My one year anniversary is coming up this weekend. I am seven months pregnant (and it was a big shock to us since it was unplanned). Due to the upcoming baby and finances we have decided to stay in town for our anniversary. However, I would still like the weekend to be special. Any ideas on how to make the weekend special without spending a lot of money?

Beka,

I sympathise with your predicament but it is not insurmountable. My wife and I were married for three years before we could afford either a honeymoon or anniversary plans.

If you want to keep the celebration affordable might I suggest that you ask your mother or his mother or both to plan the evening for you. Let them know why you are asking them and that you will repay them for what they do, but you really want to be surprised and that it absolutely has to be romantic.

Mothers are a wonderful source of creative ideas especially when romance is in the air. Please talk to your husband first and make sure he is OK with your idea and if there are no familial battles going on ask both moms to work together. If they agree or only one agrees, say thank you and get out of the way and let them alone to work on it. Your husband would be wise to offer to help them with anything they want and he can do but you need to stay out of it and let your anniversary unveil before you.

Enjoy

This may sound corny but a nice picnic in the park might do the trick. With some wine for him and some sparkling cider for you, you two can take the time to talk about the future. And since you won't spend much you can start saving up for an even bigger 2 or 5 year anniversary!

Oh, and Happy Anniversary!

The whole weekend? Start with breakfast in bed. If you have a willing friend or relative to come over and serve you both that would be better.
Make it simple though, croissants, fruit and coffee, for example not a whole ham and eggs type of thing.
Music is a great way to make a mood. Play music instead of T.V.
Steam up the bathroom with a few candles and nice shower gels or bath salts. Add two people. Leave him a message on the mirror in lipstick
If you are having dinner out, dress up, if at home, dress up. Set a nice table, have at least one flower in a vase.
If you saved the top of your wedding cake, this is the time to serve it. If not, buy a 'baby cake' a 4" mini cake for the two of you.
Watch a romantic movie together, turn the phone off.