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Valentine's Day Freebies: Recipes and a Redbox Rental

FreeHotSamples — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:15:00 GMT

Valentine's Day is next week, are you ready? Hopefully you made some of the crafts that were in the free craft ebooks from last week's freebie article. Now what? There are still a few more things you can do. You can prepare a great meal from one of the many recipes in the free ecookbooks listed below. Start your dinner with a Cucumber Feta Chobani Dip, then serve your homemade Roasted Red Pepper Linguini, which is bound to make an impression.

Don't forget about dessert! Whip up Baker's Royal Raspberry Mousse or Coffee Macaroons with Sweet Cream Ganache. Those sound so good you may have to make both. Now for the movie: Redbox is offering a free movie rental for Valentine's Day. The offer is on their Facebook page, and you can send a free rental code to 50 of your friends!

Dinner for 2 - Easy Valentine Recipes - This ecookbook features the recipes listed above and more!

Sweets for your Sweet - 22 Cute Dessert Recipes for Valentines Day, including: Flourless Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake Pie, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. Great dessert recipes you can make for a romantic night or you can prepare with the kids!

21 Romantic Recipes for Valentines Day - Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Roquefort Filet Mignon with Brandy, Garlic Gruyere Mashed Potatoes, Strawberry and Chocolate Mousse Topped Brownies- just to name a few!

Valentine's Day Breakfast & Brunch - Creme Brulee French Toast, Crab Brunch Casserole, Egg White Crepes. All are a great way to start the day.

Breakfast Fruit Recipes - For a lighter way to start the day.

Chocolate Recipes - 108 recipes for cakes, mousse, cookies, brownies and more!

Free Movie from Redbox 2/14 - 'Like' Redbox on Facebook. You can even choose up to 50 friends to share the deal with! Code is valid for a 1-day standard DVD kiosk rental beginning between 12am and 11:59:59pm CT on 2/14/12 and must be returned the next day by 9pm local time. Click the red card that has the word "send" under it then scroll down to send your Valentines.

Make sure you send a code to someone who won't use it and have them send it to you!

All free ecookbooks are courtesy of RecipeLion.com, MrFood.com and AllRecipes.com.

Jackie lives in Seattle, and her blog is Free Hot Samples. Where there are hundreds of freebies and deals up for grabs.Add a Comment

Giveaway: $50 Mixbook Gift Card

ashleywade — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:04:00 GMT

Here at Savings HQ, we lead a relatively paper-free existence, as emails and in-office memos are the norm. All this talk about pictures and printing has me reminiscing about college though! Even for students with the most luxurious winter breaks (my own was 6-weeks long!), classes are back in session. For some of you Moms out there, hopefully this means getting the kids out of the house and having a few spare minutes to yourself, for a change!

Last week, we had a Canon Pixma MG6220 Printer and six-months of ink to giveaway. It's Friday, which means it's time to announce the lucky winner! Congratulations to Facebook user Hannah, who said "I'm a single momma trying to work my way through school and ink is so expensive that I've always had to print things out at a friend's house or Kinkos. It would be so great to have a new printer with ink for awhile."

Ink definitely adds up, and 15-page essays certainly aren't cost-effective. Hannah, I've sent you an email with instructions on how to claim your prize. If for some reason it doesn't reach you, send me an email at social@savings.com before the end of the day on Tuesday, February 14^th, or another winner will be chosen.

Continuing on last week's photo theme, this week, we're giving you the chance to win a $50 gift card to Mixbook. Upload your pictures from Facebook, Flickr, and other sites to easily create a customizeable photo book, card, or calendar. Choose from one of their professional designs or start from scratch- Mixbook's software allows you to lay out and design your product to your exact liking. Whether you want to create a digital scrapbook to remember your favorite moments, or you're putting together a gift for a friend's birthday, Mixbook brings together design and simplicity within a simple site interface that lets you quickly configure your product. Have an idea but want to work with others? You can invite your family and friends to upload their photos to your project, then personalize and decorate the pages together.

As I stated last week, for the month of February, we're having you enter our giveaway in a slightly different fashion than normal. For your chance to win, visit our Facebook page and leave a comment there. If you're not a fan, just click the giant "Like" button at the top of the screen!

What would you create if you won the gift card?

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The Tech-pert: The Game for People Who Don't Play Games: Get Plants Vs. Zombies (Win/Mac) for $2

Rick.Broida — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:46:00 GMT

So-called "casual" games are all the rage, and with good reason: They're fun, easy to learn, usually non-violent, and perfect for those times when you have 5-10 minutes to burn. That's in contrast to your average first-person shooter, role-playing game (RPG), massively-multiplayer online game (MMO), or the like, which can consume entire weekends--and a good chunk of your paycheck.

One of the all-time great casual games is Plants Vs. Zombies, which normally sells for $20. However, from now until Monday, Feb. 13, you can get Plants Vs. Zombines (Win/Mac) for just $2. That's the best price I've ever seen for this game. If you don't already own it, I can't recommend it highly enough. And if you don't normally play games, here's your chance to find out what all the fuss is about.

The premise, I'll grant you, is weird. Zombies are invading your home, and the only way to stop them is through the power of gardening. Thus you have to plant a variety of annuals that can fight off the zombie hordes: pea-shooters, cherry bombs, jalapenos, and so on. There's a mix of action and strategy to it, as you have to plant while the zombies are slowly advancing on your house, and you have to balance your available funds to get the most plant bang for the buck.

The longer you survive, the tougher the attacks get--but the more funds you have at your disposal. Told you this was no--sorry--garden-variety game. Indeed, Plants Vs. Zombies is a bonbon, a quick and tasty gaming treat. It's an ideal little diversion when you need a work break or find yourself with a few spare minutes.

And for $2, it's arguably the best gaming deal on the planet.

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4 Ways to Reuse Old Clothes

AngelaColley — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT

photo courtesy of Mom Smackley at Flickr

I tend to hold on to clothes until they're falling apart – stains on the cuff, rips at the seam, and faded. In that condition, I don't feel right donating them to a charity shop. But I also don't feel right just tossing old clothes in the trash and adding to our ever-growing landfills. So I end up with bags of unwanted clothes taking up space in my closet.

Recently I stumbled across the bags while I was spring cleaning. Instead of just tossing them back in the closet and forgetting for another year, I decided to do find a way to re-purpose the clothes. Turns out, old clothes have plenty of new uses, and I've saved a bunch of money reusing something to boot.

1. Re-purposed Rags

I don't keep paper towels in my house, so I always have a need for new rags. I usually cut up old towels into smaller squares to use as rags, but almost any sturdy material will work. For example, old T-shirts work great on windows, hardwood floors, and waxing your car.

2. Personalized Quilts

It doesn't take a lot of sewing experience to turn a handful of your old T-shirts into a quilt. I can barely hem a pair of pants, but I was able to make a cool, personalized quilt out of my old T-shirts. If you don't want to make the quilt yourself, you can send your T-shirt squares to a professional designer. UBlanket makes customized T-shirt quilts for you – and they even save the scraps to make quilts for needy children.

3. Re-purposed Clothes

This one does take some sewing experience, but with a little knowledge, you can turn your old clothes into dozens of new items. One of my crafty friends turned my old jacket into a purse, an old skirt into a wallet, and an old T-shirt into a new skirt. She only used the existing material and a few sewing supplies she already had on hand, so I got something new without using any new resources.

4. Dusters

One-use dusters are an easy way to get the job done, but they're not so great for the environment. Instead of adding to your weekly trash collection, why not just use an old sock? Put your hand through the foot hole and dust away. When you're done, you can wash and reuse the sock several times over. I've been using one sock to dust my entire house for months.

Those of four of my favorite ways to re-purpose old clothes, but the possibilities are almost endless. How have you reused your clothes in the past?

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The Worst Cheap Valentine's Day Ideas

pmiller — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:15:00 GMT

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, which of course means that blogs must fill their quotas of Valentine's Day posts. There's nothing wrong with that. It also means that money-saving blogs must get their yearly Valentine's Day money-saving ideas out of the way. The problem is that the basics of how to have a frugal Valentine's Day aren't terribly mysterious. And, in the never-ending quest to produce original content, some otherwise good blogs wind up posting some bad tips.

Photo courtesy of garlandcannon, via Flickr.

In the interest of having a fun, romantic Valentine's Day, and not a ridiculous and terrible one, read one to discover the worst allegedly-cheap Valentine's Day ideas out there. And, of course, read on to find some common-sense, tried-and-true alternatives.

"Play Hooky" Together

The Idea: Over at Bargaineering.com, you'll find a list of nine low-cost Valentine's Day ideas. Topping the list is this gem: Instead of going to work, take the day off and spend some quality time with your significant other. If you have kids, they'll be in school and you won't need to spring for a babysitter.

The Problem: Babysitters sure are expensive. You know what else is expensive? Losing an entire day's income. Or two days if your partner also works for hourly pay. I have to wonder why the author stopped at just Valentine's Day. If you both just quit your jobs, then you'd never have to pay a babysitter again. Talk about saving money!

A Sane Alternative: On the same blog entry, number four on the list is "Cook Dinner Together." This is a great idea. Eating in is almost always cheaper than eating out, even if you buy top-notch, fancy ingredients once in awhile. Plus, cooking at home can be fun and romantic even if the meal doesn't turn out perfect. Just think of the lobster scene from Annie Hall.

There is Such a Thing as Too Green

The Idea: The Daily Green is a blog devoted to frugal, environmentally-sound tips. This is an honorable calling. Unfortunately, number three on their list of Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'll let the author explain: "Remember, it's only re-gifting if you believe it's re-gifting (or, in the case of intimate apparel, if it's been worn for more than one night)."

The Problem: At the risk of creating controversy, I'm going to go out on a limb: Lots of things are true regardless of whether or not we believe they are. If your car is on fire, it will still be on fire even after you turn your back and imagine a pristine, non-burning automobile. And, further, underwear that has been worn-- at all-- is not new underwear. This is an immutable law of the universe.

If you read on, you'll see that the author is in fact suggesting that you dig up lingerie you've given this person in the past, wrap them up, and give them again. This is arguably less creepy than it appears on first glance. Still, it's hard to imagine the recipient feeling something other than disappointment or confusion. At best.

A Sane Alternative: Number one on the same list is easily the most clever. Instead of celebrating on Valentine's Day, when roses and chocolate are priced as if they were made of precious metals, try picking another day to show your love. You and your partner can either agree on a day in advance, such as the day after Valentine's Day, or you could surprise him or her with gifts a week or two before. With the added element of surprise, this might make the frugal alternative even more romantic than a more traditional Valentine.

A Valentine on a Plate

The Idea: Meanwhile, over on About.com, you'll find another list that is simply titled Cheap Valentine's Day Ideas. This list couldn't make it past number two without a half-baked idea. The author suggests making a meal out only items that are heart-shaped, red, or both. Need some ideas? How about, "red velvet cake, valentini martini, fruit and cheese salad or a heart shaped cake."

The Problem: I'm sure that list of examples isn't exhaustive, but it's hard not reading it as a meal that consists of cake, sugary booze, sugary salad, and then more cake. Those two conditions, that that every item be heart-shaped or red, pretty much kill the possibility that you'll be enjoying a balanced meal. Are we expected to cut a piece of meat into the shape of a heart? Should we dye the chicken red? There's no way to solve this puzzle without part of the meal being disgusting. That is, unless a diabetes-inducing all-you-can-eat cake buffet is an option.

A Sane Alternative: Number four on the same list is more modest, and less nauseating: Write a love letter. That's it. It doesn't cost a thing, and it never goes out of style. Sometimes, the best way to have a cheap Valentine's Day is to just not go out of your way to spend money. It's only as difficult as we choose to make it.

Have your own (reasonable) ideas for an inexpensive Valentine's Day? Please share in the comments.Add a Comment

10 Ways to Save at your Favorite Amusement Park

Billeater — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:30:00 GMT

With spring and summer right around the corner, most families are starting to plan their annual vacations. A majority of these plans will include a trip to a major amusement park, especially if children will be in tow. Visiting an amusement park doesn't have to break the bank. Use some of these tips and you will have a much better time knowing that you are not paying a bundle for a fun filled adventure with your friends and family.

1. Club Memberships

If you belong to AAA, the AARP, a credit union, or a shopping club you might qualify for a discount on admission to major theme parks.

2. Plan Ahead

Start planning your trip a few months in advance. You will have more flexibility to choose the less expensive dates and you might find special advance discounts. Booking early can also give you a chance to take advantage of travel packages that include airfare, hotels and park admission for lower prices.

3. Buy Tickets Online

Go to the amusement park's main website to buy your tickets before you leave the house. You will have a chance to look at all of the ticket packages available without worrying about the long line behind you at the gates.

4. Carry What you Need

Pack up all of the things you think you'll need for a day and an evening at the park. You can store your things in a locker once you arrive, and you won't have to spend money on overpriced items once you're there.

5. Watch for Multi-Day Discounts

Many parks offer discounts on two or three day ticket packages. Parks like Sea World give you a free day's admission with the purchase of a single day pass. Make sure you check for any restrictions that might be included in a discounted multi-day pass before you buy, though.

6. Bring Your Own Food

Amusement park food is notoriously overpriced. Pack a lunch and save your money for something more fun than food.

7. Park and Ride

Park in a parking lot near the amusement park and ride a shuttle to the gates. Shuttles are generally far less expensive than on-site parking.

8. Buy a Season Pass

If you live within easy driving distance of the park, you can save money by purchasing a season pass. The pass will only cost a little more than a single day pass, but it will get you into the park all year long.

9. Avoid Peak Times

The busiest days of the year are also the most expensive times to visit an amusement park. Schedule your trip for the days when the parks will be less crowded. Early spring and late fall are good times to enjoy amusement parks without having to pay top dollar. It is better to visit on weekdays instead of busy weekends.

10. Carry Cash

Decide how much you are willing to spend at the park and then only take that much cash with you. It is too tempting to overspend if you rely on a credit card or debit card while you're at the amusement park.

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Going Out to Dinner Cheaply, Without Looking Cheap

brwood — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Once again I'm gonna share with you some of my secrets. Firstly, you can start with the tips from last year here. Follow up with my sure fire anniversary tips here. Then hit the jump for a recent discovery my wife clued me in on that will let you save up to 1/2 off you restaurant tab and make you look better, not worse in your date's eyes.

The secret is: Corkage - more specifically finding a nice restaurant that has no corkage fee.

Let me explain. Many restaurants for one reason or another do not sell alcohol. Still others that do have a wine list allow customers to bring their own selection from home anyway. In both instances they will sometime charge you a fee for the service of opening your bottle for you, known as the corkage fee. And yes, you are getting screwed. You want to avoid those places. Find a nice place with no corkage fee and it could become your new favorite date night go to.

Wouldn't you know it, you can use Yelp. Do a Yelp or Google search for your locale and "Corkage" and you should be able to find some good suggestions. Just to be certain, you may want to call before you go the first time. I would make extra sure they don't have some special Valentine's Day menu going on that changes everything.

Now you just have to find a bottle or two of your favorite, or her favorite wines. If you read my blog from last week you know you can buy wine extra cheaply at places like Big Lots and the 99 Store. I would avoid those choices though, unless you already found a good cheap choice there. But by bringing your own you avoid paying $30 for a $10 bottle of wine, and if you drink two, you just saved $40. $40 is the price of a pretty decent meal at a lot of places.

I'm not about to suggest specific wines to you, that is a whole other web site. I will suggest Cafe Carolina in Encino though, for some amazing Italian dishes from a chef that has run much more expensive restaurants, and no corkage fee.

Do you know of a good one? Share it in the comments.Add a Comment

How To: Shop Safely Online

MoneywiseMoms — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:41:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, Zappos customers were alerted that their personal information--names, phone numbers, email addresses, billing and shipping addresses, the last four digits from credit cards and more—was likely accessed by hackers from their database. The company's suggestion was for customers to immediately login to their account and change their password. But is that enough? How do you protect yourself and your credit while shopping online?

Check your bank account and credit card activity. Take a few minutes each day or during the week to go online and check your accounts. It's better to catch fraud early than wait until you're contacted by the bank/credit card company. Just last August, Bank of America and Citi customers were issued new debit cards by their banks because their accounts were associated with "a security concern reported at a merchant or merchants where the customer used the card."

Reset your passwords frequently. This is an easy one! Instead of using the same username and password at multiple websites or merchants, use some variety. If your information is compromised at one site, it will be harder for hackers to use that information against you elsewhere. For help setting strong passwords that you'll actually remember, see Consumer Reports.

Be skeptical of emails with your personal information. After crimes like the Zappos hacking, you can now be contacted with what looks like accurate information—your name and last four digits of your credit card, for example—but be alert. Any notice from your bank or credit card company will also be found online after you login to your account. Use the security of the company's customer service department instead of communicating through your email server.

Review your FREE credit report. There is only one website where credit reports are truly free: annualcreditreport.com. You can get one report each year from each of the three credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—so I mark my calendar for every four month with the name of the company so I know which one to pull. I look for any discrepancies and make sure the data matches up with what I know to be true. If you find anything that suggests identity theft, like a credit card that you know you didn't open, head to the FTC's Identity Theft website for help.

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Four Great Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Geeky Sweetie

Rick.Broida — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:58:00 GMT

It's one week until Valentine's Day, which means you still have time to buy a great gift for the geeky significant other in your life. I've rounded up four gems, all of them affordable, all of them sure to please. Take a look:

Geek Love Poem T-Shirt

Geeks speak a different language--namely, hex code. This shirt has it all: code, poetry, and an obscure pop-culture reference. Don't worry if you don't get it--your geeky sweetheart will. The Geek Love Poem shirt is available exclusively from ThinkGeek, with most sizes selling for $16.99.

Logitech Mini Boombox

Set the mood with some romantic tunes, courtesy of Logitech's adorkable little speaker. Thanks to its built-in Bluetooth receiver, your music can stream wirelessly from your smartphone. So queue up your own library of Barry White's best, or tune into the Valentine's Day channel with your Pandora or Spotify app. Either way, you'll get nice, big sound from this palm-size speaker. It normally sells for $99.99, but TigerDirect currently has the Mini Boombox for $59.99 shipped.

"Ready Player One"

A novel by a geek, for geeks, "Ready Player One" takes place in a dystopian future (is there any other kind?) dominated by a virtual-reality network. When the network's creator dies, he leaves behind a Willy Wonka-style contest: solve a series of puzzles based on 80s pop culture, and unimaginable fame and fortune will be yours. Our hero thinks he can do it, but first he'll have to outwit not only a legion of competitors, but also a bloodthirsty rival corporation. It's riveting, entertaining fiction, especially for anyone who came of age in the 80s. Amazon sells the hardcover for $15.02, the Kindle edition for $11.99.

USB Tulip Hub

Forget flowers; they'll be wilted by President's Day. But the bright red tulips poking out of this four-port hub will bloom all year long. This non-powered hub is a great companion for USB-starved laptops, turning one port into four. The USB Tulip Hub sells for $24 from Fredflare.com.

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Product Review: Nail Buddy - All-In-One Nail Kit for Girls

SavingsMommie — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:13:00 GMT

Interested in a mani-pedi kit for the little princess in your life? Nail Buddy from me4kidz (makers of my favorite first aid kit, medibag) is the perfect starter kit that's easy to use, affordable and compact in size.

Inside the reusable and recycled carry case, there are 2 nail files, 2 nail polishes (non-toxic & water based), 1 nail brush, 1 nail buffer and 2 sheets of self-stick nail appliques.

It has everything you need to create a little spa experience in the comfort of your home, car, airplane or on a playdate.I loved that everything in the kit was mini-sized, down to the buffer. Because of this, your age appropriate child could give themselves a manicure or pedicure, without your help (and you know, we moms or dads need every break we can take).

My five year old used it from start to finish without asking for my assistance (Initially, I did have to explain about the different tools and I also helped peel off the appliques). My guess is that if your child can color between the lines, they can use this kit to give themselves a manicure.

The kit came with 2 colors which were lavender and pink. The lavender polish had a thick consistency, so only one coat was needed (a time-saver, so a thumbs up there). The pink, on the other hand, looked clear. My daughter tried putting on multiple coats, but it still came out clear (I even tried it on myself and the same thing happened).

My daughter's favorite part was sticking on the flower appliques. At first, I thought they would look too tacky, but once they were on, they actually gave it a girlie touch and a salon quality finish.

The only thing I felt that the kit was missing was a step by step instruction with pictures. It would have been nice to have something that my daughter could reference as she was giving herself a manicure using a file, buffer and a brush.

Overall, the kit was cute and budget-friendly. It had everything you would need to create that perfect polish. I loved that the entire kit fit into my small crossbody purse without adding bulk (I may have to include these for my daughter's birthday gift bags). Priced at $5.95, it's a definite must have (Sold at Me4Kidz.com).

(Disclosure: Product was provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the product. This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)Add a Comment

Wardrobe Oxygen: Bad Fashion Trends

AlisonGary — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:30:00 GMT

While I usually write about current fashion trends that I love and how one can achieve them for less, there are many current fashion trends that I wish would die. While some of these trends are fun, and some may be carried off by a few True Fashionistas, these trends in general are not flattering, not very wearable, and just need to leave the runway and the retailers.

Feather Extensions. I cannot believe that a trend began due to Steven Tyler, and has endured for so long. While the Aerosmith lead singer looks glam with feathers in his hair (as do other celebrities like Ke$sha and Selena Gomez), this is a trend that is tacky, inappropriate in most social settings, and is downright cruel and deadly to animals.

While feathers can look fun for a night out or a music festival, this is not a trend that looks professional, polished or stylish. Not the right look for a job interview, meeting your boyfriend's parents, or attending a wedding. And before you defend this trend, do read this article from The Associated Press, featured on the Seattle Times. It isn't very stylish to hurt and/or kill birds for a passing fancy such as feather extensions.

Capes. When capes came on the scene last year I fully embraced this trend. It was a fun alternative to lightweight jackets and sweater coats. However with time, I see that capes are unflattering to most, and not a functional fashion trend. Capes either restrict your arm movement, or else leave your limbs completely exposed. To be properly covered in cool weather, you need to invest in extra-long gloves, and only choose ensembles that have sleeves that look stylish peeking out of your cape armholes. Capes aren't very kind to women with curves – broad shoulders are emphasized, large busts cause the heavy fabric to tent out, and they often hit at the most unflattering point on the body. While capes are adorable in theory, they rarely work well in daily practice.

Nail Art. While I appreciate a fun color or finish, nail art has gone from being fun and creative to downright tacky. Kits sold during late-night informercials to stencil flowers and Playboy bunnies on pinkies prove that this trend has jumped the shark.

Nail art isn't appropriate in the office or for conservative and formal affairs (sorry Zooey Dechanel, that includes you and your tuxedo nails at the Golden Globes). While young trendsetters may understand your choice, the rest of the world will find your nail art to be unprofessional and juvenile. Stick to solid colors, and if you work in a conservative office, have your nail colors be subtle and more natural.

Mullet Skirts. While a skirt or dress that is short in the front and long in the back can look utterly smashing on the runway or red carpet, it's hard to apply this trend to the real world. Like nail art, those who aren't on the pulse of fashion won't understand or appreciate your sartorial choice and wonder if part of your dress got caught in the elevator on the way up to the office.

Leggings as Pants. Leggings are not pants. Leggings are to be worn with longer tops, tunics, dresses – garments that will cover your bum. Leggings are made of thin knit that no matter how rock-hard your glutes will show every lump, bump, and panty line. Please wear them for their proper use – a heavyweight alternative to tights.

Fake Glasses. When I was in middle school, I had a pair of gold and tortoise shell fake glasses; I bought them for about $5.00 from Afterthoughts and felt they made me look studious and cool. Instead, they made me look like a fashion victim or a preteen with a cheap pair of glasses.

As someone who needs to wear prescription lenses, I am thrilled to see that eyewear is back en vogue. However, I find it utterly ridiculous to wear fake glasses for the sake of fashion. No matter your age or the price of the frames, you will still look as silly as my 12-year old self.

Drop-crotch Pants. While some men have been wearing their pants low for a while, retailers like Oak are beginning to create jeans and pants with purposefully low crotches. This look is not flattering on anyone, and I would think would be awkward to wear. Be you a man or a woman, there is nothing fashionable about looking as though you had an accident in your trousers.

What current fashion trends do you wish would go?Add a Comment

Celebrating Valentine's Day: For Rich or For Poor

ashleywade — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Valentine's Day is exactly a week away, and you know what that means…

….Red and pink decorations have overtaken the stores for weeks now, and you've been eyeing those boxes of chocolate strategically placed next to the check-out counter at Vons. I haven't been able to turn on the TV lately, without catching a trailer for the newest rom-com. Holidays are being promoted earlier, as stores spotlight their sales, and I can't be alone in thinking that the past few months have seemed like an endless holiday, as Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Years have melted into one ongoing event.

According to this infographic by History.com, 62% of Americans say that they celebrate Valentine's Day, and last year, $448 million was spent on candy the week before. Am I the only person wondering how much of that people bought for themselves? The fact remains- most of you are celebrating, but the question is- how should you?

Spend a lot of money.

Shower her with roses, chocolate, and jewelry. Send her flowers at work, so she can pretend to blush when the secretary sets them on her desk.

If you're spending Valentine's Day, you know them at least moderately well (at least, I hope so). You have a fairly good idea of what makes this person happy. Is she the wine-and-dine type? Spend a little extra on flowers (or snag a deal that allows you to really wow her, while still sticking to budget). Is he the type of guy that would rather stay in than go out? Planning your date based on the person ensures that it will stand out, rather than be another generic Valentine's Day.

Don't spend too much money.

Be creative. If you can't afford to have a fancy dinner out (in what will inevitably be a crowded restaurant), then don't! Put together a scavenger hunt and have a picnic on the beach (NOTE: This only works if you live remotely near the beach). Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a cliché, so don't let it dissolve into one.

Are you an avid cook? Prepare a meal together! If you're still perfecting the art of scrambling eggs, however, then this may not be the night to channel your inner Julia Child. Did you meet over your mutual love of cheesy 80's films? Stop by your favorite take-out restaurant, and spend the night in!

I'm not suggesting that you go to extreme measures and make Valentine's Day a cheap occasion. But choose what you're going to invest in. Some people couldn't care less about receiving a card- other people, like myself, place a great deal of weight on choosing the right one, and select an overpriced card (I'm looking at you, Papyrus) with embellishments and details. At the end of the day, spending $5 on a card and cooking a meal together may be the perfect gift!

This Valentine's Day- focus on your Valentine. It's not about impressing anyone other than your partner. Someone is going to out-do you. No matter how much money you spend on her, I guarantee you that someone's husband spent more. Your best bet is to invest time into creating a memorable evening, and spend money on what really matters.

What's the most memorable Valentine's Day you've had?

[image via petsimply.com]

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