The thought of cooking at home this year for my anniversary made me physically ill. I needed to get out. So my husband and I had to figure out how to make it work while staying within our budget. We managed it fine and had a fantastic time to boot. Here are some simple tips we figured out.

1. Join a babysitting co-op.

This is the best way to save a significant amount of cash on your date.  Check out Carrie's article on how to establish a babysitting co-op for great ways to get one started in your area.

2. Invest in an Entertainment Book.

Trust me, if you like to go out to eat at all, it's worth it. If you buy it after a certain time of year, it's very affordable and you'll make your money back after your first time out. Right now it's on sale for $7.99. It's a wonderful way to get out of your typical restaurant rut.

3. Hit the happy hour.

I am shocked at the happy hour deals in my local community. I'm lucky enough to live in a town that's seriously lacking in the corporate restaurant department, so I get to sample the Pacific's freshest fish at a fraction of the price...between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30. You don't have to drink alcohol to get these deals, either. Most often, all that's required is a beverage purchase. Even soda counts. Typical happy hours are Monday through Friday only, so keep that in mind. Also, make sure to find out if you have to be seated in the bar area or if you can grab a cozy table for two.

4. Speak up.

Ask your local restaurants if they have any specials. Locally owned mom and pop places are the best for this, as they have more flexibility to make offers than corporate steak houses. Remember, it never hurts to ask. Just be polite and respectful. If they don't have any, speak to a manager, give her your address, and ask if she'd send you some information should they choose to use specials in the future. Chances are, if they haven't thought of it yet, they will soon. And if they know people will be coming in when they offer specials, they'll be quick to throw something together to get your business. Your feedback could help them tap into a market during a difficult economy. It's a win win.

5. Be a kid.

This one may not enthrall you considering we spend most of our days doing hurdles over toys and listening to maddening children's music, but it could be fun being a kid away from the children. Check out local papers for coupons on family fun parks, check the bowling alley for specials, and race your spouse at the go kart speedway. Explore a hiking trail and pack some midnight granola in a backpack. Or hit the arcade and beat the pants off your sweetheart at air hockey. I love that game.

6. Dance. It's instant therapy in our household. There is nothing sexier than dancing with your loved one. My friend two steps with her hubby. For me and mine, it's a swing thing. But either way, dancing really does a number on communication, fun and endorphin-boosting exercise. Check for local deals. Ask your senior center if they'll let you get in on the fun. The ultimate idea for this scenario: set up a babysitting co-op with another fun couple who wants to dance so you can swap kiddos on each other's dance nights; plan the class on a weeknight from 5-6pm; then hit the happy hour for ravenous yummy appetizers at half price. You get in shape, feel good about your marriage, your body, your life, your kids and the world in general.

Bet you didn't know you could solve the whole world's problems with a dance. Didn't you ever watch old Fred Astair films? Enough said.