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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 4, 2009 www.oakvillebeaver.com Valentine's Day Celebrate your love on a budget Valentine's Day is all about big-ticket purchases and spending a fortune to show you care, right? Not necessarily. While the holiday is known for gift-giving, those tokens of appreciation needn't break the bank. After all, Valentine's Day is about expressing love and affection, which doesn't have to cost a lot. In today's economy, it's prudent for couples to conserve funds and celebrate Valentine's Day on a budget. The way to that special someone's heart just may be a fatter bank account rather than an ueber-expensive gift. Here are some ways to celebrate in a fiscally responsible way. 1. When purchasing a gift for your sweetheart, think about something that will truly touch his or her heart, without necessarily paying attention to price tag. For example, if he is a sports buff, maybe tickets to a favorite game could be on the expensive side. But why not offer to host a party for him and his friends, complete with snacks and time spent in front of the big-screen TV watching a key game? If she has a special author, pick up the newest release from that writer. 2. Jewelry is commonly thought of on Valentine's Day. Fortunately, there are jewelry pieces that fit all types of budgets. If diamonds aren't possible, choose her birthstone or even a stone that reminds you of her favorite color or the day you met. 3. It may be customary to dine out on Valentine's Day, and many people choose to do so. Some restaurants offer a more expensive or extravagant menu on this special night, which may not fit in with your financial plans. Think about treating your sweetheart to a brunch or Valentine's Day lunch instead. You'll still be dining out, but just at a lower cost. If you prefer dinner, cater the meal at home. 4. Florists do much of their business on this day of love. Flowers, much like chocolates and romantic dinners, are customary Valentine's Day traditions. Work with a florist to put together a bouquet of blooms that are in season or locally grown, so you're not paying premiums on exotic flowers. See if there are any discounts for ordering well in advance. Warehouse stores, supermarkets and even lawn and garden centers may have deals on romantic bouquets. So shop around for affordability. 5. Many companies encourage employees to celebrate all holidays in a small way to boost morale and have something to break up the work day. It's not uncommon to find employees bringing in treats on Valentine's Day, or participating in an impromptu 15-minute gathering in the break room. If your company is planning a party and is looking for volunteers or supplied items, eHow.com suggests bringing in items that are plentiful, yet inexpensive, such as home-baked desserts. 6. Choose affordable options whenever possible. Just as there are sugar-free cakes for those who can't eat sugar, there are plenty of ways to say "I love you" and treat your special someone to holiday traditions in a less expensive way. A chocolate lover will appreciate a box of chocolate regardless of whether it's from a high-priced specialty store or from the neighborhood candy shop. You can certainly splurge on delicious desserts from the hottest bakery, or choose something he or she will adore equally, such as warm homemade brownies smothered in ice cream and whipped cream. There are many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in a budget-friendly way, without skimping on the sentiments and traditions that make the day so special. Great family dining offers something for everyone The Sunlight Grill is one of Oakville's newest restaurants. With over 38 years of experience in the family restaurant business, Peter and Elena opened the Sunlight Grill on December 4, 2008. With friendly service, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Sunlight Grill is a family run business that ensures you nothing but good, quality food. The Sunlight Grill is proud to offer the finest quality of fresh, made to order meals. Home of the famous one-pound burger, the Sunlight Grill is also fully licensed. The Sunlight Grill offers many other specials including the lowest priced breakfast in town at only $3.99 from Monday to Friday. On top of the breakfast special, Sunlight Grill also offers other specialty items such as pancakes, French toast, waffles and omelets. The lunch and dinner menus also offer a variety of options including triple decker clubs, classic sandwiches and wraps, classic seafood dinners, steaks and chicken parmesan as well as $7.99 nightly dinner specials. "We offer the best fish 'n' chips in Oakville, bar none," Peter says. Offering both sit-down and take-out options, the Sunlight Grill has something for every family. For a great dining experience, come by the Sunlight Grill at 649 Fourth Line, or call at 905-339-5545. $3.99 Breakfast Special Mon.-Fri. Experience the Taste of Italy! Every Thursday Night 6:30am - 11am excluding holidays 3 Eggs, Bacon, Sausage or Ham, Home Fries & Toast Famous Giant 1 Pound Burger Pure Lean Ground Beef with all the trimmings! Chicken Souvlaki Baby Beef Liver Lasagna Chicken Shiskabob Pork Chops Grilled Salmon 5:30pm ­ 8:00pm in the Marquis Bistro Restaurant (located in the Holiday Inn Select Oakville @ Bronte) Introducing "Create Your Own" Pasta Bar Buckets of Southern Fried Chicken 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24-Piece Available! Three different pastas with your choice of Green and Red Peppers, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Onions, Mushrooms, Chicken Breast, Meatballs, Sausage, Shrimp, Mussles, Marinara, Bolognese and Alfredo Sauces Dinner Specials Nightly ONLY $7.99! · Best Fish & Chips in Oakville! · · Lunch Specials Daily · · All Day Breakfast Available! · Fully Licensed: Beer, Wine & Liquor Carry out available on full menu! www.hioakvillebronte.ca Toll Free: 1-800-880-3188 (Hotel Direct Reservation) Holiday Inn Select Hotel & Suites · Oakville at Bronte 2525 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, L6L 6P8 (Q.E.W. & Bronte Rd.) Phone: 905.847.1000 Second Dinner of Equal or Lesser Value, Valentines Day Only! After 4pm, Excluding Dinner Specials, Breakfast or Lunch Menu u BUY 1 DINNER, GET 50% OFF , 905.339.5545 Valentine's Day Special 649 Fourth Line (Speers & Fourth Line) Oakville