Okay, so I think I've finally secured a couple of days of time off for DH and me next week...I got a spot reserved for the dog for boarding at the vet's office, and we think we're going to get a hotel room for a night (still waiting to hear the financial report from DH today to see if we can actually swing that!!) before heading all the way home for me to preach at a ladies' reception and finish selling off my late grandpa's estate...
I really want to make this a special mini-vacation, since we haven't actually gotten to do something like that for a really, really, really (did I mention 'really'?) long time!
If we do end up being able to splurge and do the hotel room (the package we're looking at includes breakfast in the hotel's restaurant), we will be able to afford little else.
Any suggestions as to how we can make it really special without spending a ton of $$? I thought about a picnic during the day - but we'll be in Duluth and northern MN is still a bit chilly this time of year, especially near Lake Superior. I am determined to plan and make this an unforgettable weekend for my DH, because he usually plans everything in our relationship and I know he'll be really (how do I say this delicately?) happy if I take charge and have everything all planned and set up.
Suggestions from those who are or have been in similar situations would be appreciated...
Do the picnic inside rather than outside. Throw your blanket on the floor. Open the window for the cool breeze.Use grape Koolaid for wine (add 7 up for bubbles) Take candles that you have at home with you and light up the room with candle light rather than sunlight or even starlight (hint hint).If you get amorous you don't have to worry about bugs or misquitos. Use your imagination. Have fun! Make memories! R
Oh wow! I love this kind of stuff if you have never figured it out!
Good suggestions, Ralinda. You are creative, Puppetmaster...just let the ideas flow just as when you are making puppets or planning a lesson...only it's even more fun!
You really don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. Have the picnic inside...take plenty of candles with you. If you don't have the $$ to buy them, just collect some from y0ur house that you already have out and about. I just did that recently, even though I had the $ to buy them, I just ran out of time before we went on a trip, so I just did a sweep of my house, loaded them in the suitcase and off we went! Plenty of candles set the mood, and I always take a CD player with me with some favorite music that really sets the tone. Lately we have listened to Chris Botti a lot. If you do not have something appropriate, no need to spend money on it. Just check a CD out of the library. You would be surprised at what they have! Lots of smooth jazz that you might not have realized. If you don't have $ for some new lingerie, take something you already have. Usually I do something special for my dh like get him a sports illustrated or even a pack of gum he likes (you are only talking a few dollars here) and I put it on his pillow or something when we first get there. Take some lotion - the body massage thing is always good...
The most unforgettable thing you can do - in my opinion - is, give attention to some small details like the above to let him know you've cared enough to plan a few things like this, but........just spend the time encouraging him emotionally/physically, and lavish your attention on him. It will make all the difference in the world and he'll never forget it!
I love all of the previous suggestions, especially the candles. Candlight goes a long way. You can also try a site like priceline.com or hotwire.com to get a great deal on a hotel room.
You can take some wine glasses or you can buy some (glass or plastic) at the dollar store. Even if you are drinking kool-aid, sparking grape juice or whatever, the glasses make it more romantic. Use some stationary that you have and write your husband a love note. If you do not have any, you can buy a very nice piece of scrapbook paper at a craft store for about 10-20 cents. These pieces are big enough that you can make the note and an envelope to out 1 sheet.
If you have time, check the area where you are going for free events. Many cities have art exhibits, jazz festivals, christian concerts and things of this sort for free.
Also, my husband and I usually brown bag it or eat very inexpensively most of the time when we travel on our mini-getaways so that we can have one very nice romantic dinner at a restaurant that we love. Some places have specials if you eat dinner early, like between 4:30 and 6:30. I you go around 5:30 or 6:00 you can finish around 7:00 or 7:30 and then you will have plenty of quiet time to spend enjoying the candelight. Sometimes we will even stop by our favorite grocery store (it is much cheaper than the restaurant) and get dessert to enjoy by candlelight in the room.
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! My mind is spinning with ideas now!!
BTW, my husband did tell me last night that we have enough $$ to get the room that I had in mind (He does our finances, so it's hard to keep it a COMPLETE surprise, LOL! It's the price I pay for not having to deal with numbers...).
Anyway...thanks for all your help - if anyone has anymore suggestions, feel free to keep them coming. It's still a week away...
Sometimes we will even stop by our favorite grocery store (it is much cheaper than the restaurant) and get dessert to enjoy by candlelight in the room. 
