Each year, approximately 150 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged for the holiday, second only to Christmas. Do you remember being a kid in grade school and creating a “mailbox” to accept your classmates’ cards, treats and candies? I remember this day well from my childhood, I even did singing telegrams in 8th grade. And the last few year has brought all that nostalgia back helping my step-daughters prepare for this day.
I have been known to send my friends Valentine’s to show them I love them and appreciate them in my life, even to this day. To me, the holiday is a great reminder for all of us to tell each other we love them and show them how we feel. But I don’t limit this to just this day – share the love throughout the year and not just when a holiday dictates.
As adults, the holiday is popularly known as a day to send flowers and candies to your significant other and go out to fancy dinner. But you don’t have to celebrate this day just one way.
Here are some ideas:
-Speaking of the library, the Waukesha Public Library is in on the fun of the holiday and suggests you grab a date with a book. You can even have a “blind book date.”
-Coffee lovers rejoice – many local coffee shops are offering sweet treats and Vday coffee drinks. Roots Coffeebar and Café in Waukesha and Oconomowoc has some specialty treats for the day.
-Order a special dessert to bring home and share with your loves from Sweet Perfections or Periwinkles Bakery in Waukesha.
–Allo! Chocolat in Waukesha and Goddess and the Baker in Brookfield have many treats made just for Valentine’s Day. Take some to share with your friends or even co-workers.
-Stop at Pick n’ Save, Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly, or Sentry Delafield for chocolate dipped strawberries and sweet treats, flowers, balloons, wine, and even dinner to spend the night at home.
-And don’t forget the flowers – many area floral shops are running specials for Valentine’s Day.
-Don’t want to cook, but don’t want to go out? Papa Murphy’s typically offers a heart-shaped pizza for the holiday at a special price. And their cookie dough is awesome too! Add Netflix and you have a great night at home.
–Daylee Public House in Waukesha is offering a take and bake complete dinner for two, in addition to their great selection of pre-made frozen dinners always available. (The Vday special may have limited availability).
-Many area restaurants are offering a special menu for the holiday, don’t forget to make reservations! Here are some of the area’s options for Valentine’s Day. And if these don’t excite you, call your favorite restaurant and make a reservation as you know you will enjoy the experience!
Seester’s Mexican Cantina – Pewaukee
Picnic Basket – Nashotah
Lakeside Supper Club & Lounge – Oconomowoc
Golden Mast – Okauchee
Belfre Kitchen – Delafield
Wine Maniacs – Oconomowoc
-Don’t want dinner, just some drinks and appetizers out? So many bars will have specials for Valentine’s Day–may I recommend Splash Martini Bar (Oreo and Peanut Butter Cup Martini) in Oconomowoc and Spring City Wine House (so many wines!) in Waukesha as two of my favorite stops.
And if you aren’t feeling the joy of the holiday at the moment because of a recent change to your relationship status, Hooters is offering you a deal if you bring in a picture of your ex to shred.
No matter how you celebrate, know that you are loved and be sure to tell your loved ones you appreciate them, but not just today—all year long.
Sarah Appleton, contributing blogger
Hi! I’m Sarah, 36, and have lived in Waukesha for the past 10 years. My husband and I bought a home and got married in the same month last year—it was a crazy time, but when you find your forever home, you have to jump on it. (And what a way to start our new life together). My husband has two daughters, Violet is 11 and Samantha is 8 and they live with us half the time. The newest addition to our household is our pup, Letty, who just turned 1. She keeps us on our toes, stealing socks at every chance, but also gets us outside for walks and playtime. Becoming an insta-mom has brought its challenges but also many amazing experiences and I’m loving every minute of it. I love Waukesha and have my own blog about my experiences in the area. When I’m not out and about in the city, I’m enjoying time with my friends grilling out, drinking wine, and playing games—Uno is one of our faves. Or I’m in my kitchen trying new recipes or recreating ones I have had at local restaurants. FoodFunWaukesha Facebook // Instagram // Blog
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