Creating quality time in a marriage or with a significant other is imperative to the strength of a relationship. But how to you stay on budget with everything else going on in your lives? Madame Deals has put together a great article for this weeks Dating on a Dime series:
How do we do it all and have it all? It is so hard to please everyone. The answer is to make an effort each week to fall back in “love”. This is done with small gestures and big feats, and with the same drive and determination that you attack your other passions each week. Heather and I will remind you how our personal relationships with the people we love is important and needs attention. We need to be reminded it doesn’t have to cost a lot to show you care. If you missed my post last week, here it is:
Do you ever need to get away? I think that runs through my mind at least 30 times and hour. How about if you create your own getaway? The time and resources we have available are only limited by our imagination. I thought wouldn’t a picnic be nice. I mean I know it is winter but how about an indoor picnic? What if you grabbed a blanket threw it in the guest room packed up some snacks and just spent time with the person you love. I mean when we were little we used to have tea parties and picnic why not now? Are we limited to having a night out by actually leaving the space we live in? I think not! I have an app on my iphone that plays sounds found in nature or how about some music and candles. It only takes imagination. So turn off the television put the kids to bed hide the smart phone and computer and get back to your inner child and pretend you are somewhere else. The best part is you will be reminded that the only thing that is really important is the person you are with.
I got some frugal eats inspiration from Sara at Budget Savvy Diva
Sandwiches:
Pita Pockets: Better than your ordinary sandwich, pack some pita pockets, already sliced in half and ready to be filled. Bring along lunch meats, like turkey, ham, salami, and bologna cut in strips. Add shredded cheese and lettuce so little hands can stuff their own sandwich pockets.
Picnic Wraps: Use roast chicken, turkey or even beef, shredding or cutting it in slices making sure to discard any fat. These are going to be cold sandwiches.
Here is a simple recipe perfect for picnics:
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
Whenever easy picnic recipes include ranch dressing, chances are the kids will be happy. This picnic recipe is super fast to put together because you can use frozen thawed, or cooked veggies.
You will need:
- 1lb box of spiral pasta (we use the tri-colored)
- 1 cup deli turkey cut into strips
- 4 cups mixed veggies (we use the frozen spanish blend, broccoli, red peppers, onions) about 2 bags
- 2 cups of your favorite ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Chill well before serving.
There are a lot of great local deal sites where you can find something new and exciting to do without breaking the bank.
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