( Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels )
Valentine’s Day season is here. Can you feel the love in the air? If you are blossoming in love and on a budget, established in a relationship and economical, or courting and cost-conscious, don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In celebration of Black love, we are highlighting 6 cost-friendly Valentine’s Day activities.
1. Bowling
( Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels )
Bowling is a great way to make use of friendly competition and showcase your skills on a budget. V&S Elmwood Lanes, a Bowling alley in South West Philly, has been a pillar in Philadelphian communities of all ages for 10 years. Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is required for entry. It may be helpful to have lunch at home before bowling and to bring hand sanitizer or a travel-sized Lysol to the alley. After bowling or touching any surfaces, avoid touching your face or items before washing your hands.
2. Indoor Picnic
( Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava from Pexels )
An indoor picnic is a cost-friendly and unique way to have an intimate dinner. For an adventurous twist, craft meals using aphrodisiac foods, some of which include almonds, pomegranates, strawberries, cherries, saffron, oysters, nutmeg, chili peppers, and honey. For those who are above the drinking age, it may be worthwhile to note that gin is said to be the alcohol with the highest aphrodisiac potential. Make meals with these ingredients to enhance the cozy and loving warm atmosphere.
3. Dinner and a movie
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Dinner and a movie at home is a lovely way to celebrate Valentine’s day. Get creative by creating custom menus to let your loved one/s know what is on the menu of the day, and safely light an aromatic candle for the movie. Some classic Black love films to watch include Carmen Jones, Carmen: A Hip-Hopera, Love Jones, Love & Basketball, The Wood, Brown Sugar, Deliver Us From Eva, Moonlight, and Claudine.
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4. Game Night
( Oware/Mancala. Image by lost places via Flickr )
Game night is an excellent way to celebrate Valentine’s day with your significant other, or even as a group event with other couples. Fun games like charades, spades, oware/mancala, and bingo, with sangria and a charcuterie board or African donuts like puff puff, is an exciting way to commemorate connection.
5. Potluck
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Potlucks can be family-friendly Valentine’s day celebrations. For couples with kids who are unable to find a babysitter, hosting a potluck will still allow couples to have a special time. An adult table and a kiddie table may be ideal!
6. Go on a vacation
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Sometimes a getaway is needed to refresh your relationship life. Enjoy a change of scenery by visiting another town or country. Some relatively safe and affordable islands to visit include Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.
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What is your favorite Valentine’s Day activity? Comment below.
Works Cited
https://www.emersonhospital.org/articles/winter-activities-families-covid-19-pandemic
https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/nourish/foods-that-put-you-in-the-mood-fact-or-fiction
Nana Ama Addo is a writer, multimedia strategist, film director, and storytelling artist. She graduated with a BA in Africana Studies from the College of Wooster, and has studied at the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Nana Ama tells stories of entrepreneurship and Ghana repatriation at her brand, Asiedua’s Imprint ( www.asieduasimprint.com ).
