Be My Valentine?

Valentine's Day is this week and you may be thinking about ways to show your love and affection without spending a fortune. If you're getting married this year, you're probably working within a "we're getting married" budget. To help you out, here are a few 'stay at home' ideas to get romantic with your fiance without breaking the bank.

Faux 'take-out'

Rather than ordering in which can be pricey and greasy (ahem, wedding dress to wear in the near future) why not make your own? Make your own pizza, panini's or even chinese at home. Whip up a tasty stir fry and put it in chinese take-out boxes and eat with chop sticks. You can find the take-out boxes at a craft, paper or dollar store. Top off this meal with a selection of fortunes you made and placed into a pretty vase and then you and your hunny can pick one and read it aloud to each other.

Cuddle on the couch

Just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean that you have to watch a romantic comedy - in fact, you should probably watch your guy's favourite flick. Select a movie from his collection, pop some popcorn and cuddle on the couch. Since you won't be all that interested in his flick choice, use this time alone to behave like you first did when you started dating. A little make-out sesh on the couch never hurt anyone.

Lights Out

It's not what it sounds like. Once in a while it's good to 'unplug' all the technology and just spend some quality time together. Light candles, turn off the computer, cell phone, tv and ipod and just enjoy spending time together. Do a crossword or puzzle by candlelight, or read each other poetry. Take a bubble bath together, or give each other foot rubs.

Learn from each other

Are you a good baker? Does he kick butt at Poker? Spend an afternoon or evening teaching each other what you're good at. You might find out something new about your significant other through this exercise.

Get Active

Again, not what I mean here - get your mind outta the gutter. A great way to bond and spend time with your love is to get active together. Go for a hike, an evening stroll with the dog, play a few rounds of Wii Sport or get out your yoga mats and follow an instructional video together.