Making the Good Stuff Last
I was the kind of kid who ate the popcorn one kernal at a time in the movie theater, to try to make it last through the whole flick. The child who licked ice cream and lollipops. Who couldn’t bear to open a Christmas gift before Christmas morning. Yes, one of those.
I’ve become more easy-going as I’ve grown up. But I still like making the good stuff last as long as possible. Here’s how I like doing it with restaurant gift cards.
1. Take the gift cards that your nice friends and family gave you at Christmas.
2. Wait for the right moment to spend them. (This is important if you want to have a good time!) If you are with your girlfriends, this involves casually picking a restaurant and then when you get there, pulling out the giftcard and treating them—to the surprise and delight of all. If you are on a date with your husband, this involves picking an afternoon or evening when you have time to at least put on a nice outfit and fix your hair. Following these tips will help set the mood for the memory you are about to create.
3. Now, in order to make the good time last, search for coupons and discounts for the restaurant you’re about to patronize. For example, I received $60 in TGI Fridays giftcards from Christmas. David and I could spend that in one evening (maybe). Instead, I went onto their website and signed up for the “Give Me More Stripes” program and gives you a free appetizer and other perks. That way, the gift cards last longer. Or, take your $15 Panera gift card and buy some sour dough bread bowls. Bring them home and make your own soup. That way, you can keep refilling the bowl as many times as you like!
4. Enjoy the outing together. Revel in the fact that someone else is doing the dishes and someone else is paying for dinner. Thank God for the internet and coupons. And have fun making the good times last!
Long live cheap dates!
