Last minute Valentine’s Ideas that don’t require reservations, or cash. (+ links to love!)
Anyone else feel like Valentine’s Day kinda snuck up on you?
And if you’re like me, (hopefully you’re not too much like me…) you might tell your husband, “Oh I’m fine. Reservations? No–don’t make reservations. No chocolates…I don’t need anything. Let’s just stay home with the kids.”
And then come Valentine’s Day, and you’re all bummed that you’re stuck home with the kids, and wishing you had reservations.
Or at least chocolates.
Well, in case you’re in that boat, or just want some last-minute ideas for how to have a happy Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing some of my personal plans and ideas with you!
I’m also sharing a few links to articles, videos, podcasts, and more (some Valentines related, some not) at the bottom!
Here’s my list of Valentine’s ideas that don’t require reservations or cash.
1. (my actual Valentine’s plan:) Ask your family to indulge you in a little old-fashioned black and white movie night. Order takeout and gather the family (or at least your sweetheart) to watch an old black and white film! (found a list of top 10 black and whites, here. Of course some of the old movies are not exactly kid-appropriate so I’ll be doing some research before choosing!)
2. Request some “Mommy alone time” on Valentine’s. Set aside time to do something pampering for yourself! Take a bath, paint your nails, do a home-facial. Read a good book…If you set the time aside for it, you’re much more likely to do it.
3. Write a little love-note to each member of your family. It doesn’t have to be an official “Valentine” but just some loving thoughts will do. If you haven’t done it yet, write that letter to your man! (Hint: Give it to them early in the day and by the end of the day, they just might reciprocate. ;))
4. Get your own chocolates! Ladies…we know where to find them. Why not pick up a box this weekend, and share (sparingly) with the rest of your family?
5. Gather the family to think of someone who could really use some love. If you know a widow or someone sick or hurting, Sunday would be a great day to pay a visit, drop off some flowers, homemade cards, or (of course) chocolates. Especially if you tend towards self-pity, reaching out to others will help pretty much every time.
6. Focus on your husband. Plan something special for later, and hint throughout the day. Shoot him a special text or email if he is working (like my hubby will be.) Now don’t start the whole “but he didn’t…” “but what about…” thing because that doesn’t get you anywhere. Sorry. Instead be willing to initiate and I can 99.9% guarantee he will be happy to reciprocate.
7. Start the day with the best Valentine. (this is my personal tradition…) I try to start Valentine’s Day before the rest of my family is up, with a candle and coffee, spending time with God. Of course this is how I start most days, but on Valentine’s day, I am literally saying to God “You are the one who loves me the most. You are the one who takes care of me, provides for me, keeps me safe. Every gift I have comes from you. And you are the only One who will never let me down.” This is a simple way to remind myself that God is my ultimate Valentine, and everything else is just a bonus.
NOW for some great links, recipes, videos, and more…
This article on friendships, grown-up style is awesome. (Friends are Valentine’s too!)
21 questions your son really needs you to ask him. (good for sons or daughters…why not this weekend!?)
To my first child: I can’t do it for you. (a good read even if it makes me weep…)
Why Speaking Well of Your Spouse is So Important (I couldn’t agree more!)
Advice from some old people. (I love this one!! especially #12. :))
Cheap ways to romance your husband. (why not!?)
Five ways to avoid Mother’s Day disappointment I know it’s not Mother’s Day, but if you struggle with expectations/disappointment on Valentine’s Day, definitely read this post! EXACT SAME EXACT RULES APPLY my friends!
Valentines’ treats?
Try Heather’s Double Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream (twist my arm)
25 Scrumptious Valentine’s Day desserts.
Strawberry yogurt baked Valentine’s donuts. (from last year, here.) So good and won’t make you feel so bad…
The most watched YouTube videos in our home? (besides surfing videos, of course) The Dear Kitten series cracks us all up, and the boys have memorized most of the Bad Lip Reading videos. Their favorites are the Star Wars and NFL episodes. (But the political debates are quite hilarious also.)
Leave me a comment!? Share your Valentine’s plans, your family’s latest entertainment, or anything else!
Have an amazing Valentine’s Day, whatever you do!
XO
Monica
Thanks so much for your uplifting posts! This one was just what I needed to read today. 🙂
What other podcasts do you recommend ?
Hey Leeanne— Well, I do listen to a lot of podcasts that are related to writing, blogging, and online stuff, so if you are interested in those, let me know. 🙂 Otherwise I hop around to a lot of the Mom-blog type of podcasts mostly. My two favorites of course (because I’ve been interviewed on each, haha! :)) are God Centered Mom Podcast, and The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey! Let me know if you have any podcasts you love, as I always enjoy finding more.
Thanks for the links to the bad lip reading and Dear Kitten you tube videos. Nice to have something funny AND kid appropriate!
Such a great blend of ways to show love to yourself and the people in your life. I like the balance!
And that is so cool about Rhonda Fleming!
Happy Valentines to you all. 😘
Thank you Danielle! Yes, who wouldd’a thunk we’d be related to a hollywood movie star, right? haha. 🙂
XO To you!!