Tis the season for love. This is the time of year that we can get all mushy and no one will judge us for it. The cheesy gifts and sentimental cards are not only acceptable on Valentines, but they are encouraged. I mean really, when else could you give a giant pop-up card with a bright pink heart and glittery champagne? That’s what we thought too.
Anyway in spirit of this lovey-dovey day, Chapes JPL has decided to let you in on a little secret… You do not have to stress out around Valentine’s Day. It’s not all about the money and gifts when you love someone. It’s the mere presence (not to be mistaken with presents) that you look forward to (not what they spend their credit card on).
The ads you see on TV and hear on the radio lead you to believe that you need to go out and buy a car for your partner, or take him/her on an exotic vacation. That’s not how we here at Chapes feel. Don’t go out and spend a fortune, let things be just as exciting without the costs. Here’s how:
Make Dinner at Home
Sure you may make dinner every other night of the week, but make this one twice as special. Light candles, play soft music, and really set the mood to show how much you care. Instead of the basic chicken and veggies, go for a more sophisticated meal. Try roasted duck with couscous and leafy greens. It’s a great alternative to the everyday chicken in the kitchen. Finish the meal off with a home-made french vanilla custard… My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Unplug from Everything
Raise your hand if you get your email sent straight to your phone. How about if you’re on Facebook for a little while after work? I know most of us are guilty (as are our partners). On Valentine’s night, unplug it all. Turn off the phones, shut down the computers, and don’t turn on the TV. Spend the evening cooking together, tasting old wines you forgot about, play a few games, or just sit around and talk. You’d be surprised how much you will learn about your partner once you’re no longer plugged in.
Make an Art Project
Whether it’s an outdoor flower pot that needs attention or some pictures that needs to be reorganized, try to do the tasks together. The flower pot has had a chip on it for years, but you can’t bring yourself to throw it out, what do you do? Go pick up a $5 flower pot from the store and spend time with your partner painting it and decorating it. Not only will you get a great looking flower pot out of the deal, but the two of you will have bonded in a way you most likely haven’t in a while.
Sure, the idea of these gestures may sound cheesy. Like I said above, most of these times together are rather silly – but that’s the point! Do things together that you normally wouldn’t do. This is your excuse to shower your partner with silliness and bask in each others’ love. The time you spend is more important than the money you spend, that’s a fact.
However, if you do feel the need to go all out, we are here for you. Chapes JPL gives out loans based on the collateral you give us. So if you do want to get your partner the best of the best, you can always give us a call and we’ll help you find a way to pay for it. Remember, when the bank says no, we say YES!
