Valentine’s Day: Just another day in February, right? Wrong. Thanks to Hallmark and God knows who else, this damn “holiday” has taken over every man and woman’s life. What makes this one day so special? What about every other day of the year? I know I’m not the only one who feels like this so I won’t go off on my tangent…………….
But if you are like my husband who loves this day, gifts and nice dinners are usually on the agenda. Of course when we were dating it was a different story – flowers sent to my work, sweet little gifts, cards, the whole nine yards. I like to do special little things for him today since he’s such a love bug (and I’m the black-hearted one in the relationship). This year I have fallen off my game big time and waited till last minute! So what can you pull off in a small amount of time to show that you really do care for that special person – here are 5 ideas for that last minute Valentine’s Gift:
1. Homemade Chocolate Covered Strawberries
I make these every year, and I plan on doing it this morning! 
They are actually pretty easy to do, all you need are big strawberries and a container of dipping chocolate. Make sure the berries are washed, dried and room temperature. It helps with the chocolate covering process – too cold of berries will make the chocolate seize up and not go on smooth. Heat up your chocolate and begin dipping! Dip and twist, dip and twist! Then place the berries on some wax paper and put them in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to harden up. Boom-done! If you don’t have the time and there’s a Godiva store near you, you can always splurge and get some from there, they are delish…..but $$$!
easy and delish….notice the 1 berry barely covered in chocolate…courtesy of my almost 2 yr old :)
2. Surprise Gourmet Dinner
Instead of spending hundreds on some fancy, over-priced dinner tonight, run to the store and cook it yourself! I did this last year and cooked my husband a “Steakhouse Dinner”. Everything from apps to salads to sides and chops! It was really good, just missed the service part (hate doing the dishes). At our local market (Doris Italian Market) they have packages for a romantical evening in, shrimp cocktail, lobster tails, filets, a bottle of wine and 2 canolis for $45! Not bad, right? So be sure to check your local stores to see if there are any deals like this around.
3. Personalized Goody Bag
Your are never to old for a goody bag or basket! If you have to time to run to the grocery store or Target, grab all your Valentine’s favorite candies, cookies, snacks, underwear, deodorant – whatever you can get your hands on and a make a “favorites” goody bag. Today, I got a years worth of sour candies (my absolute faves) from my husband. He knows the way to my heart for sure.
cavity waiting to happen
4. Picture Perfect
I have so many damn pictures on my computer and discs – I’m talking millions. Dig up some old (or new) pics of you and your Valentine, print it out at a local CVS, Target or Walmart. It can be from your favorite memory together or if its just one you both look fantastic in-your choice If you can find a cute picture frame or if that fails just put it in a cute card.
5. Good Old Reliable Gift Card
When all else fails – a gift card to Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, or their favorite store is always a winner.
So to all you procrastinators out there, don’t let the haters get you down. We can’t help it if our ADD gets the best of us and we forget after putting it off for days…. and roses never hurt!
Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day!
– Amanda
