Love in the time of…. COVID
Did you think I was going to say Cholera? Haha I did. It’s hard to say that sentence and not automatically add Cholera at the end. I don’t even know what that book is about as I have yet to read it, yet I know the title so well. Interesting..
As Valentine’s Day is looming right around the corner, just a mere two days away, I thought a blog about Love in these times would be fitting. Love sure feels different during COVID. My guess is if you’re married, COVID has either brought you much closer together or pushed you further apart. Talk about a situation where you are around your significant other ALL the time. And other than the things you do together, there’s not much else to do or talk about. Luckily for me, I think it has brought my husband and I closer together. I believe we have learned how to communicate with each other more effectively, which definitely took work and understanding and effort - it wasn’t just automatic. And we have finally found enough things to do to keep us entertained during these quarantine times.
But I know it’s tough! Last year for Valentine’s Day we made a fun dinner at home and then the following weekend we went out to the Smack Shack in Minneapolis for a delicious seafood dinner. This year will look a little different. We’ll still make the fun dinner at home, but it doesn’t have quite the same exciting feeling that it used to, making a fun dinner in. Since we’ve done so many fun dinners in during 2020/21 haha.
Seafood tower from Smack Shack, Valentine’s weekend 2020
What about if you’re single? Valentine’s Day always seems like the hardest time to be single, at least that’s what I felt like the MANY Valentine’s Days that I was single. It’s a day when the world focuses on love which if you’re single can be a hard day for sure. I can’t imagine what being single during a pandemic is like, being married now, I don’t even know what single people are doing at this point. Are people back to dating? Or no? Are dates different than they used to be? Are there more first dates online? I have no clue!
I know some people don’t even like Valentine’s Day, that they feel like it’s a contrived holiday designed to get couples to spend money. Which it very well could be. But I’ve always liked Valentine’s Day because being in a couple successfully takes work and I like that there’s a day when you just take time to celebrate your relationship and being together and take time to spoil each other a little bit, because who doesn’t like that?
So How Do You Celebrate During a Pandemic?
I think that’s something we’ve all been trying to figure out during this pandemic, and I’m sure some of you have great ideas! My husband did a great job for my birthday this past summer. He always gets up earlier than me, so he bought a bunch of balloons. Blew them all up in the basement, and then he had them waiting outside the bedroom door and all throughout the first floor of the house. So when I woke up on my birthday, I walked out to balloons everywhere, which I enjoyed immensely, and made me feel special.
My parents and my brother did a great job during my birthday this past year too. They ordered a giant custom banner, and had it hung up on the balcony when I arrived at my parents house, and my brother knows I love elephants, so he even put one of those on the banner :)
There are still ways to get creative and have fun on holidays during the pandemic, it may be harder than it used to, but it’s still possible! Use your imagination!
Some Recipe Ideas For You…
If you’re looking for recipe ideas, here are a few for you :) If you’re going in the brunch direction, I thought these hash brown egg nests looked delicious! Recipe for these here.
If you’re searching for a fun drink, this one looked good to me because I’m a tequila girl. Of course there are tons of options out there if you do a quick google search. This drink is called the Pink Senorita and includes elements of grapefruit juice, simple syrup, cranberry juice and fresh mint. Looks delicious to me! Find their recipe here.
Last Valentine’s Day I was sick of meat, so we last minute decided to make Pasta alla Vodka. And it was so good! This is a very simple, yet very tasty recipe. And it even turns out a pinkish color. Find the recipe at the Food Network here. Scott and I make this recipe all the time, it’s one of our staples and one of our favorites! <3
A Few Ideas for Things to Do
Make a Fun, Comfy Space to Watch a movie
I’ve seen people do this online all the time. They’ll get out lots of blankets and pillows and fun snacks and make a comfy, different spot to watch a movie. It can make the experience extra special. I know when we were kids my dad would often make us a big fort to watch a movie in, we always loved that! If you have kiddos that could be an option. :)
Attend a Digital Event
One of my favorite things to do in our neighborhood in the summer is go to shows at Circus Juventas. The best way I can describe it is Cirque de Solei with kids, and these kids are beyond talented! My husband, my mom and I go every year, we love it! This year they were unable to have their summer show due to COVID, but they had a winter limited seating show and they recorded it, so you could watch the recording for a fun event in during this cold weekend. Again if you have kiddos, they would love this. Here is their description of the show: Headed for a holiday ski trip up north, a group of young people suddenly find themselves with a broken-down car and a snowstorm on the way. Seeking shelter and cell phone reception, they find themselves at a remote cabin, shrouded in winter mystery and magic. As their odyssey takes them deeper into the woods, they discover that a cozy cabin and close friends are all you need to kindle the spirit and warm the heart. Majestic forests filled with playful woodland creatures, snow fairies, mischievous elves, the comfort of good friends, woolen socks, and fond memories of holidays past make for an unforgettable hygge holiday celebration! And here is the link to get tickets to the on-demand show.
Circus Juventas’ promo photo for A Hygge Holiday
Have an At Home Spa Day
This idea is obviously for couples, not kids. But when is the last time you took a bath together or gave each other a massage? You can make it extra special by adding a bath bomb, or bath salts, light some candles, play some calming music, maybe have a glass of wine. For the massage you could also use essential oils, to add some extra wonderful scents and a calming effect.
Hopefully you found something helpful here, maybe it just sparked your own creativity! Whether you are married, engaged, dating, or single, I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and remember that loving yourself is just as important as loving anyone else. Be kind to yourselves friends. And I hope you have a lovely weekend. Stay warm!!
