VALENTINE'S DAY DATE IDEAS

Isn't Valentine's Day a funny holiday? Everyone has such different opinions on it - some love it and can't wait for more chocolate and flowers than they know what to do with, and others seriously despise the holiday. I think I fall somewhere in between. I'm not into having "the most romantic day ever", but I do think it's a good chance to stop and appreciate the people you love in your life, whether that's friends, family, or a significant other. What does freak me out (at least at this point in my life) is the idea of going to a fancy dinner where ONLY COUPLES are out. I don't know, it makes me feel like I'm in a weird cult or something. Thoughts in my head: "Why are there only parties of two?" "This couple isn't even talking, why are you at a restaurant?!" If you have similar feelings - here are 10 fun, non stuffy Valentine's Day date (or non-date) ideas.

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1. Go cosmic bowling and eat tacos and drink margaritas after.

2. Stay in and have a game night (two person games, of course)

3. Spend the day volunteering (it's a Saturday after all) and grab some BBQ and beer after.

4. Pick 3 movies you both have never seen. Pop the popcorn, pour the wine, enjoy!

5. Be tourists for the day. Go to the places in your city you've wanted to go, but never do.

5. Two words - trampoline park.

6. If it's warm enough, rent bikes and bike around the city, stopping at favorite places for a lunch and a cupcake.

7. Visit a brewery or winery.

8. Again, if it's warm, pack a picnic and lay in a park.

9. Take a walk and take turns playing your favorite songs.

10. Make a dinner you've never made, turn on the tunes, and have a dance party in the kitchen.

LOVE, ACTUALLY, IS ALL AROUND

 

 

 






Pretty sure I post on this same topic each Valentine's Day, but I think it's a good reminder, no matter what holiday it is. 

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There's a lot of hate around Valentine's Day. Girls are depressed because they are single, guys are annoyed that this commercial holiday forces them to spend money because if they don't, they're in trouble. The thing is, though, the heart of the holiday (see what I did there?!) is supposed to be about love, and it's just kind of silly that so many people put so many negative feelings out into the world on this day, and that so much of it is centered around a relationship status.

The world can be a sad enough place - I mean just read the comments on any news article and you'll get instantly depressed - so why can't we just celebrate a day about love? It's not just about you and your significant other or lack there of, but about all the people in your life who you love and love you back. I feel so lucky and blessed to be surrounded by so much love in my life - from my family, my friends, my coworkers, and yes, my boyfriend.

It's all of these relationships that make life wonderful and worthwhile. The ones that make you smile, laugh uncontrollably, feel happy, feel loved. Take a minute today to let everyone important in your life know how much you love them, and not to do it just today, but every day.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone <3 :)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

A Valentine's Day card made by yours truly. Circa 2nd Grade. 

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Wishing everyone a day filled with love and happiness. Remember - this holiday is about love and that can be the love you have for your family and friends, not just a significant other. There are so many people I am blessed to have in my life that I love, and I like to take this day to remind them of just that!

In the spirit of the holiday, I brought some treats to work today to share with my coworkers. Growing up, my mom made white chocolate covered pretzel sticks all the time. For some reason I specifically remember her always making them for the PTA Ice Skating night during Christmastime... but I thought they would be the perfect little treat for Valentine's Day. I love the salty sweet combo, and they couldn't be easier to make. Have a party to go to tonight? Simply melt white chocolate, add red food coloring, swirl pretzel in chocolate, and let dry on parchment paper. I like to put mine in the refrigerator to speed up the chocolate-hardening process. Wrap in parchment paper and tie a pretty ribbon around and you're set! Less than 30 minutes and you've got delicious treats sure to be a crowd pleaser!

VALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING

Kate Spade Be Mine Pendant  //  Gap Ballet Flats  

Little Hearts Note Cards  //  C.Wonder Heart Scarf 

Valentine's Day has never been my favorite holiday - I'm much more partial to the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas... but I think I'm starting to have a change of heart (did not think of that pun till I wrote it!!!). How can you not love a holiday that is all about love?! Not to mention it's the perfect reason to wear pink and red together, adorn yourself in hearts, eat lots of cookies and chocolates, and tell the important people in your life how much you love them! In the words of the Beatles, "All you need is love!"

love, actually, is all around.

Growing up, Valentines Day was a fun holiday. My siblings and I would wake up for breakfast and my mom would be in the kitchen making us pink, heart shaped pancakes, served with milk dyed pink. I went to school with my homemade valentines - Mom thought we were way too creative to buy ones from the box, so we drew our own and had them copied at Kinkos... very original. School meant classroom parties where we exchanged valentines in our decorated boxes, ate tons of candy and cupcakes, and played games. For dinner, Mom made us a delicious meal, with heart shaped sugar cookies for dessert, and each of us received a present. Our presents were little things, like pajamas or books, but it still meant something special to me. This kind of day continued throughout high school, and it wasn't until my friends had boyfriends that the "single awareness day" hit me. To be honest, it never bothered me because I had my wonderful family to spend Valentines Day with. In fact, when I did have a boyfriend senior year, I had a little bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) on my family dinner and presents. I'm a creature of habit, what can I say?

The point is, Valentines Day isn't just about a boyfriend or girlfriend. It's a day of love, and there are many, many people in my life that I love and am so very thankful for, family being one. There is so much obsession with being single on this day, but the truth is, does it really matter? We should appreciate and be happy for the people we have in our lives who love us and we love. Tonight, I won't have my family dinner, but I do have my roommates who are like a second family. We won't be sad over being single, but instead enjoy each others' presence over good food, wine, laughter, and love. You should too!

Happy Valentines Day!

If I had a Valentine...

It's almost Valentines Day and SURPRISE, I have no special someone to spend it with! I wouldn't say that I completely despise Valentines Day, considering I love everything about love, but the only Valentines gift I get is from my mom... and that didn't even sound like a sure thing when I talked to her on the phone. Regardless, if I did in fact have a hot date for the holiday, I have a few ideas of what I'd like to wear. I'd wear the Shoshanna strapless flowered dress or Cynthia Vincent bubblegum pink dress if I was feeling flirty and had a fun evening ahead of me, the Tibi floral dress if I was feeling more bohemian and whimsical, and the Lela Rose beaded dress if I wanted to be extra glamorous. Guess I'll wait for my Prince Charming... then maybe the $290-$2,000 price tag would be completely worth it. :)   

                             images from shopbop.com