Weekend away
Rejoice, gentlemen, it's that time of year again -- St Valentine's Day. On Tuesday. The day after tomorrow. Avoid getting something heavy thrown at your head by noting it in your diary now. And fret not, we're here to help you show your love and adoration without actually shelling out too much money.
Weekend away
Dublin feels a bit down at heel these days but Belfast is buzzing. A romantic weekend city break there is very affordable. And it's even more so if you book the same hotel through Lidl's website instead of direct. Two nights bed and a full N'orn Ireland brekkie at the Ramada Encore Hotel in the happening Cathedral Quarter of the city this Friday and Saturday.
Best: Via Lidl €140
Avoid: Direct with hotel €181.34
Saving: €41.34
contact: www.lidl-breaks.ie
Roses
Aldi does Val's Day roses that cost bunches less cash than the flower shops. A bouquet of a dozen big, good quality red roses with baby's breath and foliage is a bargain.
Best: Aldi Grand Prix Rose bouquet €29.99
Avoid: Interflora dozen roses €54
Saving: €24
contact: Your local Aldi
Insurance
It won't pay out if you're getting cold feet and heading for the hills, but wedding insurance covers the rings getting lost, the wedding dress getting damaged or your hotel going bust -- something that's been happening quite a bit lately. Bear it in mind if you're thinking of popping the question. Two similar policies below with very different prices.
Best: Weddinginsurance.ie €49.99
Avoid: Clickandinsure.ie €99.99
Saving: €50
contact: weddinginsurance.ie or phone 0818 444 445
Condoms
You can afford to use twice as many on your weekends away if you shop around. A box of Durex's most expensive condom brand works out at a deflating €1.16 each, compared to Lidl's more uplifting price -- just 42c per condom.
Best: Lidl Mondo, all varieties 12-pack €4.99
Avoid: Durex Avanti 12-pack €13.99
Saving: €9
contact: Lidl branches
Lingerie
The Caprice black and red mesh Greta babydoll set is on special offer at lingerie website Figleaves, and there are other good 25 per cent off deals there right now too.
Best: Figleaves, €39.05 (including delivery)
Avoid: Debenhams, €59
Saving: €19.95
contact: www.figleaves.co.uk
Pregnancy test
Maybe you're using that romantic weekend away to make a new little bundle of joy? Discount store Eurogiant sells pregnancy tests for a fraction what they cost in chemists.
Best: Eurogiant two-pack €1.50
Avoid: Clearblue two-pack €18
Saving: €16.50
