Whether you're in the very beginning stages of your relationship or like me you're an old married lady, winter presents you with a great opportunity to mix up your dating routine hence my Winter Date Ideas That Won't Break the Bank.

And while it's easy to let weekly happy hours get the better of your budget (don't even get me started on how much a few glasses of wine can rack up your dinner bill!)  there are ways to enjoy winter dating adventures that will keep you from breaking the bank.

Keep reading for winter date ideas that won't require you to fork over top dollar for fun and tips for frugal and even free opportunities for canoodling which include Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup Weight Watchers Recipe

Winter Date Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

1. COOK TOGETHER!
Perusing produce stands together may not sound like the makings of a good date, but consider this: farmers' markets offer delicious, local fare, free samples and everything you need for a romantic dinner. Once you've had your fill of tastings, buy ingredients for a new recipe and head back to home base. Enjoy each other's company as you chop, mince and sautee your way to a fresh meal. Clinking glasses of wine while prepping this hearty Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup which is just one point per serving on WEIGHT WATCHERS, is a wonderful way to bond and create a healthy meal!

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup Weight Watchers Recipe Ingredients:

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup Weight Watchers Recipe 6 points for entire recipe – serves 6 – 1 point each

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Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup Weight Watchers Recipe 6 points for entire recipe - serves 6 - 1 point each

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup Weight Watchers Recipe 6 points for entire recipe - serves 6 - 1 point each

Course Soup

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 red bell peppers stemmed, seeded, chopped into chunks
• 4 large tomatoes chopped into chunks
• 4 cups fat free veggie broth
• 1 clove garlic finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup reduced fat canned coconut milk
• optional: green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except coconut milk and green onions to slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 2-4 hours. It will be ready after 2 hours but won’t hurt anything if it cooks for another hour or two (like if you aren’t home).
3. Allow to cool slightly.
4. Add coconut milk.
5. Blend in blender.
6. Serve with green onions for garnish (optional).

Local Dining Specials
Most cities offer a lifestyle circular featuring local events, attractions and dining specials. Before you schedule your next date, peruse your city's circular and plan an evening starting with happy hour, discount dinner fare and a free local activity. Exploring your city together can be a fun way to learn about one another's interests and local knowledge.

City and Company Tours
Explore your city. Many communities offer First Friday Art Walks or some variation thereof, where local art galleries keep their doors open later for visitors to peruse their works and chat with artists. If your community has local breweries, distilleries or wineries, schedule a tour and enjoy learning about the process of making your favorite adult beverage.

Volunteer Opportunities
Doing something together in the service of others can make for a rewarding experience. Identify your shared passions and causes and look for opportunities through VolunteerMatch.org. In addition to visiting with seniors at your local nursing home or helping out at the soup kitchen, you can also help build walking and hiking trails or contribute to a Habitat for Humanity build. The options are endless and the rewards are limitless.

 Movie Discount Days
Skip the Friday night openers in favor of midweek showtimes. Many theaters offer matinee pricing all day during off-peak days, typically Tuesday or Wednesday. Check your local theaters' website for more details or call the box office for more information. Since concessions will likely eat up your ticket savings, download the free Coupon Sherpa mobile app to your smartphone for instant access to deals like $3 off popcorn from Regal Cinemas.

Kids Activities
When was the last time you played miniature golf or or did donuts in a go-kart? Sometimes the best dates are the simplest ones, so channel your inner child and challenge your date to a round of bumper cars or air hockey. Indulge in cheap pizza, hot dogs and ice cream and share your favorite memories of childhood. Complicated? No. Memorable? Definitely!

Daily Deal It
Whether it's tapas for two at a new restaurant or a ziplining adventure through a nearby natural area, daily deals offer a host of cheap dating options. Be sure to read the fine print before buying, however, as some restrictions may put a damper on the mood. Additionally, compare daily deals for national events among Groupon, LivingSocial and AmazonLocal, as pricing can be different between these providers.

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