Valentine's Day on a Budget

This post could also be titled "How to say 'I love you' without breaking the bank." Kevin and I are students. This means we are 1) not rich and 2) very busy. Sadly, being busy often means that it is easier to buy something than take the time to make it. Fortunately, Kevin and I are blessed with the first bit: we aren't rich. This means that we have to be creative! Ergo, a post about creative ways to say "I love you."

I found myself struggling to come up with ideas for Valentine's day. I called my father, a scholar who, like Kevin, is preoccupied with research. What would a man like him want for Valentine's Day? " A card," he said. "Affection: hugs, kisses, etc. And small things. Things that show you care." This gave me an idea (fathers are such wise souls): why not give Kevin small things throughout the day? He loves surprises and is easily pleased with small things that are humorous or demonstrate my love for him. So this is what I did!

Items required for project:
1. brown paper bags
2. sticky notes
3. sharpie
4. hot peppers
5. extra hot barbecue potato chips
6. 2 Lindt chocolates
7. The Complete Collection of Ma and Pa Kettle
8. Fruit Leather
9. Willing friends, coworkers, random strangers, etc.

Because you are too hot to handle.

Kevin and I take sack lunches to school since we don't come back home until suppertime. I thought this would add some fun to his lunch. Each item is in a brown paper back with a little note like the one above and will be delivered throughout the day by a classmate, teacher, or coworker.

Because I can't keep secrets

Kevin loves old movies, particularly Ma & Pa Kettle. This was supposed to be a birthday present for Kevin, but then I got excited when it came and gave it to him as an early Valentine's day present....last week..... I have a hard time keeping secrets about presents.....

Because you spice up my life

Kevin loves spicy food. I can barely eat medium salsa. These hot peppers are a promise that I will make him something spicy and they double well as a symbol for how he "spices up my life!" I know, a little cheesy...:D

Just because it's the V-day-thing-to-do

Everyone gives/receives/eats chocolate on Valentine's day. At least eat quality Swiss chocolate.

Kevin adores fruit leather. These happened to be on sale! Yay! Hence the smiley face. I couldn't come up with anything cute to say about this. What would I say, "I like your leathery skin?" Not a compliment. And he doesn't have leathery skin. I could say "you're fruity," but that's not a compliment either. I think I a smiley face will do.

There they are, bagged and ready to go! Total cost: @ $15