It is MsL's birthday is today, but we are spreading it over three days and also trying to celebrate in the spirit of the nonconsumer advocate's birthday day of adventures:
-Yesterday she and I went on a hike and did some geocaching with a group of friends. Afterward, we cashed in an $8 birthday coupon from a local pub that was for an appetizer and a pitcher for the two of us. (Cost: $10 including tip)
-Today we are making a fancy dinner at home for our family of four. Steak fajitas (tofu fajitas for me and eldest boy) and garlic roasted asparagus. Plus, a store bought birthday cake because I just can't emulate the extra sugary frosting she adores so much! (Cost: $18)
-Tomorrow three of the four of us are going kayaking, then we are stopping for after kayak treats using MsL's birthday freebies from the mall food court -- she has two different coffee freebies, a root beer float, a cinnamon roll, a scoop of ice cream, and a cupcake coming her way. Plenty to share three ways ;) (Cost: Just gas, since we are only using no purchase necessary birthday coupons and already own the kayaks).
Overall, this was much less expensive than the usual family dinner out + obligatory gift, and a lot more enjoyable than a short 2 hour dinner celebration.