Three Things + 1 : Lots of Love (and giveaways)

I am a sucker for those little heart shaped boxes of candy conversation hearts. I remember my Dad bringing them home to us girls every valentines day. Now I buy them for my kids. Sweet tradition.

For Valentine's Day I always buy a bunch of different cards, some romantic some silly and leave them in different places for my husband to find all day. Last year I made him felt fortune cookies and put them in a decorative take out container and left them on the seat of his car. Silly little things like that.

One of my favorite memories growing up was my step dad bringing home a big, old-fashioned, red heart box full of chocolates with a silk flower on the top (it was the 70s) for my mom and a smiliar but smaller one for me. I always felt so special that day and so loved. As a result, my husband and I aren't big on Valentine's date night, instead we stay home and cook something special and include our daughter. Despite the occasional protest to mom and dad sneaking a kiss I think (hope) that being a part of the celebration (and getting her own box of chocolates) will give her the same memories some day.

I usually give my kids a little something that's their favorite. Bake Valentine sugar cookies, and fix my hubby one of his favorites for dinner, with cheesecake for dessert! Or go out, which is a treat for me!

The husband and I always exchange cards, but as to any other traditions, there aren't any yet. I'll never forget last year—we were in downtown Chicago and I was recovering from a big surgery the previous day. It was probably the least fun we will ever have on Valentine's Day.

I have always loved Valentine’s Day. A special day to tell the people you love, that you love them! And all that lovely pink & red & white pretty stuff to play with! I have always made homemade treats for my loved ones. Personal size heart shaped pizzas when my boys were young, lots of homemade sweets, and of course handmade one-of-a-kind Valentines. I still make cookies and chocolate covered strawberries for them all!

Last year, my hubby and I began a tradition that I hope we're able to do EVERY year! We headed up to Door County, WI (an awesomely romantic place!) for a long weekend together. Kids stayed at Grandma's and got spoiled rotten . . . and the hubs and I got to reconnect! Can't wait to go this year! We're already counting down the days!

Heart shaped pizza for dinner with
pink (strawberry) milk. The kids love it!

Usually we let the kids pick what is for dinner and then we make and decorate our own cupcakes for dessert. My husband and I pick another night during that week to go out to a nice dinner all alone. We kind of get two nights of celebrating out of it!

Valentine's day used to be so special for my DH and I but when the 2 kids came, it wasn't like that anymore. Hopefully, this year it will go back to the way it used to. Just a Valentine date with him (just the 2 of us) will make it special again.

I'm sad to say we don't quite have any traditions yet. I DO love getting wonderful ideas from your blog and others to incorporate when my daughter is old enough. So much beautiful inspiration out there in blog-land.

I make two valentines cards, one for me to give to my husband and the other for him to give to me! I usually make a minibook with photos from our past, he usually buys me some flowers and we usually get a takeaway in (no need for babysitters!). As this year it falls on a saturday we might even be able to go out for dinner!

Valentine's traditions.....well, before my husband and I had kids we would go out for a special dinner! lol
Now things are a bit different, but just as much fun! I usually tuck a love note to the kids in their school bags or lunch boxes if they have school.
When they come home from school, we make a huge chocolate chip heart cookie to have as dessert on the special day!
The kids have also made cards for us as well...which I absolutely treasure!
Sometimes we also surprise them with a treat such as candy or a new stuffed 'buddy'.
Thanks for the awesome drawing!
Julie

We have "Sweet Treat" morning at school on Valentine's Day. As a family we go and have donuts and other goodies. It's a fun way to start the day!
Thanks for all the links to products & etsy sites. Love all the V-day ideas!

i love valentines especially since my hubby goes all out and makes me a very special dinner. since i usually do all the cooking, this is a real treat. he brings out the candles, tablecloths, and whole night is super special.

Love Valentines Day!!!
I celebrate going out to dinner with family & friends.
XOXO
Mary M

We don't do anything beyond cards/gifts for the kids. My husband & I always call a 'truce'!

Hi Ali!
My husband cooks a steak and seafood dinner for me and our two little girls. He makes sure we feel the love every Valentine's Day!
Michele B.

We have the same dinner every year and my kids LOVE it and look forward to it. We eat by candlelight and use our nice crystal glasses. We START with strawberry soup (which is delicious...and much more like dessert). Then a salad. Then homemade chicken parmesan with angel hair pasta. And we wrap it up with a new dessert every year. It's fun to be together as a family (too hard to get a sitter!) and we all LOVE traditions!

I love Valentine's Day. I like to make a card for my husband. We usually have a candlelit dinner in front of the fireplace.
He gives me chocolate! (which he doesn't like). This year I am thinking of sending some Valentine atcs to my art friends. I'm not usually a "pink" person, but this day is the exception!