Keeping Valentine’s Day on a Budget

According to some recent numbers, the average person spends more than $130 on his or her partner for Valentine’s day. That is $260 per couple. While that might not seem too over the top, consider that if the purchases were bought with a credit card, the interest charged on those purchases over time can add up to some pretty scary numbers. Let us bring it all down a notch and get creative. Let us keep Valentine’s Day while staying on budget. Valentine’s Day is all about being romantic, right? Romance does not have to cost much. Think about  quite dinner … Continue reading

When Valentine’s Day Is a Downer

Valentine’s Day can be a real downer for many teens.  It may be nothing more than a reminder that they don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend, fueling some of the negative beliefs they may already have about themselves. Sometimes schools add insult to injury by drawing greater attention to it.  Although last week was “Spirit Week” at my daughter’s high school, I found the theme for Friday to be a bit unsettling. You were supposed to wear a color to represent your relationship status.  The different colors showed if you were taken, single or in a relationship dubbed “it’s complicated.”  … Continue reading

Your Presence is the Best Present

Forget about the fancy triple chocolate cookie pops, the pricey heart covered Build-a-Bear, and the massive red and white mylar balloon bouquet you were planning to gift your child with this Valentine’s Day.  Save your money and present your son or daughter with your presence on February 14th and in the days, weeks and months that follow. While candy, stuffed animals and shiny inflatables typically rank high on a child’s Valentine’s Day gift wish list, most kids would likely trade in the treats for one-on-one time with mom and dad. Life is hard enough for youngsters, so knowing that they … Continue reading

Sweet and Sexy Travel Deals

If you love the idea of escaping February’s bitter cold to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your lover in the warm California sun, then you are going to adore these amazing travel deals. The following sweet and sexy Love Day offerings will warm your heart without burning a hole in your wallet: SWEET This sweetheart of a deal is being offered by the US GRANT hotel in San Diego’s historic downtown district.  From now through February 28th you and your true love can take advantage of the “Romancing the Epicurean” package, which features deluxe accommodations, two welcome cocktails, an edible “Artist’s … Continue reading

Simple and Affordable Valentine’s Day Fun

    Why say it with fancy flowers, expensive jewelry or extravagant five-star dinners when you can show love this Valentine’s Day with affordable gifts from the heart? Whether you are celebrating the holiday with your child or a significant other, these simple crafts will go a long way to show your special someone how much they mean to you: I LOVE YOU HEART BANNER Materials: 12×12 scrapbook paper in Valentine’s Day colors or prints Red, white or pink cardstock Scissors Ribbon Hole punch Directions: Cut-out heart shapes from the 12×12 scrapbook paper. Make one heart for each letter of … Continue reading

Free Valentine’s Day Apps for Android

Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with some free Valentine’s Day themed apps for Android devices. It is a good way to get into the spirit of the holiday. Some of these apps are kid-friendly, and some are variations on classic games. Here are some free Valentine’s Day apps for Android that you can play with this year. 2013 Valentine’s Day Hidden Objects is a free app for Android devices. The app was released on January 23, 2013. It features several simple “find the hidden object” puzzles that are kid-friendly. The backgrounds that you have to search through to find the … Continue reading

Free Valentine’s Day Apps for iPhone

One way to get into the spirit of a holiday is to play around with an app that was designed with that holiday in mind. There are plenty of Valentine’s Day apps out there for people who use iPhones. Many of them are free to download and use! Here are a few of the free Valentine’s Day apps that are new this year. Insta Love Frames is a free app that is compatible with iPhone and iPad. It is optimized for iPhone 5. It was updated on January 19, 2013. The app contains 30 different frames, and some special effects. … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day Sales, Coupons, and Freebies

Valentine’s Day isn’t too far away. Do you have everything you need? If not, then you may want to check out these special Valentine’s Day sales, deals, coupons, and freebies. If Valentine’s Day is your very favorite holiday, then this is the blog for you! Quizno’s has a coupon for a free cookie. There is no purchase necessary. Just visit Quizno’s on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2013, and use the coupon. Yankee Candle has a limited edition Valentine’s Day candle. Get a True Rose Jar Candle or True Rose Tumbler Candler (and Hearts Jar Candle Holder) for $34.99. These are … Continue reading

Love Between the Pages

… or sheets… or blankets… or flannel footie jammies. There’s no better excuse to snuggle up with your child than storytime.  And there’s no better type of book to curl up with as we countdown to Valentine’s Day than a love-themed read. As February 14th nears, consider cuddling up with your little sweetie and embracing these kid-friendly Love Day titles: Splat the Cat:  Funny Valentine The black furball with a heart of gold is at it again.  Splat wants to give his teacher a special Valentine’s gift and enlists the help of his friends to execute his plan, but will … Continue reading