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| that's me in the purple hat |
Around 4th grade, my hair finally became long enough to put into a ponytail. My mom attempted my first relaxer but she was so afraid my hair would fall out she pretty much washed it out immediately. So, it did nothing! She then attempted to straighten it with a curling iron. Once again it did nothing. So from there, I upgraded from headbands to ponytails and hats. Since I couldn't wear hats at school, my hair was pulled back with a scrunchy. But any time I left the house.. on the cap went! I felt like a hat could hide my insecurities and frizzy hair. In the 90's, there wasn't YouTube or Facebook. If you wanted to try a new hairstyle, you copied the magazines. So naturally my mom didn't think to look there because you couldn't just pick them up in the stores we went to. Unless it was the grocery store... I would pick up hair magazines and thumb through them as she would shop. Seeing those hairstyles and new products I knew I HAD to get them. The first product my mom bought after my attempted relaxer was Pink Lotion. My hair was soft, more manageable and it seemed to be on the right track. All of that confidence came to a screeching halt during spirit week that year. I wore my favorite hat to school on hat day... my hair was in a pony tail and I felt good. However, that day we had a substitute that we all knew. She was an older black lady who was never shy to tell us how she felt. For the most part, we all enjoyed having her in our class. I remember it was after lunch and we were listening to her read the class book aloud when all of a sudden she stopped, looked up at me and said " your mom needs to do something with your hair" in front of the whole class. Of course being immature 4th graders they all burst out laughing uncontrollably. I couldn't hold the tears any more so they just began to fall. I never felt like the kids were in the wrong.. they were kids. However it did take me a very long time to forgive and get over the treatment of that teacher. After all she did humiliate me in front of my peers. I figured she would have seen my struggle and offered to help as opposed to scrutinize.
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| after my first perm |
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| trying to find hairstyles I could do |
Even though my progress with my hair was improving, my confidence was still shaken. Could I pull these off? Do I look good with braids? Even as I moved into high school I struggled with my hair. I would wash it too often, dye it to harshly and apply too much heat. I didn't know how to properly nourish my hair and I was stripping it of all it's nutrients when I would use products that were meant for white/thin hair. My hair had become so damaged that it began to break off. Around 11th grade my hair had broken so much, it went from the middle of my back to right above my shoulders.
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| me and one of my closest guy friends from HS |
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| HS struggling to wear it natural. All my hair broke off from dying it. |
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| before my hair started to grow. |
- Dinner and a Movie- Do something you would probably do any other night. Only this time, put the kids to bed early or send them to your trusted sitter. Have a date night indoors with a new movie or a classic and enjoy a quiet romantic dinner alone. Don't forget to grab that special bottle of cab.
- Complete a Puzzle- Another budget date night idea you can do at home is to complete a puzzle. Find a quirky one, hard one or beautiful landscape. Spend time connecting, talking and enjoying a quiet night in.
- Spa Date- Bring out the fresh towels, cucumbers and scented lotions. Create a spa like atmosphere and enjoy a relaxing date night at home without spending spa money. Places like Target, Walmart and the Dollar Tree have super cheap face masks you can buy for you and your spouse. Want to save a little bit more? Use ingredients you already have around the house! Egg whites, avocados, bananas, honey, yogurt and oatmeal are all great starting points.
- Date Night Game Night- Cards, boxed games, board games or electronic ones.. games are games! Spend the night playing games and laughing the night away. Want to make it a little more interesting? Invite over some of your favorite couples and play teams.
- Cook a Special Meal- There are so many online tutorials and cooking clubs, especially since covid-19. My go to for cooking videos... YouTube lol. My husband and I can get lost watching cooking videos and tutorials on YouTube, especially when we are up late and struggling to go to sleep!
- Cooking Competition at Home- I actually got this idea from D'Andra Simmons (RHOD). Plan on picking a main meat (fish, chicken, beef etc), set the timer and get cooking. You each have 60 minutes to cook your item in your own way. Say you choose to make chicken. You can create a delicious cajun chicken meal and your spouse can whip up some curry chicken. Same main meat just cooked differently. This idea looked like so much fun and I am planning on doing this with my husband very soon! Should I make a video for it? Would that be entertaining to watch hahaha?
- Camping- It doesn't cost much to go camping. Load up those sleeping bags, tents and camping essentials and head off to a nearby camp site
- Star Gazing- This one can be done while camping or in the comfort of your own home or car. If at home, lay out some blankets and pillows on the patio or lawn before sunset. Have light snacks and get ready to gaze at God's beautiful night sky. If you plan this ahead of time, add a little twist to star gazing by printing off constellations and see how many you can find.
- Hiking- Hiking is a great budget date idea. It only costs a little bit of gas and some sweat lol. Find a local hiking spot and hit the trails. You may even find your new favorite spot.
- Yard Games- Like indoor game night, outdoor game night can be just as fun. Drag out the old corn hole, Frisbee or make up a new game. Either way you will be outside enjoying each others company.
- Picnic- A good ol' fashioned picnic is another favorite budget date idea. Make it romantic with some candles, wines, cheese platters and soft music.
- Farmer's Market- The Farmer's Market is another great place to have a budget friendly date. Check out local vendors, sample delicious food and enjoy your community.
- Visit a U-Pick Farm- There are plenty of U-Pick farms open during the warmer months and Fall. Find one near you and head out to pick up some fresh produce.
- DIY- Whether you are starting a new one or finishing up that one you paused 2 months ago, spend the day doing fun projects for the home.
- Site Seeing- Every city has something interesting to see. In Dallas, it's the big ol' mansions and landmarks that everyone loves to gawk at. My husband and I have taken several drives around Highland Park so check out the old mansions and interesting architecture of the new ones. Don't forget to map out those land marks and murals.
- Visit a Museum- Most museums are free so that makes a super budget friendly date idea. Stroll around the museum checking out the different pieces and learn about the artists.
There are so many things you can do to have fun while staying on a budget. While the fancy restaurants and symphony are great places to go on date, they may not always be within your means. I would gladly take a well planned and thought out date from any of the ones listed above.
Have you tried any of these budget date night ideas? What is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
