CHEAP DATE!

A scene from Adam Sandler's 50 First Dates

So it's 2009 and everybody's feeling the crunch in their wallets. You might even become wary of splurging on dates. Does this mean you're swearing off the opposite sex until the economy betters itself again? Heck no! And does this mean you might be labeled a "cheap date"? Hmm maybe...but let's pretend we're being smart instead of cheap! Here's how you can continue dating without putting a whole in your wallet...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT (tune in next time for sexy recipes ideas)
Thinking of a way to impress your date? Cook for them! It might sound cliché but this is the BEST way to do it! They say the way to get into one's heart is through their stomach. There are easy recipes online - guaranteed to sweep your date off their feet! But if you're not great at cooking and you've been called a kitchen hazard, all hope's not lost. Prepare a romantic picnic basket and pick a spot in the park or the beach. Pack something easy like sandwiches or perhaps sushi, and sodas. Finish off with a dessert. Voilà! Warning, your date might melt before your dessert!

DVD NIGHT
Each of you bring the movie of your choice - something you think is the BEST horror movie of all time, or the WORST romantic comedy in the world, or something you think your partner will absolutely love. Super brownie points if you get the last one right! And you know you’ve scored if they like the same flicks as you!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
There's so much beautiful nature you can enjoy, especially in a place like Hawaii. Go on a hiking trip to Waimano trail in Pearl City, or enjoy a bike ride along Aiea Loop trail. And there's always the beach. Sun, sand, and sea - you can't go wrong with that.

STAR GAZING
All you need is a warm blanket, an iPod, and obviously a date. Brownie points if you remember to bring snacks! If you're going for sophistication, go for cheese and wine. If you think that's too pretentious, some popcorn and soda would do the trick. Keep your eyes peeled for meteor sightings. StarDate Online is a great website for meteorological information! The next meteor showers will occur on October 21st. We recommend North Shore, Mokuleia as the best place for star gazing. Very dark and private, and extremely romantic!

ARTS AND CRAFTS
Indulge in your creative and artsy side! Remember the pottery-making scene in Ghost? Classic! Who knew pottery-making could be so sexy? But if pottery’s not your thing...How about handmade cards? Have yourself and your date create cute cards for each other by using whatever colorful paper and stationary you find lying around. Or perhaps you could both paint silly portraits of each other. A great memento to have, or something hilarious to laugh about later! And hey, there's also body painting with either paint...or chocolate. *wink wink* Although, perhaps this would be put under the cooking-in category?

FREE EVENTS
There’s always something to do, if you know where to look! HawaiiEventsOnline is a good place to visit. There’s Free Hula Dancing, Asian Folktales Storytelling, and Food For Treat Fundraiser to name a few. And if you’re willing to spend a little bit for ono grindz and live music, you could go to Tiki’s Grill and Bar for their Taco Tuesday promotion. $2 Tacos, $3 Drink Specials, Free Parking and Cover, and a happy date! Here’s another great tip if you both love movies - go for Sunset on the Beach on a weekend. It's a free movie showing at Queen’s surf in Waikiki Beach. Just bring a blanket or towel!

GAME NIGHT
As mentioned in the previous post, board games can still be a fun activity! Taboo, Jenga, Battleship, Twister, Cranium, just to name a few. Heck, your date and you can battle it out on video games too. Pick a couple of fun two-player game you think you both will enjoy – Not just something YOU like! Deduct 100 brownie points if your date gets fed up with you or the game (because you take it too seriously or you’re a sore loser).

IOU MASSAGE COUPON
Running out of ideas? Luckily you give the BEST shoulder massages (or so you’ve been told by your dad)! Give your date an IOU Massage Coupon which he/she can use at any time. Hey since we’re all about coupons…why not be more creative and create coupons for other activities? Coupons for kisses, hugs, laundry, cleaning the dishes…whatever you think your date would appreciate! Even better, you can share a Student Saver coupon with your date. Enjoy Cold Stone ice cream with this Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon!

DOING SOMETHING YOUR PARTNER LIKES
Your girlfriend likes animals? Visit a local shelter and the two of you can become volunteers for a day! Your boyfriend likes cars? Visit a car dealership and pretend you're both looking for a car...he'll have fun just ogling the cars and brownie points if he's allowed to test-drive them!

DISCOVER SOMEPLACE NEW
Got a car? And plenty of gas? Why not drive around to a semi-unfamiliar place (Just make sure it's safe! Have a GPS on standby just in case). Maybe your date has mentioned about always wanting to go to *that* place but he/she never got to. Now’s your chance to try it out! Have a camera ready just in case you want to capture the perfect moment with your date. One location we might suggest is Round Top - Tantalus Circle Drive; it’s the perfect place to take your date to see the city lights.