Tri-Moms: Frugal Date Ideas

For a long, we limited our date nights to only a couple a year.  It wasn't that we didn't want to go out as a couple, but money was tight and, with babies born two years apart, it seemed there was often a nursing infant who could not be left so it was just easier to stay home. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we instituted a stay-at-home date night.  Every other Saturday night after the kids were in bed, we took turns planning an activity and a snack.  Sometimes we watched a movie, sometimes we looked at our wedding albums or watched our wedding video.  We may have talked or played a card game.  The snack was anything from microwave popcorn to homemade cookies.  Depending on the season of life, one or both of us might have fallen asleep with the movie on or we may have been joined by a fussy baby.  The specifics didn't matter.  What did matter was that we set aside time to be together. 

I love the idea of trading date-nights with another family.  One month, they go out while we host all the kids at our house and the next month, we go out while they play with the kids.  It saves paying for a babysitter and it's a win-win for everyone.  I'm not sure anyone would be willing to take the responsibility of five extra children for the evening, though. 

Our date nights out have increased as the kids have gotten a little older and as our circumstances have changed (a little more pocket money, a not-afraid-to-be-left-with-grandparents toddler), but we still cherish our nights at home.  One of our favorite activities of the week is when we sit down on Sunday nights with frozen pizza to watch The Amazing Race on TV.  We also have a Wednesday night ritual of popcorn and Survivor.   It's the little things! 

Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday this year-- not ideal for a night on the town-- but why not create yourown in-home date night? 

First prepare a special food treat for the two of you to enjoy.  To me, nothing says Valentine's Day more than chocolate.  Lucky for me, my husband agrees, but in case you don't agree, I also included a few non-chocolate treats. 

Chocolate Cherry Cobler
Molten Chocolate Cakes
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Cherry Cheese Tartlets

Maybe you don't like to bake or don't have time.  You could stir together a packaged cookie or brownie mix and bake individual treats in a mini-muffin tin. 

Once your snack is all lined up, choose a game or movie. 

The Help,  Unstoppable, The King's Speech, Sherlock Holmes or  Sherlock: Season One are a few we've enjoyed together over the past few years, or you could even pull out a classic like Father of the Bride or an oldie like Wait Until Dark.  {The links provided are Amazon Associate links.}   Maybe you could even blow the dust off of your wedding video if you have one.

What are your Valentine plans this year?   Do you plan to go out or stay home? 

As always...take a moment to visit my fellow Tri-Moms,

Allyson and Christy.

Coming Soon:

February 13-18: Tri-Moms Giveaway Week!

February 21: Romancing Your Husband

March 6: Celebrating Spring

March 20:  Gardening with Kids

April 3: Celebrating the Meaning of Easter
April 17: Spring Cleaning
May 1: Reflecting on the Past School Year
May 15: Summer Learning Plans