SassyHubby and I have been married for almost 20 years. Gulp, and we were together for years, and years before he put that ring on my finger. So as another Valentine’s Day rolls around so does the inevitable question; “What do you want to do for Valentine’s Day hun?“. We have one soft rule around this sudo holiday, no gifts. Chocolate and flowers are often an exception. Umm so are nice bottles of Prosecco! For us, this Hallmark Holiday isn’t about the gifts given, but the time we carve out for each other and what we make of that time. Over the years Valentine’s Day has been our excuse to run away for romantic nights in the city, expensive dinners at our favourite restaurants, or even just a stolen night at the movies, but it occurs to me that our most memorable evenings are the one’s where we simply stay at home, and make some memories. Uninterrupted time with my best friend in the world, chocolate on the side, it doesn’t get much better than that. So without further ado, here is my list of inspiring and unique ideas for Valentine’s Day:
#1 Play Tourist In Your Own City: Head out with your camera and an open mind and see all that your city has to offer. Check on TripAdvisor for the number one rated breakfast spot, stop at the Farmers Market, go in search of the city’s best bakery or chocolatier, find a museum. Visit your local University and buy a little souvenir to remember your day.
#2. Create A Holiday At Home: Not able to take off to that caribbean destination? No reason you can dream about one or even plan one. Pick up some brochures from your local travel agent and plan that dream vacay. While you flip through the glossy pages discussing beaches far and wide, whip up your fave meal at home. Jerk chicken and Pina Coladas anyone? Turn the lights down low and play that thumping reggae music all night long.
#3 Fancy Up The Take-Out: Life with kids sometimes means a hectic schedule. This doesn’t mean that Valentine’s Day dinner has to suffer. Give yourself a break. Call up that fave restaurant and see if they will do take-out. The answer may surprise you. Bring that fab dinner home, plate it up and enjoy in the dining room complete with china from your wedding. Or, my favourite thing to do? Set up the entire affair in front of the TV, a roaring fire in the fireplace, and seats created around the coffee table with pillows all over the floor. Candles not optional.
#4 Pay It Forward: Already feeling all the feels? Celebrate love by giving your time to a charity in need. Drop clothes off at a local women’s shelter, make a donation to a food bank, send flowers to a nursing home or find somewhere to volunteer. You can find countless places that need your help; Redcross, Habitat for Humanity and Charity Village always have listings of volunteer opportunities.
#5 Try A New Adventure: Try your hand at Laser Tag, test your skills in an Escape Room, take a Painting class, a Dance Class, try Rock Climbing or make some Pottery. It was good enough for Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore! Keep it interesting, challenging and make some memories!
What ever you plan to do this February 14th, and no matter who you choose to do it with, I wish you all a love filled day!
Mwah!
I’m jealous that you get romance still, while my husband has never been romantic. I love all your tips and my favorite is pay it forward because I believe in charities
These are all great ideas, just for connecting as a couple in general. My hubby and I don’t do much special for Valentines, but do take time for ourselves. Now that both our kids are in full time school, it’s nice to take time of from work and be able to get out during the day knowing the childcare side of things is taken care of because we don’t have family here.