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Free and Cheap

Janine Dorsey

Janine is a 20-year veteran journalist who puts her sleuthing skills to use unearthing deals and discounts for families in the Tampa Bay area. Raising her own two daughters has taught her that some of the best things in life are “free” but not necessarily “cheap.”

Gayle Guyardo

Gayle Guyardo co-anchors “News Channel 8 Today” weekday mornings with Rod Carter. She does a special segment, “Ways to save today,” each Monday between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Gayle is a third generation Tampa native and a graduate of Auburn University. She and her husband Mark raise four little girls - Katie, Lindsay, Ali and Ella.

Richard Mullins

The Tampa Tribune’s retail reporter, Richard Mullins writes about consumer trends and everything you buy at the mall, grocery stores and restaurants. He believes credit cards are the window to our souls. And yes, he gets paid to wander the mall for work.

Debbie Swartz

Debbie, a 20-year veteran journalist, can typically be found at the end of Target aisles looking at clearance items. She’s also been known to send one her young daughters through the checkout lane to redeem a coupon.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day on the cheap

Posted Feb 13, 2012 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Feb 13, 2012 at 02:45 PM

Looking for some less expensive or non-traditional ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

We’ve rounded up a few suggestions for those in love who are also on a budget:

Skate for free: On Tuesday, Feb. 14, wear red and be admitted free to United Skates roller skating rink. Skate rental is $2.50 if you don’t bring your own skates. The skate session is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. United Skates is located at 5121 N. Armenia Ave. in Tampa.

Dine for $9.99: Your holiday meal doesn’t have to break the bank. Pollo Tropical is offering a coupon for a $9.99 value meal for two when you text “SWEETHEART” to 52198. The meal includes your choice of a small Tropi-Chop or 1/4 chicken platter meal with rice and beans, side order of yucca sticks or fried plantains, two regular size fountain drinks and a flan to share. Dine in or take out on Feb. 14 only.

Love a fuzzy buddy: Don’t waste your money on candy or flowers when you can save a life instead. The Humane Society will have pet “speed dating” at The Wine Exchange, 1609 West Snow Ave., Tampa, on Feb. 21.

Free dessert: Send your valentine an e-card and get a coupon for a free cookie skillet from Denny’s. You must purchase two entrees of at least $2.50 each to redeem the cookie skillet offer. The coupon is good until March 19.

Dinner and fun for the whole family: Bob Evans may not seem like the most romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day, but it’s a great way to get the family fed for not very much money. Through Tuesday, Feb. 14, two adults can dine for $19.99. The three-course dinner includes choices such as soup, salad, pork chops, spaghetti, blackberry cobbler and more. Kids always dine free on Tuesdays, so for each adult entree purchased, one child can eat for free. Plus, since it is Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, there will be free craft activities for kids.

Printable cards: Did you completely forget to run out and get your kid a box of valentines to pass out to their classmates? Don’t panic. Here’s a great page of free printable cards. Includes an Angry Birds design.

Discount FroYo: Go to Yogurtology on Tuesday, Feb. 14 with a friend and get a frozen yogurt creation at half price when you buy one at regular price.

Do you have another inexpensive idea? Let us know!