Valentine's day

 
Since I was a little girl, Valentine's Day has always been so much fun to celebrate. Every single year in grade school, I would exchange those small cartoon valentine cards with students at school, dress in pink & my dad would buy me my favorite chocolate candies w/ a sweet card.

So, I grew up viewing Valentine's Day as this celebration of love with everyone around me. I never experienced Valentine's Day as a couple's holiday. And I am glad I didn't. Because whenever I have been single, I never became saddened on Feb. 14th rather, the opposite! Single or in a relationship, I am that gal dressing up with some hue of pink or red and heading out the door.

Below are a few ideas to make this Valentine's Day festive & fun whether you are single, dating or married.

1:. Kids.

• I have really gotten away from sending cards the last few years for environmental reasons but, I am picking back up a tradition of sending my friends children a Valentine's Day card in the mail. I love seeing excitement on kids faces when they receive a gift!
• Including the kids on Valentine's Day (your own or loved ones) is such a treat! I can attest that kids love this commercial holiday (I used to be one of them) so, baking cupcakes w/ red sprinkles for them or purchasing lil chocolate hearts will delight them.

2. Singles.

• Bake & cook with friends on Valentine's Day. Whatever you do, treat yourself to a really amazing meal at a restaurant or make your own meal at home. And have fun w/ it. I actually love dining alone (not all of the time of course but, once in awhile) & I have treated myself to a Valentine's Day brunch many times over the years! My favorite restaurant for Valentine's Day single or otherwise is - hands down - Le Colonial.
• Get out into the city & enjoy a play, museum, etc. Do something fun!
• Host or go to a party! Get into community with other singles.
• Buy yourself a chocolate treat or a pedicure. I mean it. Love on yourself!
• Celebrate with your family.

Whatever you do, have fun with it!

3. Dating or Married.

• I am not married but, Valentine's Day calls for a really fab date night! 
• If I were married, I would want to celebrate differently every year. I think a group sushi dinner w/ other couples is a great idea or an Italian meal at home. Take out is always a good idea w/ a delish bottle of wine.
• If I were dating (If my future husband is listening), I would love to take a cooking class or go to a concert.
  

My entire message to all of you is to celebrate love on Valentine's Day no matter what your circumstances are or what your 'status'....single, dating or married. It's a commercial holiday to have fun with!

Enjoy the first weekend in February!!!!!