The Credit Crunch

Personally I'm tired of hearing that phrase but I'm all too aware that there are some of you who are trying to tighten your belts a little. If you're one of the few cash-rich out there acquiring a few choice purchases for your partner should be easy enough.

On the other hand if you're trying to spend less and save more things can be a little more challenging. You don't want to come across as overly thrifty and we all know that there's no romance without finance so you really should spend a little in order to reap the dividends.

The uncertain economic climate at the moment means you have to be a little more creative but coming up with low-budget romantic ideas is not impossible; read my October Shopping Guide for inspiration.

Breakfast in Bed

Spend - Staying in is the new going out so why not turn your living room into your very own gourmet restaurant? The chefs at www.dining4you.co.uk will create a bespoke menu which takes into account your preferences. Not only do they arrive laden with tasty ingredients to work their magic with, but they also serve the food to you and clear up afterwards. Aside from your meal they can also help you create the proper ambience and you can even add extra special touches such as flowers and menu cards.

Save - Head to your local Lidl and buy bagels, eggs and smoked salmon. Have yourselves a romantic breakfast in bed. You can even save on your heating costs by staying under the duvet for an extra couple of hours...all this for less than a fiver.

Dress Up Not Down

Spend - There are many ways to liven things up in the boudoir. How about buying her an outfit on www.1stforuniforms.co.uk if you can think of a scenario, this company has put together an outfit to suit. One of my personal favourites is this Agent 69 seven piece costume. It comes with everything she'll need to take down your particulars including handcuffs and whistle. It costs £84.99.


Save - Buying a complete outfit may be a little frivolous for you. Really all she needs are some stockings, opera gloves and stilettos to become your very own burlesque diva. www.annsummers.co.uk have a pair of opera gloves for a credit-crunching £10.

Heat Things Up

Spend - Who would say 'no' to some winter sunshine? I can't speak for the chick in your life but I'm thinking she'll already be picking out bikinis before you've finished asking her to accompany you. The Dominican Republic is the ideal choice for winter sun...shimmering shores, sugar white sand - what's not to love. www.firstchoice.co.uk have last minute deals form £600 (all inclusive).

Save - If the Caribbean is beyond your means but you still want to treat her to some winter heat, head to The Porchester Spa, Queensway, London (Tel 020 7792 3980). This 1920's art deco spa has been sympathetically refurbished and includes amongst its facilities Turkish hot rooms, Russian steam rooms and a Finnish log Sauna- perfect for heating things up a little. Entrance for couples is a more than reasonable £28.25.

That's all for this month, see you again in November.

Written by donna@crumbsformen.com