With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I enjoyed A great reminder to plan a date, day or night, with our partners.
Her article received 13 comments, all wonderful suggestions on how to connect with our better halves. Here's what some of our awesome commenters had to say:
A "date night" on a regular basis can be a big help. One couple I know goes once a week. Sitters can be expensive but if you find another couple where you can swap nights (every Friday night one couple goes out and the other takes all of the kids, alternating), it is a lot more doable. A lot of times it's the little things that add up to more romance too - an unexpected touch as you're walking past, a love note when none's expected, or a compliment out of the blue. These little things can make your spouse feel treasured and smooth over some of the inevitable little bumps in the road.
Date night, date coffee, date workout, date movies, date walks, date lunch, date moments...ALL super important to not only your romantic relationship, but any treasured relationship-kids, mothers, sisters, friends. Something to schedule and remember daily. Moments slip away, days race away, relationships break away if you are not deliberate in your capture of quality time with loved ones.
I noticed that when we play some of our favorite old songs (or listen to KBAY :> ) our minds connect with events in the past and we get a chance to reminisce. So do like Barry and "put on the old 45s." It works wonders... try it!
Now, onto our topic this week. Is one of your new resolutions to do more with less? To have more abundance but less clutter in your life? Go from survival mode to saving money in this economy? Here are four family friendly links with coupon offers in our local communities and 10 quick tips to help families save time, and money in 2012!
Money Saving Tips:
- Check out kids’ consignment stores—exchange seasonal, gently used clothing for cash.
- Save on gym membership—create your own fitness schedule, follow a workout CD at home or exercise with a like-minded social group.
- Swap kids’ products—find other parents whose children are older or younger so you both can cut costs on necessities: i.e. booster chairs and bouncers.
- Purchase yearly memberships—slash per admission prices at your favorite family destinations. Find dual venue deals.
- Rent books and movies—borrow them free from the library and cancel your monthly memberships.
- Make your kitchen a coffee house—brew coffee singles at home, saves money, tastes great and everybody gets their favorite to drink or to go.
- Look for referral discounts—ask at your favorite hair salon or dental office, etc., wherever you shop the most.
- Inquire about sponsorships—often local businesses will sponsor your child’s school via coupons or discounts. Check with school administration.
- Dinning cards—enjoy eating out with a yearly membership to your favorite restaurants offering discounts; check www.passportunlimited.com
- Balance carefully—what you want vs. what you really need.
Do you get Patch in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter by clicking on the "Patch Newsletter" link at the bottom of our home page.
@chrishogan360, financial expert & speaker