For the couple light on cash but...

For the couple light on cash

but heavy on the love ...

You don’t have to dip into the college fund to say “I love you.”

Some of the sexiest dates are the cheapest, and there’s a wellspring

of ways to romance someone without the diamonds and fine wine.

THE DATE

* 9 a.m. Sweep her out of bed and off her feet with a bouquet of

wildflowers handpicked bright and early (or picked the day before and

put in water). Explain to her in detail how she reminds you of each

and every flower.

* 10 a.m.: Head over to the serenity of the wetlands for a guided

bird watching tour at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.

Huntington Beach is one of the main stops for weary winged

travelers on the Pacific Flyway as they migrate south. You’ll catch

sight of pelicans, egrets, least terns and herons.

Bring your binoculars and share. Put your arm around her as you

point out an American White Pelican or an endangered Belding’s

Savannah sparrow. The tour is only $1 per person. Donate a little

extra to the conservancy. You’ll feel good about yourselves and each

other.

* 1 p.m.: Blindfold her, take her to the park and surprise her

with a picnic of cheeses, fruits, salami and freshly baked bread from

her favorite bakery. Lay out a blanket, tie ribbons around each

napkin and sprinkle the basket with flower petals. Finish lunch off

with homemade chocolate cake and whipped cream. Spoon feed each other

dessert. Slowly.

* 2 p.m.: Wow him with a homemade Valentine’s Day card out of

silk and lace, sprinkled with your perfume. Write a poem about the

day you met and recite it while gazing into his eyes.

* 4 p.m.: Try your hand at miniature golf at Boomers Park in

Fountain Valley. Show her how to putt. Put your arms around her while

you demonstrate.

* 6 p.m.: Ditch the low-carb diet for the night and cook her a

meal of salad, garlic bread and spaghetti and meatballs. It’s easy to

prepare and, hey, the sauce is red. Pop a bottle of wine and enjoy a

candlelit dinner at home.

* After dinner, gaze at the constellations while lying in each

other’s arms. Blow her mind by spelling out her initials in the

stars. She’ll swoon.