Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but it’s still not too late to get a few last-minute gifts for your best friends. Whether they’re into beauty and fragrances or bags and jewelry, we’ve got you covered. But these sweet treats aren’t just for your girlfriends. Take a little time to treat yourself to one (or two) of these gifts. After all, you deserve a little extra love this Valentine’s Day, Super Mom.

Pacifica Power of Love Lipstick ($10 each) and Persian Rose fragrance ($22)

Not many beauty brands can say that their products are affordable, let alone 100% vegan and cruelty-free, but Pacifica is all three. Known for their soft hand creams and intoxicating perfumes, the all-natural company also has a line of cosmetics, including a few love-inspired products perfect for V-Day. At $10 a pop, the Power of Love Lipsticks are perfect for gifting or even treating yourself. We especially love the shade Super Love, a true blue red that makes your teeth look whiter.

Adding to their already enticing selection of scents, Pacifica has released Persian Rose, a blend of Bulgarian rose, violet, myrhh, and fruits. Bonus: the packaging has an old world feel, so the perfume will look just as pretty as it smells sitting on your vanity.

Angela Roi V Chain Cross-body bag in Red, $82

Small, sleek bags are trending right now, but finding a purse that’s the perfect mix of chic and cheap is not so easy. This vegan pocketbook from Angela Roi is the best of both of both worlds. Perfect for toting day and night, the V Chain Cross-body bag in red will add a pop of color to even your most neutral outfits. We especially love the removable gold chain and magnetic closures for safekeeping.

Chamilia Sterling Silver Stackable Rings, $30-$70 each

Ahhh jewelry. Is there any gift more Valentine’s Day-appropriate than a sparkly ring? We don’t think so. Of course, jewelry doesn’t come cheap, which is why Chamilia sterling silver stackable rings are an absolute steal. Featuring sweet text message-inspired phrases around the bands, the rings can be worn together or on a chain, as seen in the above picture.

Naja Lingerie

Who says you can’t be your own Valentine this holiday? Give yourself (and your best girlfriends if you’re feeling generous) a sweet but sexy underwear set from Naja, a lingerie company dedicated to hiring single moms and women who are the heads of their households. No matter your style, you’ll find something that strikes your fancy. Along with hiring women in need, Naja is also committed to helping the environment; more than 50% of their products are made from recycled materials.

The post Treat Your Best Girlfriends (and Yourself!) to Valentine-Inspired Beauty, Fashion and Jewelry appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Hershey’s is making Valentine’s Day unforgettable this year with family-fun filled treats to create lasting memories and help you send a “message of love” to your other Valentine – your kids – with baskets full of new and classic treats.

From candy to baked goods to activities you can do together, here are five basket themes you can consider to help send a message of love this Valentine’s Day!

Scavenger Hunt Basket

Show your playful side and include written clues in a basket full of goodies to start a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. Hide sweet treats around the house along with little messages of love, so when your loved ones find them, they will know you are always thinking of them. Or, simply hide new HERSHEY’S KISSES Conversation Candies featuring sayings such as “XOXO” and “BE MINE” on each foil (sold exclusively at Target) around the house. Telling someone how you feel couldn’t be easier when the chocolate treats say it for you.

Personalized Baskets

Create a basket that helps celebrate your kids and everything that makes them unique. Add touches that show your child’s personality and create a personalized themed basket all about them. Include fun items that make their favorite activity more special – from festive colored pencils for the artist to a new baseball glove for the athlete, personalized baskets help make the celebration much more fun. Sweeten the deal with your child’s favorite treats such as new HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate; KIT KAT AND REESE’S Assortment Heart Box; JOLLY RANCHER Bites; or REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures 7-oz. Heart Box.

Playing Pretend Basket

Reading is a great way to spend time with your kids. Make the simple gifts exciting again and fill a basket with your favorite books and corresponding props for your little cuties this Valentine’s Day. Read the books together and use the props to create sweet memories, reenacting your favorite parts of the story together. Spend Valentine’s Day playing pretend with your little ones – from discovering new worlds, befriending dragons to building fairy fortresses out of pillows, playing pretend will create special moments that will last a lifetime.

Fun and Games Basket

Spending time with your loved ones is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Create a game night basket the whole family is sure to love. Make things a little more fun by creating your own game or playing an old classic using HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Hearts filled with Caramel as playing pieces. You can even play tic-tac-toe or checkers using HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Hearts and HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolates as the tokens. This Valentine’s Day basket is a sure what to make game night a whole lot sweeter.  

Sprinkle Your Valentine with Love Basket

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with an activity you can do together? Pull together a fun basket of goodies with different ingredients for a delicious baked good you can make together. Need inspiration? HERSHEY partnered with Betty Crocker to create fun recipes such as these “Sweetheart Cookies,” perfect for Valentine’s Day:

What You’ll Need:

• 1 pouch BETTY CROCKER sugar cookie mix (Butter and egg called for on cookie mix pouch)
• 2 tablespoons GOLD MEDAL all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons white sparkling sugar or granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons coarse pink sparkling sugar or pink decorator sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder or granules
• About 36 HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolate Candies, unwrapped
• About 36 HERSHEY’S HUGS Candies, unwrapped

Directions:

1. Make cookie dough as directed on package, stirring in flour. Roll dough into 36 (1-inch) balls. Combine sugars and coffee powder in small bowl. Roll balls in sugar-coffee mixture. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

2. Bake at 375°F 7 to 9 minutes or until set. Immediately press one HERSHEY’S HUGS Candy into center of each cookie. Allow to stand about 5 minutes until soft; press lightly. Top melted candy with chocolate candy.

3. If desired, reverse the candies on the cookies. Cool; place on cooling racks. Cool completely.

*BPT

The post A Tisket a Tasket a Valentine’s Day Basket: 5 ways to send a message of love appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you’ve been married for a few years, chances are Valentine’s Day isn’t what it used to be. Fresh ideas don’t seem so fresh… Instead of a dozen roses you’d rather get a dozen more hours of sleep. A stuffed bear? It’s just one more thing to wash. Chocolate? Well… a girl can never get enough chocolate.

Whether you’ve been married two or twenty years, at one time or another you and your partner will go through one (or a few) lulls. The emotional down doesn’t have to last, however, and the perfect time to get the ball rolling again is Valentine’s Day. Sometimes the regular restaurant date can seem more like a chore than an actual date, so choose something that’s out of the ordinary, perhaps something you and your spouse have never done before. Here are a few ideas that will inspire you to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Spend only $20 EACH on gifts.

Who says Valentine’s Day gifts have to cost an arm and a leg? When you and your spouse set price limits on gifts for each other, you take any stressful questions out of the equation. Rather than wondering “Did I spend too much?” or “Is this enough?” you can actually concentrate on spending time together. If you really want to take the romantic factor up a notch, make handmade gifts and cards for each other, spending no money and using only materials from around the house. Have glass jars or old soup cans in the kitchen cabinet just waiting to be used for craft projects? Decorate a jar or can and fill it up with handwritten describing your favorite memories together. Have your husband take each piece of paper out one by one and read it aloud. By talking about the good times, you’ll both remember the little reasons why you love each other and why you both work to make your marriage strong.

Get your adrenaline pumping–together.

If your love life is in need of a boost, doing a physical activity together on Valentine‘s Day may be the perfect option for you and your man. Studies show that engaging in an adrenaline-pumping activity can lead to arousal and reignite the spark typically found in young relationships. Whether it’s rock climbing or salsa dancing, you and your partner will get some much needed one-on-one time that’s sure to lead to more intimate time later.

Reminisce about and recreate your favorite date.

Some of your fondest memories of your relationship probably happened at the beginning. After all, there’s nothing quite like the butterflies of happiness, excitement, and fear you experience when you’re in love. Those heightened emotions aren’t only reserved for young relationships, however. Fall for your husband over again by recreating your favorite date, including everything from the clothes you were wearing to the conversation. If your favorite date occurred at a cute little restaurant, do the date sans the restaurant. The conversation, not the spaghetti and meatballs, was probably the best part anyway.

Separated on Valentine’s Day? Make a care package.

If you’re in a long term relationship, chances are you’ve been separated from your significant other on a least at one Valentine’s Day. Sure, you can schedule a date the next weekend but not why do a little something extra too? Send your hubby a care package to let him know that you’re thinking about him and what he can expect when you see each other again. If you’re traveling for your job, send a cute souvenir from the city where you’re working along with a handwritten letter. If your husband is the one away, send him a box full of candies, chocolate, and whatever else you can dream up. Make sure to check with his hotel for any special directions or restrictions when sending packages.

The post 4 Valentine’s Day Date Alternatives that Don’t Involve a Restaurant appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but don’t despair.. But you didn’t need me to tell you that, right? With stores inundated with chocolate, hearts and all things red and pink, it’s hard not to think about Valentine’s Day. But if you’ve been caught off-guard, or even if you’re an early bird planning for next year, don’t despair! If it feels like you’re hurtling towards the day with no real plan in store, Omni Hotels & Resorts is here to help you take stock and make it a most memorable day.

With its dedicated properties across North America, Omni Hotels & Resorts has something for every budget and lifestyle. Omni will help you breathe easier, and with its romantic packages and last-minute deals, each Omni property is here to help its guests take their Valentine’s breath away!

Looking for something truly romantic? Available nationwide, Omni is offering the “Retreat to Romance” package this year. With a surplus of lavish amenities, the package includes a pre-call from a concierge to customize your stay; a charming bottle of Chandon sparkling wine; late checkout; a $100 cocktail and cuisine credit that can be used for in-room dining or at on-property outlets;  robes, music and even romantic mood lighting that’s set for you at turndown.

Another unique feature that places the Omni brand apart from its peers is each property’s attention to detail. Just as you’re familiar with hearing that location is everything, with the Omni brand, detail is everything. To this end, not only does each property across the country blend in with the local culture, Omni properties manage their personal touch while still providing guests the luxury and award-winning service that the brand is known for, including four-diamond services, immaculately-appointed rooms and suites, and a host of prizewinning restaurants.

In addition to each Omni property catering to the local culture, for Valentine’s Day, there are property-specific events and offerings available as well. At the Omni Parker House in Boston, for instance, rekindle the magic of Camelot by staying where, in 1953, JFK proposed to Jackie Bouvier (Parker’s Restaurant) and held his bachelor’s party (The Press Room of The Parker House). Want something more tangible? Why not try one of these deals:

• Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa – Palm Springs, California. Enjoy a unique take on California New American cuisine at the resort’s restaurant, bluEmber. The “His & Hers Special” will include Twin Lobster Tails or Cowboy Ribeye Steak, and a dessert trio with a glass of champagne. For additional details, call 760-568-2727.

• Omni Houston Hotel – Houston, Texas. The “Valentine’s NOE Dinner” package includes deluxe accommodations, Chandon, chocolate covered long stem strawberries, and a three-course meal at NOE restaurant. There’s even an option for wine pairing. For additional details, call 713-871-8181.

•  The Omni Homestead Resort – Hot Springs, Virginia. A special Valentine’s Day dinner will be held with menu items that include Sea urchin Bisque and Mushroom Vol au Vent. The resort is also offering activities for couples over the weekend, including couple’s skiing, night skiing, yoga, and dancing. For additional details, call 800-838-1766.

So if you happen to be concerned about your plans, plan to contact Omni Hotels & Resorts right away. And if you think traveling this weekend will be too laborious, remember that Omni Hotels & Resorts are located all across the country, making travel plans that much easier to book and travel destinations that much closer to home.

And with Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend this year, you’ll certainly have time to travel. Instead of trying to salvage some part of a workday, you’ll have a full weekend to take advantage of! What’s more, with the Monday following Valentine’s Day being a national holiday, many have a three-day weekend in store, a rare miracle indeed.

So don’t delay! Book your stay at Omni Hotels & Resorts for Valentine’s Day weekend. Give the gift of stately ambiance with a romantic twist—give the gift of Omni!

For more information, please visit www.omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

The post Give the Gift of Ambience with a Romantic Twist – Give the Gift of Omni! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you’ve had it with love, or perhaps just had it with this particular Hallmark holiday, then maybe this will be your year for an Anti-Valentine’s Day. Yes, it’s a thing. And no, you won’t need to buy any cynical cards with sarcastic quotes or angry cats on them in order to celebrate.

Whether you’re single, married, divorced, separated or in that awkward yet oh-so-familiar we’ve gone on three dates and I really want to sleep with him but fear he won’t respect me stage in your relationship, there’s no shame in celebrating Anti-Valentine’s Day.  Before your valentine shells out $250 on dinner and an extra $50 on chocolate which will only end up on your thighs (it’s a money-saving tool as much as it is the shortest-lived diet of your life), give Cupid the night off – and perhaps the middle finger – by reveling in some of our favorite Anti-V-Day activities.

1.  Play Hooky – Thanks to the calendar gods, Valentine’s Day falls on Saturday this year. We know that there are plenty of people working on the weekends, so here’s our advice: play hooky! You’ve got PTO racked up anyway, so why not ditch the desk and your annoying love-hungry coworkers with their heart shaped chocolates and enjoy the day to yourself for once? Book a mani-pedi, get a massage…hell, stay in your pajamas all day and eat an entire large pizza to yourself! Who cares?!

2.  Kitchen Duty: Do not, we repeat, DO NOT go out to dinner! Instead, resolve to stay home and cook a fabulous Anti-V-Day feast for yourself or family. Better yet, make it a party! Call up your single friends, married friends, and ‘I hate men’ friends and make a night of it.

3.  Stick It to the Man: Your ex, that is.  If you’re finding yourself newly single due to a bad break-up or divorce, perhaps your time this Anti- V-Day will be best spent at the pawn shop.  Cash in on his loss by selling rings, bracelets, watches and other gifts he gave you before the relationship went south.   It’s totally cathartic and a potential money-maker, so either way you’ve hit the jackpot!

4.  Break a Sweat: You may or may not have some pent up aggression, and what better way to release those inner demons than punching stuff (not people)? Head down to your local boxing studio for some of the best stress-relief money can buy.  Not into physical contact? Try paint balling. It’s a great way to get your adrenaline going and may even kick-start your libido (because who knows).  If these options are unavailable in your neighborhood, we’re pretty sure no one will judge you if you just buy a piñata and beat the hell out of it in your own backyard (just be sure to share the candy with your concerned neighbors).

5.  Tell Your Tale of Woe: This one is not for the faint of heart.  If you’ve got the gusto (or perhaps a heightened blood alcohol level), find a local club hosting an open mic night and commiserate with others.  Another cathartic option for those willing to share their story with complete strangers. Our recommendation: get a few drinks in first.  Better yet, turn it into a drinking game! Anytime someone says the words ‘heart,’ ‘love,’ ‘break up,’ or ‘ex,’ take a swig! You won’t even remember all that you divulged come tomorrow. Hooray for drinking games and the magic they work! Just be sure to have a designated driver in tow.

The post Celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day: A How-To Guide appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

This Valentine’s Day gift your Valentine with HNINA chocolates (http://www.hninagourmet.com/) that are delicious AND nutritious. These 100% raw and vegan dark-chocolate truffles are high in protein, vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and nutrients while being non-GMO, pesticide-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free and kosher. Available in 7 unique flavors, HNINA chocolates include Almonds + Hazelnuts, Macadamias + Pistachios, Brazilian Nuts + Almonds + Coconut, Walnuts + Cashews, Seeds, Pecans + Pine Nuts and Pistachios + Hazelnut.

Cook a romantic dinner at home with Cookware, Bakeware and Contemporary Cutlery from Viking (www.vikingrange.com) that is 100% manufactured in the U.S. and includes everything from sauce pans, stock pots and pressure cookers, to baking pans, roast pans and knife sets.

You can’t have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner without a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert! Do something fun and romantic together on February 14th…like bake together! Thanks to Mastrad (www.mastrad.us) you can bake heart-shaped mini desserts with a Heart Cup cake pan, make a delicious variety of red velvet, carrot and spice cupcakes with the Cupcake Kit and enjoy delicious fondue with Valentine’s Day themed Ceramic Chocolate Fondue sets. You’ll have fun spending quality time together and end up with a sweet treat to cap off your romantic evening!

Stealing a few moments with your sweetie may be difficult with little ones in the house…until now! Keep your kiddos occupied with BabyTV (www.babytv.com),a FOX International Channel that is the world’s leading commercial-free channel for babies, toddlers and parents, reaching over 100 countries worldwide and available in 18 languages. BabyTV has also launched a series of mobile apps with the goal of bringing their audience a valuable exchange between the TV and their ever popular digital devices.

The post Valentine’s Day (at home) Essentials appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Between the luxurious dinners, the wine and champagne, and of course dessert – Valentine’s Day is one of the most indulgent days of the year. And while a little decadence is deserved at times, we at Juice Press think it’s far more romantic to show your partner you care the healthy way with a variety of sweet treats.

Here, we share some favorites to spark the mood and show your love:

Raw Chocolates: These are superfood raw chocolate truffles, perfect for a pick me up on Valentine’s Day or really any time you need (or want) one… ! The combination of raw cacao, energizing maca, acai, pomegranate and goji berries is the perfect gluten free treat. An added bonus – raw cacao is claimed to have amazing nutritive properties including being antioxidant, iron and magnesium rich.

Love at First Sight: A sweet way to get your greens, this delicious blend combines green apple, kale, spinach and lemon to give you the perfect proportions of savory, sweet, and tart. Alkalizing benefits and a super-dose of iron make this a choice that is as smart as it is satisfying.

Love Me: Inspired by the graffiti “Love Me” by Curtis Kulig, an American artist, photographer, and illustrator, this combination of kale, spinach, green apple and lemon has a higher greens to fruit ratio, serving up savory in a stylish package.

Acai Bowl: acai berry bowl is a layered work of perfection! with a nutty crust as the base and a maca infused acai filling, our raw berry jam and fresh banana slices top this off perfectly. gluten free!

Share your love this Valentine’s Day with healthy options from Juice Press.

About Juice Press
Dedicated to organic product, Juice Press offers options that are vegan and kosher with no high pressure processing (hpp) or genetically modified organisms (gmos). Their cold pressed juices, gourmet superfood smoothies, raw food entrees, salads, sandwiches and desserts are all made fresh daily. Juice Press draws women, men, health nuts, raw foodies, night-lifers, moms, tweens and toddlers and delivers to them at home or in the office from Manhattan to Brooklyn to almost anywhere in the country.

www.juicepress.com for store locations and more information.

The post Treat your Sweetie – the Healthy Way appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Some people consider Valentine’s Day a stressful holiday that forces romantic gestures.  I’d rather look at it as an opportunity to celebrate the reason my wife and I got married in the first place.  We may have busy schedules, the kids still need to be tucked into bed and we may not have a babysitter to head out on a dinner date, but we can always find a few minutes in the craziness of life to take time out for each other.  And sometimes the most inexpensive, meaningful ideas are the best and most appreciated.  Here are a few of the ideas I’ve used over the years:

1.    A Picnic Perfect Evening.  Once the kids are tucked safely in bed, lay out blanket (in front of the fire place gets you extra credit), put on the Barry White or Sade, dig out the champagne glasses (even if you’re having water), set the mood with some candles, and enjoy dinner picnic style.  It can be as simple as a pizza.

2.    Inexpensive and Fun Win.  A game of bowling with a couple of beers or putt-putt golf are always good for a few laughs together.  You can even surprise him by going sledding (it’s not just for kids!) or taking in a local basketball or hockey game.  These ideas are all inexpensive and put a little fun into your relationship.

3.    Skip the Card, Go for The Post-It Note.  Yes, that’s right, Post-It Notes.  But not one or two, I’m talking about a house filled with them.  Give her all the reasons you love her.  Stick them the bathroom mirror, on her pillow, on the back of the front door, and on the coffee pot.  The idea may seem small but the sentiment is huge.

4.    Be Unconventional.  No one ever said that Valentine’s Day had to be celebrated ON Valentine’s Day.  Celebrate the day before or the day after. Or take the morning off work and take the kids to school, then head to brunch with your significant other. 

5.    Bring Back the “Mixed Tape.”  Remember when you were dating and you’d create a mixed tape or cd filled with your favorite songs together?  Whip up this old time favorite for your beloved this Valentine’s Day by uploading your favorite songs to her iPod or MP4 player.  Don’t forget to include a song you danced to at your wedding!

6.    Recreate Your First Date or the Night You Met.  Unless your first date was an out-of-control frat party, this idea will be a real memory maker.  Bring back as many things from your first date as possible, from the food, to the friends you were with, to the movie you watched, or the sporting event you attended.  You may have to improvise a bit but the effort behind it will win you a lot of points with your loved one.

7.    Movie Marathon Night.  Visit the library or movie rental spot and pick-up his/her favorites, a movie from when you first started dating, or one that is your favorite together.  Pop some popcorn, make up some hot toddy’s or hot chocolate and cuddle up for a movie marathon.

8.    Book His and Hers Massages.  Make an appointment for the two of you to get massages together at a local spa or massage school that offers discounted services.  You probably won’t be in the same room but think how appreciated this gesture will be and how relaxed you’ll both be when you emerge an hour later!

9.    No Reservation, No Problem.  Tuck the little ones in and invite your lady love to dinner at Chez Husband instead.  Plan a menu around her favorite foods and whip up a romantic dinner at home.  The dinner can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it.  Light candles, pour a couple glasses of wine, relax, and chat the evening away.  Tipping is appreciated, but not required.

10. Document Your Life Together.  Do you have tons of pictures of the two of you sitting on your desktop?  Find a site like One True Media and create a video montage for your favorite someone.  You can make a stunning gift that will be hard to beat next year.  Simply upload your favorite digital photos, pick a couple of great songs, and there you’ll have it.  I can almost guarantee this one will bring a few tears, hugs, and kisses.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Spark a Creative Romance this Valentine’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Perhaps more than any other celebrated “holiday,” Valentine’s Day draws a deep divide between many people. There are those who could care less about the day, such as my boss, who, happily married, places no value on a single “love” day as she believes that everyday should be Valentine’s Day. Then there are those who genuinely despise the day as nothing more than the commercialization of love, a way for big business to make a quick dollar off of people. And of course there are those blessed souls who absolutely adore the day, such as various co-workers of mine who dress up in pink and red while handing out candy and cards to staff members.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day, one of the great things to remember is that there are no set rules for celebrating it; the day is left to manifest itself in whatever way we choose to. I think that this single fact alone is worth giving Valentine’s Day its due!

Moreover, if there are no set rules for the day then we have all the freedom in the world to make Valentine’s Day an experience like none other. This experience often includes travel to a favorite or fancy restaurant, or even a trip away for a few days. 

As far as travel is concerned, when paired with a simple plan and a mindset for fun, a unique Valentine’s Day adventure – an adventure off the beaten path – is the perfect way to spend time together and reinforce the love and affection that the day is meant to inspire within us!

So without further ado, here are two unique ways to make this Valentine’s Day a fun and romantic success!

Take a Trip off the Beaten Path, Literally!

• No one will deny that places like the Las Vegas strip are teeming with energy. And yes they are vibrantly situated in the thick of it all for couples that wish to be overwhelmed by sights, sounds and senses! However, one simple way of having your cake and eating it too is by booking your lodgings away from the major attractions of the city. To use Las Vegas as an example, The Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa (https://redrock.sclv.com/) has the honor of being awarded four diamonds; it is situated near the entrance to Red Rock Canyon National Recreation area. And though the prestigious resort is intimately located off of the Las Vegas strip, it is still only a short drive away from all the nightlife that Las Vegas offers. 

Keep Things Simple, Really Simple!

• With all of the hype that Valentine’s Day has generated, perhaps the biggest industry to benefit is the food/restaurant industry. Instead of making reservations months in advance or waiting for hours for a table on Valentine’s Day, keep things simple! And nothing says ‘simple’ than an intimate dinner for two at home. Throw in a movie and dessert and you have a date night that smacks of nostalgia! I remember the Valentine’s Day I spent last year with my girlfriend. I traveled to my local supermarket and purchased heart-shaped steaks. We made a few side dishes and, with a great bottle of wine, had one of the best nights due to the fact that we kept is simple. We watched a movie and baked brownies for dessert. It was a trip down memory lane, and it was perfect, simply perfect!

So remember, at the end of the day the two most important things, you and your loved one, are what matter! Whatever you decide, make it unique and fun and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

The post Unique Destinations for a Romantic Valentine’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Valentine’s Day is a special day to focus on those you love.  It’s a perfect opportunity to teach kids about the meaning of love within your own family as well as to perform acts of kindness for others. To help parents make this holiday a family affair, here’s a list of some fun, creative ways moms and dads can teach their kids about love through activities.

Eat with love.  Make a Valentine’s dinner together using only foods that are red in color (before and/or after cooking). For example, for starters make a beet salad, red carrot salad, or tomato salad; for main dishes make lobster, steak, or red snapper fish; for dessert make strawberries, raspberry fruit salad, cherry pie, or raspberry sorbet. Drinks can include champagne with a dash of cranberry juice or wine for mom and dad, substitute sprite with grenadine or cranberry juice for the kids. Let the kids help chop, cook and decorate the table.  Don’t forget to include kid friendly foods like red velvet cupcakes.

Family movie date night.  After enjoying your special Valentine’s Day family dinner, why not end your night with a romantic family movie!  Fortunately, there are many romantic movies that kids love such as Beauty and The Beast, Anastasia, Be My Valentine Charlie Brown, Cinderella, High School Musical, and many more.  So grab some popcorn and cuddle up! 

Sharing your love.  Show your kids what love is truly all about by sharing it and volunteering together at a local food shelf, dog shelter or nursing home.  The nursing home residents will love seeing the bright, happy young faces.  Ahead of time, make special valentines to hand out.

Secret valentine exchange. Instead of a “Secret Santa” try a secret valentine exchange with small handmade gifts and candy. Ask each family member to pick a name.  The gifts must all be Valentine’s Day themed.  This will give you and your kids an opportunity to be crafty and creative.  Think outside of the box to come up with the perfect gift for your valentine (think baking heart shaped cookies, red and pink hand made bracelets, V-day photo frames, etc.).  Every member of the family will love having their very own special valentine! 

Sweet treats scavenger hunt. A fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the kids is through a scavenger hunt.  Provide them with a map or leave clues around the house that lead to yummy valentine’s treats and cards.  If you have more than one child, try giving your kids different maps for different surprises to keep it interesting, competitive and fun. 

Tree of love.  Trees aren’t just for Christmas anymore.  Pick up an artificial Christmas tree (you should be able to find one on clearance), spray it pink (or buy a white one) and decorate it as a family with handmade valentines, pink and red paper hearts, pink lights, and family photos.  Creating the “ornaments” or love will ensure an afternoon of fun!

Valentine’s Day is a special time to teach kids important lessons about loving and serving others while at the same time creating meaningful family traditions.  Modeling love through shared activities has a profound impact on kids and it is so easy to do. Happy Valentine’s Day!

About Mommy Chung

Parenting Expert and mom-of-one, Jennifer Chung, is the co-founder of Kinsights.com – part parenting community, part online health record.  Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to answer their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information.  Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  For more information on Kinsights, please visit their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

The post HOW TO MAKE VALENTINE’S DAY A FAMILY AFFAIR appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.