Tag: cheap

Many Americans love fast food, and the reasons are simple: It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it’s easy—all of which appeal to the rushed, too-much-to-do-in-one-day American lifestyle. But because it’s so convenient, many of us tend to overdo it, which isn’t good for us.

Our communication habits are much the same way. We’re downright addicted to texting instead of calling, sending a terse e-mail in place of arranging a more leisurely face-to-face meeting, pasting in an emoticon instead of expressing a real emotion, and posting a social media message without considering who it might offend.

What I have learned as a divorce attorney, and a husband, is that it is the little things that count. Anyone can buy flowers, candy, tickets to a concert or sporting event, but taking the time to plan some special "gifts" to give on Valentine’s Day add credit to the positives in your relationship. Keeping a relationship fresh and alive is critical to keeping a marriage or long-term relationship new and thriving. Many relationships fail because a couple is not implementing change, instead they are sticking to the same old routines and that can be evident when it comes to gift-giving.

For those who are not all that creative, or better yet, who have no budget for lavishing expensive gifts on their lover, I offer the following six things you can do to make this year’s Valentine’s Day with your love the most memorable to date. All you need is “love” and an active imagination!

Lots of us, particularly males, fret about what to do for Valentine's Day. Chocolate and roses are nice, but not exactly creative or even heartfelt. Sexy lingerie or a romantic dinner may be fun, but is this what she really wants?

I talk to many clients who express genuine anxiety about Valentine's Day, and this is what I tell them: Don't get caught up in peer pressure or commercialism associated with Valentine's Day. Instead, think of it as a time to honor your spouse and let him or her know you value, respect, and admire them. With that as your intention, giving the "gift" is actually very easy. Best of all, it won't cost you a cent.

Many of us feel that Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday. This might fill your husband’s heart with trepidation, not merely for the cost of an impressive gift, but rather the imaginative wow factor of planning a scenario to suit female idealized expectation.

A man does not want this type of reaction from his wife, "This last minute cheap box of chocolates?—is this what he thinks of me?" "No rose petals on the bed?" And women often buy their man a gift to which he might reply, "Oh, you shouldn’t have," and he means it, literally! Take heart because thanks to the recession frugal is the new sexy!

During tough times, nothing inspires me more than being with my friends. Entertaining at home never has to be extravagant, it just needs to be warm and inviting. Lavish your guests with attention and great conversation not expensive centerpieces, rented linens or catered food. Here’s how to plan an elegant formal party on a budget. Don’t save the wine for a rainy day, enjoy today.

Planning a party on a budget will take more creativity and work from the host. Embrace it! This is when you find out what you can do. There is one word that sums up all the advice to follow: Simplicity.