I understand guys, it must be difficult taking girls out constantly, having to wine and dine them and doing so without any guarantee of some lovin’ at the end of the night. C a n n o t even imagine.

First finding the date or at least someone you deem worthy of taking out, arranging a day and time, getting ready, picking a place or planning something to do… This whole dating thing really can be costly and time consuming if you’re actually going out to impress your date. Now if you have the funds to wine and dine her like a queen- go ahead, but know that if you take her to Ruth Chris for your first date, end up in a relationship, whether its 6 months later or 2 years, she will always expect more or something better. Don’t kick yourself for this mistake later.

Now if you ask a girl out for a happy hour beer special and hope to get some ass after… this is not what I am referring to. If a girl actually goes for this you are getting it from the bottom of the food chain bud.

However, by the time you pick your date up or drive, grab dinner at even a semi-decent place and maybe stroll for some desert, unless your date has any tact or if you insist on paying, you are looking at a $60 bill AT LEAST. Like I said in my previous post “sugar coat it” we do not want to hear about how you’re low on dough… I could name 5 other homeless people who are making it off the $5 I gave them for cleaning my windshield. Never got any complaints from them. So I really don’t want to hear it from you either. The best way to avoid another pocket cleaning date is to go the old romantic route and cook her dinner!

First of all I know your cooking skills are minimal, so are mine. I also know that you cook a mean Kraft macaroni and cheese, but that is not date food… unless you’re dating your five-year-old niece. Now what if I told you, you could prepare a salad, pasta and wine in 20 minutes for $15? Well good news- you can! And you can easily take the credit, when she gushes how great of a cook you are. 🙂

Head on over to Trader Joe’s for these items, its a guarantee win and save.

Trader Joe's Panilonco Carmenere $3.99- sharp Chilean wine rich/ fruity with smoky undertone.

Complete Caesar Salad $3.49 It comes with parmesan cheese, croutons and this yummy caesar vinaigrette dressing. SO yummy.

Pasta Capellini $0.99 You can also get Spagetti, Linguini whatever your little heart desires.

Turkey Bolognese Pasta Sauce $2.49- If there are 2 of you, it might be best to grab two of these, depending on how much you and your date may eat? Found in the freezer section

Italian Pasta Sauce $2.99- You can use one of the turkey bolognese packages and half of a jar of this to make it more saucy, or if you are a vegetarian this alone is good.

Don’t forget to set the mood with some music, always helps awkward silences and a great convo starter no matter what date you’re on.