The origins of Valentine’s Day may be shrouded in mystery but the modern day celebration has evolved into a warm highlight of the cold and (usually) snowy mid-winter.  Whether you celebrate with a spouse, significant other, your children, family or friends, Valentine’s Day offers a fabulous opportunity to show those around you how much they mean to you.

Begin with an Impact Thrift Gift Certificate… Nothing says love like an opportunity to thrift shop and recycle!  To that, just add…

Chocolate… Need we say more!?

Chocolate is the flavor of the season, whether it be of the bon bon variety, multi layer cake, served with fruit for dipping or chips in cookies! Decadent? Yes!  But chocolate also contains anti-oxidents and is thought to reduce blood pressure and possibly lower rates of heart disease and cancer.

AND chocolate is a member of two food groups… dairy (milk chocolate, right?) and cocoa beans are a fruit!  Whole Food Markets offers this interesting Guide to Chocolate which will fill you in on all the details.   The Whole Foods blog also offers a variety of recipes for chocolate delights! Or for the ready-made variety, visit Asher’s Chocolates in Souderton, PA!  You can even take a tour of their production facility!

Add… A day with the kids…

There are so many fun craft and cooking projects that are perfect for you to try with your kids or their entire class at school.  Your kids would love to make you hand made Valentine’s Day cards, paper flowers, coupon booklets or heart garland!  Free templates and ideas can be found at www.valentines.tipnut.com.

If your kids love to bake or you are in charge of snacks for your child’s Valentine’s Day party at school… and have no restrictions for bringing food into the classroom (peanuts, etc.), try this recipe for Red Velvet Cupid’s Arrow Cupcakes from Bakerella.com.  The recipe includes instructions for the fun and simple cupid’s arrow that punctures the cupcake!  If we didn’t have so many Girl Scout cookies in my house, we’d be baking this one ourselves!

Add… A Romantical Getaway

If you are planning a private getaway with your special one, consider an overnight at a local bed and breakfast.  You will find interesting accommodations and a great deal of pampering when you stay in any one of the wonderful romantic getaways scattered across Bucks and Montgomery Counties.  Click here for listings of Bed and Breakfasts across the state of Pennsylvania!

Happy Valentine’s Day!