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Money Matters - Cheap Cupid: A Special Dinner

BOSTON (CBS) - Valentine's Day is next Monday so there are still lots of things you can plan. Valentine's Day is all about love, showing someone that you care about them. And yes I agree it's commercialized but those you love still expect some sort of celebration.

[Audio https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/i/cbslocal/wp-content/uploads/sites/3859903/2011/02/february-8-2011-money-matters.mp3|titles=A Special Dinner|artists=Dee Lee]

You can plan a special day, lunch, brunch or dinner out over the weekend. It's not so much where you go, it's the fact that you are going out and you have taken the time to plan the event.

By planning something, you are telling someone they are special. Just a bit of advice, McDonald's is not considered a special place unless your valentine is 5 years old!

If you do want to dine at someplace really special and trendy make your reservations today. According to the National Retail Federation 48% of men expect to take their sweeties out for dinner to celebrate. That's a lot of people going out to eat this week.

Try using the web to make your reservations at Open Table. The evening of the 14th books up quickly and many restaurants I tried were already booked for the prime time of 7 pm. Try the weekend if you cannot get something for the 14th.

Head to the website Restaurant.com where you can purchase dining certificates. You can buy a $25 dining certificate for $10. I found 158 restaurants within 10 miles of WBZ.

If eating out is not in the budget how about making dinner at home. It doesn't have to be expensive to be romantic. The Pillsbury Dough Boy sings. "Nothing says lovin' like something from the oven". Make someone's favorite dinner.

Put candles and flowers on the table; use real napkins, the good china and use the dining room if you have one. Make it special by dressing up and take the time to fuss with dinner.

If the kids are included ask them if they want to dress up using a red and white theme. Try lasagna or spaghetti. Make a meatloaf in the shape of a heart covered with tomato sauce or ketchup. Add a red pepper or tomatoes to the salad. Serve heart shaped cookies and strawberry ice cream for dessert. How about a heart shaped cake?

If you don't have the time to bake, buy! If you are lucky enough to have a local bakery nearby stop in there for some baked goodies. If not, stop at the grocery store and see what their bakery has for you. Buy some heart shaped cookies and a tube of red frosting and let the kids decorate the cookies for dessert. It's scary Anthony; I am beginning to sound like Martha Stewart!

One more thing: As for us this year with our four year old granddaughter joining us I am serving the menu of her choice; meatloaf, red potatoes, a tomato salad, strawberry ice cream with raspberries.

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