How to Save Money for Your Valentine’s Date

This Valentine’s Day marks my third one with my husband as a married couple. We’ve never been the type to splurge on overpriced flowers or chocolates as the price tags are just too outrageous! But just because February 14th can be expensive doesn’t mean you have to splurge to make it special.

If you’re looking to celebrate on a budget, consider swapping extravagant gifts for thoughtful, homemade surprises. A cozy date night at home can be just as romantic as a fancy dinner out. That said, if there’s a restaurant you’ve been dying to try, Valentine’s Day could be the perfect excuse to finally check it off your list.

#1: THINK ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP STAGE

Before planning your celebration, think about where you and your partner stand in your relationship. If this is your first Valentine’s Day together, a conservative budget like $50 or less might be a good starting point.

While spending more doesn’t necessarily equate to deeper feelings, starting with a smaller gesture can help set realistic expectations and avoid going overboard too soon.

#2: DISCUSS YOUR BUDGET

No one wants an awkward moment when exchanging gifts and realizing one of you went all out while the other kept it simple. To avoid mismatched expectations, have an open conversation about spending limits beforehand.

Being upfront about what you can afford is key for Valentine’s Day and for future milestones like birthdays, holidays, and weddings (if things go the distance).

#3: CELEBRATE AT HOME

A home-cooked meal can be just as romantic than dining at a fancy restaurant. Whether you cook together or surprise your partner with a special dish, staying in allows you to enjoy an intimate evening without the hefty price tag.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

And don’t feel pressured to whip up an extravagant feast. Even a simple charcuterie board, complete with cheese, cured meats, and fruit, can feel elegant when paired with candlelight, rose petals, and a glass of bubbly.

#4: GIVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL

A meaningful gift doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Instead of pricey jewelry or gourmet chocolates, consider an experience you can enjoy together like visiting a museum, creating perfume, or attending a local theater production.

Or, go the DIY route. A handwritten love letter, homemade cookies, or a framed poem can feel far more special than anything store-bought.

#5: USE YOUR CREDIT CARD POINTS

If you’ve been racking up credit card points, now might be the time to put them to use! Many people let rewards go unused, but redeeming them for a discounted dinner, a fun activity, or even a future getaway can be a smart way to celebrate without dipping into your budget.

IN A NUTSHELL

Valentine’s Day isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about showing your love and appreciation in a meaningful way. With a little creativity and planning, you can create a memorable celebration without the expensive price tag.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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5 Exciting Spots for Valentine’s Day Dates in Singapore

Take your special someone or gather your beloved squad for a memorable Valentine’s Day date!

The day of love is just around the corner. If you are scrolling through this list, there is a chance that you might be out of ideas on how to impress your significant other. Whether you are still looking for the perfect gift or the perfect experience, here are some exciting spots that you can visit in Singapore. May you enjoy your romantic time together!

#1: TUFTING TOGETHER

Similar to embroidery or knitting, tufting is a type of textile craft in which a thread is inserted on a primary base. It is traditionally used for making rugs. Since then, it has made its comeback and has won the hearts of many.

What better place to take your significant other than at the first tufting studio in Singapore? Nestled in a two-story shophouse along Circular Road, Tuft Club offers workshops for tufting a rug and more. You will be guided by staff members on how to operate a tufting gun and how to use different techniques throughout the session.

Image Credits: facebook.com/tuftclubsg

Their 4.5-hour session costs S$195 per person. Book here.

#2: A DAY WITH BAE

Spend a day with bae at a place filled with flowers and greenery – visit Gardens by the Bay! Let your romantic side shine through as you feast your eyes with colorful floral arrangements, indoor waterfalls, and attractions like the Flower Dome.

From now until 20 Feb, Flower Dome displays the “Dahlia Dreams”. Admire the field of over 2,000 blossoming dahlias made up of over 70 cultivars. What’s more? The larger-than-life floral lanterns featuring peonies and narcissuses are a part of the River Hongbao’s display. All these come with spectacular lights in the evenings!

Image Credits: gardensbythebay.com.sg

To secure your spot in advance, you can book your ticket online here.

#3: PLAY WITH REALITY

Let your squad figure out what’s real and what isn’t at HeadRock VR. Singapore’s first VR experience makes for an entertaining Valentine’s Day date. Play with reality as you choose between eight different thematic attractions. If your friends or your partner enjoy trying new things, this can be ticked off your bucket list!

Image Credits: facebook.com/headrockvrsg

Price for the HeadRock VR Single Play + Cable Car ride starts at S$13 (T&Cs apply). As HeadRock VR is in Sentosa Island, you can combine your booking with other attractions like Universal Studios.

#4: ICE CREAM FOR INTIMACY

Indulge on a sweet date at the Museum of Ice Cream. The museum recently launched a playful romance-themed attraction that allows its guests to explore the definitions of intimacy, whether as a couple or as friends.

Share memories with your loved ones at the Cone-nection Cube. Here, you will be completing a series of quests that will enhance your bond. Along the way, you will encounter new Instagrammable corners including a mirrored disco room. Feel free to snap a sweet moment together!

Image Credits: facebook.com/museumoficecreamsg

Best of all? All visitors will be given a complimentary Hendrick’s Lunar Gin cocktail and unlimited sweet treats as part of the experience. You can buy your tickets here.

#5: AESTHETICALLY PLEASING HIGH TEA

Sweep your lover off her feet by taking her on an escapade at a Moroccan-inspired cafe called La Fez. Check out their menu that is sprinkled with Middle Eastern delights. Apart from this, you can indulge on a Sultana High Tea Set, which is priced at S$45.90 for 2 persons.

This set is served on an opulent-looking tiered tray consisting of a mixture of sweet and savory nibbles as well as Khubtz Beef Brioche and Tashelhit Salmon Brioche, to name a few.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wearelafez

This weekend, you can celebrate Valentine’s or Galentine’s day with them by snacking on their complimentary dessert. Only one complimentary dessert will be served per table and with a minimum order of a main (T&Cs apply).

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Mind-Blowing Facts About Valentine’s Day

It may only come once a year, but Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world! How did it become so popular? From its dark origins to its romantic twists, here are seven interesting facts about Valentine’s Day.

#1: FROM YOUR VALENTINE

Amidst the wide array of historical theories as to why Valentine’s Day came about, many people have accepted one theory. There was a time when men were not allowed to marry. Emperor Claudius II forbade couples to marry during wartime. However, Bishop Valentine’s passionate heart was against his wishes. He performed numerous secret weddings. As you may have guessed, he was jailed and executed.

The last letter he wrote was for the jailer’s daughter and he signed it with the words: “from your Valentine”. The rest is history!

#2: BOX OF CHOCOLATES

One of my favorite movie characters was quoted saying: “life is like a box of chocolates, you will never know what you are going to get.” In the uncertainty of life, you can count of chocolates being greatly sold during Valentine’s Day. When did this tradition started?

The giving of boxes of chocolates started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury. The name sounds familiar, right? Coming from a British family who manufactured chocolates, Richard used a new technique to create a variety of products. He sold chocolates as a part of this beloved holiday.

In Singapore, different types of chocoholics can delight on this list of the best chocolates in town!

#3: MAKING BIG BUCKS

Valentine’s Day is considered as a marketing event in almost all parts of the world. In America alone, people spend an estimate of US$18.2 billion a year on this holiday.

What’s more? Men seem to spend more money than women. Should we step up our game, ladies? Kidding aside, you may use this opportunity to offer deals that cater to couples.

#4: ICONIC SWEETHEART CANDIES

Sweetheart candies or heart-shaped candies with adorable texts have been a staple in the aisles of many grocery stores every February 14th. The iconic chalky dessert started out as lozenges.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Pharmacist and inventor Oliver Chase created a machine that would quickly create lozenges. He later switched his product to candies known as the Necco Wafers. In 1866, his brother came up with the idea of printing messages on the candies. Afterwards, he made it heart-shaped to appeal to the couples during Valentine’s Day. Once again, the rest is history!

#5: CUPID’S BOW AND ARROW

For centuries, the diaper-clad baby with adorable wings and a set of bow and arrow has been associated with Valentine’s Day. Before Cupid got its name, he was known as Eros. Eros is derived from the ancient Greeks’ mythology – the God of Love.

His arrows are interesting! Said arrows have meanings – one was made for love and one was made for hate. These were designed to manipulate the emotions of his targets. The Romans soon adopted the story and Eros or Cupid gained the childlike appearance he is known for today.

#6: RISE OF CONTRACEPTIVES

Love can be expressed in many ways. It comes as no surprise that many choose to express it through intimacy. In February, condom sales seem to rise up. Around Valentine’s Day, sales are almost 20% to 30% higher in America alone. What comes next is the apparent rise of self-administered pregnancy tests. These tests are sold more in March than any other month.

#7: ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS

Who says that February 14th should only be celebrated by couples? Singletons do not have to stay at home to have during this time. You can surf the net to hang out at the best places in Singapore. Make sure you bring your favorite guy or gal pals along as you attend the following Anti-Valentine’s Day events.

A. VALENTINE VENDETTA 2019

Do not feel sad about being alone on Valentine’s Day as you can surround yourself with a group of energetic people at Valentine Vendetta. Running for 8 years now, Valentine Vendetta aims to provide an array of exciting activities and fun games to encourage social interaction. What’s more? Lucky guests can win up to S$2,500 or a trip to The Farm at San Benito in Manila. Tickets are sold at S$25 and are inclusive of a drink.

WHEN: FEBRUARY 14th at 6:30 PM onward

B. ANTI-VALENTINE’S VALENTINE’S DAY @ HUSTLE CO

Skip the sight of mushy couples exchanging gifts by heading to Hustle Co. A bar nestled at Tanjong Pagar can give you the haven you need in a time like this. Single ladies and men can enjoy S$6.90 craft beers and affordable dinner items. Anti-Valentine’s Valentine’s Day sounds like great event for all the singles out there!

WHEN: FEBRUARY 14th at 9:00 AM onward

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As you can see, Valentine’s Day was not always celebrated with a box of chocolates and heart-shaped candies! Things go deeper than that.

Sources: 1 & 2

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