"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth — For your love is better than wine." Now, that is one potent man right there! In full disclosure, I am nutty for romance not to keen on romantic movies but a night, day or weekend with your sweetie keeping the home fires burning, what could be better? Okay, a good nap, but still hand holding, stolen kisses, good food, great music and a quiet evening. Then...a nap. Perfection.
I have it on good authority from the research department that times are a bit hmm...stressful on the wallet. Which can make things stressful on your relationship. Anthony Hamilton claims in one of his songs "we don't need money, we can live on love alone." I told a friend, "that man is crazy and a liar." There isn't a man out here who won't say "I Love You" in one one breath and "what's for dinner in the next." The key to romance is to understand that building intimacy is not about how much you spend but the attention paid to detail little things mean a lot. So below are more suggestions on how to romance on a budget.
Use what you have around the house to set a mood. Clear Christmas lights make wonderful stars and provide excellent soft lighting. I had a friend create a tropical evening for his wife with a sounds of nature ocean cd, clear tree lights on the ceiling, their favorite music, fresh fruit and jasmine incense. Scarves over lamps work to soften a room, or if you have a ceiling fan unscrew a few bulbs to dim the lights. Tea light candles are often sold in bulk at some stand alone stores.
Music is the food of love and the internet is the kitchen, www.pandora.com allows you to pick a style of music based on a song or an artist. You do have to tell Pandora if you like the music in order to participate in the free service, but again FREE. I have listened and checked enough music that I have at least 8 hours of different stations playing. www.Rhapsody.com also allows you 30 free plays a month online. That should take you through dinner and a game of Boggle or naked twister. In the movie department most online services are not free, but they offer a free trail and they also offer some really good movies online.
Unexpected Resources-Your local library is the bomb and for the most part FREE! So your honey likes Earth, Wind, and Fire? They had an awesome tour with Chicago a few years back over two hours of incredible music the tour itself was rated the best of that year. It's on DVD at the Library waiting for you along with Pavarotti, Marvin Gaye, Willie Nelson, The Platters, Yanni, Celine Dion, and a host of other folk with live concert performances. If you call the library may even hold it for you or at least try and get it in enough time for a romantic weekend. They also have movies, some libraries charge but it is still cheaper than actually going to a movie and you can give a foot rub while you figure out who done it...
For the practical so called "un (gasp) romantic one in your life
Do you have a honey do list that has turned into a why do I bother list? Pick two things off that list and do it. Better yet how about helping clean the house if you don't already. Stepping in to help out with a meal even if it's take out (something healthy please) promotes peace, love and understanding in a household. Maybe even letting your mate actually sleep undisturbed for a few hours, it might shock them but hey that's what love is all about. A gift certificate to their favorite Tarot Card Reader never hurt either.
