7 Date ideas that won't break the bank

When people suggest going on a "date", the first idea that comes to mind is the whole dinner and drinks scenario, which obviously can get expensive fast.  An appetizer, two meals, 4 glasses of wine, plus tip (not to mention if you have to hire a babysitter)...you get the point.  For this reason, dates may be far and few for many couples.  Here are 7 date ideas that won't break the bank!

1.  Weeknight movies.  Going to the movie theater can be expensive these days.  First you have the upwards of $12 a person per ticket, then you add on extras such as soda, popcorn, candy.  There's a few theaters around here that offer Tuesday and Wednesday specials where ticket prices are ONLY $5!!!  Some also do Early Bird Specials (if you want to go see a movie before 11 am) with discounted prices.  Look into your local theaters and see what they have to offer!

2.  Go to a museum or the zoo.  Okay, so this one may be a little partial to St. Louis, because our museums and zoo is free here...but for a day of adventure, the fun to be had probably outweighs the cost of admission.

3.  Pack a picnic.  Picnic-ing is one of my favorite things to do in spring and summer!  Pack up some snacks or search Pinterest for picnic-worthy food ideas, grab a bottle of Rose, a blanket and head to your favorite park for an afternoon in the sun (or shade).  Just don't forget the bottle opener and cups (rookie mistakes, I know).

4.  Brunch date at home.  Also, Pinterest is FULL of great brunch ideas...French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Pizza, Eggs Benedict, you know how the rabbit hole of Pinterest works.  This is a fun Saturday or Sunday morning or early afternoon date idea and best perk:  The mimosas are always bottomless!

5.  Enjoy live music without the concert ticket prices.  During the spring and summer months, we have a few parks that put on live music concert series for free!  You can take your own snacks, drinks and enjoy the music without paying an admission.  Also, there's so many breweries and bars that offer live music just about any night of the week, plus you're supporting local artists and businesses so it's a win-win for everyone!

6.  Grab coffee and browse the Farmers Market.  Pour your home-made coffee into your re-usable cup (saving money and sustainable!) and hit up the farmers market.  Just browse to see what there is to offer or treat yourselves to some fresh flowers or locally made jams.  The thing about supporting small and local businesses is that your feel good about where your money is going!

7.  Take a hike.  Find a park near-by that's known for hiking (or even just views, insta-worthy!) and go on an outdoorsy adventure!

What are some date ideas that you have?

♥ always

Allison

Trends to Thrift for 2020

You know what they say, what goes around comes around.  Fashion trends of past decades are making a huge impact for 2020 styles.  Shopping second-hand gives you the opportunity to stay fashionable on a budget, shop sustainable, create a wardrobe that is truly one-of-a-kind...and there's the thrill of a treasure hunt.  Some style are more common and easier to pick up at a resale of thrift store.  I've gathered some trends for 2020 to keep an eye out for while thrifting.

1.  Polka Dots

This whimsical 80's print can be a bold move but is fairly simple to style.  Add a little polka dot with a hair scarf or go extreme with a midi skirt.  Pair a polka dot top with your favorite jeans or mix up the prints and add some stripes or a touch of animal print.  Over the past few months, I've already picked up a few polka-dot print pieces for myself so I know they're pretty easy to come by!

Photo courtesy of WhoWhatWear

Photo courtesy of WhoWhatWear

Photo courtesy of Vici

Photo courtesy of Nicole Huisman

Photo courtesy of Sequins and Sales

2. Florals

As "groundbreaking" as it may be, florals are always a classic and feminine option (especially in spring).  For 2020, though, they're a little more different than seen in the past shown in vibrant colors and more abstract patterns.  Groovyyy!

Photo courtesy of Vogue - Fendi

Photo courtesy of Pattern Curator

Photo courtesy of Vogue - Marchesa

Photo courtesy of Pattern Curator

3.  Denim

Blue jean, baby.  Denim dresses, skirts, overalls, Canadian Tuxedos.  Flare denim isn't the only 70's trend that's come back.  Whether you're rocking the monochrome head-to-toe look or pairing a midi skirt with your favorite band tee, denim just creates an effortlessly cool look.  I've definitely spotted flares and longer denim skirts at Goodwill, so keep your eyes peeled!

Photo courtesy of WhoWhatWear

Photo courtesy of Madewell

Photo courtesy of Nasty Gal

Photo courtesy of Zara

4.  Cardigans

Now this isn't styled as a typical layered "granny cardigan" but worn as a shirt.  A cropped cardigan paired with jeans is an easy, sweet and casual outfit but a step "dressier" than the basic white tee and jean pairing.  Cardigans are super easy to find second-hand so there's no doubt in my mind that you'll be able to pick up a few this season!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of James Wade

Photo courtesy of Shopbop

Hot Colors in Fashion

1.  Flame Scarlet

This fiery red is a color to be on the lookout for!  Wear as a blouse or skirt and I personally think it would pair beautifully with the classic camel color that's been shown everywhere for a bit now!

Photo courtesy of Glowsly

2.  Faded Denim

I see TONS of blues while thrifting and am really a fan of this faded denim shade.  I think it would pair perfectly with dark wash blue jeans and love the last photo with the coat, proving that this lighter color isn't just for spring and summer.

Photo courtesy of Glowsly

Photo courtesy of Sieben Sonnen

3.  Coral Pink

An update on the millennial pink shade that's been trendy for a few years now, I'm a big fan of this coral pink.  It's such a pretty shade and I just picture picking up a silky blouse in this color at a thrift store.

Photo courtesy of Glowsly

What are your favorite trends that you see for 2020?  Any special items you're looking for while thrifting?  Good luck in your thrift shopping adventures and I'll catch you next time!

♥ always

Allison