Love it or loathe it, and boy, lots of people are not fans, the sentiment behind Valentine's Day, a day set aside to celebrate love, is a sweet one. When removed from the (very) unrealistic expectations of super-romantic-magical-bliss, what most of us focus on is the love we have for our friends and family. Those are the relationships we cherish and celebrate. And even if we don't think we need a day to remind us, there's nothing wrong with trying to make a winter day smack dab in the middle of February feel at least a little more special. Here's how we'll do just that. 

Amy

Valentine's Day is one of my least favorite holidays. The pressure to perform paralyzes me so I just avoid it all together. Intimacy cannot be manufactured or summoned up on demand so I don't make expectations of myself or my loved ones. Real intimacy is quiet and can be found in the moments where we least expect it -- while at Tuesday night dinner, walking the dog, or running errands. This Valentine's Day, my husband will go to band practice and the kids and I will stay in and order pizza. It will be just another day for us and that's okay. Though...I might add a sugary treat from Buzz or Sugar Shack so the holiday does not go completely unnoticed. [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]

Kristen

I enjoy Valentine’s Day more as a mom than any other time. Leading up to the day, my son and I enjoy baking together (something we rarely do) and working on Valentine’s Day cards for family and friends. While we’ve run through the litany of superhero- or movie-themed cards, this year he opted for hand-made Valentine’s Day cards from a family friend and owner of Cultured Paper. Not only are these cards cute, stylish, and unique for girls or boys alike, they offer a little something extra such as a striped or polka dot pencil, Valentine’s Day eraser, and decorative flags that can be added to each pencil. Valentine’s Day for us is a sort of Friends Giving – a good opportunity to remind family and friends how much you appreciate them. [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]

Celeste

My husband is in Tel Aviv for work so I'm taking my daughters to Landini Brothers for a special Galentine's Dinner. [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]

Elizabeth

As I wrote last week, my husband and I are not big Valentine's Day people. So while he is off on a dinner date with our daughter (setting the bar high for any future suitors), I will happily be at The Shoe Hive hosting our second annual Galentine’s Day party. What better night to show yourself some love and treat yourself to a few hours of shopping with friends and maybe a glass of champagne and some sweet treats.You will receive 20 percent off all new merchandise, homemade treats from Tallulah Norton (Penelope’s very talented sister), and a little something bubbly. Join us! Click here to sign up.