No Budget Busting on Valentines Day

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column, to appear early each Wednesday morning on Broadneck Patch, will be dedicated to providing you great deals each week that will help your family’s bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box.

Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

Since this week is Valentines Day, we have a special column devoted to making sure that celebrating romance doesn't break the bank.

Deep Creek Restaurant

You can’t beat the water views at Deep Creek for romance. To make things easier on the wallet, the restaurant is offering a Valentine's Weekend three-course special for two (available Saturday-Monday). The special includes a choice of one starter per guest (choose a homemade soup, salad or shrimp cocktail), an entrée of tender filet mignon over buttery mashed potatoes topped with a creamy Béarnaise sauce accompanied with jumbo lump crab cake and fresh asparagus, and a dessert of a rich, dark chocolate mousse cake for two. Cost is $79.95 per couple.

Riverbay Roadhouse – Their Valentines Day and weekend specials include options like twin filet medallions, a filet with a lobster tail and jumbo lump crabmeat, or a Caribbean mahi-mahi. Call today for special pricing and to place your reservation at 410-757 2919.

Griffins Grill - For some more casual Valentines Day dining, Griffin's Grill is also offering a Valentine’s Day special menu including specials on crab imperial stuffed mushroom caps, slow cooked prime rib, grilled tuna or salmon and dessert shots.  There is also a $5 off of $10 or more coupon available on their website. 

Fishpaws Marketplace – Kim Lawson, owner of Fishpaws, has to be a romantic with the specials they are offering this Valentines Day. For those who would like to spend a romantic dinner at home, she has you covered with her “Zero to Hero” Platter.

This "do it yourself" platter of romance includes tuna, scallops, poached chicken breast, homemade Crustini and a bottle of rose and detailed instructions on how to assemble like a pro. Cost is only $49.99.

Already have standing reservations at a favorite spot?  You can still enjoy a “Breakfast in Bed Basket” with Prosecco, orange juice, breakfast pastries, a fruit and cheese platter, sliced baguettes and smoked salmon. Cost is only $24.99. 

And even if you are going out, you can also still save 20% on any 750ml wine that doesn’t already have a discount – limit to one bottle.

This week Domani Studio in Bel Air is offering a 50-minute pomegranate facial for $28 through the website eversave.com. This facial is valued at $65, so that is quite a savings.  It is a little bit of a drive, but for a deal this awesome, it is worth giving as a Valentine’s Day gift (hint-hint guys) for that special someone to use any time until January 31, 2012.  Hurry though, this deal expires tomorrow.

Ambition Salon in Pasadena is offering a "mani-pedi" and eyebrow wax for $36 through the website groupon.com, but you have to purchase your voucher today. This package valued at $72 is a great Valentine’s Day gift.

There are some fabulous deals to be had online for Valentine’s Day related gifts.

Lingerie.com is offering 15% off with the code LOVE15. 

Sharis Berries is offering Valentine specials starting at $19.99 until Feb. 10. 

FTD florist is offering Valentines flowers and gifts starting at $19.99.

At ice.com, you can save an extra 22% off of jewelry plus free shipping in time for Valentine’s Day if you order by Feb. 11.