Valentine's Day: Anything Other Than Going Out to Dinner
By: Jazmine Martinez
@jazminemyleigh_
While walking through CVS Pharmacy, red and pink stuffed animals, cards, and heart-shaped chocolate boxes flood the aisles beginning in mid-January, all leading up to February 14th with a special someone. Going out to dinner is always intimate, easy, and a fun time, whether it be with a date, friends, or family; however, it seems to be that way for a majority of the population. Since reservations book up quickly and waiting for a table could take hours, it could be more memorable to come up with something outside of the box.
Cooking
Cooking is an easy way to get creative on Valentine’s Day. From breakfast at the beginning of the day to dessert at the end of the day, Pinterest is an easy way to find something that you generally want. Recipes derive from a plethora of different websites and blogs, having a diverse amount of ways of making dishes. This includes very decorative and festive desserts and snacks as well! Foodie Crush is a food blog/magazine that has an easy maneuverable website that could guide you to a preferable dish. Bon Appetit is suited for cooking a nice, quality dinner, categorized through proteins such as chicken, pasta, and steak. Cooking together is a genuine activity, especially when you’re playing favorite songs or you have a favorite show playing in the background.
Think like a kid
There are activities that many don't consider because they are mainly seen as a child’s activity. However, if it doesn’t have an age limit, there should be nothing stopping you from having a fun time! There are arcades, bowling, miniature golf, trampoline zones, escape rooms, and laser tag places all around that are waiting to be sought by someone. There is a sense of nostalgia that enhances these experiences, creating the happiest atmosphere. Whether you’re going with a group or simply with a date, seeking these activities could rush your adrenaline in ways that you’ve completely forgotten about.
Use the dinner money for gas money (a.k.a. ADVENTURE)
Instead of spending money on gifts and dinner, eat something cheap and have an experience be your gift to one another. Pitch in for gas money and go somewhere fun on a full tank. Living in Southern California, we have access to a vary of scenes such as the mountains, the energetic city life, and a pleather of breathtaking beaches. With Yelp and Google, it is simple to personalize what exactly you’d like to do or see. Getting away for a day or two is super special as well. Tripadvisor and Airbnb could be a great helping hand in that sense. The great part is, there is no need for an itinerary since everything’s about an hour away. The night will make itself up as you go, as you’re with the best people/person.
The concept of Valentine’s Day entails slowing down the outside factors of your personal life, and enjoying an evening with people you deeply appreciate. We live for the small, even mundane, moments like eating cookie dough off of a spoon. There doesn’t have to be an expensive five-star restaurant involved in order to have a meaningful Valentine’s day.