I wonder if anyone has creative ideas about how to celebrate a romantic Valentine's day on a very limited budget? My husband and I have been together for almost 8 years and we are expecting our 2nd baby in June. Our son is almost 2 years old we have forgotten how to go out, have fun and talk about things besides our son and our jobs. We used to hike, kayak, go out to dinner and dancing and spend lots of time with friends. Now, between our demanding jobs and our lovely little boy, we are exhausted and on the couch by 8:30 and to bed by 10. We love each other so much but have gotten into a rut. Does anyone have advice on how to reignite the spark? I want to surprise him with a romantic Valentine's day but we are on a very limited budget. I am open to all ideas!
We tend to include our kids in valentines day by having a special dinner at home. One thing we've also done is babysit for another couple on the 14th then go out while they babysit for us on the 15th. Sometimes places raise prices on vday so the 15th makes a lot of sense for a budget!
On a limited budget, well my idea would be an early bedtime for baby that night. That afternoon go to Albertsons, they always have strawberries dipped in Chocolate, get a few, a bottle of champagne, something he really likes for dinner and some bubblebath and some type of body oil.
Before he comes home from work, set the mood: fix dinner, set the table with a candle, his favorite music or some good sexy soft music, lights low and give him a nice romantic dinner, have a a fun sexy movie ready to watch. Talk about the things you used to talk about when you were dating or the things you both like to do and forget work, problems and baby even for 1 hr. Good luck and have fun, can't get pregnant you already are.
I don't know how you and your husband feel about being without your two year old all night, but you could create a date night with fellow parents. Talk to some of your friends or family members that have a child/children and ask them if they would be willing to swap childcare. Say every other Tuesday you drop your boy off for the night and then return the favor on Thursday. Then take that night alone to have a stay at home romantic dinner and movie or go out. I know that it's a little close to Valentine's Day to actually get this set up, but it would be nice for the two of you until the new baby comes.
have a YouTube date..... we get popcorn snacks etc - put the kiddos to bed and browse Youtube for an hour or so.... we find tons of funny sad and insteresting things to watch on YouTube and it sparks a variety of conversations......We have 4 kids under 6 and the last 3 are all 14 months apart..... we never get out.
Get a box of the valentines cards and the cheap chocolates the kids get for school and leave them all over the house (and in his lunch). Plan a late dinner for the two of you after your little one goes to bed. My hubby's favorite is when I got the chocolate covered cherries and started sliping them to him a week before valentines. Or when I pack a lunch for him with little notes inside.
I don't know if you like to cook at all but one year we were low on funds and I made this recipe for beef tenderloin with three spreads. http://www.bhg.com/recipes/recipedetail.jsp?recipeId=R077679 I didn't buy the expensive cut it recommends but asked my butcher for something two person sized and a little cheaper. It's easy to make and you can serve it with bread cut into heart shapes, etc. I make risotto with heart shaped beets on top. Now this has become a tradition for us every year. Eating at home saves SO much money and can be way more intimate. Also my husband never buys me flowers around this time of year, but rather buys me plants for around the home that last longer and are just as beautiful and WAY cheaper. :-) Wish you and your hubby a fantastic evening!
