Cheap Dates For Cheapskates With A Heart Of Gold

Summer time is the best time of year for dates. You can do just about anything, so it can be a major drag when your wallet isn't in sync with your itch for fun with your sweetie (or someone new). Being a poor College Post Grad who's paying off her dreaded student loans, I completely sympathize. So here is my top ten list of go to dates:

1. Walk or go on a bicycle ride to an ice cream place or coffee shop nearby. = $10 or less
2. Catch a movie in the park for free! (Some cities offer monthly screenings at local parks, check your city's website). Bring a blanket and some snacks! = FREE
3. Go for a sunset dip at your local beach or pool. = $15 or less/FREE
   (some beaches charge for entry)
4. Get out for a cheap dinner! Taco Tuesday anyone? Some places offer specials like $2 Tacos & $2 beers with FREE chips & salsa. = $10 or less
5. Get out and see a local band. Most bars offer live shows once a week or more with no cover charge. Grab a drink and the cost is = $10 or less.
6. Go to a local bar or library for a poetry reading or stand up comedy! Just look for places with little to no cover. = $10 or less
7. Support the local art scene in your city and check out Gallery Night or a new show opening. Many galleries and museums host events throughout the year featuring new artists. The opening night is a great chance to see great art work, meet new people and sample some tasty hors d'oeuvres. = FREE
8. Breath some fresh air with your significant other or new acquaintance. Go for a hike at a nearby state park or forest with a trail. Have a dog? Even better; if you're with someone new your pet can make you both feel more at ease. = $10 or less/FREE
   (State Parks and Dog Parks typically charge a small maintenance fee).
   
9. Two words. BUDGET CINEMAS. Missed that new blockbuster hit that just left the big screen? Check out the budget cinema near you to see last months movies for $2.00. No, I'm not joking. You're welcome. = $5 or less
10. Early July is the prime time of year for star gazing or going to a fireworks display. Check local websites or newspapers for dates near you. Most big cities have several displays throughout the summer during big events. No fireworks near you? You can still grab a blanket and head somewhere away from the city lights to stargaze. Check out this list of Star Gazer friendly apps here. = FREE

Enjoy!

Hello There!

My name is Emily and my 23rd birthday is just around the corner. I'm a photographer with a knack for thrifting and an imagination for cooking. I've been a blogger for about 6 years now, but up until recently it was purely for my own selfish reasons.

Emily Does It Herself is intended to simply share my lessons learned in life as a Post College graduate, living in the real world of budgets and student loan payments with my boyfriend. I don't pretend to know everything, but I've learned a lot in regards to how to feed myself in a way that fits my want for a healthy, organic lifestyle on the budget that I have. I've dealt with the terrible roommate and survived. I've gone from couch potato to gym obsessed to a lover of at home workouts. I've conquered lactose free cooking! And, I simply live to create lovely things.

Here you'll find how I hand make gifts, up-cycle my thrifty treasures, live without real cheese, and live a full life on a not so full wallet.

Cheers!

Emily (& Steve)