Planning Valentines Day {Tips and Ideas}

January

~ Week 3 ~

of

::The Holiday Challenge::

Planning Valentines Day

Tips and Ideas

From lavish dinners out to small tokens of affection,

 Valentines is celebrated in a variety of ways that can be as unique as the people celebrating it.

Some suggestions and tips on making your Valentines Day plans:

(This post includes some of my ideas from last year as well as new ones for 2011)

• Dining out: Restaurants fill up quickly on Valentines, so now is the time to search for the perfect experience and make reservations.

• Dressing up? Wearing something nice makes the day special. Plan your apparel, go through makeup, try out fun new hairdo's, perfume, nails, eyebrows, pamper yourself! Some of my posts on valentines beauty: Use what you have, get your beauty sleep, make an at home spa date, and pamper your hands.

• Find or make the perfect 'I love you' card.

• If you are dining in, collect recipes and set a menu. Remember candles, decorations, and special tableware.

• Will you need a babysitter? Now may be the time to find one. If asking a relative, you may want to consider asking one that is alone on the holiday. Valentines day can be difficult on those that are single and children to share it with may be a welcome treat.

• Children: Will they need Valentines cards for school? Are you sending a special treat with them? Do they have nice clothing or accessories for the holiday? What little tokens of affection for them? (Here is my post on homemade Pop-up Valentines)

• Baking? Check supplies including cookie cutters, sprinkles, cake pans, mixes, frosting, etc. (Here are my: free printable cupcake toppers.)

• Alone on Valentines day? Treat yourself to something special or maybe celebrate with your children, grandchildren, a neighbor, or good friend. There is always someone to love.

• Plan a little extra time to clean and decorate your home. This blesses everyone, including you.

Some gift ideas:

Make your home a bed&breakfast - Make a retreat for yourself at home. Play some light music.  Add a few drops of essential oil to the pillows on your bed (make sure it is a scent your loved one will like too). Set a basket in the bathroom with candles, body wash, and other nice things. Set a snack or fruit basket out in the kitchen. Add a couple extra pillows or something nice to the couch. Look through each room in your house and ask 'if this were a bed and breakfast, what would I like to see?' (see more ideas about this here:Making your home feel like a Bed 'n Breakfast).

Massage- Between now and Valentines day learn some massage techniques, or buy a massage kit.

Need some adventure? Make reservations for sky diving or a hot air balloon ride. Tickets are easy to buy and always a hit! Try a ball game, concert, play or comedian.

Gift Ideas For Him: Omaha Steak delivery, subscribe to a sports channel or his favorite magazine, buy a digital photo frame and load it with photos he will love. 

Is He Working on Valentines day? Instead of flowers send a pizza. Really! Some places make heart shaped pizzas for delivery on Valentines.

Valentines day breakfast as a family is always a hit in our home. Breakfast in bed is always a lovely way to spoil someone. And lots of little ways to say 'I love you' can be found here: Little ways to say I love you poll.