Valentine's Day is just a quick 18 days away! If you were planning on waiting until the last minute and buying grocery store chocolates and the last wilting bouquet... STOP! We've got creative, easy ideas to make your Valentine really smile and think you put a lot of work into the holiday this year. Check it out!
Make Cheesy Kindergarten Valentine's Cards
Yes, it's cheesy! And, yes, that's the whole point! Get a variety pack of construction paper, a box of crayons, and some stickers at the local store. Set out your supplies on the table and put up a cereal box wall to hide your progress. Then spend time giggling together while you craft the perfect, hilarious, super-cheesy Valentine's cards for each other. Bonus points for frilly lace and ribbon!
Challenge Each Other to a Bake-Off
Are you more competitive than cheesy? Challenge each other to a bake-off! Find a recipe on the internet for something neither one of you has ever made before (like chocolate lava cake!). Print off two copies of the recipe and count it down. 3, 2, 1... Bake! You'll have to set some ground rules so the race is fair: No stand mixers or electric beaters, no sabotaging each other's recipes, etc. Let the kids, or a hungry neighbor, be the taste tester to determine who wins!
Give the Gift of Dates
Sometimes one of the hardest things about going out together after years of being a couple is simply thinking of what to do and making a plan. So, make a plan together this Valentine's Day! There are several awesome resources out there to help inspire couples to have a great time. One of the best that has gained a lot of popularity recently is the Adventure Book series. They plan the dates so you don't have to - just scratch off the next square and have fun! There is both a Couples version and a "spicy" version to choose from. Not in the budget to buy a fancy book? Get a bag of popsicle sticks, a mason jar, and some markers. (You may even have most of that at home already!) Divide the popsicle sticks evenly between you and write creative date ideas on each one and put it in the mason jar. You can even decorate the jar with paint, washi tape, stickers, etc. Now you have a pretty jar full of date ideas so you're never stumped when date night rolls around!
There's an App For That
These days, there seems to be an app for everything. There's even an app that can help couples improve communication, chat about their dreams, and learn more about each other. A great one to try is "Paired". The free version gives you and your significant other one simple question every day. It's not just for couples that have disagreements or struggles! It helps you get to know each other better and have conversations that might not come up otherwise. There are lots of other apps out there too, so take a look and find your favorite!
Cuddle Up & Dream
Head out to the store, find a big fluffy blanket, choose your favorite snacks, and get ready to settle in on the couch. Cozy up together and talk about your dreams for the future. It may seem ultra-cheesy, but talking about and planning for the future can help strengthen your relationship and give you a sense of shared purpose. Do you someday dream of traveling in Europe together? Do you want to open a small-town bakery or coffee shop when you retire? Make a bucket list together and stick it on the fridge to remind each other of your dreams every day.
Stay Warm This Valentine's Day!
Last year around Valentine's Day, the Lake of the Ozarks experienced a major freeze. In fact, nearly the entire lake froze over! Keep your system working well through the chilly temperatures by checking everything ahead of time...
- Ensure your indoor vents are not covered with clutter.
- Check to see that the outdoor unit isn't blocked.
- Make sure the condensation line of your high-efficiency furnace doesn't freeze.
- Set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature so your furnace can keep up.
- Have emergency gear on hand - extra blankets, gloves, hats, hand warmers, temporary space heaters, jugs of water, etc.
- Call the best heating company at the Lake of the Ozarks for help!
