A Day Just for Love

I love my family
I love my business
I love my life
But most of all
(if you couldn’t guess)
I love my wife.
—Steve

Sunday is Valentine’s Day (don’t panic) – a time for
us to show our loved ones just how much they mean to us. For
those stuck for ideas, here’s just a few to get you started.

Gifts – just go traditional – visit a candy store and pick up a nice box of chocolates (Dark) – don’t go overboard, as you’ll loose points if you buy too much. Swing by grocery store or flower shop and pick up some roses/flowers. Then, visit a dept. store and get cologne or lotion. Top it all off with a nice card and candle! Have it all ready come Sunday morning.

Cook – spend the day pampering your spouse. Start out making breakfast, and include some fun Valentine’s Day foods. Make pancakes, trim sausage patties and cut bread in heart shapes, serve strawberries dipped in chocolate, and add a little cinnamon to the coffee for an extra touch. For fun, add some food coloring to scrambled eggs to turn them pink, or make a healthy smoothie shake using red fruits. When lunch arrives, try a simple salad of greens and strawberries and tomato soup and trim the sandwich bread into heart shapes. For dinner, just make his/her favorite – or better yet try a new recipe or a new restaurant and splurge a bit on dessert or a bottle of wine.

Get Out – so much to do in town, so hit the streets – art shows, concerts, shopping venues, or just a ride in the country. Find a nice antique shop an hour or so away and combine it with lunch. Angie’s List is a great resource. Buy something silly to remember the day. If you are movie buffs, hit the matinee, and then get into the city and find a corner shop for tea or coffee.

Family – make it a day to get the family together. Stir up a big pot of chili or spaghetti sauce and invite the gang. Don’t go nuts on the details, just make it casual and fun. Keep the TV off and put away the cell phones – break out the cards and board games and enjoy the company. Surprise everyone with small, simple Valentines Day gift bags from the thrift store. Serve red velvet cake with cream cheese icing or heart shaped brownies – YUM! Cinnamon ice cream too!

Community – after church, swing by the retirement home or senior center and drop off Valentines Day goodies – small chocolates and cards. If you have time, walk the halls and visit the residents. Visit the food kitchen in town, spend some time serving meals and pass out little candies too. Get the kids involved and make it a fun outing.

Overboard – nothing like BIG surprises – airline tickets, cruise bookings, weekend getaway – if you have the means, and want to do something special …. Go for it!!

AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS, JUST WRAP YOURSELF IN A BIG RED BOW!!