Valentine Dates + A Giveaway

Jordan and I aren't too mushy when it comes to Valentine's Day. We enjoy simple dates and think that experiences are more meaningful than gifts. Our past Valentine's Day celebrations have consisted of taste-testing pie, trying out local diners, and handmade paper flower bouquets (husband of the year, people!).

I asked a few of my favorite bloggers to share their Valentine's Day traditions, and if you're a fan of simple and sweet dates, you're going to love these ideas!

Who: Carla of Flight of the Thorups

Her Tradition: "Matt and I always do an 'activity' on Valentine's Day. We went rock climbing one year, did couple's yoga the next, and when EZ came along we went swimming with the whole fam-damily at an indoor play center. I usually make a delicious dinner or we do something simple, like Five Guy's Burgers. We skip the 'fancy' stuff because we're usually strapped for cash and we're not very fancy people anyway.

"This we may go swimming again now that EZ is old enough to actually play, or we'll hit up laser tag and mini golf and let the child run around. Oh, and dessert. We always include a nice, delicious dessert."

Who: Mara of A Blog About Love

Her Tradition: "Danny and I always stay in for dinner on Valentine's Day to avoid crowds. And we love to make individual flour-less molten cakes. I also love buying red fruit for a little fruit plate: strawberries, raspberries, apples, watermelon. And red pears and plums. I think this year it would be fun to make valentines for some of our best friends and their kids and deliver them!

Who: Caroline of Armelle Blog

Her Tradition: "My husband and I usually go out a few days before or after Valentine's Day to avoid the mad rush! I love to get dressed up, so we usually go out to eat, hang out at a bookstore, and catch up on the latest, or just happily spend time one on one, sans kiddos. Not terribly romantic, but we've been married almost ten years and have three kids, so anytime we can get out just the two of us is a bonus!

Such great ideas, right?! Keeping things light and fun and splurging on dessert, enjoying all red fruits instead of sweets like chocolate, and going out a few days before or after to avoid the rush of the holiday... I told you these ladies were good! And that Mara, her and her husband are experts on all things love so if you're looking for more tips, head on over to her blog and get your fill.

And since I'm sure that we'll all agree with Caroline that it's fun to dress up, I have a fun giveaway that will help you and your love do just that!

What you'll win: a set of vintage earrings from Lost and Fawned, a propeller tie clip from Style Me Indie, a floral clutch from Rouge and Whimsy, and a handmade tie (pictured above!) from Corner Bungalow. The perfect accessories for a night out with the one you love!

Now for the entering...

For the first required entry:
-Share this giveaway on Facebook and like That Pair of Crutches, Rouge and Whimsy, Lost and Fawned, Corner Bungalow, and Style Me Indie on Facebook, and then leave a comment here saying you did.

For additional entries:
-Tweet about the giveaway and mention @tpocblog so I can see, then leave a separate comment here saying you did.

-Follow @tpocblog, @rougeandwhimsy and @lost_and_fawned on Twitter and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

-Instagram about the giveaway and mention @tpocblog so I can see it, then leave a comment here saying you did!

-Follow @tpocblog, @rougeandwhimsy, @lostandfawned and @cornerbungalow on Instagram and leave a separate comment here saying you did.

-Tweet or Instagram a picture of your favorite Valentine's Day tradition and mention @tpocblog so I can see it, then leave a comment here saying you did!

Good luck, everyone! This giveaway is open to US winners only (sorry international friends!), and you have until Valentine's Day, this Thursday, at 11:59 pm to enter. The winner will be notified via email so make sure to leave a valid email address in your comment(s). The winner will also be announced here on the blog on Friday and will have 72 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.