I am super excited about my post for this week. Why do you ask? Because it’s the day before Valentine’s Day!!! I LOVE Valentine’s Day. Nevermind the fact that I don’t have a husband/boyfriend, I still love the day. Some of my single friends like to call Valentine’s Day SAD, as in Single Awareness Day, but I like to think of it as a day filled with sweets, flowers, and all things pink. 🙂 (This is funny because there was a period of time for a while there that I didn’t even like pink.) As soon as I put away all my Christmas decorations, I pull out my Valentine’s Day welcome sign and hang it with pride.
This week I’ve been getting ready for my son’s classroom Valentine’s Day party. I’m in charge of the goody bags, which I’m excited about. I’m all done with his valentines, which I made from an idea I found on Pinterest. I made the same valentines for my daughter one year, and I thought that this would be perfect for my son’s Kindergarten class this year. The best part? My son helped out, AND it cost me zero dollars. I love that. We made these cute little crayon hearts. All we had to do was chop up some crayons, melt them in a heart shaped silicone mold, let cool, and viola- homemade crayon hearts!
Now, I realize that Valentine’s Day is all about love, right? Most couples take this day as a time to go out and celebrate their love for one another. I know not all couples do, but the majority will. So, what’s a perfect date look like for a couple, here in Fresno? Well, I don’t know, I’m pretty clueless when it comes to dating. I get all my dating information from watching Million Dollar Matchmaker, and well, that’s not realistic. Oh, and I’ve been on tons of failed dates, which means I know what NOT to do on a date. I will give myself some credit, as I was married (once or twice), and I know what I would like to do on a date, but as far as planning a perfect date? Well, I left that to the experts, er, um, my friends. 😉 In preparation for this week’s post, I conducted a super informal survey-which means I just asked my friends. So, if you’re reading this, and you still don’t have any ideas as to how you’re going to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one, look no further, I’m here to help.
*Note-Most of these ideas can be for married couples, new relationships, first dates, and even second dates. But-If I’m suggesting a night in, at home, as a date, DO NOT do that if this is your first date-especially if it’s a blind first date. Okay? Okay.
The common thread among all my friends were that they didn’t want to plan dinner. I would agree. I’m so tired of cooking dinner for my kids, that if someone made me a slice of bread with butter on it, I’d be so happy. (Note to my future boyfriend-DO NOT make me a slice of bread with butter for Valentine’s Day. You have been warned.) A homemade dinner speaks volumes.
Date Idea No.1
Head to Farmer’s Market Saturday morning. Get all the fixings for a lovely dinner and/or dessert. You may need to stop off at a store for meat, or other protein, if desired. If you don’t like to cook, then you can always just go with a heart shaped pizza from Me-N-Ed’s. Nothing says love like a pizza shaped into a heart. 😉 Then, pick up a movie from Redbox. Better yet, I saw 2 new releases at Target this week. I’m sure there are tons more, but one was a Nicholas Sparks movie. Unless your loved one is not into romance movies- grab an action flick instead! 🙂
Date Idea No.2
Make a dinner reservation, or risk your chance facing the crowds without one. (Honestly, I don’t even know if a lot of places take reservations these days.) After dinner, head to the movies. Dinner is a great time to connect with the other person, and then seeing a movie is a great time to snuggle! Since I’m in the mood for Italian food, I’m going to share my favorite places with you.
- Bella Pasta, on Cedar and Herndon
- Giuseppe Gallo’s Capo di Cucina, on Willow and Nees
- Dicicco’s-Various locations, even more than listed on this particular website.
- Luna’s, Pollasky and 4th, in Old Town Clovis.
There really are so many different places to eat, and I’m sure many of them will be busy, but here’s a secret…Go during off hours. The nice thing about Valentine’s Day being on a Saturday is that you have all day! Maybe see a movie around noon, then head to eat at 2:30 or 3:00. See? This is what I’m here for friends. 😉
Date Idea No.3
Check out the Madera Wine Trail. This weekend they are having chocolate and wine. Make sure you check out Sumner Peck Winery and Fruit Stand as well. This fruit stand is so beautiful that I could picture having my next wedding there. 😉
Date Idea No.4
Pack a picnic!! Seems silly and old fashion, but it can be a great opportunity to really get to know the other person. You can get all the goodies from Farmer’s Market, then possibly pick up dessert from Needa Cheesecake, or Frosted Cakery. Head to Woodward Park and enjoy the day. I’m sure we’ll be having nice weather. Have lunch, take a walk, and enjoy each other’s company.
There you have it! My top 4 ideas for a date on Valentine’s Day. Now, if anyone got engaged as a result of any of these suggestions, PLEASE tell me (and invite me to your wedding)!! If anyone broke up because of these suggestions….Well, send me your therapist bill and I’ll forward it to my friends for their rotten ideas. 😉 (Not really, but sorry for your broken heart.)
Here’s to a loving SAD/Saturday/Valentine’s Day! If you don’t have anyone to share the love with, it’s okay, go treat yourself and enjoy the day! I know I am!!! 🙂
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