Valentine's Day may be special to you; or it may be just another day in the month. If it's special, why not go all out?

No, I am not talking about buying roses, diamond rings or other lavish gifts for your loved one. I am talking about going all out - so that you two (or more, if with child) could enjoy the day and make it memorable.

It's not written in stone that you need to shower your lover with monetary gifts. How about just making the day special?

A special day = very easy, low cost steps on your part.  Let's work on making this year a memorable one:

1. Plan a different meal.  If your family normally eats breakfast together; nix that and do a lunch or early dinner. Cook something creative, and add snacks and desserts. Keep the Valentine's Day theme in check, and add some red and white items to the meal to spice it up.

Make special drinks that you do not normally serve (Red fruit punch, white milk with whipped cream on top, or - for the adults, one of your famous cocktails - maybe a Sangria or Bloody Mary) to mix it up.

2. Decorate your home to say Happy Valentine's Day. A red or white tablecloth says "I LOVE YOU".  Add a simple $1.99 bunch of flowers from your local supermarket - and that says "I LOVE YOU & I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU.

3. A nice "welcome" red and white bow on the front door does wonders. It merely exclaims that you are celebrating the day. It's always nice to see something that means "I LOVE YOU" as soon as you drive up and approach your home!

4. Kids always seem to have the best ideas. Making Valentine Day Cards from construction paper, old magazine articles and photos, and adding some paint or crayon art always melts my heart.

Let the kids know that red and white are the colors of the day. Let them search for "things" around the house, and have them collect them. Make a small display of all of the red and white items that you own. When the items are collected, figure out if there are particular items that you can make to form "one".

My red and white items are this: (From a 6 year old)

White:

Bread, Paper, Flour, Glue, Milk, White Grated Cheese and English Muffins.

Red:

Paper, Pepperoni, Tomato Sauce, X-Mas Ribbon, Tomatoes, Red Crayon.

Okay, so now we have to figure out how to match Red and White; right?

More power to us! This is a job in itself, and will keep my daughter occupied for hours on end. Needless to say, I think that we will be having some sort of English Muffin pizza with cheese, tomato sauce and tomatoes. Maybe some pepperoni. Hopefully, we won't include the milk, paper, glue, or red crayons!

If kids are old enough, they can help make special cookies, cupcakes or candies. Children can also come up with their own ideas to decorate the home to show that "LOVE" is in the air.

I don't normally entertain anyone other than my family. Thus, the parties and frills of it all, are somewhat non-existent.  I like to plan holidays, or special days around my family, and I like to give them suprises along the way.

Valentine's Day is a good day to show your love.  How about this:

1. I normally make Spagetti and Meatballs or Lasagna on simple "Holidays".

How about a nice array of finger sandwiches, salads, and other snacks so that everyone can just pick and choose for a change? How about chicken wings, veggies and dip? Or, one of my favorites - a good old fashioned homemade sub? I like to make subs so that everyone can build their own. Place the cold cuts on the bread, but have the condiments in bowls so that everyone can choose what they like.

Cheese and Crackers are an all time favorite.  A variety of crackers is best.  Add a bit of pepperoni, garnishes, (don't forget the pickels) and some dips - just seems to go a long way. 

2. Homemade cookies or treats are always nice, especially when they are not expected! Cut a recepie in half if you must, or if you think that your goods will do well for the next day's lunch box - more power to you!

3. How about great treats on the grill? Here in New Jersey, I don't normally get to use the grill much in the winter. On Valentine's Day, I will do things a little bit different. I WILL fire up the grill and roast red peppers, or a special marinated steak. This is a treat that my family loves, and normally doesn't expect in the dead of winter.

4. Don't want to cook? A delivery of pizza and salad could work well too.  Again, remember to have your red and white paper plates assembled before the delivery guy comes. On hand condiments - the garlic powder, parsley, hot pepper, oregano, grated cheese, you may even have some pepperoni, special cheese, or olives and capers (as I love) to top off a special treat.

5. Rent a DVD so that the family could enjoy it together. Maybe a romance, maybe a funny kid's movie; maybe one that you have seen a thousand times and know that you will all enjoy.

6. Let the dog lick the plates. Yes, paper plates only! This will give the dog a little more lovin & when she is done, it will make you feel better too!

All in all, make it a nice day; enjoy loving, and enjoy being loved.

For yourself & your family.  Close friends too (if they count!!). It is easy to forget our close friends during the year and this would be the time to rejoyce.  Certainly, if we have forgotten them during the Xmas and New Years season.

Valentine's day is for lovers. Reach out to all of those that you love, even if you have not in the past. How about that old High School friend that you haven't spoken to in years. Or, your Aunt or Uncle who lives 1000 miles away, that you haven't spoken to in a while?

Just let them know that they have made a difference in your life. After all is said and done, a good and strong group hug does wonders.

Give it a shot. Make THIS Valentine's day different and enjoyable.

Make it happen. YOUR life, as well as those who you love, should be SPECIAL.

ENJOY.