Is it just me or did January last for about a year? Finally, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  Jake and I generally keep things pretty low key on V-Day:  we typically exchange cards, I usually get some beautiful flowers, and we usually go out to dinner. Neither of us are very materialistic and we prefer to celebrate the day by doing something together rather than exchanging extravagant gifts. The only “excessive” Valentine’s Day we have had was the year we went to Disneyland before Jake went to basic training (again), and that was more because the dates happened to line up! With Valentine’s Day being on Thursday this year, we are planning to keep it pretty mellow. Whether you are looking for a romantic night in, or looking for a more romantic night without spending too much money, I have one of our go-to date-night-in meals!

Jake and I tend to make dinner together pretty much every night. If you are like us, you will want to make your Valentine’s dinner a little more special. You can do this in one of two ways: You could decide to make a more high-end dinner and select filet mignon, lobster or other aphrodisiacs along with rich side dishes. You can light candles and set mood music….if that’s your thing. To be honest, that kind of dining is not up our alley. If we wanted high-end, we would go out! The other option is to make a meal together that is more interactive! One of our favorites is homemade pizza. Your date can start at the grocery store where you pick out your sauces and toppings for your pizzas. You can also purchase pre-made dough or make your own (click here to see the recipe we use.) Once you are home you can get to cooking. It can be so much fun to clear off your counter and cover it with flour as you roll out your dough. We have been known to try to toss ours only to have it fall on the floor (maybe make some extra dough).  A little bit of mess makes it more fun and light-hearted in my opinion! Instead of making individual pizzas you can also make one pizza together. Take turns adding toppings and making it your own. While your pizza is in the oven you can toss together a quick Caesar salad and open a bottle of wine, then Bon Appetite! This is a fun and interactive way to spend time together on Valentine’s Day.

For one of our anniversaries we went to the Melting Pot and had the best time. The Melting Pot can definitely be a little pricey, but don’t fret…you can still have a cozy fondue night in! All you need is a slow cooker. At the grocery store they do have fondue mix that you can purchase, or you can make it from scratch! Pinterest has so many great savory and sweet fondue recipes to try! If you are in a time crunch and don’t have the time to make your own, you can also purchase a variety of chocolate chips or chocolate melting disks. Milk, Dark, White and Butterscotch, and Peanut Butter chips will do the trick! You will need a clean Mason jar for each flavor (you can find these at craft and grocery stores if you do not have any on hand). Start by filling your slow cooker up with just enough water to cover the jars about half way. Fill your jars about 3/4 of the way with your chocolate chips (or chips of choice) then place jars in water. Let them start to melt on low heat while you stir occasionally. It will take about 30 minutes for them to melt completely. Once they are melted turn off your slow cooker but leave the jars in the water to keep them warm. That its! Gather up your dippers (bite size fruit, marshmallows, mini doughnut holes, brownie bites, cookies, Rice Krispy Treats, etc.) and have a ball dipping and feeding each other! Make sure to purchase fondue forks if you do not already have them, or you can use long bamboo skewers.

If you’re not into fondue, your dessert can really be anything you want it to be! There can be something so romantic about a delicious chocolate cake or light and fluffy mousse. Break out the whipped cream and maraschino cherries and everyone is going to be happy!

What are planning to do for Valentine’s Day? Big plans or laying low? What kind of Valentine’s Day traditions do you and your honey have?

XOXO, Cait B.