Valentine's Day Idea Guide

Have you ever...

Struggled to find someone the right piece of chocolate?

Do you find it hard to walk down the Valentine's Day candy aisle because there are so many choices?

- OR -

Are you someone that doesn't like the general population of humans and would rather spend the day indulging in things you love and things that make you happy?

Either way- we've got you covered.

The gesture of giving a loved one a gift, specifically something sweet, dates back hundreds of years. You'd think by now you'd have it down to a science but the truth is- the world is a quickly shifting environment and retail and food fads change in the blink of an eye.

"Oh chocolate, my chocolate, wherefore art thou chocolate?"

That's how it goes, right? Whatever...

Anyway, here's a list of some things you can get and do for your sweets (or yourself if that's your jam) last minute that'll still feel special and well thought out, even though I'm doing the thinking for you.

1) BUY A PROJECTOR AND WATCH A MOVIE OUTSIDE.

Put a new twist on an old classic! Everyone loves snuggling up and watching a movie - new or old, at home or at the movie theater. How about switching things up and kicking it up a notch with an at-home projector? Whether you have a treehouse or live in an apartment, a projector is perfect for that out-of-the-box date night idea- for yourself or with others! Of course, if you have neighbors you'll want to clear it with them. Plus, while I like the idea of watching a movie in the park or something you'll probably need like 30 permits and some sort of power, so that might not work... Hahaha! Stick with your own property. Other than having to buy the projector and some goodies, this is a perfect little nook of a night. Not to mention- this idea goes hand and hand with getting yourself a

wonderful little box of chocolates in a cute little heart from the Candy Basket. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

2) MAKE YOUR OWN MAD LIB!

Remember this stuff from elementary school? This game can warrant the biggest laughs. A few friends and I recently started looking up random mad lib outlines and filling them out with the craziest words. Not only did we start looking them up online but we started creating our own outlines too. It can be a hoot and a half no matter who you're spending your sweet day or night with. I admit, I even curl up with a glass of wine and do them myself on the days I just don't feel like being around anyone. Of course, with wine and mad lib you're going to need a decadent treat. Why not some Fleur de Sel Salted Caramels? #yumyum

3) HAVE A VALENTINES BAKE-OFF

This has got to be one of my favorites. Baking makes me happy. What makes me even happier is getting to share what I've created with people I enjoy. Even better than THAT is getting to bake with the people you like and competing to make your best! Not to mention there's a plethora of goodies to eat after y'all are done. What could be better? Single or not, everyone likes cookies!

Here's a recipe for the cookies pictured above just to give you a head start:

(gosh, I just LOVE chewy cookies.........)

YIELD: 1

M&M Cookies

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PREP TIME10 minutes

COOK TIME9 minutes

TOTAL TIME19 minutes

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chopped M&Ms candies

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375° and line a cookie sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
In a medium bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar together. Beat very well, about 45 seconds. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat until combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients (except M&Ms) and add it in 2 batches to the creamed butter, beating just to combine.
Stir in the chopped M&Ms. Make 12 dough balls (roll them in your hand), space them evenly on the cookie sheet and bake for 9-10 minutes.
Remove from oven, and let cool for 1 minute on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.