How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

5 Unique Ideas For Valentine’s Day

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Screen Shot 2016-02-11 at 6.00.04 PMSassyHubby 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!

    • Comments

    4. I like the idea of playing tourist in your own city! We decided to try to avoid the crowds last night and went to a casual but trendy (no reservations allowed) restaurant. While we sat there we realized one of our favorite jazz clubs was nearby. My love suggested we check it out afterwards…so it turned into quite the romantic night, unexpectedly! We got to sit next to each other at our favorite booth there, sipping on some bubbles and enjoying some super talented musicians. No gift-giving either! Pretty ideal Hallmark holiday. 🙂

    5. I love the idea of take out and then fine dining around coffee table. sounds like lots of fun. Happy Valentines!

      • This year we had a lobster dinner at the coffee table and watched The Walking Dead. Weird right? But it worked for us!

    6. My husband brightened my day today by sending me an email just to tell me he loved me and to have a good day…truly, I don’t need much more than that from him in the Valentine’s Day department. After 25 years, I don’t need candy, wining and dining…it’s the everyday things he does that remind me how much he loves me.

      Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!

      • So sweet! After 25 years those little things really do mean the most! Thanks for sharing your sweet moment today 🙂

    8. Some lovely ideas here. I do hope that everyone has a wonderful Valentine’s Day incorporating love,fun and making great memories.

    9. I love your idea of paying it forward! The girls and I did just that this week by donating 5 bags of gently used and not even used clothing and shoes to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation. I think giving warms my heart the most! ❤️

      • Oh how wonderful! We cleaned out DD’s closet and made a run to the food bank. So important to give back when you can.

    11. I love this sweet post!

      I have to agree that it doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special. Stuff is just that – stuff.

      Time is what is important. Spend it with the one you love doing things that make you happy.

      Great post.

    13. Wonderful ideas! We are going to try and do an indoor picnic and hiking to the falls for some awesome illumination show

    14. Great ideas! Not quite sure what hubby and I are going to do on Sunday. Just found out he is off so at least we get to spend the day together.

    15. What lovely ideas. I really like the idea of playing tourist.
      For us the best thing is going on a date. We still have littles so those are rare.