Heart Day

Pssst – I’m not sure if you guys know this, but Valentine’s Day is two weeks from tomorrow. I’ve always enjoyed Valentine’s Day whether I was in a relationship or single; to me, it’s never been about having a boyfriend, but rather showing love for all the special people in your life. Growing up, my mom would make a special breakfast on Valentine’s Day and we would usually get candy and some sort of heart-themed pajamas. Of course I enjoy celebrating the holiday now with my fiance, but I find that it is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the holiday.

A few years ago, we decided to go all out for Valentine’s Day (while always budgeting); we shopped around and found a steal of a couple’s massage and decided to use a gift card we had to one of our favorite restaurants. It was going to be an epic day and all for under $150.00 – go us! Well, we went and had our wonderful spa day to find upon checking out that said couple’s massage price was per person even though unspecified on the site. We explained this to the front desk attendant, but after a long debate were required to pay the full amount. Our deal of a day was off to a rocky start, but in the name of hearts, we persevered. We got ready and went to dinner to find that for this night only it was a prefix menu at $75.00 per person and they did not accept gift cards on holidays. By this point, we were famished, dressed up, and exhausted so we proceeded to take part in said menu. We got home that night feeling disheartened and robbed. Since then, we have vowed to have fun, low key Valentine’s that could even take place on the 13th or 15th if we wanted, and we have enjoyed them infinitely more.

The last thing I want to do is put a damper on your holiday, but hopefully rather present the idea that you either a) don’t have to do anything crazy for Valentine’s Day and/or b) can do it on any day you want. Yes, it’s a day about love, but so are the other 364 of the year. That said, below are a list of ten alternative Valentine’s plans that might sing to your heart’s desire:

1. A cooking class; perhaps here.

2. Minigolf.

3. A couples massage class; here’s a Groupon for my LA residents, and a Yelp deal for my San Diegans.

4. Wine tasting.

5. Dance class – maybe ballroom or salsa.

6. How fun would a trapeze class be?!

7. Skip dinner and enjoy your weight in dessert here or here.

8. See a show, musician, or fancy movie.

9. Make a beach picnic, complete with real glasses, linen napkins, and the coziest blanket you have.

10. Cuddle up on the couch with your favorite sweets and watch this movie with friends and loved ones.

-Meg

P.S. Gift guides for him and her that as just as appropriate for this holiday.

P.P.S. If you haven’t already, make sure to enter the giveaway; today is the last day to do so – a winner will be selected tonight and announced tomorrow!