Sweet Lydias

The front page of Etsy has been nothing but red and hearts the past few days gearing up for Valentine’s Day next month. I am not a huge fan of a supper sappy love fest, but I never pass up an excuse to connect and share life with the ones I love. Here are some chalk-heart gift alternative (I ate those again the other day and was reminded how gross they are).

My number one favorite gift idea is giving an activity, something that encourages you and yours to spend time together making new memories. Take a trip, go to a museum or a new restaurant, talk a walk around a neighborhood you don’t know.

Image courtesy of Tyra Bleek

OK, so I’ve turned into the sap I said I wasn’t. One of my finer gifting moments, I gave my now hubs tickets to see Dave Chapelle live, we never stopped laughing, and the best birthday present he has given me was a wonderful picnic and a surprise trip to Cirque de Soleil.

Suggested Activity:  ”Chick Flick and Chocolate” 2/12/10 4-5p The Origins of Cocoa, a panel discussion at the National Park Visitor Center in Lowell with Taza Chocolate (free). 5:30-7p Chocolate Tasting, try samples of delicious goodies from various vendors, including me, at The Brush Gallery ($10.00). 7p film screening of “Chocolat” at the National Park Visitor Center.

Make something yourself. We’ve come a long way from mix tapes you can listen to in your bright yellow Sony Walkman, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with some love tunes. Hi-Fi Weddings is a great site for everything love and music. If you are engaged and planning your wedding reception, this site is a must for the musically inclined.

Mr. Drew Photography is offering a wonderful deal that would make a perfect gift for anyone with kids (in the Greater Lowell are). They are offering a 20 minute photo session for children and families for $65. You not only get 10-15 proofs online and one 8×10 print, you will get a $40 credit towards purchasing prints and products!

I had a chance to sample the delicious offerings from Sassy Sauces this December at the Sowa Holiday Market.  If you love ice cream as much as I do, it’s a shame to put just any old topping on it. These fabulous sauces are made from the best ingredients in small batches and come in flavors like Rum Caramel and Peanut Butter Fudge, but my personal favorite is Milk Chocolate Caramel. If you live near Lowell, MA you can pick up a jar at Market St Market.

If you are in the market for jewelry, check out Heather Wang! She has work available on Etsy here and can easily customize pieces for your special someone.

And now for something completely different . . .

MoonlightAura can make these sculpted clay hands displaying any ASL letters you would like. Get this LOVE set or maybe spell your honey’s name.  I still have no idea what to do for my husband this Valentine’s, so I welcome any of your suggestions.

Thanks for helping combat brownie boredom, one S’more at a time!™

-Lydia