CHEAP DATES

Most towns sponsor free cultural events at libraries, public parks and other venues. You just have to find your local community outlet for free fun. When I first met my husband we didn't have much money, but we made it our business to find fun things to do together for free. We went to dozens of concerts and other performances and we also made our own fun by joining a choral society. We paid some money in dues, music and ticket sales. But for less than ten dollars a week we had an appointment with music, one evening a week. Then on one Sunday in the fall and the spring we gave a concert and got together for a party with fellow choristers. Singing in a good choral group is hard work but very rewarding with peak experiences that only a great masterpiece can give.
I search out peak experiences. Museums are very good for that too. Even though some places have steep admission prices, most if not all have half price and pay what you wish days. Even at full price these places are a deal because you can spend the whole day there, moving from painting to painting. Not everyone likes looking at art, but if you think about it from a long term view as a learning experience, it can pay big dividends over time. Let the museum train your eye. The more you look at great things, the easier it becomes to recognize great stuff in unexpected places, like thrift shops and yard sales. Become a member and in fewer than ten visits the membership pays for itself. After that it's free to get in. Make it a Christmas gift for yourself and your family. I also like going to historic houses and seeing how people lived and decorated. I often get great ideas on how to use space, particularly small spaces. I look at old houses, decorating magazines and those decorating shows on TV to make the best use of my spaces with color and furniture placement.
Once your space is beautiful and comfortable, USE IT. I get movies from the library and have a movie day. My husband and I lie around eating and watching movies. It can be very restful and reinvigorating.