This one is a bit different because it does involve other people. Craig and I play slo-pitch every spring and summer. This year we decided to sign up as individuals. We signed up with the Calgary Sport and Social Club and they made a team up for us. We ended up on a great ball team who we have a lot of fun with. It cost about $100 for the season, which sounds like a lot but we play at least 8 games in a season which adds up to $12.50 a game.
http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/main/index.shtml
Katie's review:
I love this idea. I love doing things in groups with my boyfriend and not just the 2 of us all the time. I also love slo-pitch. It's a win-win for me.
5 out of 5
Craig's Review:
I agree with Katie 100%. If you enjoy playing team sports then this option comes out on top all the time. While its not a private, intimate way to spend time with each other, its good for realationship building as team sports require a positive influence towards the players to maintain a good team. Not only do we score runs at the diamond, we also score quality time together once a week guarnteed!
5 out of 5
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Dinner at someone else's house
This is a great idea, but it does require some great friends and family to pull it off. We were invited to my brother's house for a surprise date. The only details we knew about the date was the time we needed to show up. The anticipation was really fun.
When we got to their house they had made us a Raclette dinner and dessert.
Here's a link if interested:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raclette
They also made us some trivia cards and fun little know facts to read to each other throughout dinner.
I should mention that it was just Craig and I for the date.
Katie's review
I think this is a great idea to have someone else plan a date for you. Then you can reciprocate.
4 out of 5
Craig's review
Very interesting concept for a date, but quite enjoyable. Coming up with a clever way to entertain your family and friends is fun in itself when planned with a partner. Katie and I had a very enjoyable time visiting with her brother and sister in law prior to dinner and then also enjoyed melting every slice of cheese over our little meat toasty sandwiches!
4 out of 5
When we got to their house they had made us a Raclette dinner and dessert.
Here's a link if interested:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raclette
They also made us some trivia cards and fun little know facts to read to each other throughout dinner.
I should mention that it was just Craig and I for the date.
Katie's review
I think this is a great idea to have someone else plan a date for you. Then you can reciprocate.
4 out of 5
Craig's review
Very interesting concept for a date, but quite enjoyable. Coming up with a clever way to entertain your family and friends is fun in itself when planned with a partner. Katie and I had a very enjoyable time visiting with her brother and sister in law prior to dinner and then also enjoyed melting every slice of cheese over our little meat toasty sandwiches!
4 out of 5
The Soft Pretzel Date
Okay, this date is dedicated to Craig and his friends. You know who you are and you're welcome.
There was a cold day a couple weeks back and we decided to finally do the 'pretzel' date. We had to run a couple errands at the mall, so after a quick walk around the mall we headed to the pretzel stand. When we got there they were all out of pretzels. You get the idea though. A walk around the mall and a dessert pretzel could be considered a date.
Katie's Review
Since the pretzels were sold out we had a cinnamon bun, which was wonderful. I think the point is that you can turn some boring errands into a date as well. In comparison to some of the other dates we've had it doesn't rate so high, but it wasn't bad either.
2 out of 5
Craig's Review
Seriously gentlemen, if you want to swoon a girl, TAKE HER OUT FOR A SOFT PRETZEL! Who doesn't love a delicous twisted doughy treat? I thought this would be a huge hit, just because soft pretzels are soo good. But to be fair, walking around the mall kinda sucks. Try getting a soft pretzel and then going for a walk in the park instead.
3 out of 5
There was a cold day a couple weeks back and we decided to finally do the 'pretzel' date. We had to run a couple errands at the mall, so after a quick walk around the mall we headed to the pretzel stand. When we got there they were all out of pretzels. You get the idea though. A walk around the mall and a dessert pretzel could be considered a date.
Katie's Review
Since the pretzels were sold out we had a cinnamon bun, which was wonderful. I think the point is that you can turn some boring errands into a date as well. In comparison to some of the other dates we've had it doesn't rate so high, but it wasn't bad either.
2 out of 5
Craig's Review
Seriously gentlemen, if you want to swoon a girl, TAKE HER OUT FOR A SOFT PRETZEL! Who doesn't love a delicous twisted doughy treat? I thought this would be a huge hit, just because soft pretzels are soo good. But to be fair, walking around the mall kinda sucks. Try getting a soft pretzel and then going for a walk in the park instead.
3 out of 5
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Sunterra Market Friday Night Feast
Hello readers and may we apologize for our lack of recent blog entries. While there is always time for dates, sometimes with the busy lives we live its hard to get a chance to write them down to share with all your keen eyes! Again, we apologize and will try to update more frequently! (we also have several other dates to share!)
This is actually a common idea that most people have shared with us, but really its simplified. Many people are in agreement that sometimes they enjoy staying in with their significant other on a Friday or Saturday night, and leaving the hustle and bustle to everyone else. Sometimes winding down with a nice dinner and a bottle of wine at home is more than enough couples to keep that spark in their realationship fresh. But lets face it, not everybody can cook, or enjoys it. Luckily Sunterra Market takes all the hard work out of the cooking for you, yet leaving you with an incredibly satisfying meal. For those who don't know Sunterra Market is a small community style grocrey store, which excels in fresh prepared ala carte, fresh meats, and organic fruits, dairy etc. while still supplying household essintals of canned and dry goods. In among all this, Sunterra prepares ready to go meals for two every Friday night to the tune of $30.00 total. Included with our meal was fresh made roasted red pepper soup, a HUGE mixed green salad with balsamic curry dressing, 2 LARGE portions of chicken pot pie, and two apple crisp desserts. All prepared fresh in store. All the work you have to do is heat and eat while you're sipping on a glass of fine red. Check out the Sunterra Market Website for more information on what they offer and locations across both Calgary and Edmonton! www.sunterramarket.com
Craig's Review:
I feel like I am bias towards this date review, mostly because I LOVE roasted red pepper soup and I LOVE chicken pot pie. I have only ever been to Sunterra off Elbow Drive in Britannia once before, and it was a rather quick visit, so I don't have much to say about the store itself (Katie was the front runner on this one) but the food was very delicious, and quite generously portioned. It was nice for Katie and myself to enjoy a good meal in the comfort of her own condo instead of in a busy restaurant on a Friday night. The one thing I like about this as well is that you don't have to be a good cook to enjoy a good fresh prepared meal. Considering its dinner for two, with the food quality and portion size is well worth the price of $15 per head. One disadvantage is Sunterra Market is limited in its locations throughout the city, or the world. Not every city has a Sunterra Market so the prepped meal may be hard to come by for other daters if this is what they are looking for. However, maybe try other local markets and see what they have to offer!
Rating 4 of 5
Katie's Review:
I loved this date. The food was great and I thought it was a great idea for staying home without doing much work by cooking. The part I like most was that we had no idea what we were going to get. I would highly recommend not looking at the website prior to picking up your dinner. It's a fun surprise.
If you're not a fan of the unknown then check out the menu in advance. They post several weeks at a time. You could even pick your favourite meal and work your date around that.
Rating 4 out of 5
This is actually a common idea that most people have shared with us, but really its simplified. Many people are in agreement that sometimes they enjoy staying in with their significant other on a Friday or Saturday night, and leaving the hustle and bustle to everyone else. Sometimes winding down with a nice dinner and a bottle of wine at home is more than enough couples to keep that spark in their realationship fresh. But lets face it, not everybody can cook, or enjoys it. Luckily Sunterra Market takes all the hard work out of the cooking for you, yet leaving you with an incredibly satisfying meal. For those who don't know Sunterra Market is a small community style grocrey store, which excels in fresh prepared ala carte, fresh meats, and organic fruits, dairy etc. while still supplying household essintals of canned and dry goods. In among all this, Sunterra prepares ready to go meals for two every Friday night to the tune of $30.00 total. Included with our meal was fresh made roasted red pepper soup, a HUGE mixed green salad with balsamic curry dressing, 2 LARGE portions of chicken pot pie, and two apple crisp desserts. All prepared fresh in store. All the work you have to do is heat and eat while you're sipping on a glass of fine red. Check out the Sunterra Market Website for more information on what they offer and locations across both Calgary and Edmonton! www.sunterramarket.com
Craig's Review:
I feel like I am bias towards this date review, mostly because I LOVE roasted red pepper soup and I LOVE chicken pot pie. I have only ever been to Sunterra off Elbow Drive in Britannia once before, and it was a rather quick visit, so I don't have much to say about the store itself (Katie was the front runner on this one) but the food was very delicious, and quite generously portioned. It was nice for Katie and myself to enjoy a good meal in the comfort of her own condo instead of in a busy restaurant on a Friday night. The one thing I like about this as well is that you don't have to be a good cook to enjoy a good fresh prepared meal. Considering its dinner for two, with the food quality and portion size is well worth the price of $15 per head. One disadvantage is Sunterra Market is limited in its locations throughout the city, or the world. Not every city has a Sunterra Market so the prepped meal may be hard to come by for other daters if this is what they are looking for. However, maybe try other local markets and see what they have to offer!
Rating 4 of 5
Katie's Review:
I loved this date. The food was great and I thought it was a great idea for staying home without doing much work by cooking. The part I like most was that we had no idea what we were going to get. I would highly recommend not looking at the website prior to picking up your dinner. It's a fun surprise.
If you're not a fan of the unknown then check out the menu in advance. They post several weeks at a time. You could even pick your favourite meal and work your date around that.
Rating 4 out of 5
Monday, 9 April 2012
Limericks Seafood Night
Before you dismiss eating out as an easy cop out for a cheap date, consider the following; how many times do you go out for something DIFFERENT AND AFFORDABLE for dinner on a date? Here's an idea for you to try out on a Tuesday night with someone special.
Craig's Review:
Katie's room mate Richard actually led us to this one. Every Tuesday night at Limericks pub off of Mcleod Trail they host a seafood night featuring 1 piece fish and chips ($4.99), seafood chowder in a bread bowl ($5.99) and a pound of mussels($5.99). I myself am a seafood fan, and this was an awesome find! The mussels are prepared fresh in your choice of dark ale or white wine and compliment the fish and chips very well. If you're not so much of a seafood lover, this date may not be for you. The pub itself is a regular eatery of choice for myself and a lot of my friends as well, so I am bias towards the atmosphere, as I find it quite comfortable, but check it out for yourself! Tuesday nights, don't forget!
4 out of 5
Katie's Review:
I liked this date a lot because since we're starting to date a bit thriftier the first thing to go was dinners out. They can be so expensive, but you don't have to spend a fortune for the same experience. Like Craig, I am a frequent guest at Limericks and I didn't want to stop going there. I'm really excited they have a great/cheap seafood night. Plus they make great caesars! While I already go there frequently I am looking forward to going back on another Tuesday!
4 out of 5
Craig's Review:
Katie's room mate Richard actually led us to this one. Every Tuesday night at Limericks pub off of Mcleod Trail they host a seafood night featuring 1 piece fish and chips ($4.99), seafood chowder in a bread bowl ($5.99) and a pound of mussels($5.99). I myself am a seafood fan, and this was an awesome find! The mussels are prepared fresh in your choice of dark ale or white wine and compliment the fish and chips very well. If you're not so much of a seafood lover, this date may not be for you. The pub itself is a regular eatery of choice for myself and a lot of my friends as well, so I am bias towards the atmosphere, as I find it quite comfortable, but check it out for yourself! Tuesday nights, don't forget!
4 out of 5
Katie's Review:
I liked this date a lot because since we're starting to date a bit thriftier the first thing to go was dinners out. They can be so expensive, but you don't have to spend a fortune for the same experience. Like Craig, I am a frequent guest at Limericks and I didn't want to stop going there. I'm really excited they have a great/cheap seafood night. Plus they make great caesars! While I already go there frequently I am looking forward to going back on another Tuesday!
4 out of 5
Calgary Farmers Market
Hello readers! A lull in our system has put us slightly behind in our posting, however you get three for the price of one all at once! Of course in separate posts.
Last Sunday was a trip to the Calgary Farmers Market. It occurs to me that to make a cheap date, exactly what a date should be sometimes you have to think outside of the box. For example, going to the farmers market to buy groceries and produce as a part of your weekly shopping might not really seem like a date, and more of a drag. But who is to say that going to the market can't be a date? Here's why;
Craig's Review:
So you get up on a Sunday and you have to go shopping. If you're living with your partner, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, spouse, whatever or not you can turn a trip to the Farmers Market into a great, fun outing formed into a date. For lunch try Crepes from the Creprie (can't remember the name) at a quite affordable price at about $7.00 per person. To compliment a light lunch the market also offers up a ton of free samples of things like fresh produce, pizza, light desserts and more. A trip to the Market can be a great way to support local business, get fresh produce, and turn the drag of grocery shopping into quality time spent with your significant other, and with several locations throughout the city, its accessible to most anyone! Still a bit of a drag because its still shopping though..
Rating 3 out of 5
Katie's Review:
Craig is right, this was a think outside the box situation. It might not be the greatest date, but we had fun talking to all the vendors and trying new things. I also think that the nicest people are at the farmers markets. No one seems to be in a bad mood and everyone is just enjoying the day.
Also, if you find yourself at the Calgary's Farmers Market make sure to try Cruffs. This place is to die for. They are the cream puff specialists. They have a variety of puffs with things like skor bits, chocolate, vanilla,nuts etc. Mix this with a variety of fillings, my favourite is the Baileys filling. Makes for a great and small dessert.....unless you eat 6!
Rating 3 out of 5
Website - http://www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca/
Last Sunday was a trip to the Calgary Farmers Market. It occurs to me that to make a cheap date, exactly what a date should be sometimes you have to think outside of the box. For example, going to the farmers market to buy groceries and produce as a part of your weekly shopping might not really seem like a date, and more of a drag. But who is to say that going to the market can't be a date? Here's why;
Craig's Review:
So you get up on a Sunday and you have to go shopping. If you're living with your partner, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, spouse, whatever or not you can turn a trip to the Farmers Market into a great, fun outing formed into a date. For lunch try Crepes from the Creprie (can't remember the name) at a quite affordable price at about $7.00 per person. To compliment a light lunch the market also offers up a ton of free samples of things like fresh produce, pizza, light desserts and more. A trip to the Market can be a great way to support local business, get fresh produce, and turn the drag of grocery shopping into quality time spent with your significant other, and with several locations throughout the city, its accessible to most anyone! Still a bit of a drag because its still shopping though..
Rating 3 out of 5
Katie's Review:
Craig is right, this was a think outside the box situation. It might not be the greatest date, but we had fun talking to all the vendors and trying new things. I also think that the nicest people are at the farmers markets. No one seems to be in a bad mood and everyone is just enjoying the day.
Also, if you find yourself at the Calgary's Farmers Market make sure to try Cruffs. This place is to die for. They are the cream puff specialists. They have a variety of puffs with things like skor bits, chocolate, vanilla,nuts etc. Mix this with a variety of fillings, my favourite is the Baileys filling. Makes for a great and small dessert.....unless you eat 6!
Rating 3 out of 5
Website - http://www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca/
Geocaching
Its 2012, and chances are you have a smart phone, be it an Android or Iphone, etc. If you don't then your date might, and if neither of you do, this date might turn out to be a little bit harder for you, but still do-able. Cut to the chase, if I told you that for $10.00 on an Iphone and I believe FREE on an Android (unconfirmed) hand held you could have THOUSANDS of hours of entertainment virtually anywhere in the world. The really cool part, its a world wide scavenger hunt! The main idea is that your smart phone has built in GPS. You sign up on the Geocaching website (www.geocaching.com) and download the app to your phone. You are now able to search for geocaching locations throughout the world by allowing the GPS of your phone to correspond with the GPS mapping from geocaching. People hide small packages anywhere that is accessible and then other people go and find them. Many have something inside which you take and replace with something of your own. The best part, after fronting the $10 to get started, it can be accomplished 100% free!
Craig's Review:
By far one of the coolest THINGS I have ever done, let alone a date, and it really has nothing but positive things going for it. The geocaches are found in all kinds of great places like parks, pathways and around the city. It gets you out of the house for a walk and its FUN! If you have kids, you can also lump this date in with a great activity for the whole family. There is thousands of easily walked paths available for people of all ages to enjoy. Don't believe me, try it out for yourself. We found our first one and I am already addicted to wanting to go out and find more! By far one of my most favourite dates!
5 out of 5
Katie's Review:
Well believe it or not Craig doesn't actually work for a geocaching company although he sells it pretty well. I also wonder if I wasn't on the date if Craig would have noticed .....hmmm.
Anyway, I thought it was a great date too. There's something wonderful about being outside in the spring and this turns just a walk outside into something a bit adventurous. It might sound lame, but I also had a feeling of accomplishment at the end of it as well. Like we found something that someone wanted us to find. It was really cool!
Review 5 out of 5 FOR SURE
Craig's Review:
By far one of the coolest THINGS I have ever done, let alone a date, and it really has nothing but positive things going for it. The geocaches are found in all kinds of great places like parks, pathways and around the city. It gets you out of the house for a walk and its FUN! If you have kids, you can also lump this date in with a great activity for the whole family. There is thousands of easily walked paths available for people of all ages to enjoy. Don't believe me, try it out for yourself. We found our first one and I am already addicted to wanting to go out and find more! By far one of my most favourite dates!
5 out of 5
Katie's Review:
Well believe it or not Craig doesn't actually work for a geocaching company although he sells it pretty well. I also wonder if I wasn't on the date if Craig would have noticed .....hmmm.
Anyway, I thought it was a great date too. There's something wonderful about being outside in the spring and this turns just a walk outside into something a bit adventurous. It might sound lame, but I also had a feeling of accomplishment at the end of it as well. Like we found something that someone wanted us to find. It was really cool!
Review 5 out of 5 FOR SURE
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Introduction / Loose Moose
Hey kids, Craig here. If you're anything like me, you're broke and strapped for ideas on what to do with your special someone for a date night. Movies can be expensive, and eating out for dinner gets old so here is a run down of what Katie and I have come up with. We have created this blog to give ideas to everyone else fantastic ideas for dates that cost as little as possible. We will first hand go out on a date, and then report back to you from each one of our perspectives on how the date was and give a rating out of 5. The point is to encourage you to go out and try them for yourself if you like what you read. If not, then too bad for you! If anyone has any ideas of dates to try out feel free to share with the class! That being said, here is the review of our first cheap date!
Loose Moose Theater for Improv night
Cost - $24 for two people
Craig's Review:
I had been to Loose Moose Theatre once before with Bob to see a play, and it was HILARIOUS! Katie and myself were struggling to come up with something to do for Saturday night, so I suggested we go to Loose Moose for an Improv night. Its 4 directors that each show off an act of a play, and then the audience votes for whats best, then the top 3 move onto the next round, and so on. After the final round the most voted on play gets to finish their story, and you see the entire play! It turned out to be really funny, slightly crude (and rude) and a really good night. The best part about it was, its great for a double date as well. Katie's roommate Richard joined us for the night, but could have easily been another couple. The theatre is quite small and there is no such thing as a bad seat! Not recommended for young children as there was quite a few adult jokes and swearing, but fun and funny none the less. For 24 bucks, you can't go wrong. Beats the movies, and you will be in stitches. A definite do over!
5 out of 5.
-Craig
Katie's Review:
This was my first time to Loose Moose Theatre and I was not disappointed. The theatre is so cute and cozy and no matter where you're seated you feel close to the action. I'm not really a theatre person, so I was quite sceptical of Craig's date idea. Once it started though I laughed until the lights went down. The actors/directors are so good at what they do. To be able to come up with that kind of humour on the spot is very impressive. I really enjoyed the night and we ended up planning the next time we would be back.
5 out of 5 for me too!
Kt
Website - http://www.loosemoose.com/
Loose Moose Theater for Improv night
Cost - $24 for two people
Craig's Review:
I had been to Loose Moose Theatre once before with Bob to see a play, and it was HILARIOUS! Katie and myself were struggling to come up with something to do for Saturday night, so I suggested we go to Loose Moose for an Improv night. Its 4 directors that each show off an act of a play, and then the audience votes for whats best, then the top 3 move onto the next round, and so on. After the final round the most voted on play gets to finish their story, and you see the entire play! It turned out to be really funny, slightly crude (and rude) and a really good night. The best part about it was, its great for a double date as well. Katie's roommate Richard joined us for the night, but could have easily been another couple. The theatre is quite small and there is no such thing as a bad seat! Not recommended for young children as there was quite a few adult jokes and swearing, but fun and funny none the less. For 24 bucks, you can't go wrong. Beats the movies, and you will be in stitches. A definite do over!
5 out of 5.
-Craig
Katie's Review:
This was my first time to Loose Moose Theatre and I was not disappointed. The theatre is so cute and cozy and no matter where you're seated you feel close to the action. I'm not really a theatre person, so I was quite sceptical of Craig's date idea. Once it started though I laughed until the lights went down. The actors/directors are so good at what they do. To be able to come up with that kind of humour on the spot is very impressive. I really enjoyed the night and we ended up planning the next time we would be back.
5 out of 5 for me too!
Kt
Website - http://www.loosemoose.com/
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