This is the 200th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday!

Since Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, getting into or even affording to the restaurant of your choice may be difficult. Go frugal this Valentine’s Day – within limits. If you know that your valentine would be disappointed by receiving nothing, then there is still time to go out looking for a gift or time to plan something.

 Restaurants charge a lot more for their “romance” packages and as people are cutting, down, out and back on some things dining out isn’t necessarily being cut out. Don’t be surprised at the prices. The special meal may be comparable to ordering what you really want from the menu.

Check out the menu prices of places you are interested in first, otherwise, you might be embarrassed if you can’t afford the meal. See if the restaurant offers carry-out and you can then have the meal somewhere else without worrying about the additional prices of a cocktail or wine.

Go to a BYOB restaurant. Wine is generally marked up considerably in a restaurant, find a restaurant that is BYOB and doesn’t charge a corkage fee. Then you can control the amount that you spend on alcohol.

If you can dunk, you can dip. Buy some chocolate and fruit, and invite your loved one for fondue, or make some chocolate covered fruit (strawberries, cherries) and put them on a small plate for your sweetie. Just remember that too much direct heat makes chocolate grainy.

See what the stores are promoting as giftsand find your own. It is easy to buy a gift for someone that is already in a basket or set, but just like any other time of the year it is necessary for a person to like what is in the basket or giftset.

Be honest about your funds or lack of funds. If you don’t have a lot of money, due to downsizing, job loss or saving, remember it is the thought that counts.

A book may not spell passion or excitement, but if your sweetie really likes dogs, cats, horses or the latest thriller by a novelist, then make sure that the person will enjoy the gift.

Saturday is Valentines’ Day. There are options for the frugal romantic. Candy and flowers are always easy and sometimes overpriced this time of year. There are other options. If you are just saving your money and want to do something that is a little more original.

Cook a meal, even if it is something as simple as meatloaf, use good dishes, cloth napkins and mood lighting to provide ambiance.

Cooking not your thing? Go to a coffee shop or have a late lunch at a nice restaurant. Lunch prices are often less expensive and often feature some of the same items.

The economy is forcing restauranteurs to offer specials just to get people in to the restaurants. Many restaurants in the Chicago area are offering some Valentine’s Day pre fixe (prix fixe) meals for the occasion.

The candy in the heart shaped box isn’t always the best assortment. Find out what your sweetie likes and actually go to the candy store and pick out candy that will be eaten. In the assorted boxes… about a half of the assortment is never that good and gets wasted.

Buy a bottle of wine and some fancy heat and serve appetizers at home and you have your own version of a less expensive tapas.

More tips to come…

     If you are looking for something interesting and inexpensive to do with your children or just something to keep you occupied that costs very little – go to the thrift store and get a craft kit. I was trolling the aisles, stacks and racks today and noticed that there were several nice brand-new kits at the Salvation Army store a couple of miles from my house that featured two stuffed animal kits. Each kit included all the materials necessary to make, stuff, decorate and dress two stuffed animals. The kits were $8 each but that would take longer to do than to watch a movie and cost less.

     If that isn’t your thing, there are other craft kits with instructions available at thrift stores or even if you went to a craft store and bought a kit, this would give you some family fun time and possibly a hobby that will teach your child new skills.

     No kids? That’s one reason why I didn’t buy a kit. (Plus, I don’t really like stuffed animals). There are other things that you can do. If you are interested in other crafts, a thrift store would be a good place to start if you aren’t too certain that you are going to stick with the hobby.

     I have noticed that since the economy has taken a nose dive, prices have increased on items in the thrift store. Don’t get me wrong you can get some great deals still, you just have to hunt for them. I bought a few bags of yarn for projects and a fraction of the price I would pay at a craft store or local yarn shop. Most thrift stores offer special sale days, so go with an open mind (and cash) and you can clean up.

While updating my site, I encountered some major technical difficulties and lost my site.  So, I am reposting today’s post and decided to take this as an opportunity to redesign my site with a new look.