Fru-Gal Friends

Here is where to post any frugal ideas/suggestions or links for Valentine's Day I love you

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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1790

I ALWAYS make a construction paper heart, then a smaller one to go on top of the other and line the smaller one with Hersey's Kisses! It's a fun way to wake up for the kids!

Make sure to look back at previous posts also as there are some great ideas posted.

I like to make all foods red or pink by choosing things naturally that color or adding food coloring, cutting out foods with heart shaped cookie cutters and for kids just cutting out hearts making two holes in it with a hole punch and adding a lollipop.
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Vicki

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Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1790

I love the lollipop idea!! I will use this one as I have lollipops leftover from Christmas! Thanks Smile

I was thinking about making a romantic dinner at home for DH...and having the kids be our waiters..etc...not sure Smile

But that would be frugal!!

to make hear shape cupcakes fill the paper liner the slip a between liner and tin .. instant heart..

I make my DH is favorite ( I make a huge bath of yeast rools
I make his favorite dinner ( usually he wants fish )
then I have have a special dessert ...
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Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

I have also gotten up before dh and with red lipstick drew hearts on the mirror in the bathroom. I like to stick small notes in with their lunches also.

My favorite is to make pancakes using a large heart cookie cutter and red food coloring. Mix the food coloring in the batter set the cookie cutter in pan (spray heart first) pour batter in let set and remove.
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Vicki

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I love the heart pancake ..

I have the double heart cake pan from Wilton I make dutch baby pancake in it its alway a hit

I make sugar cookie lolly around Thanksgiving . I might make them for Valentine .
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Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1790

I really like the heart pancake!

10 tips for a fun — but frugal — Valentine's Day
Do you have a honey, but not a lot of money? Try these economical ideas

Valentine’s Day sure can pack an unexpected financial punch. And that’s just what people need if they’re still paying off credit-card bills from December, right?

Officials with Huntington Bank in Ohio estimate that many would-be Romeos will spend anywhere from $160 to $400 on this single celebration. That’s fine and good if you can afford it – but what if you can’t?

Bearing in mind that money worries can be efficient and ruthless relationship killers, perhaps the worst Valentine’s Day gift you could give is anything that leaves you grappling with debt and debt-related stress. That said, you don’t have to appear cheap or forgo fun and romance altogether, either. Consider these tips for dreaming up an approach to this year’s celebration that is both meaningful and economical.

1. Get creative when it comes to dinner. You really don’t have to spend $85 to $250 on a romantic dinner at a restaurant. Why not have a nice candlelit dinner at home? You could even get all dressed up for it. If you know you’re going to be too tired to cook after work on Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Wednesday this year, order a special meal ahead of time and pick it up on your way home.

2. Enjoy a little ambiance. If you both really want to go out on the town together, you could have coffee or a drink and dessert at an expensive café or restaurant or a dark, romantic bistro. This is a way to savor the atmosphere — and your date — without emptying your wallet.

3. Play hooky. OK, do NOT follow this tip if your job or your partner’s job is hanging in the balance. But if you’ve racked up some vacation time, or if your employer allows you to take personal days from time to time, why not see if you can take the day off together on Wednesday? Depending on where you live, the two of you could stroll through a park, walk on a beach, go snow-shoeing, take a rowboat or paddleboat out on a lake, or catch a matinee movie. You also could drive to a small town near your home or through neighborhoods you’ve never visited before and search for small, out-of-the-way places to eat or find public parks and open spaces for walks.

4. See some live music. Check to see whether a university or college in your area is offering any potentially enjoyable concerts on Feb. 14. Performances by the college music department would likely be free or cost a fraction of the price charged by professional orchestras and opera houses.

5. Seek out some silence. Here’s a potential date idea if you’ve both been stressed out lately: You could wander through libraries and bookstores with coffee shops that encourage browsing. Rediscover passages you love from your favorite books, and enjoy the quiet. (Cautionary note: Be careful not to go nuts buying $25 paperbacks! That could defeat the whole purpose of this tip!)

6. Have low-cost fun with food on Feb. 14. You can pull out the cookie cutters and make heart-shaped cookies and even cut your lunch sandwiches into hearts. You also can make heart-shaped cupcakes by placing a marble inside each muffin tin on the outside of the paper cupcake cup.

7. Give thoughtful gifts. Most people stick to the same general gift themes on Valentine’s Day: flowers, chocolates, cards, maybe a piece of jewelry. Can you think of something different that might mean a whole lot more — and maybe even cost a whole lot less? Last November I wrote a 10 Tips column about how to avoid overspending during the holiday season, and that column included a tip about making your own gifts. Such gifts could include cakes, cookies or gift certificates for your services. The gift certificate idea might be just the ticket for you if you’re short on cash but high on love this Valentine’s Day. You could offer to run errands for your loved one, make a nice dinner, clean the house, repair the car or give a massage.

8. Reflect on that flower purchase. If you’re sure your special someone will be devastated without the gift of flowers, then you probably should get some. But once again, you don’t have to follow the herd. Everyone opts for roses at this time of year, but there are plenty of other gorgeous and neglected (i.e., less expensive) flower varieties to choose from. And red isn’t your only option, either. You also could choose peach, pink or yellow. Another tidbit: Does your partner love to garden and work in the yard? If so, a beautiful outdoor plant that will keep on living might be more appropriate than cut flowers that will quickly fade.

9. Write down how you feel. Using a package of inexpensive Valentines from the drug store or grocery store — or, for that matter, any kind of paper — you could write out dozens of reasons why you love your mate. Leave the messages all over the house, in both noticeable and hidden-away places. This is a gift that could keep on giving for weeks or months to come.

10. Plan ahead for next year. If Valentine’s Day is a holiday that matters to you and your significant other, make a mental note of how quickly it can sneak up on you after the big winter holidays in December. Think about realistic ways you can cut back on your spending so you’ll be able to use cash to cover all of the 2007-08 holidays without relying on credit cards and going into debt. Can you cut back on costly coffee drinks, snacks and sodas during your work day? Or maybe put off some discretionary purchases you’ve been thinking about making?
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Vicki

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Frugal Ideas for Valentine's Day

From Frugal Fun Monthly Tips (Sign up below!)
By Shel Horowitz

It's that time of year again! The month that florists, chocolatiers, and greeting card companies love above all others--and also a good month for those who provide limo rides and other expensive luxuries.

Valentine's Day is certainly a time to remember your spouse, partner, or love-from-afar. But you don't have to throw away a big pile of money. Here are a few among hundreds of wonderful frugal ideas:

* Give your lover a coupon for a service you'll provide. It could be something as prosaic as, "I'll do all your chores for a whole month" or as racy as "I'll be your love slave for 24 hours and do anything you want" (or anything in between!) The great thing about coupons is the way they warm the soul at several times: while you make them, when they're received, while the special person in your life is thinking about them, and, of course, when they're actually "cashed in."

* Buy a couple of very special--but inexpensive--treats. (For instance, a local candy store in my town sells heavenly layered truffles that melt in your mouth and are just exquisite. They're small, and they sell for 30 cents apiece!) Arrange them on an elegant plate, add one long-stemmed rose, and bringing it in as breakfast in bed.

* Give a head-to-toe, full-body, oiled massage, nude and in a well-heated room.

* Take a bubble bath together.

* Make an old-fashioned valentine out of red construction paper and lace--the kind you made in grade school.

My book, The Penny-Pinching Hedonist, has an entire chapter of frugal romantic ideas.
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Vicki

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Frugal Valentine Gift Ideas from our Readers

Frugal Valentine Gift Ideas

Like many moms, we are pinching every penny. This year for Valentine's Day I am giving my kid's (and hubby too) love coupons good for: extra time on the computer, any cookie/dessert recipe they want, extra movie, no clean-up day, a day free of chores, etc. For my hubby, I plan on setting up the card table with a lace table cloth, candle, soft music, favorite dessert, etc. for a special date! -- Debbie from TX

My husband made me an "I love you" CD. He chose lots of songs that were about love including "Brown-eyed Girl." (I have brown eyes). It's really special. When we were in college he did a similar thing with a cassette tape. -- Tracy, 35, from NC

I love poems. For my husband, I would find "Daddy" poems and either print them word for word of course including the author's name) or adapt it to make it appropriate for him. Using my computer, I would put them in a beautiful border or with an appropriate picture and frame them for our wall. He loves them because each has a special meaning for him. This could also be done for anyone important to you. It looks really nice with the two-photo frame - one frame for the poem and the other for a nice print or picture. -- Deb, 32, from MN

I'm planning a Sweetheart Scavenger hunt for my kids for Valentine's Day. I did all my shopping at the dollar store. My 2 year old daughter is into pretty jewelry right now so I bought a pack of rings for her. My 4 year old son loves anything with wheels so I bought a pack of cars for him. Then I picked up a package of Valentine treat bags. I'll put their surprises in the bags and hide them. I'm going to wake them up with their first goody and a clue then lead them all over the house to find the rest of their treasures. Lots of fun for just $3.00. -- Andi from IN

My husband did this for me and it was inexpensive, but thoughtful and romantic. He framed our bathroom mirror with hot pink post it notes as a valentines morning surprise. All of the post it's had one loving or encouraging word written on them, i.e. beautiful, charming, disciplined, loving, caring . -- Lynn, 37, from MN

A fun Valentine Idea I love doing for my husband is a candy gram. You can be creative with all the different names of candy and be really sweet telling him exactly how you feel about him. My husband loves having the treats that usually last him a few weeks. I also did the "12 Days of Valentine's" for him one year. I really had to get creative and start early enough, but he loved getting a little something from me each day! A lot of the things were just candy or little items I knew he needed or wanted. -- Katrina, 34, from AZ

My fiance didn't have a lot of money lot year for Valentine's day, but he wanted to give me roses. So what he did was load up a screen saver with roses on it, and bought me a bracelet. It was so sweet, and it didn't cost him anything! It meant more to me then any real flowers could have! -- Amanda, 24, from New Brunswick

Last Valentine's Day I went to the local hardware store and purchased a key with a red plastic identifier on it. I added a note saying "You have the Key to my heart". Very inexpensive, very sentimental. -- Michelle, 43, from MN

As much as I love to give gifts at each holiday it gets a little costly. So instead of buying big expensive gifts we have gotten into the habit of making memorable gifts. Our favorite so far, which works for any holiday. Is a personalized t-shirt. I bought an inexpensive pre-shrunk t-shirt and used fabric paint to write on a message, then personalize it with the date and hand and foot prints from my son. Grandparents love this gift! -- Tracy, 29, from IL

I did this last year with my son (8 yrs.) and husband. Cut out hearts two different colors, pick the same number ( I did 10 each) Ryan was pink and my husband was red. Hide them around the house and let them go at it finding them. I put "coupons" on each of the Valentines that they can redeem with a two day notice (I was flexible!)

Suggestions:

Husband
"Free" afternoon to Menard's
Choice of dinner and movie
Remote control for entire night
body massage

Son

1 -$5 toy from Target
1 free movie ticket

Pizza party w/friends

Fun Day w/Mom

ETC. use your imagination!!! You can even just put little sweet thoughts, like you are special, Love you etc. They thought this was really cool. If you have more than one child do different colors for each child, assign they colors and maybe only do 5 each. Have fun! -- Amy Kleist, Hugo, MN

I made about 20 lavender hearts of paper and wrote a different something I loved about my husband on each one. I hid them in various places that he would find them--inside a shoe, on his razor, in a jacket pocket. I put enough of them in places that he would find a bunch early on, but some he didn't find for a few days. It was a nice surprise and he liked the specific loving items written on each heart. -- Genie, 40, from C
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Vicki

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How to have a frugal Valentine's Day
Ah Valentine’s Day, the day to declare our undying devotion and love to the special someone in our lives. The media would have us believe that the only way we can show our love is by emptying our pocket books as we purchase diamond rings, dozens of roses and expensive Belgian chocolates. What’s a frugal Romeo or Juliet to do? Here are some ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank.

Wow your sweetheart with a special dinner – their favorite meal prepared by you. Cover the table with a table cloth (a solid colored sheet will work in an emergency). Add a few candles to the table and a single rose or carnation as a centerpiece. Put on some soft, romantic music in the background and you’ll feel as though you are being serenaded in a fancy restaurant for a fraction of the cost. You can go all out with your Valentine dinner or keep it simple. Only you know what your true love really appreciates. For those of you in the warmer areas, pack a picnic lunch instead of a special dinner. Spread a blanket on the ground and share a romantic picnic lunch in your backyard or a public park. Pack some romantic finger foods like grapes, cheese & crackers, strawberries dipped in chocolate, etc. and declare your undying love while feeding her these delicacies.

Speaking of delicacies, what Valentine’s Day would be complete without some sinfully rich chocolate treats? Don’t give your money to your local chocolate shop when you can whip up some fancy treats in your own kitchen.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

1 or 2 dark chocolate or milk chocolate candy bars

enough strawberries to satisfy that sweet tooth

Bring a pan of water to boil on the stove. Break up the candy bar into small pieces and put them in a glass bowl. Set the glass bowl into the pan of water being careful that it does not tip and gently stir the chocolate until it is melted. Dip each strawberry into the chocolate and put on wax paper. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets and then enjoy!

Make your sweetheart a coupon book good for a special service you can provide. Some coupon ideas include home baked cookies, I’ll do your chores for a week, a special massage, etc. Let your imagination be your guide and he’ll remember this Valentine’s Day each time he redeems one of your coupons.

Create your own special Valentine’s Day card. Using a few sheets of red paper and a doily you can find at your local craft or dollar store, you can give a Valentine’s Day card that is all you. Why not write a special poem or a heartfelt sentiment on the inside of the card.

If your Valentine’s Day includes some quiet alone time with your special someone, don’t forget to schedule a massage and a sensuous bubble bath. Add some soft romantic music and some scented candles, dim the lights and set the mood.

Make this a Valentine’s Day your love will never forget.

Article written by: Ellen LaFleche-Christian, Moonlight Creations Jewelry & Gifts,
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Vicki

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Lots (& LOTS!) of great fun ideas here Vicki, thanks for posting all of these.
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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Wow, Vicki....lots of super ideas....the one about checking out music departments of colleges, if you live near one, is excellent....having been a music student I agree that some great performances can be had there... students and faculty are required to give performances and they take them very seriously so you will often hear much better music (instramental and vocal) than at an overpriced and overhyped concerts...
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Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. ~ Mother Teresa

I love going to our local high school and hearing them perform. We have some very talented youth in this area.
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Vicki

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