Penny Dates

Jameson and I spent some time brainstorming some pretty awesome date ideas that we could do with pennies (well $0-$3 really), as we talked about ways to save money. And we would love to share them with you. You don't need $100 and a reservation at the best restaurant in town. You only need a great a few dollars and great company for some priceless memories.

• Drive to a fountain to throw pennies in and then walk around downtown.
• Rent a Redbox or library movie to watch at home with a big bowl of popcorn or loads of comfy blankets (or both).
• Bring 2 towels and stargaze in your backyard or park.
• Library date: go and each pick out a book for the other person, then spend time reading together.
• Share a milkshake.
• Walk around the Butler or IMA gardens.
• Visit a free zoo or museum and share a snack.
• Go to the farmer's market and share a smoothie or muffin for breakfast.
• Play at the park.
• Go biking.
• Share a rootbeer float.
• Have a game night at home with a homemade snack.
• Go to the park and watch a little league game.
• Costco samples date.
• Write a bucket list together
• Share an ice cream cone and window shop.
• Plan a vacation.
• Bake and decorate cupcakes together.
• Have drinks and sit on the porch.
• Visit an antique shop and talk about all the cool and strange things you see.
• Make a free Snapfish book together (I always get coupons for these when I buy printer ink).
• Go to garden workshops at local landscaping places.
• Buy 2 artichokes and have a "fancy" dinner with them dipped in lemon butter.
• Sit in the car and watch a thunderstorm.

If you've got a little money to spend you can also...

• Find a rental place to rent paddle boats or bikes for the day.
• Go to a minor league game.
• Re-create a restaurant meal at home.
• We always love having coordinating dishes and watching our favorite shows or movies as well: pineapple chicken skewers while watching Pysch, fresh bread and beef stew for Merlin, fajitas for Burn Notice, fish & chips for Sherlock, gumbo while watching Princess & the Frog.

So grab some small bills and make a list of your own to have a fun date night with your favorite. You can keep your cash and ideas in individual envelopes for when the mood strikes but you haven't a clue what to do, make a list in your phone, or keep a jar of ideas handy for spur-of-the-moment inspiration.

Enjoy!