10 THOUGHTFUL THINGS TO DO, 365 DAYS A YEAR, FOR YOUR VALENTINE

Valentine’s day is right around the corner and instead of offering you gift ideas, I thought I would give you ten thoughtful, playful, simple things you can do for your sweetheart to let him or her know how much you care.

1. Make your valentine some cupcakes! If you don’t bake pick some up from a grocery store or bakery. You could even add a small bag of specialty coffee or tea in a personalized mug so your "love" can eat the cupcakes with an awesome cup of coffee or tea. AND whenever they use the mug, they will be reminded of how much they mean to you.

2. Write 10 - 20 things you love about your valentine in a notebook or journal and either read it to him or her in person, or put it in a place where they were they can easily find it during the day.

3. How about a Mix playlist. (It used to be a mixtape, remember?) Make a playlist of heartfelt songs from your favorite streaming site and text the link to the playlist to your sweetheart.

4. How about an Indoor picnic, set it up in your living room, spread out a blanket, light some candles - fill a basket with favorites. Prepare whatever is special to your guy or gal, pop the cork of your favorite wine or special beverage and enjoy. AND you could play your mix playlist while you are picnicking

5. Send a flirty text or two throughout the day - with a cute selfie

6. Ladies, how about a lipstick print on tissue tucked into his lunch box or wallet? Guys, how about a love letter or a date request on a stickie note? You could stick it on the mirror where she gets ready in the morning or tuck it into her handbag.

7. Write a poem, haiku, or a song. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple but from your heart. It could even be funny!

8. Movie night! watch your favorite movie together. Don’t forget the popcorn, candy, and fuzzy blanket to cozy up in!

9. Make your own I Love You card. I guarantee you that card will be kept long after the store-bought cards have been tossed.

10. Play a board game! Which one is up to you (wink), but the point is to spend time and interact together.

11. BONUS: If you want to spice things up - read the Song of Solomon together, and yes, you’ll have some giggles over the goat, sheep, dove, and gazelle comparisons, but hey, it was ancient times! Still, the Song of Solomon is pretty hot! (It makes me blush.)

Happy Valentine's Day!