Find less expensive things to do for when your cash is short.

Going out is great. However it is very expensive. You need to have things set back that don't cost much or are free for those times when you funds are a little short. Things like wonderful art parks or museums are great places to have a date that don't cost anything. The important thing to remember is the value comes in just being with that special person. I would much rather take a wonderful walk where we can converse then go to a crowded club where all we can here is the loud music. No matter what your economic status you should always keep your eyes open for these inexpensive things to do. That way when a criss arrises or it's rent week you don't have to avoid your lovers interests and can surprise him/her with a wonderful day that doesn't break your bank.

Last Chance.

Today is your last chance to get that perfect Valentine's day gift. The way the economy is now I totally understand if you don't have enough money to go out and purchase an expensive present. So if that is the case then you have to use your mind. Believe me, your partner will understand your financial woes and a heart felt gift is just as meaning full as anything when you are in financial straights. Some ideas might be fixing a candle light dinner, breakfast in bed, coupons for chores around the house, homemade card filled with your feelings, Renting a romantic movie and a bottle of cheap wine, a promise to do something later once your finances are in better shape, or even just a simple night of passion doing all the things your partner likes. It may sound silly but I thing these ideas show a lot more love then just going out a buying the most expensive thing you can find. Have a great Valentine's Day everyone and let me know any fun and exciting things you do to show your love for your partner. Drop me a line at romantincantics@gmail.com and fill me in.

A simple little gift says so much.

How many times have you wanted to purchase something special for the one you love, only to realize that you have NO MONEY! Well you with some creative thinking you can get your lover a special surprise without having much money. Think about little things that mean a lot to the person. A single flower says a lot and doesn't cost very much at all you can purchase a carnation for under a dollar usually. Maybe you could pick up their favorite candy bar and put a bow on it, again you will spend less then a dollar and your partner will enjoy the candy as well as knowing the you were thinking about them. Coupons are another great way to show you care without spending any money. Give your love a coupon for a massage by you, or give them a "Get out of Laundry Jail" card that entitles them to not have to do any laundry for a week. Cook them a wonderful meal, pour them a relaxing bath, clean their car or rent the movie they have been wanting to see are great ideas that cost next to nothing to get. A real heart string tugger is to find some old pictures to remind them of times past and how great your memories are of those times. I will never accept the excuse that "I don't have any money" for avoiding being romantic, it is the person and thoughts that are romantic not the gifts.

Take in some sights.

When you are looking for something romantic to do and are short on funds you have to get a little creative. Something I find very romantic and extremely cheap is to just take a walking tour of a larger city. Most everyone lives within driving distance to a larger city if you don't live within one. Do a little research on some of the amazing architecture in this city and make a walking tour of these amazing buildings. You might just be amazed at how much great scenery is within the asphalt jungle of a larger city. In Chicago I know that you can view artwork just walking around downtown, not to mention Millennium Park that has several exciting attractions to watch and enjoy. Larger cities seem to try to entertain people more with their buildings and parks, so why not enjoy them. I don't think anyone would mind watching the sunset at Navy Pier or viewing some great artwork on a hand in hand walk. You just might find you will get addicted to sight seeing. Remember it doesn't cost to look and a picture is worth a thousand word, so those two things combined sound like a win win situation for your relationship.

To much Cologne is not the answer.

Men here is a little tip that might help you out with you partner. Cologne is a nice touch but too much cologne is a disaster. I am sure you have smelt the guy who must put on a bottle before he goes out. Do you think women want to really be anywhere near him? Cologne can enhance your natural essence if you don't over do it. You should put on just a touch and it should go on your skin not your clothes. Put it in areas you hope your partner will find later such as your chest or neck. Let them sniff it out, if they can smell you from more then 3 feet away you have over done it.

Another thing to remember in the cologne debate is that cologne is not a substitute for showering. Don't come from the gym and just splash on some cologne before taking you partner out for dinner. Cologne does not get rid of body odor it just mixes with it. So if you do this you are just smelling like a perfumed skunk. Always practice good hygiene you partner deserves this.

Cheap cologne is okay but don't make the mistake of using more because it doesn't cost much. Every once in a while spring for some more expensive cologne to wear on special occasions, your partner will enjoy the switch up. Lastly make sure you cologne agrees with your partner, they might not like the smell or they could be allergic to it. If that is the case get rid of it now, don't save to wear when you are not around them. It is a great gesture to pitch it if you partner can handle it.

Fanning the Flowers!

Have you ever been in the middle of a shower of flower petals? Well if you haven't sit down for a minute I am going to tell you how to make it happen. This is a very cute idea that doesn't take anytime to set up, however the rewards are tremendous.

For starters you need to get a good amount of flower petals. You can get them from a flower store or you can get fake ones from your local discount store. You can usually locate them in the craft department. I like to use the fake ones because they are cheaper, and reusable. The next step is to find a ceiling fan in your house that the both of you can stand under. Get yourself a ladder or step stool and with the ceiling fan off place all your flower petals on the blades of the fan. That is all for the set up, pretty simple huh.

Now all you need to do is coax your partner into standing under the fan. Once in place either have them turn on the fan or you turn it on. Watch as the petals begin to fall down upon the two of you. The sight is quite amazing, the first time I tried it I didn't think it would work very well. To my surprise it works really well. We didn't have a fan above our bed, but I am sure that would be a great vision as you were laying in bed. Now that is romantic.