Quick, Fast, Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Say, "I Love You!"

Still searching for the "perfect" last minute Valentine's Day gift?
Digging deep into the pockets and only pulling out lent?

Here's Sam's Tip for the day...quick, fast, easy, INEXPENSIVE ways to say, "I LOVE YOU!"

For the adult partner:

• Spell "I Love You" or another quick message on the fridge with refrigerator magnets.
• Buy a few bags of votive candles from The Dollar Tree (usually about 10/bag) and line the tub with them. Fill the tub with hot water, suds and write love notes or tempting words on the tile wall using bath crayons or heck even lipstick! If you've already received some flowers...snag one and break the pedals off into the water for an extra touch!
• Go to the local grocery store and purchase a dozen helium filled latex balloons (shouldn't be more than .70 cents each) and write a short message or enticing word on each balloon. Release the entire bunch over the bed so the strings hang low or if you have a small foyer, have the balloons waiting at the door. Oooh...you could even release the balloons, one at a time, lining the path from the front door to the bedroom/bathroom/dining room.
• If you are the sentimental one and have old love letters and/or old Valentine's/Anniversary cards, grab your favorite and frame it.
• Purchase a photo box from your local craft store (Hobby Lobby and Michael's always have them in stock, usually in a middle aisle for around $3.00). Most are already decorated, but take it one step further by purchasing a solid colored box and a paint pen (like a black box and a silver pen) and personalize it. Grab a piece of ribbon while you're there (at least 2in wide) and glue it around the box. Fill the box with those old notes, cards, pictures or other treasures that tell your story as a couple.
• Write your lover a note...telling them what they mean to you; why you love them; share your dreams; tell them of your love fantasy; write an acrostic poem using the each letter of their name as the beginning of a new line.
• If things have been a little tense in the relationship, write a letter recalling how you felt when you first laid eyes on each other; when you first kissed; when you first....; when you exchanged vows; on your honeymoon. You never know, this little exercise might reignite a little somethin' somethin'!  :)
• More than likely you have to cook dinner anyway...how about making it a little extra special by sitting in the dining room; use a freshly pressed table cloth; pull out the "good" dishes/utensils/glasses; place flowers in the center...maybe do a little "June Clever" on them and put your pearls and pumps on (fellas, get your G. Garvin on...roll up the sleeves and tie an apron at the waist!).
• If all else fails, and the kids are safely tucked away or the house is empty...ladies, get your "Pretty Woman" on and prop yourself up with nothing on but a pair of heels and one of his neck ties! Gentlemen, get your "Chippendale" on! LOL! (ummm...seriously though!).

For your children:

• You can actually do some of the same things above...just keep it "G" rated!
• Write a note to your kids on the fridge or the bathroom mirror or tub wall.
• Have loving words on balloons for them too!
• Surprise them at school and eat lunch with them in the cafeteria (um...you can bring your own food!).
• Pick up a movie from the Red Box and a $5 pizza from Little Cesars and let them have a picnic in their room or on the family room floor while you and Big Daddy (or Mama) have your private dinner for two!