This week we're gearing up for Valentine's Day, with great daily deals on gifts and lots of tips to celebrate on a budget. We also have new reviews of cheap cribs and snowboard bindings.
This guide wraps up our series on cheap snowboarding equipment. After you've picked out boots, you need cheap snowboard bindings to secure them to your board. Our picks start at $130 or less and are made by Union and Burton, two brands with excellent reputations in the industry. Reviewers admire the Union bindings for their high-quality construction. The Burton bindings are recommended for beginners of both genders.
Cribs.
Good cheap cribs are hardly a dime a dozen, but frugal parents-to-be will find a wide selection for less than $200. All the cribs we researched meet the newest safety regulations as well as purchasers' expectations for stability and upscale looks. The latest craze in the crib world is the 4-in-1 convertible style, which lets you transform the crib into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed (one long side of the crib becomes the headboard and with some models, the second long side becomes the footboard). Traditional cribs are less popular, but we identified one worth checking out.
Blog.
Cheap but Fancy Romantic Dinners.
The easiest way to get a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank is to make a special meal at home. We rounded up several Valentine's Day recipe ideas, ranging from fool-proof spaghetti carbonara to exotic Thai curries.
Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine.
If you've ever done a price comparison between champagne and sparkling wine, you're probably wondering what exactly it is about Champagne that justifies the price tag. The truth is, not much. We compared both types of bubbly so you can decide which to serve on Valentine's Day.
Whether the weather is right for a romantic picnic or hike in the woods or you're better off staying in and whipping up homemade chocolate truffles with your sweetheart, we've got several ideas for cheap Valentine's Day dates. Make sure to click on our second post, which presents even more date ideas.
Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts.
There's no time like the present to look for good deals on Valentine's Day gifts, especially if you plan to order online and want to be sure the item arrives on the appointed day. We have plenty of ideas to save you money on Valentine's Day gifts this year, including daily deals sites, tasteful re-gifting, and cheap but meaningful jewelry.
Cooking dinner with your loved one is a fun date idea with an additional benefit: You save money on a romantic meal for two.
Avoid the hassle of reservations, high-priced Valentine's Day prix-fixe menus, and tip and tax with the inexpensive meal ideas below. With these easy but impressive Valentine's Day recipe ideas, even beginner cooks can put together a romantic menu that can then be slotted into your normal weekday repertoire.
Spaghetti Carbonara.
A fast, cheap, and nearly foolproof pasta recipe, spaghetti carbonara is a staple of many Italian restaurant menus but equally delicious at home. This elegant dish consists mostly of pasta, eggs, pancetta, and parmesan, and takes almost no time at all; in fact, you can throw it together while boiling the pasta. With the savings from cooking your own simple spaghetti carbonara, enjoy a delicious budget-friendlywhite wine to pair.
Rich, creamy, and flavor-packed, risotto is another romantic meal idea made of a few simple ingredients. At its core, risotto is Arborio rice grains cooked in broth, stirred until creamy. Enhance and customize your risotto by adding different flavors. Start with an easy mushroom risotto or try a paella-likesaffron risotto with seafood. Risotto is a very hands-on dish, so an added bonus is spending time in close quarters with your date until it's done.
Roast Chicken.
Easy and budget-friendly, roast chicken is an elegant entree for a romantic dinner. Season it with anything from herbs to citrus fruits, and you've got poulet roti without French restaurant prices. A whole chicken is surprisingly cheap and yields a lot of meat, so consider this instead of buying chicken breasts. And the bones and carcass can be used to make homemade chicken stock for future meals.
Steamed Mussels.
Mussels are a relatively inexpensive seafood that still packs a romantic punch: studies have shown that mussels and other mollusks may be aphrodisiacs. More reason to feature them on the menu for a romantic evening in. Steam the mussels in white wine and herbs for a fast, easy, and impressive dinner entree. Add some crusty French bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Baked Squash with Stuffing.
Presentation is key - impress your date with stuffing baked in a squash "bowl." Scoop out halves of pumpkins or other squashes and fill with your choice of veggies, meats, rice, or breadcrumbs, and bake. Most of the dish is vegetarian, making for a deliciously cheap dinner. Try this baked pumpkin with wild rice stuffing recipe.
Soups and Stews.
February is a chilly month, so warm up your sweetheart with a hearty soup or stew. Soups have always been a cheap and versatile way to get the most use out of meats and vegetables. Add beans to all types of recipes, from simple minestrone to rustic French cassoulet. Serve over rice for additional mileage. Again, a loaf of French bread does wonders to elevate a soup or stew.
Add some spice to your Valentine's Day -- literally. A Southeast Asian curry can be a cheap but romantic meal for this special night, or any night of the week. Although you can buy the individual curry powders and spices, a jarred curry paste mixed with coconut milk or ready-made curry sauce will do the trick in less time. Try a Thai red curry chicken dish with steamed jasmine rice, or cook up the Indian favorite, chicken tikka masala.
The dinner ideas presented here can be accompanied by a simple side dish of roasted or sauteed vegetables. For extra value, see what produce is in season. Add a dessert, and enjoy a truly romantic and elegant three-course dinner that tastes much more expensive than what it cost.
Have another fancy but cheap recipe idea? Let us know in the comments.
Today we have some unique daily deals that would make some great gifts (even if you're your own Valentine this year). You can save big bucks on a flowers delivery to your date (or mom!) with our FTD.com deal. Our deals also include a flip camcorder almost $200 off, a home phone system deal, surround sound PC speakers, wine glasses, and a lot more. Check it out below.
Champagne, bubbly, sparkling wine -- whatever you call it, it's popularly used for a toast at all kinds of celebrations, from weddings to anniversaries to promotions to graduations. Even Valentine's Day. But if you've ever shopped for a bottle of this effervescent drink, you may have been perplexed by the labeling. One bottle says Champagne and another says sparkling wine. What's the difference between the two?
In short, Champagne is sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France. In Europe, only sparkling wines produced in that region can legally be called Champagne. All other bubbly, including products made elsewhere in France, must be called "sparkling wine." There's no such rule in the U.S., however, so you may find California "champagne" on the shelves.
Traditionally, French Champagne is made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier grapes, or a blend thereof. Champagne comes in white/light, or rose, which is commonly called pink Champagne. It also comes in a variety of sweetness levels ranging from Brut Natural(very dry) to dessert-levelDemi-Sec or Doux. Read more about Champagne and the methode Champenoise in our guide to Champagne and sparkling wine.
Sparkling Wine Defined.
The term "sparkling wine" refers to all carbonated, effervescent wines, regardless of grape content or region of origin. Sparkling wine includes Champagne as well as other popular bubbly wines, such as Prosecco (Italy), Cava (Spain), Asti (Italy), and Sekt (Austria). Sparkling wines get their bubbles either from natural fermentation or an injection of carbon dioxide.
The Price Difference.
Like most things French, true Champagne carries a price premium over sparkling wines (even a near-identical wine produced just outside the region's boundaries). For example, at one wine retailer, a 750mL bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne costs $32 and a similar size bottle of Krug Rose Champagne goes for $360. By comparison, French sparkling wine (from outside the Champagne region) starts at $10 for 750mL and American sparkling wine is priced as low as $5 for the same size bottle.
Whether you need to stock up for a weddingor party, such price differences are worth noting. If you plan to make champagne cocktails (bellinis, for example), you can cut costs by choosing a cheaper sparkling wine.
Best Value Bubbly on a Budget.
Given the high price of Champagne compared to sparkling wine, you'll get the best bang for your buck with an American sparkler or a European bubbly. If only French wine will do, opt for sparkling varieties called "Cremant" or "Mousseux."
If you have a recommendation for a good value sparkling wine, please share your pick in the comments section below.
With Valentine's Day looming ever closer, now's the time to decide how to commemorate the day with your special someone. If you're on a budget (and who isn't these days), you're in luck. We've compiled a second list of Valentine's Day date ideas that will give you quality time with your honey without requiring you to part with too much money.
"The Valentine's Day date is really about spending time together rather than spending money," says Vicky Oliver, author of The Millionaire's Handbook: How to Look and Act Like a Millionaire, Even If You're Not. Great news for frugal romantics. One way to spend very little is to take a drive to a romantic location. Act like teenagers and enjoy each other's company with a mixed tape of love songs that remind you of your relationship.
Go on a date at home.
Can't afford a romantic Valentine's Day dinner out? Make it at home. To set the right tone, Money Hacker suggests lighting candles, playing soft music, opening a bottle of cheap champagne, and preparing your valentine's favorite meal. Oliver suggests chocolate spaghetti for dessert -- it's romantic and creative, and sure to impress. You can find numerous recipes online, including this one from Food Network. After your Valentine's Day dinner date, cozy up on the couch for a romantic movie -- it will make the perfect end to the perfect Valentine's Day.
Create a scavenger hunt.
Another Valentine's Day date suggestion from Oliver: a romantic scavenger hunt for your loved one. "It doesn't have to cost a lot of money or take that much time to create," she says. Create simple clues that send him or her to your favorite places as a couple and mark each spot with a flower. End the hunt at your favorite low-price restaurant, where you, of course, will be waiting to have a Valentine's Day meal.
This idea comes courtesy of Esquire. What better way to encourage handholding and a few laughs, and maybe even set the tone for some cuddling later? Ice skating is a perfect activity for new couples and a creative, bonding Valentine's Day date idea. With a bit of forethought you can find a rink that will cost you less than $30 for skate rental and ice time. You may be able to get some hot cocoa, as well.
Go explore.
For the couple that's been together a while and perhaps gotten stuck in the same old routines, shake things up. If you're city folks, go for a hike in a park or the nearest woods, and take a picnic to sweeten the deal. If you always drive past but never stop at the local farmers market or flea market, hit the brakes this time and check it out. Be spontaneous and do something out of the ordinary. Hold hands, people watch, and enjoy your time together on this Valentine's Day date.
Today is a great deals day for Apple and smartphone accessories. We have an iPad 2 keyboard and carry case deal, an iPod alarm clock from Best Buy, and a bluetooth keyboard for smartphones. Of course, deals sites are still rolling out romantic deals, like wine glasses and diamond watches, so check those out, too.
Today we have some great tech deals in addition to our Valentine's day deals. Ebay has a waterproof, fireproof 2 TB external hard drive marked down to $250 from the regular price of $420, Amazon has a 32GB flash drive marked from $74 to $23. We also have deals on flowers and gifts, picnic accessories, and other treats for your Valentine.
Here's our Valentine's Day gift to you: eight romantic date ideas that are fun, creative, and, truth be told, cheap. If you don't have the cash (or patience) for dinner at a fancy restaurant crowded by all of the other couples in town, alternatives abound. These ideas for a date will have you sipping fine wine, sharing an elegant dessert, and filling your head with art and culture. Best of all, they're cheap enough to be part of your regular weekend rotation.
Save Money on Experiences with Coupons and Group Deals.
Cut costs on an experience date by checking out group deals. Use a daily deal site to find bargains on everything from skydiving to bowling to cooking class. You may even find deals on recommended local restaurants or activities. Also, look for coupons from sites such as restaurant.com to save even more money on dining.
Pack a Picnic, Inside or Out.
What's more romantic than being alone with your date, giggling over a bottle of wine and snacks, surrounded by nature? Sure, at this time of year an outdoor picnic is hard to stage in many parts of the country, so improvise. Pick up a French baguette, some cheeses and spreads, fruit, and drinks of choice. With a blanket, warm jacket, hat and gloves, park yourself in the middle of nowhere, wherever that happens to be: the state park, a backyard, the front porch, or even the comfort of your own living room (sans all the winter gear, of course).
Wine and cheese.
Champagne taste on a beer budget? You can still enjoy fancy wine and cheese pairings without the steep restaurant wine markup, which is typically two to three times the bottle's cost to the restaurant. Visit your local wine store or beverage warehouse and ask for recommendations within your price range. Wine merchants are usually happy to suggest good food or cheese pairings for your bottles. If you're feeling adventurous, try wines from emerging wine regions or made from overlooked grapes (these are often a good value), and find gourmet cheeses to match.
Cook a Fancy Dinner for Two.
Good food doesn't have to be fancy. Impress your date with your cooking skills, or laugh about your mistakes afterwards, by making a three-course meal. Look for delicious but simple recipes, like roast chicken or spaghetti carbonara. Regardless how the main course turns out, you'll have spent quality time together. Set the table with candles and your best dishes to enhance the romantic ambience.
Bake a Cake (or Pie or Tart or Souffle...)
Get down and dirty with your honey -- in the kitchen. Spending quality time with your sleeves rolled up will make your flour, sugar, egg, and butter creation truly memorable. Tempting as it may be, try not to eat too much of the batter before it goes in the oven. Your patience will be rewarded with a sweet treat and fun memories. Try this chocolate souffle recipe, and you'll wonder how something that tastes so good can be made with just six ingredients.
Make Chocolate Truffles.
On the off chance that your date is a chocoholic, indulge in super smooth velvety truffles without the premium cost. Chocolate truffles are balls of chocolate ganache, a mix of cream and chopped chocolate. Make a customized set of truffles by picking out fun and unusual ingredients, and have fun decorating. But chocolate is no less romantic when ready-made, so check out our reviews of the best cheap chocolate.
Imagine hugging your sweetheart in front of a live band as the music envelops you. Bypass the ticket fees and long lines and check out a local band. Some venues hold multi-band shows for local, underground, and up-and-coming groups, so for a small cover fee (if any), you can enjoy several different bands in one night. Play a game to see who can spot a record company agent first.
See Contemporary Art at a Student Art Show.
Find out what's emerging in the art world. Check out student art exhibits at the local art college or find out which small galleries are holding openings. You may see things that are fresher and more exciting than what's showing in the art museums. A bonus: many gallery openings or exhibits offer a free glass of wine.
Whether you're in a new relationship or celebrating another year with your significant other, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show how much you really care. For some committed types, however, the day of love can be a bit daunting. There's a lot of pressure to buy that perfect Valentine's Day gift and spend lots of money in the process. Forget all that. There are plenty of ways to express your feelings without flashing dollar signs. Let's take a look.
We turned to frugalista Vicky Oliver, author of The Millionaire's Handbook: How to Look and Act Like a Millionaire, Even If You're Not (Skyhorse Publishing, November 2011), for guidance. "Thought trumps the amount of money spent every time," Oliver says. "Sometimes, when you haven't put enough thought into a gift, it may end up costing you more."
To see what we could do with a budget of $35, we reached out to Oliver and did our own digging. Without too much ado we turned up several budget-friendly Valentine's Day gift ideas that are bound to make the recipient smile.
Make a Valentine's Day gift.
Oliver shared with us a pile of Valentine's Day gift ideas. For starters, she recommends creating a CD of songs that remind you of the other person, writing a poem, or making a collage of pictures of the two of you. If you want to do something with photos, ABC News notes that the picture kiosks at Target, CVS, Walgreens, and many other retailers let you quickly upload images to create Valentine's Day gifts such as personalized photo books and framed shots.
Give the Valentine's Day gift of time.
Ask any couple with full-time jobs and/or children and they'll tell you that time is at least as valuable as a pricey Valentine's Day gift. "It's not how much money the couple spends, but how much time they're willing to invest into their relationship," Oliver says. Try one of these Valentine's Day ideas: Go to a movie you both want to see or go on a romantic picnic (make it indoors, if necessary).
Give a traditional Valentine's Day gift.
Yes, jewelry is a traditional Valentine's Day gift and often costs an arm and a leg. It doesn't have to. We really like this idea from Frugal Dad: Buy your sweetheart a charm bracelet and every year add a charm. A simple sterling silver bracelet may go for as little as $20 and charms can be had for $10 to $20 each. Another traditional Valentine's Day gift that your honey is sure to love: cheap chocolate. If your guy loves wine, a Valentine's Day gift of cheap red wine or cheap white wine that you can enjoy together will definitely hit the spot.
While many of us shy away from this practice, Oliver sees no problem with it as a frugal Valentine's Day gift. "It's fine to re-gift as long as you show thought in the way you do it," Oliver explains. "The key thing with a re-gift is to know the person well enough to be certain that he or she will enjoy it." In other words, think of an item you already have that your significant other really likes -- it could be the old college sweatshirt your girlfriend throws on all the time or a book your boyfriend keeps borrowing.
And finally
, as you begin your Valentine's Day shopping, remember that the price tag doesn't indicate how much you love your sweetheart. The thought does. "We live in an era when the grand gesture can be more meaningful than a present costing hundreds of dollars," Oliver says. "And with a little forethought, your Valentine's Day gift will convey just the right amount of love."
($70.49; $235.95 value)
($22.99; $73.99 value)
($45.90; $110 value)
-cute metal anchors to keep your wine glasses and bottle from toppling ($9.08; $12.99 value)
($34.99; $79.98 value)
($19.95; $50 value)
