Sharing The Love (on the cheap)

I am Frank White President of the Triad Administration and I approve this message brought to you by the SWV - Use Your Heart video uploaded from You Tube.



If anyone understands the impact of our nation’s financial woes on daily life, it’s yours truly. Job losses are mounting while savings and personal spending cash dwindle. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, some of you may be a bit concerned about how your pockets are gonna work this one out.

Well that’s what I’m here for, to help get you through these tough times. So here are 7 tips to enjoy an economy friendly Valentine’s Day and get your recession romance on.

First tip - Stay at Home
Why spend the extra money dining out? Expensive food, tipping, drinks and gas. Adds up. Or how about a trip to the movies. Tickets and snacks for two to watch a wack movie and you could be close to 40 bucks.

This year instead of eating out, cook dinner. All you need is some pasta, sauce, bread, cheese and a bottle of wine. Voila. A romantic dinner for two at a fraction of the cost. And instead of going to the movies scoop up a DVD or two from blockbuster, netflix, or redbox. Grab some candy, microwavable popcorn, sodas or beer. You got a date.

(And as an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about getting too tipsy to drive AND you can get as frisky as you like in the privacy of your own home.)


Second Tip - Personal Gift Certificates
So the shopping spree to Saks or Macy’s is off. And even that $20 Victoria’s Secret gift card is looking out of the price range with the cell phone bill, insurance, and gas money tying up the funds. No worries.

Instead give out “coupons” redeemable for less costly and much more personal services. One coupon to Wash and wax her car. Or change the oil. Another coupon good for a Free Bubble Bath & Shampoo or a Free Full Body Massage. How bout a Free Trip to the Park to Walk the Dogs or Watch The Kids while they take a nap? Stuff you should do but probably don’t. These gifts will be appreciated even more than some lame teddy bear.

(And as an added bonus you can get X-Rated in the spirit of Valentines Day with this gift ( A quickie here, a little trip downtown there - use your imagination) .

Third Tip - Put Your Talents to Use
Not those talents…necessarily. We’ll get to that later.

I’m thinking more along the lines of hobbies and creative talents. Instead of buying jewelry, make some. Are you an artist? Draw a beautiful portrait. Write some poetry. Make some fly CD mixes. Or serenade that special someone with a song. Actually that last one was kind of corny. But you get the gist.

Fourth Tip - Get Sentimental
You know those songs that get her in the mood? Fill a couple blank cds with them. And those pictures on the digital from forever and a day ago with all those special memories. Make a photo album. Or add some decorations, maybe a few romantic souvenirs (like tickets from your first date or love notes you wrote one another). Bam a scrapbook. If those tears of joy start flowing you are in.

Fifth Tip - Make Something Old Feel New
Its not free but its an investment both fiscally and emotionally. Get their favorite shoes cobbled. Clean and detail their car. Get your stitch on and add some flavor to the old jacket or blanket. Give that silly little dog that fits in her pocketbook a nice bath or clean out the icky fish tank he loves so much. That’s love.

Sixth Tip - Bring It Down A Notch
Instead of stretching for the dozen roses, go for one. Instead of a box of chocolates, get a bag of lollipops. Instead of buying a card. Make one. Instead of champagne get a more cost effective sparkling wine. Instead of a weekend trip out of town, go to a local bed and breakfast for a night. You don’t have to ball out to say I love you.

Seventh Tip - Make Sweet Love
First things first, making love is not the same as sex. If you don’t know that by now, you need more than just some Valentine’s Day tips from your truly. But seriously, take the time to do it right. The talking, the teasing, the foreplay. Make sure the mood is right. The soft lighting, the clean sheets, the baby making music. Pace your self and make it last. “O” so good.

(And as an added bonus not can you do this basically free but come on now…Who doesn’t love sweet sweet loving? )

Of course this is a tip for you married couples, far be it for the Triad President to promote living in sin ;)

Anyway ladies and gents. 7 perfect ways to enjoy a Happy Valentine’s Day without the dreaded post Valentine’s Hangover, especially during these tough times.

Like the artist formerly known as J Lo once said Love Don’t Cost a Thing. (Insert Joke) Be safe. Have fun. And nuthin but love to you