Guest Post: Planning for Valentine's Day

Editor's note: Today I'd like to welcome a guest post from Mary Ann Rosenthal from www.cybermondaydeals.com.

 © Kati Molin | Dreamstime.com

A former co-worker of mine set the bar high in planning for the February 14 holiday we call Valentine's Day. Because he grew up in a household of five sisters and no brothers, he's particularly tuned in to the women in his family as well as his women friends. Each year he saves and plans to make some really special treats for the people he cares about. It's the wonderful treats that he brought to the workplace for co-workers that really surprised and delighted us. One year it was strawberries dipped in chocolate that he had to carefully transport in a cooler. Another year it was hand-made chocolate truffles; another year it was fudge — I could go on and on. Although the traditional gifts of roses and chocolates are wonderful, if you don't want to go into debt as you are just recovering from the big December holidays, try some of these ideas to create a little loving kindness this year. 

• Send or pick up a pot of tulips or a beautiful pink potted orchid this year. They usually run a little less at the florist than red roses and have the added bonus of lasting much longer if nurtured in their container. 
• Speaking of containers,  I am an unashamed recycler. Lately I have tried to think outside the box when selecting flowers for an occasion or a dinner party. I often pick up unusual vases at garage sales or the thrift store and then buy my flowers in bundles from a grocery store. If you are lucky enough to have all those you love within driving distance, arrange your own flowers from the grocery store in an unusual container and hand deliver it. The extra time you spent arranging and selecting your gift will show, and the fact that they were hand delivered will be appreciated as well. 
• Treat yourself to something new. If you don't happen to have a mini cupcake pan, treat yourself to one. They are great to have on hand for small children, and you can make an easy chocolate treat in the form of rich fudge brownies. The arts and craft store or even the grocery story may have decorated or pink paper baking cups. The brownies can be iced and sprinkled or topped with chopped nuts. Check out your favorite recipe or online source for easy or rich chocolate brownies and try your hand at decorating them! 
• Finally, how do you make something special for the family? If you are a busy working mom or dad, maybe you don't have time to bake or even make a trip to the arts and craft store, but your local grocery store is filled with special treats at this time of year. And if you are on a budget how about this — just purchase red sprinkles and serve on top of chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream. The sprinkles will keep for next year's holiday cookies if you don't already have them in your pantry and the extra effort will make your family smile! 

Mary Ann Rosenthal is a grandmother to four beautiful children under the age of five. She is dedicated to helping her friends and family save money and works with her son Aaron at www.cybermondaydeals.com. She is also an artist, writer and aspiring photographer living in Saint Augustine, Florida.