Date Nights

When we got married, we decided Friday nights would be our date nights.
1. Friday night is the typical "date night"
2. Hubby doesn't have to wake up early to go to work, so staying out late isn't a big issue

We have gone out every single Friday night since we got married! Date night can become pretty expensive if you're not watching your wallet. So, I've come up with some ideas on how to pinch some pennies and still have a good time.

1. I don't know if it's just CA, but we get ads in the mail every single day! I used to just throw them away and then after spending a few minutes going through them, saved a bunch of coupons that would actually be useful! For instance, we have a coupon for a free game of bowling for up to 6 people, and a coupon for 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental and pitcher of soda for 30$ for up to 6 people. Get 2 other couples to go with us, split the cost and it's an average of 5 bucks a person! not too bad for a night of fun!

2. Here in California, Costco sells 2 packs of movie tickets to AMC and Edwards for $15.50. An average movie ticket is $11.50, so we end up saving about $7.50! (and it's not a bad idea to take that $7.50 to the food court for a hot dog and slice of pizza before the movie. Dinner and a Movie...covered! all for under 20 bucks!)

3. Since going to the movies isn't always an option, we have become fans of renting a movie from Redbox. Redbox is a dollar a day, and has to be returned by 9pm the next night. You can reserve the movies online at WWW.redbox.com, and when you first register, they'll give you a code for a free night!

4. Now that its staying lighter later outside, we've become fans of barbecuing. Putting some food on the BBQ is pretty cheap! We like turkey dogs (healthier, and they just taste better!). Hamburgers, chicken breasts, steaks, ribs....Plus the fat drips off the meat so it's a healthy way of cooking! (and it makes the outside world smell just a little better!) :o)

5. Go to the temple! We should all be a little better at going to the temple on a regular basis. Make a date with some other couples, or just go with your spouse. It's really only a cost of gas to and from your home. and its a great way to spend the night!

6. Husbands or wives can do this one: cook a romantic dinner for two. Set the table with some roses and candles, and cook your spouse his/her favorite meal. Spend the night in.

7. Game night! have some other couples over and play games, or get to know your spouse better and just play one-on-one. We got a lot of games as wedding gifts and they have cured plenty of nights of boredom.

8. Dessert night is another fun one. Cook your favorite dessert and share it with some other couples. have each couple bring their favorite dessert and spend the night laughing and socializing.

9. Traveling Dinner....organize a group of couples (doesn't really matter how many) and travel to each others houses for a different part of the meal. Somebody handles the appetizer, another couple handle the salad, another couple handle the main course, another couple handle the dessert. It's a fun way to get out for a while. (another idea for this is just to have everyone bring dinner to a meeting spot and dig in.)

10. Disneyland was one that we really enjoyed when we still had season passes. Wherever you live, if you can afford it, get a season pass to the park near you!