Love! On A Budget
TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | FEB 2020 39
By Jenny Ellis
I’m not going to beat around the rose bush, some guys & gals are just down right uncomfortable with romance. Naturally, that poses a problem for
February’s favorite holiday, St. Valentine’s Day. Being as it is one day before my birthday, I never cared too much for the day, but as I get older, I love seeing
love celebrated in all different ways, except of course with cheap ass chocolates and half dead gas station roses. Don’t do that. That being said, you
don’t have to spend a hundred bucks on teddy bears and sugar rimmed strawberries to show your undying love. Here are some thrifty, yet swoon-worthy,
Valentine’s Day goodies guaranteed to tickle your partner’s heart and soul.
If you are the classic Romeo or Juliet and want to confess your burning love by bringing your schnookums flowers, might I suggest checking out Costco
or Sam’s Club? Costco has 2 dozen long stem roses (year round!) for about $17 and they last up to a week with clean water and natural light. If roses are
too formal for your little love bug, lilies are gorgeous, smell heavenly, and last for up to 2 weeks! My finance brings them to me on his quick Costco stops
here and there and I love having fresh flowers around that he picked up, no matter what day. You can buy them ahead of time online too!
When my sea of love is overflowing, I like to share those feelings by cooking or baking my boo-boo’s favorite meal or sweet treat. Truly a way to a man’s
heart is his through a good southern girl’s cookin’. I try to pick a more complex recipe, something that isn’t on the weekly or boring roundabout of usual
recipes. Nothing says I love you like a hot bowl of ooey gooey homemade pasta or a slightly more expensive juicy steak, followed by a sweet treat. My goto
is a lava cake, they are quick & easy to make and oh so yummmm. Cooking at home is so much cheaper and a whole lot healthier. You should always
save room for some hanky panky after!
How about taking that sunrise stroll you haven’t done in forever? You always think how nice it would be. You always see everyone’s pictures on Facebook
and think, I live right here, why don’t I go? Once, after a few long & busy months at work, my doctor actually prescribed me being barefoot on the beach at
least twice a week. It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s the ultimate romantic environment. This is perfect for the valentine that has a hard time showing affection. All
you need to do is take your lover by the hand and walk. Talking is not necessary. Might I recommend stealing a kiss or two, just don’t get caught becoming
one under the pier.
Last but certainly not least, is my favorite, massage. Getting a massage from your partner is absolutely the ultimate. If this makes you nervous, here is
an easy guide. Go and get yourself some candles, like 10, turn down the lights and get that slow jam music playing on the nice low speaker. Invite your
valentine to indulge in a glass of red wine or bubbly while you prep your area. I promise, a slow, romantic massage from your partner is all you need to
wow your valentine. It’s free, full of thought (which is all we want anyway!), and this route has the optional happy ending, which I highly recommend.
If you are going for the gold this year, try to squeeze in at least 2 of the above. Out of pocket, you’re looking at a total of $20-$75, depending on your food
choices. Speaking on behalf of most women, we want to know it was a thought and it’s nice to see a little follow through. Truly, it has nothing to do with
money and as you can see, even if you pick the completely free options, you’re chances of getting lucky is quite high! Doesn’t matter how long you’ve been
together, show your pumpkin pie that they are still the apple of your eye.