Valentines Day

Nothing says romance like an invented holiday to sell chocolates, flowers, and jewelry. Women, we buy into the day so fast when we have partners and we hate the day when we don't. Of course what woman can really say she wouldn't love to get that special little blue box? 

(Yes please!!)

Of course, in today's economy not everyone can afford to spend big bucks on a fake holiday. However, there are things that men and women can do to celebrate without breaking the bank. Homemade gifts, at home dates, simple ways to say I love you. If you have kids, there are better ways to help them celebrate than buying Valentines day cards to hand out to friends and family. 

Kid Ideas. These are always fun! Whether it is baking or artwork, my kids love to create. You can always bake heart shaped cookies, frost/sprinkle with pink and red. Perhaps cut out different size and color hearts for kids to color in and write on. For my daughters, I had them  do hand prints in paint, then printed out a poem for their daddy. I chose the poem "Only A Daddy" by Edgar Albert Guest. 

Date Ideas. Get a babysitter! Go to a drive-in movie or a regular movie theater. Get your favorite food to go and drive somewhere secluded and romantic, watch the stars come out and snuggle. Wink, wink! Celebrate by going to a nice restaurant, but the day after V-day, to avoid crowds. Make each other a nice dinner, dinner by candlelight, drink some good wine, and watch a romantic movie together. Go on a daytime date to maybe an amusement park, picnic, hiking, or a nice long drive to anywhere (an adventure)! You don't need to do what everyone does, do something the two of you like to do. 

And guys, don't forget, the best way to make your lady happy, help her with the chores! Nothing sexier than a man washing his dishes, or putting away his own laundry!