Tasty Delight

Still don't have a dinner reservation for tomorrow night? How about a romantic dinner for two? Here's a great salad that can be made as either a first course or a whole meal, if you add shredded chicken.  

Strawberry Spinach Salad

1 lb. Strawberries, hulled and sliced

3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. honey

1 tsp. olive oil

Salt and Pepper

1 12 oz. Bag of Spinach

3/4 cup Toasted Chopped Walnuts

Directions:

Dressing -  Puree 3/4 c. of strawberries.  Add lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.  In large bowl, toss with remaining strawberries, spinach, and walnuts.   

To make a meal, add 2 cups of shredded chicken.  If preferred, substitute toasted almonds for walnuts.

Have left over strawberries?  Wash and dry them completely.  Dip in melted chocolate and let cool on wax paper.

Date Night!

For a low cost date, nothing beats a great romantic movie.  Here are my top Valentine's picks for this weekend.

Today 2/12

Harold and Maude @ New Beverly Cinema

He's Just Not That Into You (21+) @ Arclight Sherman Oaks

Friday 2/13

Breakfast at Tiffanys, Roman Holiday @ Aero Theatre

Romeo and Juliet (1968) @ Egyptian Theatre

Saturday, Valentine's Day, 2/14

From Here to Eternity, Casablanca @ Aero Theatre

Harold and Maude @ Angel City Drive-In

Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet (1996) @ Egyptian Theatre

The Philadelphia Story @ Alex Theatre

She's Out Of Control @ New Beverly Cinema (Midnight Screening)

Sunday 2/15

Adam's Rib, Pat & Mike @ Aero Theatre

Now, Voyager; Jezebel @ Egyptian Theatre

Saturday Night Fever, Flashdance @ New Beverly Cinema

Public Displays of Affection

If you're going to be spending money on flowers this Valentine's Day, don't get ripped off.  Here are a few ideas for you, especially if you live in the LA area.  

Don't buy your flowers from the shop that's charging you $75 and up for red roses.  While it requires a little more leg work, head to either your local thrift store or the 99 cent store and find a unique vessel for the flowers.  I found these while roaming around a local thrift store:

Next, head to your local Trader Joe's right after they open at 9 am and buy a few bunches of your favorite flowers.   If you have a little more time on your hands, I recommend making a trip down to the LA Flower Mart, but make sure you bring cash, because not all vendors except credit cards.  Once you cut and arrange your flowers in the vase, find a piece of ribbon, yarn, or string about 18 inches long, tie it around the arrangement, and v'oila! 

If this seems like too much work, I have another idea for you.  Balloon bouquets are fairly inexpensive and make quite a display of affection.  Head to your local party store, like Party City, and have them build a latex/mylar arrangement just for you!  It shouldn't cost more than $20 - $25, depending on what you choose.

My final suggestion:  Head to your local home & garden store (Home Depot, Lowe's, Osh, Armstrong Garden) and purchase a potted plant.  I recommend a small rose bush, gerber daises, or an orchid.  These plants will last longer than cut flowers and generally cost under $15.

And remember, no matter what you spend, it's all about the presentation.

The Biggest Hallmark Holiday of them All!

At one time or another we've all had the same conversation:  "To hell with Valentine's Day!  It's the biggest rip-off of all time!  Who needs expensive meals, over priced flowers, and indulgent chocolates just to say 'I Love You'?"

Rather than have us all throw our hands up in protest, I'm determined to find a more creative solution.  This whole week will be dedicated to low cost Valentine's Day ideas that will hit your loved one's heart, not your wallet.

Ready Made magazine online has an idea worth stealing,  a Valentine's Day card made from office supplies.  I know that this blog is aimed at those of us that don't have a job, but don't tell me you never "borrowed" some supplies.  Don't think you need to have a lunch hour to make their "Lunch Hour Love Letters."

For a limited time only, FTD.com is offering 100 roses for $29.99.  This deal seems a little too good to be true, but you certainly can't beat that price.  They will deliver via UPS or DHL for an additional fee depending on the zip code and your choice of delivery date.  

Feeling more creative? Or don't want to pay those bloated shipping charges?  Tomorrow we'll focus on budget displays of affection.