National Park Week! Date Idea

My dad was a Park Ranger, so I have to advertise this great (and cheap) date idea!

You and your sweetie can discover and enjoy nearby nature on a beautiful spring day for free! The National Park Service is offering free entrance the week of April 17-25 to all the 392 National Parks in the US! This is really exciting to me, and I can't wait to find out which parks are in driving distance of us! Go to the National Park Service website to find a park close to you!

Thanks,

Cheap Meals

It's the end of the month... maybe you're like me and you've depleted your "Food" envelope! If that's the case, here are some deals on cheap fast food for you and your hungry man (or woman!)

-Free Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich with drink purchase. Coupon here. Expires 4/10.
-Quiznos buy one get one free (sub, regular chopped salad or toasty torpedo) and drink purchase. Coupon here.
-$1 off Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet Combo Meal. Coupon here.

Thank you, Frugal Living and Having Fun, for those last two cheap meal ideas!


After you inhale that yummy fast food, make sure to follow up with this Piggy Bank Dating Idea. 

**If you have a little extra to spend: Don't forget Restaurant.com's 80% off sale! Use the promo code: COOK. Offer ends tomorrow!

Free "Baking" Class at Willams-Sonoma this Sunday!

Williams-Sonoma is my FAVORITE cookware store! I'm like a kid in a candy store when I go there...except there ain't nothin' cheap in William-Sonoma!

My newest Twitter/Blogger friend, Kayla of 365 Cheap Dates, let me know that Williams-Sonoma has been offering Baking Classes every Sunday the month of March. You and your sweetie can learn how to bake together! What a fun date! The classes are free, but you will want to call your local store to find out what time they are holding their class and to reserve your spot. This Sunday's class is all about Pies and Tarts (and I noticed they mentioned quiche!). You can find out more about the "Technique Classes" on their website!

Photo at Williams-Sonoma

I will let you know about future classes/potential cheap dates at Williams-Sonoma soon!

Check out Kayla's awesome blog for more information about the class and her Date Idea #112!

Free Photo Canvas: Great Gift!

Do you have a favorite picture of you and your sweetie?
Or maybe you have a picture of beautiful scenery you enjoyed on one of your dates?

Turn that photo into a piece of art for your honey for $14.95!

The Canvas People are offering a FREE 8x10 photo canvas (you pay only the $14.95 shipping costs)! The canvas usually costs $55.

Visit the Canvas People to begin creating your gift!

Thank you, The Frugal Girls, for this great gift idea!

Fun Spring Date Idea!

The birds are chirping, the sun is beaming and the flowers are blooming! It's finally spring again! (Well, at least for those in the South, like me!) What other way to celebrate the spring season than decorate Easter eggs with your Easter bunny hunny? (I'm getting pretty creative with these pet names.)

What a throwback to your childhood...while making new and fun memories!

 Photo from The Urban Garden Project

All you need for this fun date is a dozen eggs, a Easter egg dye kit, and vinegar. {Remember those kits that had the white crayons you used to draw on the egg before slipping it into the dye? Those were awesome!}


Easter Egg Date: approximately $10

Look what I found on Amazon?!

Snow White!

Go one step further and hide your finished eggs around the yard or park for your significant other to find!

*UPDATE: You can also use Kool-Aid to dye your eggs! 

Happy Dating!

Blockbuster Express Deals:Movie Date Night

Blockbuster Express (which is similar to REDBOX) has a couple deals going on right now. Each rental is $1 a night unless you use the codes I mention below.

-Get a free movie rental from a nearby Blockbuster Express kiosk for free using this code: G2U13B4
Thank you, @Free2BeFrugal, for this great deal!

-The "Cent"sible Sawyer added another Blockbuster Express deal to her blog. You can rent one and get one free using the code: 555G13B This code is good until March 31. Thanks,


Movie Date Night, anyone?! 

Possible Date Night Movies:
-The Blind Side
-The Princess and the Frog (Disney)
-Precious (don't quote me on this one.)
-Did You Hear About the Morgans?

Piggy Bank Dating Idea: Exercise

Let me set the scene for a fun and inexpensive date:
It's near sunset.  The water is shimmering with sunset-colored rays.  The ducks and geese are making their cheerful sounds.  The temperature is perfect: not too warm, not too chilly.  The wind blows through the tall grass near the water's edge and makes a beautiful rustling noise.  And I'm wearing my Nikes.

I had a "cheap" date yesterday evening that was approximately $9 (price covers dinner) and included the beautiful scene above and some sweaty exercise.  "EXERCISE?!" (You yell question.)  Yes, exercising together can be another great way to "grow" (ahem, I mean "shrink") together as a couple and as individuals.  Exercising builds the obvious: strength, endurance, and muscles, but it also builds a lasting appreciation for each partner's strength and determination.

We chose to exercise at a park that surrounded a pond and wildlife.  The weather was absolutely perfect. We went jogging.  I am not a runner.  I repeat.  I am not a runner.  But my friends shared a running program with me that is supposed to turn non-runners into 5K competitors.  The program is called Couch to 5K and it lasts nine weeks.  Starting off slow, you exercise three times a week and eventually end the program running 30 straight minutes. (This may not be a big deal to some, but to run 30 minutes without getting a cramp is really exciting to me!) There is a $2.99 app for your iPhone/iPod that makes this program super duper easy!  While listening to your music, it uses an alert to tell you when to run and walk.  I had absolutely no problems running yesterday...although it was only Week 1 Day 1.  There is also a great support system on the Facebook Fan Page.

This activity is just getting us ready for another cheap date: spending the day at the beach!


Do you have an exercising with the boyfriend/girlfriend success story? Please leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you!

Piggy Bank Dating Idea: Volunteer

I haven't posted any Piggy Bank Dating ideas recently, so I decided it's about time I get back on the band-wagon...errr....dating wagon.

So here goes...

Piggy Bank Dating idea: VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

About half of you just got really giddy and half of you just gagged at the thought of spending time around new people, strange places and potentially awkward situations.

I LOVE to volunteer. You could call me the Ultimate Volunteer. I have an extensive volunteer resume, including being Key Club President in high school. So, if you're one of those people with the crazy gag reflects, please have an open mind as I talk about volunteering.

Volunteering together is a great way to learn about each other and grow as a couple. You will have a chance to watch your boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife as he/she interacts with others in your volunteer activity.

REASONS TO VOLUNTEER TOGETHER: 
-First of all, volunteering is free!
-You can usually spend as much (or as little) time on your volunteer project as you would like.You may want to spend the whole day, or maybe just a few hours. (Or long term if you fall in love with your volunteer activity or the organization!)
-You're helping others and that organization.
-It is a bonding experience.
-Volunteering is rewarding.

Okay, now that I've sold you on the idea, decide where you and your sweetie would like to volunteer. Here are some ideas:
-local pound
-nursing home (they LOVE young people)
-local festivals
-food kitchen
-well-known organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Team In Training, etc.
-lawn maintenance for the elderly
-church youth group
-Children's Church

The possibilities are endless!

If you think of more volunteering ideas, please leave a comment on this post. I love to hear from you...especially when you are sharing your great ideas!

Happy Dating!

REDBOX Giveaway at the Centsible Sawyer!

One free REDBOX movie would add to any perfect date night...but what about five?! You'd be set for a month!

The Centsible Sawyer is having a giveaway for 5 free REDBOX movie codes at her blog! Enter her contest here. The contest ends Sunday, March 28.

Follow Piggy Bank Dating on Twitter!

For quick reminders about new deals, "cheap" date ideas and more: follow Piggy Bank Dating on Twitter!
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For any questions about Piggy Bank Dating, suggestions, or date ideas: email me at PiggyBankDating @ {gmail} dot com.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Free Cone Day @ Ben & Jerry's!

Today, I wish for a Ben & Jerry's closer than 48 miles from me.

Why? Because of these guys...

No... actually because March 23 is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's scoop shops!  Visit your local store (unless you aren't fortunate to have one near you...like me) between 12-8pm tomorrow for a cheap, sweet date!

Tuesday, March 23 should be a good day: Starbucks coffee and free pastry in the morning...and a free icecream cone in the evening. Sounds like a fun day of freebies with your sweetie!

[Thank you for this info, Southern Savers!]

Free Gum and Starbucks: a dynamic dating combo!

Have you seen those "practice safe breath" commercials? They crack me up every time I see it! Genius marketing, I think. (Although, I have no idea which gum brand it is promoting...so maybe not.) Anyway, every individual needs fresh breath, whether you're dating someone or not. Here's a chance for a free package of Wrigley's gum. Just remember to chew with your mouth closed! Gum chomping is most unbecoming.

Starbucks fans: How about an early-morning date at Starbucks tomorrow with your sweetie? With this coupon, you can get a free pastry at your local Starbucks because tomorrow (Tuesday, March 23) is DUM DUM DUM...Free Pastry Day! Just remember to purchase a drink before 10:30 am to receive the free pastry and use this coupon.

Thanks again to Money Saving Mom for the heads-up on these great deals!

20% Off Coupon for Bath & Body Works

I received an email containing a 20% off any purchase Bath & Body Works coupon. The coupon expires this Sunday, March 21. The coupon also works online.

So, while you're shopping at Gap and Old Navy this weekend with your 30% off coupon, hit up B & B Works for a spring scent of lotion or shower gels! These would make great Easter basket gifts, as well!

Get your Bath & Body Works coupon here.

Come on guys, what girl doesn't love Bath & Body Works? Wait...don't answer that. :-)

Free PhotoStrip with free shipping from Shutterfly

Looking for a cute, inexpensive gift to give to your sweetie? 

Shutterfly is offering a free PhotoStrip (a $2.50 value) for anyone who signs up on Shutterfly.com or already has signed up on their website.

The PhotoStrips look super cute--sort of like the series of pictures you would take in a Photo Booth at the mall. You can choose 3 to 5 of your own pictures, create your PhotoStrip, and change the pictures to black and white, sepia or vivid. You can even personalize it by adding your own message. You can then have it shipped to yourself or to your honey boo boo (ha! Does anyone actually call your bf/gf "honey boo boo"?)

Some ideas for your PhotoStrip:

-Tuck it into a "just thinking of you" card to let your bf/gf know how much you appreciate him/her.
-Stick it with his/her wrapped birthday gift under the bow to add a little flair.
-Put it on his/her dashboard when he/she is not looking. What a fun surprise!
-Newly engaged? Order more than one and pass the strips out to your family and close friends for a fun memento! 
-Make your PhotoStrip with pictures of your cat or dog (or rabbit!). Who needs more pictures of you and your man/woman, anyway?! ;-)

Go here to create your own PhotoStrip.

Thanks again to Money Saving Mom for a heads up on such a fun and sweet gift idea!

By the way, signing up for Shutterfly is a great way to save money on photo gifts! They periodically offer these specials...sometimes even cheap photobooks. It's definitely worth signing up for free and receiving their special offer emails.

Free Dave Ramsey FPU lesson!

It's a great idea for every couple to talk about finances (at least before getting married). Even better: going a step forward and taking a financial planning class together.


That's where Mr. Dave Ramsey comes in....

Dave Ramsey is offering you and your honey bunny (and your mom and his mom and your neighbor, etc.) a free Financial Peace University lesson. The registration for the complimentary class is here. From my understanding, you register for the free lesson and you will receive an email with information about class locations near you. The free classes will be held sometime during the week of April 5-12. 

**Be aware that there are 13 lessons in all, and this free offer is just for the first lesson. I am not aware of how much the full class cost to attend.

The envelope system: Friend or Foe?

Do you regularly use "the envelope system" of spending cash, or a method similar? I used this system last year...and was completely frustrated with the amount of change and stray money I had strewn throughout my purse. I then began using my debit card for purchases, and didn't have any problems, except that I wasn't really budgeting an allotted amount each month for spending. March has been my "envelope system" re-try. So far I haven't spent more than in my envelopes, though I have been switching money around in envelopes. Much of my "entertainment" money has gone to "food." This causes for a problem with this weekend's entertainment plans.

Do you have any advice about using the envelope system? What kind of budget system works for you?

30% off at GAP, Old Navy...Plus, Give to LLS.

Need a new "date outfit"? Or just new clothes in general?

Thursday, March 18-Sunday, March 21, you can shop at Gap, Old Navy, Pepperlime and Banana Republic and save 30%. BUT it gets better... 5% of your purchase price goes to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Download the 30 % off coupon here.

The LLS website explains the Give & Get program and how you can help just by buying new clothes:

Give & Get with Gap and LLS this spring and take advantage of a 30% discount while you support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's work to cure cancer and improve the lives of patients. 5% of what you spend will go to LLS when you use the LLS discount coupon.

My grandfather died of Lymphoma; the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society means a lot to me. They diligently help those suffering with these diseases and spend efforts searching for a cure. Please support LLS this weekend by shopping for your spring wardrobe! Happy shopping!

*By the way, thank you to my friend Molly, who works at LLS, and told me about this coupon!*

50 photo prints and pocket photo book for $1.99!

Money Saving Mom is awesome. I'm not a mother, but I still find her "deals" beneficial for my dating life. I follow her on Facebook and she periodically posts the deals she finds throughout the day. Today's deal is great for girlfriends who like to keep a photo record of their dating life. Or creative boyfriends who like to show off their girl.

The Kodak Gallery is running a promotion until March 21 for 50 free photo prints and a free pocket photo book for $1.99 (for shipping to a Target store). Visit Money Saving Mom for more details about this frugal offer.

If you use this deal, let me know about the quality of your photo book. It's Kodak, so I expect it to be great!

80% off Sale at Restaurant.com

I received an email announcing another 80% off sale at Restaurant.com. These sales are GOLDEN. It basically means you can purchase a $25 gift certificate online to a local restaurant for about $2. Just visit Restaurant.com and select your area. Browse the eateries and find places you would like to eat on a date, to celebrate something, or to hang out with the family. Use the code BITE at the checkout to get your 80% off. This is a great deal! (Make sure to read the fine print on each coupon).

The offer ends Tuesday, March 16.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with these coupons. Did you have a difficult time using them at the restaurant, or was it a breeze?

Cheap (but not in quality) Flowers

There is a florist in town who sells $5 bunches of flowers. $5?! (That totally fits into most budgets!) I checked it out today and was pleasantly surprised to discover that the $5 bunches included bouquets of roses, sunflowers, irises, gerber daisies, etc. Then I thought about how easy it would be for a boyfriend/fiancee/husband to pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers for his girl...for cheap! I mean, I know this isn't a brand-new concept...the whole guy brings girl flowers thing...but the practice should be renewed. And not just for getting out of the doghouse. Or on Valentine's Day (when prices are five times higher than normal).

Check with your florists and find out what deals they may have for in-season bouquets. I'm sure most girls would love to get a bouquet of five irises (or maybe I'm just speaking for myself)...

You can never go wrong with roses!

Affordable and Unique Jewelry

Well that does it... The Pioneer Woman has done it again! She has gone and posted something that I just HAVE to get my hands on! She posted pictures of JoolieJoolery's Peas in a Pod earrings! GORGEOUS! Here is The Pioneer Woman's post about the fun, eclectic jewelry.

I love these sterling silver earrings! I have a feeling this lady's shop is about to get bombarded with orders from The Pioneer Woman's followers!

Michaels Coupon: Expires March 6!

Are you one of those creative, sappy girlfriends who makes sweet "tokens of your love" for your sweetie? Lucky you...I wish I was more artsy-fartsy! If you frequent Michaels stores for your craft needs, you'll most likely need this 50% off coupon. Yay coupons! Yay saving money!

Creative, crafty ideas to surprise your sweetie (AKA reasons to use your coupon):
-Make a shadow box of special memories (like the time you almost died really enjoyed going sailing without knowing what you were doing).
-Make a scrapbook. You could give him the book filled with some past memories and add pages to it every month or two...you would have him looking forward to each new page!
-Knit him mittens (so his hands won't be cold when you aren't there to hold them)...hehe, a little too sappy, maybe.
-Buy a heart-shaped box at Michaels and decorate it. Then put in index cards with messages from you of why you love him. One could say, "I love you because you make me laugh when you use your silly old man voice."
-Get one of your favorite pictures of the two of you framed at Michaels (no custom framing with the coupon).

REDBOX Code for free rental: TODAY ONLY

Here is a REDBOX code that expires after today: RBXLUV4U

Be sure to select the "Rent with promo code" button before selecting your movie. This code should be good for a one night rental. $1 will be added every day you don't turn your movie back in to the REDBOX.