Ask the Patch Pro: Valentine's Day
Looking for ideas to surprise your sweetie? Ask local experts for their advice in the comments section of this article.
Whether or not you believe Valentine's Day is a ploy by retailers, it's never a bad idea to show someone you love them.
In that spirit, this week's Ask the Patch Pro features two local bloggers who boast knowledge of current trends, holiday arts and crafts, romantic dining and much more.
- Megan Cassidy, a Richfield resident and married mother of two, is the creator of Alphabet Adventures. Alphabet Adventures gives tons of ideas for arts and crafts projects, events and games to do with the kids. She's also great at finding a bargain, mostly free or low-cost events throughout the Twin Cities metro area. She's ready to give ideas for do-it-yourself Valentine's Day gift projects for both adults and kids. See her blog on Richfield Patch.
- Melissa Saigh is a former television producer, reporter and news anchor, turned full-time stay-at-home mom and mommy-blogger. Her blog is called Minnesota Baby, and it's about her family's adventures traveling between Minnesota and Singapore. Melissa is a Hopkins native who now lives in Minnetonka, but when her husband AJ took a job in Singapore in late 2012, they decided to make the big move to Singapore for two years. Melissa regularly reviews family, parent and child-friendly products, services and events, and still appears on television in the Twin Cities. She's always up on the latest trends, and her most recent blog highlights Valentine's Day plans for Minnesota celebrity parents, such as media personality Amelia Santaneillo.
Whether you'd like to bounce a gift idea off someone, looking for tips on local romantic restaurants, or searching for ways to get the kids involved in making Mommy or Daddy a valentine, ask away in the comments section below. Also, if you have any loving suggestions for readers, please feel free to share, too.
What are you planning for Valentine's Day?
Tell us in the comments.
Megan Meuli
10:35 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I'd love to read about your Valentine's Day plans! We're going to melt crayons at 250 degrees in metal cupcake trays and give them to our preschool and elementary school friends. What are you doing?
Mac Barlass
10:57 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Croix Chordsmen Barebershop Chorus is sending out 5 Quartets, all dressed up to surprise special someones with a serendae of love songs, a card, a box of candy and a rose. call 651 439- 4527.
Megan Meuli
11:57 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
That's so cool Mac! What's the cost for this awesome service?
Kris Janisch
11:00 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Thanks Mac! I remember sending you guys to serenade the wife at 3M a few years back. She was sufficiently embarrassed, but she thought it was nice, and something different for Valentine's Day.
Megan Meuli
11:07 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
In a HEART SHAPED cupcake pan....they are adorable!
Becky Glander
12:53 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
That's a really fun idea, Megan! Thanks!
Melissa Saigh
12:28 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Hi everyone! Very excited to hear about all of your Valentine's Day plans. My husband and I can't decide between having sushi at Crave, or cooking at home with some of the food we just ordered from Get Maine Lobster. That's right, fresh lobster tails and crab cakes from the icy waters of Maine. What are your plans this Valentine's Day???
Caitlin Burgess
12:31 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Wow. That is a tough one to decide on. Go for the lobster!
Melissa Saigh
1:11 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Doesn't sitting in your warm house, in your pajamas, while eating lobster sound amazing?! Yep, I agree. Although, getting dressed up and out of the house is always fun... and Crave has the most AMAZING calamari and Crunchy Roll. Nom!
Kris Janisch
12:30 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
What do you guys know about the Smooch Project? http://patch.com/N-fWnw
Melissa Saigh
1:12 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Smooch Project sounds so cute Kris! What a fun thing to do on Valentine's Day.
Mary Schier
12:44 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Northfield Youth Choirs do a great singing Valentine, too.
Melissa Saigh
1:13 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Just in Northfield Mary??? Or do they travel??? What's the cost for that?
Mary Schier
1:45 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Melissa -- Local or long-distance for $10. Here's a link: http://www.northfieldyouthchoirs.org/singing-valentines-for-sale-2/
Melissa Saigh
2:07 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
That's a pretty good deal Mary!
Megan Meuli
6:29 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Another idea I was thinking about was having the kids color pieces of paper with hearts, then wrap them around Chapstick tubes (brand new of course), taping them closed and sending a card that says...Love you lots with hugs and kisses!
Megan Meuli
6:34 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Of course I've got to do a shout out for "Heartfelt" in Linden Hills. TOMORROW, February 6 and Thursday, February 7 they will host the Preschool Valentine Festival
Celebrate hearts and love with us! We will make Valentine crowns, decorate a big heart for a loved one and then share a snack and story together. $15; $5 for each additional child per family. Ages 2 1/2 and older with a grown up.
Please call 612-877-8090 to register in advance. 10:30 - 11:30 am
Melissa Saigh
10:12 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Tonight, I had dinner at Pairings in Eden Prairie with my girlfriends. Amazing! They are hosting a dinner on Valentine's Day for $50 a couple (not bad), and although I can't find the info online, they did have a flyer up at the restaurant tonight. Call for details: http://www.pairingsfoodandwine.com/
Becky Glander
10:24 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Yum, I'm jealous! What is everyone's favorite restaurant in the metro area?
Melissa Saigh
10:44 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Crave is always my "go-to" for good food (especially sushi), but Pairings was pretty amazing! Also, Ike's just opened up on the west-side, and I can't get enough of their food.
Vicki Strong
10:47 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
That's the 2nd Thursday of the month. So, I'm serving dinner at Woodbury Lutheran to about 100 people who stop by the Christian Cupboard to get food to help feed their families and then enjoy our monthly community meal. How's that for romance?
Now that you've reminded me it's Valentine's Day I should figure out a way to make it special for couples/families who come in. Thanks to TST Catering for their generosity, I know the food will be great, even if it's just a hot dish and salad.
Hubby and I will have to find time for romance some other night!
Megan Meuli
8:02 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
That's wonderful Vicki!