Let me let you in on a little secret. Sometimes I like to light all the candles in our living room, turn off the lights, turn on 1000 years Pandora playlist, sip red wine, and take in my surroundings. At Christmastime, I would do this routinely because it made me feel like I was at home in Chicago in the snow and cold. At nighttime, you can practically pretend you are anywhere. Nights like this with E are one of my favorite types of date nights. Quality time. Home. Together.

I’ve been brainstorming budget friendly date nights because we have been on the go go go and we’re trying to recover from our travels. Eric & I are saving for a house and want to have a family in the next couple of years, so we’re trying to discuss what expenses we can cut back on. Nights on the town are one of them. As super social people, this can be a bit tricky. But when you’re out and about and gone frequently, money adds up. Life can be very expensive. So I’ve thought of a few fun things to do that don’t cost too much and are a fun way to spend time together!

Homemade Dinner: Why not cook in together? It’s always cheaper to buy groceries and cook at home. Finding a fun recipe to cook together is a fun way to get creative and bond with each other.

Double Date In: It can be fun to try new restaurants with other couples but sometimes its just as much fun to have a couple over for dinner. And it is SO much cheaper! Have your guests bring an appetizer and salad and supply the wine and entree.

Mini Golf: I’m not going to lie to you when I say I’m a total sucker for mini golf. Even before I started playing the regular game of golf. Mini golf is not expensive and a fun way to get competitive.

Do 512: We have this awesome website in Austin called DO 512 that offers all sorts of events and shows in the local area. Many of them are free!

Take Out from Whole Foods and a Movie at Home: This is one of my favorites! Whole Foods has such a fun selection of food! Grab a meal. You can each pick whatever type of food you want that night (pizza? sushi? stir fry?) Rent a movie. Bam. Date night in.

BYOB: If you’re dying to dine out but don’t want to spend so much money on your beverage of choice, byob is a great way to save on that marked up booze! Here is a list of places in Austin that are BYOB.

Happy Hour: TONS of restaurants offer discounted food at Happy Hour! If you’re itching to get out of the house, head to a restaurant early and take advantage of that happy hour menu. You’ll be sure to save a bit of cash.

Alamo Drafthouse: This is my code for night at the movies. We have the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin which lets order drinks while you enjoy your movie. Sounds good to me!

Find a Common Interest: Is there anything you are both interested in that could make for a fun date? Dates don’t have to be at night! Sometimes Eric and I like to hit tennis balls or go to the driving range. Are you into art? Could you take a class together? Finding a common interest is a great way to get out of the house and spend some time together.

What’s your favorite date night?

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