Where There is Love, There is Life

Hey y'all!

I have taken an unexpected hiatus from blogging, but student teaching has kind of overtaken my life and left me feeling pretty exhausted. After spending all day in the classroom and then using my afternoons for gym-time and planning (and grading, etc.), by the evening I just want to relax with my hubby and take care of household chores!

I definitely respect teachers (even more than I did when I first started student teaching) now!

Today I want to share with y'all a couple of Valentine's Day date ideas that are more than your typical "dinner and a movie" type thing...enjoy!

Go for a Hike

My husband and I are blessed to not only own property that is ideal for exploring, but we also live close to Alabama's highest peak, Mount Cheaha.

I think that grabbing a backpack with some snacks and waters and taking a short hike (and maybe seeing some awesome views in the process) is a great way to spend Valentine's Day.

Even if you can only make it to your local park, spending time together and just talking while you walk could be fun!

Make Dinner at Home

There's no doubt that going out to dinner is fun; you can get all dolled up, you don't have to do the dishes, and you don't have to worry about running to the store for last minute ingredients. 

But if you both like to cook, then try out a new recipe and eat it by candlelight in your dining room.

You can even dress up if you want to!

Do a Service Project

There are so many people that don't have a Valentine on this day, especially those in nursing homes or widows in your neighborhood.

Get together with your significant other (or best friend!) and make cookies or handmade cards and bring them to your local nursing home or neighbors that might be alone on this little holiday.

Do a Gift Challenge

Let's face it, sometimes budgets are tight-you might still be reeling over Christmas spending!

But that doesn't mean you have to go gift-less on Valentine's Day.

Set a budget, say $20 or less, and then that's all that can be spent on the gift.

It's a fun, challenging way to think of something thoughtful but also sweet.

Suggestions for guys include a deck of cards (52 reasons why you love your guy) and maybe for the girl in your life, you could make her a photo book of your favorite memories. 

Shutterfly always has cheap deals on printing pictures (& so do Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens!)

Be Tourists in your Own City

This might be more difficult if you live in a small town, for my husband and I it would be really hard!

But we could go to Birmingham (the closest "Big" city to us) and go to all the sights like Vulcan, the Alabama Theater, or the Civil Rights Institute.

For supper, we could have something iconic to Birmingham like Saw's or Bottega. 

Choose something iconic in your city and check it out, just like tourists would do!

I hope this helped y'all out just a little bit, and I hope y'all find a way to celebrate this holiday of love.

Because it's not just about wives and husbands, it's about loving your best friend, your mom, your children, or your grandparents.

Find someone to love and show them!

Until next time. . .

xoxo,