card, you can enjoy FREE ADMISSION to more than 150 museums, zoos and botanical gardens the first weekend of every month. Cupid really won’t know if you celebrate on February 5th or 6th, and Budget Cupid will be thrilled because it’s a FREE DATE NIGHT!
 

So, there it is – 10 Cheap Date ideas for Valentine’s Day, but if you’re just a traditional flowers and dinner kind of gal…please let your husband know about discounted gift cards at PlasticJungle.com. He’ll save up to 30% on restaurants, flowers and gifts!

Please leave a comment to share your favorite cheap date ideas and Valentine’s date ideas with Budget Cupid!

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Cynics be warned: This post is chock full of Valentine’s Day cheer.

I start anticipating Valentine’s Day come mid January. The Christmas bustle is over, and all we’re left with is cold and dark weather. I think it’s a lot of fun to put on those rose-tinted glasses and appreciate all things love and romance. And being wined and dined doesn’t hurt either!

It’s also a lot of fun to get dolled up on Valentine’s Day. And while I love to wear my red and pink, I prefer not looking like cupid vomited on me. Instead of head-to-toe red, I like to wear a base of black or white, and use Valentine’s-themed accessories to show my spirit. Here are some VDay accessories I’m loving this year. And they best part? They’re all under $50, with most under $20.

1. Scarves! Cozy up during February’s chill with a warm Valentine’s Day scarf. A basic, solid-colored red scarf or pink scarf is always a classic and will look great with most any coat. Or, consider a patterned scarf. I have the heart scarf above (see it in action here), and it’s too cute. The rose floral scarf above would add a very romantic touch to a little black dress.
2. Earlier when I mentioned rose-tinted glasses, I meant it in the metaphorical sense. But some sweet heart sunglasses can give you a literal rosy view of life. What other day during the year is it totally acceptable to wear some heart-shaped glasses?
3. Maybe you want to use Valentine’s Day for some “me time” and pamper yourself a little bit. Light a candle, steep yourself a perfect cup of tea in a heart mug, and give yourself a mani/pedi. I love Butter nail polish — and that shade of red is so sassy!
4. Jewelry is one of the most classic gifts that show love. But there’s nothing wrong with getting yourself some inexpensive love-themed costume jewelry. Both the heart earrings and love ring above are from Modcloth — and both are well under $20!
5. Tame those flowing locks with some VDay hair accessories. Don a cute red hat if your date includes ice skating or a walk outside. Tuck your hair to the side with a sweet heart comb, or pin some rose clips into your curls for a romantic touch.
6. Forget chocolates and Necco Sweethearts. Get yourself some arm candy instead! A blush-hued handbag is subtle, while a bright red purse is bold. Or for a night out dancing, consider a little red wallet with just enough room for the essentials.

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written by: Sarah Heckle

Author bio: Sarah Heckle is a writer, editor, and blogger from Indianapolis. She and her husband met on Valentines day several years ago, and she’s excited to spend their first married Valentine’s Day together!