One of the main comments about Frugal February was Valentine’s Day. Knowing some time ago that we would be doing Frugal February (the Toronto group also had a Frugal January) I redeemed my survey and swagbucks money for paypal and used that in advance for a restaurant gift card so the cost of a meal does not come from my February budget but there are lots of ideas you can still do at short notice.
Change the date: Since February 14th falls on a weekday when so many are working, have to pick the kids up etc – change it up. Celebrate Valentine’s in a week or so without all the added costs and without the set menus.
Cook at home: Yes, you cook every day so it isn’t as special, but light some candles, create some ambience at home and make your valentine’s favourite meal. It will be a fraction of the price and likely better than the set menus so many restaurants are doing for valentines. You could also make cutesy heart shaped sandwiches or pizza for their lunch, or heart shaped pancakes for breakfast.
Rethink the flowers: Personally, I am not a flowers type of girl – buy me some nail polish or books instead, flowers just die. But if your Valentine does like flowers, it doesn’t have to be overpriced red roses. What is her favourite colour? Choose flowers that she would typically love, check your local farmers market for flowers instead of the usual flower shops.
Spend time together: much like Christmas, Valentine’s Day has become a victim of commercialism. Take some time to spend together, go for a walk, do the stuff you used to do when first dating. If you like music, check out an open mic or battle of the bands night rather than paying $$ for tickets to a bigger show. Grab some hot chocolate and go for a walk in the park holding hands.
Memory Jar: get an old jar and some colourful paper and write the memories of your relationship while curled up together discussing them. Write them and put them in a jar – whenever you are having a bad day down the road, pull one out and remember it.
Personal coupons: With people so busy these days, the little things can matter. Give each other coupons for things that the other usually does, doing the dishes, the shopping etc – whatever chore you hate.
Hope this gave you some ideas on how to stay true to Frugal February while still celebrating Valentine’s Day. Do you have any other frugal tips to pass on for the day?
Garage Canada has an awesome offer. Buy 1, get 1 for $10 on selected styles of new spring soft tops. Also, Garage is offering free shipping until Thursday, February 14, 2013. No codes are required and offers are for a limited time only.
Enter to win $5,000 in Free Groceries from Silver Hills, ad you will receive a Buy One Silver Hills Bagels, Get One FREE coupon. The coupon expires May 31 2013, and there is a limit of one coupon per customer. Click here to enter the contest and to print your coupon.
Aldo Canada is having a limited time sale with 50% off select styles online only. Aldo Canada is offering select sale styles at 50% off. Prices displayed reflect this discount. This Aldo Canada offer is valid online only. Get free shipping on orders over $50.
With so many people unable to redeem their Kellogg’s Special K Cracker Chips today due to winter storms and a lack of stock, I wondered what you think of these limited time coupons.
I remember similar complaints when the Chocolate Cheerios coupon was to be redeemed on a work day. I checked a couple of stores on the way home from the office, gave up and popped into Longo’s to grab a salad for dinner and they were stocking them as I walked through looking for coupons and you got a free clamshell of strawberries if you bought them so it worked out, but didn’t for so many others.
Do these coupons excite you about a new product or does having only one (or two) days to redeem them put you off when you can’t find the product?
Canadian Tire has the Mastercraft Maximum ½-in.-Drive breaker bar on sale for $9.88 (save 75% off). This has gone on sale in the past, but for about $20.
It’s available in stores only, but you can check inventory status for your local store online first.
Product Features
Extra-long handle (24″ /60.96cm) for torque leverage
Durable head design for strength
Heat-treated and oil-quenched for maximum strength and durability
Nickel-chrome plated for superior rust resistance
The sale on this is valid for Saturday & Sunday only.
Ooooh so romantic South St. Burger 😛 Kiss someone on Valentine’s Day at South Street Burger & get a free side of fries with your burger. This offer is valid on Thursday, February 14, 2013 only.
On a side note, if you take your valentine to South St. Burger on Valentine’s day get ready to get dumped the next day.
Addition Elle Canada has a sexy valentine secret sale. Save 40% off selected sexy lingerie, bras & sleepwear. This Addition Elle deal is valid on Saturday, February 9, 2013 only on selected styles and regular priced merchandise.
Michaels Canada is offering a printable coupon to save 30% off your entire regular priced purchase. This Michaels offer is valid on Saturday, February 9, 2013. Also, Michaels has another deal, 60% off custom framing modern day designs. This offer is valid until Friday, February 15, 2013. Click here to print Michaels coupons.
Enjoy Mix & Match Anything Event at Bath & Body Works. Buy 2 Get 1 free. This Bath & Body Works event is available in-store only. This event is valid on Saturday, February 9, 2013.
All women’s bras by Triumph, Bali, Olga, Maidenform & Warners are on sale for $29.99, in-store and online. Men’s underwear by Joe boxer, Tommy Hilfiger, Stanfield’s underwear and thermalwear are on sale at The Bay for 35% off, online only.
Get a Gillette Mach3 blades – 4pk for $5 only at factorydirect.ca. Save $4.99 (factorydirect sale price is $9.99 & this 4pk blades regular price is $12.99). This deal is valid on Saturday, February 9, until Thursday, February 14, 2013 or while supplies last. Limit one per customer.
Sale4TheDay has an awesome deal. Mitaki men’s or women’s designer sports watch for $4.99 only. Save $20, original price is $24.99 (80% off). This offer is valid on Saturday, February 9, 2013.
Mitaki men’s and women’s designer sports watch is Perfect for workouts, traveling, and everyday casual wear, this timepiece provides features that can keep your life running smoothly.
Style: Casual/Sport
Features: Timer, Chime, Water Resistant, Alarm, Day & Date, Light, Stopwatch
