For those who live spontaneously…

Maybe this sweet hearted day slipped through your brain and maybe by the time you were scrolling on your social media feeds you saw two kinds of players, those who are not the biggest fans of Valentine’s day and those who throw hearts everywhere. Regardless, if you have a sweetie and didn’t make the dinner reservations these are five things you can try out without shelling nearly hundred dollars in a crowded restaurant with a subpar meal. Victor and I don’t really like doing anything too extravagant for the sake of a holiday, but we love to create memories and to try new things. If there’s any excuse to celebrate love, whether it’d be romantic or congenial then let’s celebrate. Here are a few ideas that might get you going…

1. Fondue for two! Create a fondue night with a little expensive bubbly. Ok, so it’s been about a solid month and half of detoxing and eating well after the holidays. It’s time for a treat! Heat up your favorite cheese and chocolate and dip your favorite bread or fruit. Soundtrack ‘Let’s Stay Together’ by Al Green, and you’ve got a different kind Tuesday evening. We love this recipe plus this one too.

2. A meal for two. Make a last-minute trip to the store and get unique pantry staples and new ingredients for a one-of-a-kind meal. Victor and I love to cook together; I’m usually top chef while he plays an excellent sous-chef also nicknamed as ‘Vito.’ Get inspired by your favorite restaurant and try to replicate your favorite meal. Maybe dine a delicious lamb with couscous or if vegetarian, create meaty eggplant Parmesan. The best part is setting the table for a unique meal that can be added to the weekly dinner meals. Cook, Dine, and relish!

3. If you’re able to make it out in one of the non-rainy days or even tonight, set up a simple picnic under the stars just as the sun sets and start a (safe) fire to keep warm. Spring is coming and the wintery days are almost behind us, so let’s snuggle and wrap up our favorite treats, chocolates, (gluten-free) doughnuts. Pick up dinner from Whole Foods or your favorite Deli heat it at home and pair it with your favorite craft brew or bubbly drink. Victor and I will most likely drink coffee 😉
   

   Bridge to Bridge cruise at night

4. Try something new! Victor and I always love trying new activities together. Groupon has a list of activities to try. Maybe it’ll inspire a new hobby or new kind of date rather than just dining and watching a movie. Classes that caught our eye range from chocolate making, attending a comedy show, learning to sculpt or even hop on a Bridge to Bridge Cruise here in the Bay Area. Many of these classes are under $50, and the idea is to venture to learn something new. We encourage letting it be about creating a memory and being able to experience a slice of life together in a new setting. Victor and I are seriously considering the chocolate making class.
   

   Castello Di Amoroso on a rainy day from a previous visit

5. Take a day trip. Maybe end your day a little early at work and head over to Castello Di Amoroso in Calistoga. Escaping to wine country might be deemed as a weekend activity, but really all you need is an hour drive plus a couple of hours of enjoying bittersweet taste lingering in the air and heading back home. Although Castello might close at 5 pm, it’s always there the next day and even better if you acquire membership! Victor and I have been longing to photograph an engagement shoot or something else special there since the castle-like manor is a piece of an enchanted fairytale. You can drift off to the beautiful spaces and enjoy the mini vacation.

Image via Movie

Plan B, maybe the efforts too much, and maybe you’d rather just stay in and be cozy. You can never go wrong with flowers and a movie. Or take a cue from us and make a pizza. Victor and I stored a little taste of Castello Di Amoroso and have been waiting to uncork it and pair it with a homemade pizza plus a little Roman Holiday, one of my favorite Hepburn films.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Rodriguezs!

Photo by © Kristine Herman Photography

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