5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget
With all the designer chocolate, jewelry, and $400 dinners, Valentine’s Day has the potential to cause some serious hurt to your pocketbook. Why not rebel a little this year, and say no to gifts, no to the fancy restaurants, and just spend an evening at home? Oftentimes, the most memorable moments are the ones that cost the least amount of money. Here’s five ideas that keep it local, keep it romantic, and keep it on a budget.
1. Cook dinner together. We’re not taking anything crazy, either. Stop by Russo’s (363 7th Ave), pick up some AMAZING fresh pasta, bread, and sauce, and you’ll be reenacting Lady and the Tramp before you can say Bella Notte.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zyQ1x9Jxoc
2. Social Network Tomorrow. There is nothing more distracting than the constant buzzing and beeping of our various electronic devices. This is a great opportunity to unplug them for the night. Light some candles, talk, reminisce, and just give your attention, all of your attention, to your partner. Facebook and Twitter will be there in the morning.
3. Order takeout, and start a series together on Netflix. Give Kinara a ring for some tikki masala, and cozy up on the couch with your sweetheart. You don’t have to go all Downton Abbey soppy, either. Maybe it’s time to go sci-fi! Travel to the final frontier with fellow Sloper, Patrick Stewart, in Star Trek: The Next Generation, root for Adama and Roslin in Battlestar Galactica, or get to know the man in the blue box, Doctor Who.
4. Play games. Have some old board games that have been collecting dust? Whip ’em out for an old fashioned game night. Neergaard Toys (454 5th Ave) has a great selection of games behind their 2nd floor counter, if you need to pick one up.
Video games are also a hoot, even if you stink at them. Plug in the Wii, and fire up some Super Mario Kart. Trust us, nothing is funnier than watching your partner frantically throw themselves across the couch in order to avoid the cows that just walked in front of their car. Game Stop (527 5th Ave) also has a million used games that you can get for super cheap if you need something new.
5. Pick up some wine, toss a bunch of pillows on the floor, and listen to the music of the night. We’re lucky to be surrounded by a number of fabulous wine shops, included Big Nose Fully Body and Slope Cellars. Let our local experts set you up with the perfect bottle (remember, good wine does not have to mean expensive wine), make a soft pillow pallet on the floor, dim the lights, and raid iTunes for some of your best romantic music. We’ve always had a soft spot for Phantom of the Opera.
What are your plans for Thursday, South Slope?
Image via Nevit Dillman
