We’re officially halfway through winter, which means more bundling up through the rain (and possibly snow?) for the foreseeable future. And with Valentine's Day around the corner, that also means more bundling up with our loved ones. We love an excuse to celebrate love (and not just the romantic kind) and are always up for ways to pep up any season!
Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, family, friends or celebrating loving yourself, we’ve gathered our favorite ideas of things to do in mid-February <3. Every activity can be adjusted to fit the people you’re celebrating with, so choose one (or two, or three?!) that brings you joy and run with it.
1. Write Love Notes
Let’s bring back writing letters of love and appreciation to those in our life and put an interactive twist on it. Instead of paper, write your letter on our newest puzzle and then let them piece together (pun totally intended) your words of affection! Do a puzzle exchange with your beau or get several to send out to family members who live a little further. Sending to Grandma + Grandpa? Get the kids to help add all the silly pictures and / or fine artwork :).
2. Bundle Up and Get Outside
If you haven’t sought out the snow yet, now is the perfect time to take a little adventure! Search online for your snow-capped destination (the Washington Trails Association is perfect place to start) and then go for a morning hike or leisurely afternoon walk in a winter wonderland. Sled, snowshoe, have a snowball fight, then head home for a delicious mug of hot cocoa (peppermint schnapps optional). Before you go, present yourself, your Valentine’s day crew or your partner with a poncho or cashmere scarf that’s as stylish as it is warm to keep them nice and toasty beneath those layers.
3. Dinner, Cocktails and a Movie
A classic idea that you can make as traditional or nontraditional as you want. Plan out a menu and get in the kitchen to chop, sauté and bake the evening away with your kids, partner, or virtually with a far away friend or family member. Need some recipe ideas? You’ll have many to choose from with any of these. Pick up a set of delightful glasses to serve cocktails, mocktails or sparking cider in, and then decide on a movie (romance optional – if you want to see a thriller instead, watch that!) and enjoy a cozy night in.
4. Dress Up and Dance
Step one: choose a playlist. Step two: break out the fancy clothes. Step three: dance the night away! Before the dance party gets underway, break out the bling with some new earrings, a necklace or cuff links. (Consider including a modern jewelry box to store them in.) Adding just a little bit extra can help elevate the look and make your night of dancing feel truly spectacular.
5. Indulge in a Little "Me Time"
To create a luxurious spa session for yourself or someone else, you’ll want to equip yourself with just the right products. Begin with a soothing soak, then moisturize with warmly scented lotion. Also be sure to give your face some love with a mask that’ll leave the skin feeling supple and soft. Pair this spa gift with some wine and locally made chocolate to complete the experience.
6. Go On a Day Trip
Maybe you’re not able to go far for the holiday this year. But that doesn’t mean that a day trip is out of the question. Grab a sweet bag to carry all your essentials, and get off the island! Take a ride (bonus points for ferry trips) to a nearby town, grab some local bites and spend the day playing tourist. (Bow-Edison, Bainbridge and Langley are just a few of our fave mini-escape spots.)
