Couple Time - Romantic Summer Dates: Just because you and your sweetie are strapped for cash doesn't mean you have to put romance on hold. Here are some low cost ways to make the most out of those long summer evenings.
Play Tourist. When was the last time you took a good look at the neighborhood you call home? Contact your local chamber of commerce (or take a quick spin around the internet) for local hot spots. Put together a walking tour of your city, and take some time to explore it together. You may want to admire architectural highlights, visit some local museums, hit up the historical highlights, or simply take a long walk around a local park. Either way, you'll appreciate the place where you live (and each other) a little more after examining it with new eyes. You'll be surprised at everything you've missed as you rush by on your morning commute.
New Takes on a Classic Date. Dinner and a movie is always fun, but between reservations at a swanky restaurant, outrageously priced theater tickets, and five dollar candy bars, it can wreak havoc on your budget. Instead, try this tun version of movie night- Look up a restaurant recipe on the internet, and try recreating it at home together. Food is sensual- and as you chop, smell, taste and plate your creations, you will probably find the experience to be much more romantic than simply ordering off of a menu. Skip the local theater and snuggle up on the couch with a great DVD instead. Maintaining physical contact with your significant other will actually help you bond, even if you're not saying a word. To add a touch of fun to date night, pick a theme, and stick with it throughout the night. Lasagna and The Godfather, perhaps? Or how about Cajun spiced thresher shark and a Jaws movie festival?
Enjoy the Weather. Summer afternoons and evenings can often be the best time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. No need for a tent and propane stove... there are plenty of ways to soak up the summer sun and night-time breeze right in your own neighborhood.
