HOW TO BE ROMANTIC (With Little or No Cost to You!)

Who says that being romantic only means dozens of roses and fancy dinners? For many couples, a daisy picked from their garden and a “leftovers picnic” on their lawn will fit the bill just fine.

Times are tough, but being romantic isn’t! Here are ten bankable ways to become rich in romance on anyone’s budget. This bailout plan brought to you by our in-house experts, the Romance Concierges of Caesars Pocono Resorts.

• #1
  Talk is Cheap (Literally!) — You and your partner are you and your partner for a reason—you enjoy each other’s company! Take some time to chat about silly stuff—bad reality TV or a forwarded email joke—no business. Or, reminisce about experiences you’ve shared when things may have been a little more carefree. Remembering the roots of your relationship will help you weather any storm.
• #2
  For Just Pennies a Day... — Just because bank accounts are a little on the light side these days doesn’t mean your piggy bank has to be. Try collecting change to save up for a big purchase both you and your partner will enjoy. A quarter here and a nickel there can add up to a romantic getaway over time. Post a picture of your ideal destination over your coin container for added incentive.
• #3
  The Best Things in Life Are Free — You just have to look for them! Scour the paper and surprise your sweetie with a trip to a free local museum or art gallery. Plan a night out around a community concert or complimentary movie showing. Broaden your date horizons and try something new together. And, you’d be surprised how much fun you can have at a park or on a playground!
• #4
  Dig for Buried Treasure — A.K.A—photos of your first date, the mix CD your partner gave you for your first holiday together and the big goofy stuffed dog they won at the local fair. Spend a day with your partner sorting through all that you two have accumulated over the years. It’s a great way to organize your space and relive the special moments that you first shared as a couple.
• #5
  Sunday Splurge — Even the most cost-conscious of couples deserves a special treat every now and then. Has Starbuck’s been banned? One day a week, enjoy a guilt free grande-non-fat-half-caff-latte with the one you love!
• #6
  Potluck Picnic — If your food supply starts to look a little scarce toward the end of the week, plan an outing for you and your partner with the random sustenance you have around. Get creative and combine what you have in your fridge to make a romantic and quirky meal and head out to a local scenic spot. You can share a peanut butter sandwich and watch the sun set.
• #7
  Let’s Get Physical — Who says that you need to spend a ton of money each month on pricey gym memberships? Grab your partner and get moving instead! Walking or biking is a great way to spend time with the one you love and get healthier in the process. Exercising produces endorphins that will help energize you and make you happy…plus, sweating together is sexy.
• #8
  How Do I Love Thee? Let me Count the Ways... — Head over to your local library with your partner and pick out a few books you’re each interested in. They can be biographies, poetry, fairy tales, mysteries or even favorite children’s books. Spend an hour each day reading aloud to each other—it’s a great excuse to cuddle up close and learn more about your partner’s interests.
• #9
  Residential Relaxation — Why not turn your house into a relaxing at home spa? Simple household ingredients can be used as bath salts, body scrubs and massage oils. Not to mention that your partner might be more open to pampering in the comfort of his or her own home. Take turns treating each other like royalty with sensuous massages and by the end, you’re both sure to be glowing.
• #10
  It’s the Thought that Counts — Remember that gifts don’t have to be expensive to make a heartfelt impact. Take your partner on a tour of the places that have played an important part in your relationship. Paint a picture of your favorite memory with your mate. Make a construction paper card with a list of adjectives that remind you of them. Creative gifts capture your true emotion in a way that generic jewelry and cuff links can’t.