So it’s Valentine’s Day and I want to wish everyone out there a happy one! This gal never really got into the whole Valentine’s Day thing, but when it comes to planning events, there is nothing more fun than planning a looove fest!
I’m not going to promote my business by saying that you should seriously think about letting me plan a fun and flirty occasion for you to celebrate; no, not on this post. But there are ways that anyone can show someone how much they love them with small, meaningful gestures. The events of Valentine’s Day can become so cliché that some women (and most men) dread the very mention of Saint Valentine and his cupid’s bow, or however the story goes! But why does it have to be a dozen roses, hallmark’s cute mention of love, and dinner at a crowded restaurant where the waiters and waitresses are rushed and grouchy? I’m getting cold sweats just thinking about it… of course, this Stiletto Gal has always been a bit unconventional; and Valentine’s Day is no exception. So I’m going to share with you some different kinds of ways to show your love.
Put a Song in His Heart
Ladies,… no idea what in the world to give him? What are his favorite songs? Or better yet, what are some songs that you have listened to together that bring fond memories of some of the things you enjoy doing together? They don’t have to all be “mushy” melodies of love and heartbreak! Do you watch football or wrestling together? What about the theme song to your favorite show? Theme song to the first movie you saw together? Of course you should include at least one or two songs that say something about love, or like, or mutual respect! But whenever they pop that CD into the player, they should smile and think about you! Open Her Eyes
Well, that may not be the best subtitle; but here’s what I mean (and gents, this may take some work on your part): You may have to wake up earlier than usual, especially if you both have to work. But wake her up to a good breakfast! Now hear me out – if you cook then how about some heart-shaped pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, bacon fried just right and folded into hearts, an omelet with cheese and tomatoes, or even heart-shaped hash browns? Of course if you can’t even cut a straight line then maybe skip the creative and just go for thoughtful. If you can’t boil water on a hot day, then you may have to stop at your closest IHOP and just fake it; but however you cook it up, she will eat it up! And she will think of you all day long.
Happy Endings
No time for breakfast? Or ladies, want to say thank you to your boo for the beautiful flowers? There’s always dinner! Now you know this is not going to be the normal every-day dinner! This is going to be a valentines picnic dinner. I am typing this post with two sweaters and my heater warming my feet, so I do not expect you to drag him outdoors to freeze for the sake of love! So try this: clear your living room floor, move some things around, and spread a blanket across the floor. Layer it for comfort if you wish, but I have a feeling you’re starting to see my vision. Set the blanket with your best dinnerware, or avoid the dishes later and do paper plates. Whether its sandwiches, pasta that you picked up from the crowded restaurant after work, or McDonalds because it’s your favorite spot – dress it up with candles (please don’t burn down the place!) and background music, and enjoy your indoors picnic!
I love you with all my…hearts?
Well of course you do! I mean you will, once you cut some paper hearts (use whatever pretty paper you want) and leave him or her little “heart-felt” messages all over the place. Her shoe closet. His car. Her purse. His office. The fridge. The bathroom mirror. Any place that doesn’t seem that obvious and where your loved-one can find them throughout the day would be ideal. Of course don’t stick a note in the pots&pans cabinet if none of you cook – it could be years before someone found it!Her favorite flower – all the time
No, I’m not going to tell you to enroll in the flower-of-the-month club and have fresh flowers sent to her every month. Although… lol. But what if, and hear me out here, instead of running into Kroger and picking up a half dead bunch of flowers with one leaf ripped in half and a few petals that will end up on your passenger side floor… (I know, it’s a lot! I tend to do that sometimes…) What if you bought her a potted plant. Does she like roses? How about a leafy yellow miniature rose… I personally looove tulips, and this is about the time of year when the bulbs are sprouting. They usually come in a cute pot, or you can put the whole thing in a basket and tie a ribbon around it. Every time she waters it she will be reminded of you. (I’m thinking about the ‘love fern’ in the movie How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days!) Here is my disclaimer for this idea: if your girl does NOT have a green thumb; if she will forget to water the plant; if there is any chance that the poor plant won’t make it through the night in one piece, then please, please, please leave it in the store for someone who will love and care for it. In this case, go with the cut flowers!
Ahem! “me-me-me”
Have you ever been startled in your office by a crazy person singing to you for your birthday or some other special day? It is embarrassing! It is loud! It makes you the talk of the office… and you SO have to try it! Not every city has a singing telegraph service; but we all have friends who will do something crazy for a little money. Or a lot. Or some food. So hire them to dress up – heels…bowtie…whatever – pick a song and send them to woo your boo! They will want to hit you, they will blush, but they will never forget it!
Already ate? Set up a movie theatre at the house and watch your favorite movie – pop corn, soda, candy!
Oh, so you’re a jewelry kinda guy? This will take some planning, and really knowing your sweetheart. Make her a charm bracelet! Stores like Hobby Lobby sell the bracelet and individual charms. You can buy the stuff and have someone put it together, or spend a little more at a jewelry store – but nothing is more personal than a bracelet with your favorite pet, team, or pair of shoes!
I could go all day if you let me. But I’m at my day job and my boss expects for me to do some of the work he pays me to do while I’m here. So I’ll sign off in hopes that I have inspired someone to do something original, to step out of that societal Valentine-shaped box and wow your love with something just a little bit different… more personal. And don’t only do it today…
If all else fails, you could always watch reruns of some old television show and eat chocolates all night. As long as you’re doing it together, right?
Happy Valentine’s Day!
