Valentine’s Day Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

Morning Love Notes From Her 

• Write "I love you" in sidewalk chalk on the driveway or your front steps. Sprinkle rose or other flower petals across the words. (Tip: Many florists sell just the petals, or flower "seconds", for a lower price than whole flowers.)
• This takes a little pre-planning and a call to his work. Get up early and call him in "sick" from work (do this quietly!). While he's taking his morning shower, write "meet me in the bedroom" or another note in the fog on the bathroom mirror. (Or you can write it in lipstick beforehand.) When he finds you, tell him today is just for the two of you. Or, reserve a day on the weekend for this.
• Leave a Valentine's Day message on his computer desktop. This is easy to do: just download a picture or select it from the computer, right-click the mouse and then click on "set as desktop background". If you have photo editing software, add some romantic text to the picture before setting it as wallpaper on his desktop.
• Write him a letter telling him how much he means to you. Then put it on his car dashboard, his computer keyboard, his pillow or even his sock drawer - any place he's sure to come across it first thing on Valentine's Day.

Make a "Quicky" Valentine's Day Card 

Your sweetheart will melt over this handmade card.

• a computer and printer (or, if you have more time, create the greeting by hand instead!)
• glue, scissors, scraps of material, lace, stickers, etc.
• faux gems, pearls and other imitation precious metals or stones
• heavy computer paper or construction paper - red and white (of course) but also yellows, blues, greens and purples
• ink, magic markers, gel ink, glitter ink, etc
• a picture of the two of you, if desired

1. Not yet Valentine's Day?
   Go buy the materials above. For me, it cost a grand total of about $8.00, and that includes a pack of 50 colored paper. (Does not include siccors and glue, but you'll likely have this somewhere in the house. Use crazy glue if you don't have a glue stick, but don't use it on Styrofoam!)
   This can be done next year too! Note, place everything in a junk drawer, because ...
   
   Morning of February 14th?
   No problem. Take bits from old costume jewelry you have around the house. If you followed the instructions from last year, you'll also have all these scraps from last year. Now is the time to go through your junk drawer!
2. Using your favorite computer search engine, look up "gift card template". (We have a few links below, and if you know some, add to the list!) Find a template that fits the size paper you will be using in your computer paper (usually, this will be 8.5" X 11").
   
   NOTE: You can also write the card greeting out by hand or even create your text in calligraphy using pen and ink. Scroll down for some quotes to use.
3. Print the card on heavy stock paper and fold it in half. Try one of these ideas for fabulous Valentine's Day greetings on the front and inside of your card:
   
   FRONT: There are so many precious things on this earth.
   INSIDE: And none compares to you.
   
   FRONT: You are my shining star.
   INSIDE: With all my love on Valentine's Day.
   
   FRONT: I used to hope some day I'd find a diamond in the rough.
   INSIDE: But I found the perfect gem in you.
   
   FRONT: Priceless....
   INSIDE: ...that's what you are.
4. Decorate the card with the gems, sprinkles, paper clips, scraps of anything!
5. If you'd like, personalize the inside of the card with a special picture of the two of you. You have a picture of you too, right?
6. DONE! Serve with toast, coffee, a plastic rose if you can find one, and a big, goofy smile!

A Valentine's Day with Atmosphere 

Set the right mood (in any room!) with these fun and sexy tips.

• Remove the clutter: Toss paperwork, folders and other everyday items into a box and stash them away for the duration of your "interlude." Items that can't easily be moved--like a hooked-up computer--can be camouflaged by draping them with material if you wish.
• Dim the lights: If your lights have a dimmer, set them lower than you normally would. Or turn them off completely and use candles to set the mood. (Always place candles in fire safe containers and keep them well away from anything flammable.)
• Exchange bright light bulbs for dim and/or colored ones: Fabric draped over a lamp could be a fire hazard, but you can create a soft and sexy effect by using low-wattage bulbs.
• Show off the bed: Make your bed the "showpiece" of the room. Decorate it with soft, sensuous throw pillows; place fire safe candles on either side to draw attention to this all-important piece of furniture. Use your slinkiest sheets and choose sexy colors, like red, black or animal patterns.
• If you've chosen a room other than the bedroom, highlight one piece of furniture as the "main event," such as a couch or big, comfortable armchair that's perfect for two.
• Use good scents: No doubt about it--scent is an aphrodisiac. Choose something musky or floral and spray the area VERY lightly (don't overdo it!) to create a calling card your love won't be able to resist.
• Remember the power of flowers: A handful of flowers placed on or near the bed can deliver enormous passion potential. Chose one or two roses, or a handful of rose petals (available at your local florist, usually at a discount price).