Let's face it, after the first few years of a relationship, when money is tight, and anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas with your loved one is creeping up on you, presents? You barely have enough money to buy dinner!

To be honest, expensive presents, a few dozen roses, white gold jewellery and posh meals out every weekend aren't really that important in a relationship are they? Well, I hope not! I have to confess, I have started to religiously cut out those daily coupons, those lovely 2 for 1 bargains (even if nobody likes it).

I and my wonderful partner haven't lost that special feeling, its just we both understand we can't afford the things other couples can that supposedly show how much they care. Surely love and happiness is better than a few roses that will die in a few weeks, or a watch too expensive to wear walking the dog the rain.
I certainly know me and my partner aren't the only couple living this way, this article is written to share my little tips…so enjoy!

 - The Love Bottle. Once you have emptied the pill bottle, soak it in hot water to get off the sticky label. Once you have done this, create your own label, be creative! Now, tear strips of paper with a few things you would do for your loved one, and I don't mean making a cuppa tea!! Try massages, secrets, watching a romantic movie, or even something a little naughtier! This is guaranteed for a very cheap, yet exciting and loving night.

 - Eating Under candlelight: A posh restaurant maybe lovely, and once a year is a lovely treat, but when you just fancy a little special night, try a surprise dinner, light some scented candles to set the mood. Gorgeous! Wait till your children are asleep, play soft romantic music, prepare a slightly special dinner, maybe something you haven't tried cooking for a while. Maybe his favourite food!? And don't forget the dessert!

 - The Present Trail: Ok, so this year all you could get him was some chocolate, not particularly great or interesting, I'm sure he will be really grateful and appreciative but I do feel a little guilty. Set Clue in the first place your loved one goes when they come home, on this should be a small poem explaining where they need to go next, as he follows the clues around the house, he will get really excited. When he finds the chocolates at the last clue, he will be so happy you put all that effort into that surprise. Once again…You're in for a good night!

 - Babysitting expenses: SO you have scraped together enough money for a romantic night at the cinema followed by a meal, but a babysitter for all night is expensive. Ask a friend with friends to look after your children, and arrange to baby-sit her children the weekend after. That way, both of you can enjoy a lively night out.

 - Capture the Moment: Remember your wedding day? Think back, remember your wedding song? Enter the song title into the goggle search engine followed by the word "lyrics" Print it out, frame it. It will capture that special day, and special feeling

 - Your Love for Cake: So you want to bake a gorgeous heart shaped cake, and it's simpler to make than you think. Bake the first layer in about an 8 inch square pan, and a circle 8 inch pan. Once it is baked cut the circle in half. Cut the 2 top corners of the square off, and replace them with half the circles. Decorate, try delicious chocolate!

 - Fairy Cakes of Love: Prepare you desired cake blend. Line your cake tray with paper baking cups and load with batter. Place a marble in the cake try between the paper and the cup. This will create the heart shape.

 - Children's vouchers: Everyone has heard of vouchers, but even thought of giving them to your children for presents. Its simple, create little vouchers giving your children little treats, like their favourite dinner and desserts, or a trip to the park, or a dinner with mummy or daddy, be creative...

 - Make Roots: Why not plant a tree in your garden? You can watch it grow and blossom, perhaps with a sign next to it saying who it was brought for.