Guest Post : unique and budget friendly date nights

Hi Deer and Daisy readers, I am so excited to be guest posting today! My name is Justine and I blog over at Little Dove Creations, a diy/lifestyle blog that I’ve been working at for over 5 years now! I am a wife and mom to four little mess-makers under the age of six. My husband Mike and I have been married for 8 1/2 years and we now call northern California our home. Oh yeah, and Michaela is my little sister. 😉

My husband and I are big believers in the importance of continuing to date after you’re married. Whether you’re newlywed, trying to adjust to “you” becoming “we”, or married with several kiddos underfoot, it’s so important to take some time with the two of you, I think it helps you to continue to grow together as a couple. Let’s face it though, as much as I love sitting at home in my pajamas watching Netflix (and I really do), that can get old eventually and it’s good to switch things up and actually go out once in awhile. However, things like bills and student loans can loom and make date nights few and far between, especially when you have to start paying for babysitters too.

Here are a few ideas for some unique (you won’t find Redbox on this list, though we love that too!) and budget-friendly (think $10 or less) date nights that I hope you and your sweetheart enjoy!

Have a “Soda” Tasting

Budget: $10

There are two different ways that this date can work.

The first is to go to a specialty beverage shop like Bev-Mo, armed with you $10 budget and purchase some soda flavors you’ve never tried before. Maybe some Key Lime or Praline Cream? Be adventurous! Depending on the flavors you choose you should be able to get 3-5 sodas. Take them home and sip them while discussing them, if you don’t know anything about  wine tastings (I definitely don’t), //here// is a handy guide of wine tasting terms! Have fun with it and be goofy!

The other way you can do this is by going to a fast food place that sells sodas with mix-ins, like a Sonic or Sodalicious. Each of you can order one or two drinks that you’ve never tried before and share.

“Iron Chef” Competition

Budget: $0

I called this a competition, but really it’s more of a collaboration. Flip a coin to see which of you is in charge of making dinner, and which is in charge of making dessert. Then, the other person gets to pick your secret ingredient (so you both won’t actually have the same one). Keep in mind you don’t want to be too “out there” because this will be the meal for both of you that evening!

Write Your Love Story

Budget: $0-$10

This date night is free if you have it at home, but if you decide to hold it at your favorite coffee shop or ice cream place and enjoy a little treat while you write then give yourself a $10 budget.  The only supplies you’ll need is some paper and writing instruments. Decide on a time limit, anywhere from 5-15 minutes, and each of you write about a romantic moment between the two of you from you own perspective… not that type of romantic moment! Decide before hand if you want to write about how you first met, or when you first kissed, or maybe getting ready the morning of your wedding.  The idea for this date came about because my husband and I always remember different details when people ask how we met or how he proposed, so it’s fun to hear what the other person was thinking, or what stuck out in their mind. You might be surprised!

I hope y’all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend and enjoy spending some time with your sweetheart! You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and of course, my blog. Stop by and let me know if you tried out any of these dates!