Valentine’s Vibes

We’ve survived January 2021. Woot! Still feels like March 2020, but we can keep on dancing.

February is a great month for holidays. You have Groundhog’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, and Black History Month, and many more. But what do many people (at least in the retail world) focus on? Valentine’s Day! Best marketing production of the year (I jest).

But let’s use it to distract from our current events, hmm? How about we focus on Love. For those of you with romantic partners, perhaps you are stressing on figuring out how to make the holiday a win for your beloved. Lockdown boredom sucking your inspiration? Please allow my musical blog to help!

1) “Musical Night”- Being that we’ve gotten used to our comfy clothes in the past year, my first suggestion aligns with the keep it simple philosophy. Romance for some means just chilling on the couch and keeping warm, instead of agonizing over what to wear and trying to walk all night in heels. A night in with takeout and a movie could be a better option. Less running around to get ready, and more snuggle time? It’s a win!

While some might consider this just another night, put a twist on it with some well-loved romantic musicals. A modern one, “La La Land”, is a great flick. The lead actors are attractive, and the music carries the plot well. Although, be prepared for an ending that some might find sad, depending on your perspective. If the classics are your cup of tea, any Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers production will do. “Top Hat” is a great old romantic comedy. Gene Kelly has quite a few, and “Singin’ In the Rain” could brighten anyone’s mood. If you’re looking to get up and dance (after a few glasses of White Zin?), “Grease” is an option that will always be on the table. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John put on one of the most memorable performances of all time in this 70s musical. Coming into the 2000s, “Mamma Mia!” is one of my personal favorites. The soundtrack makes any listener feel like they are dancing on a cloud! Make your partner feel like a Queen with “Dancing Queen”.

2) “Romantic Era Night”- Some couples enjoy reveling in history and culture. Why not impress your partner  by learning a few well-known pieces from the Romantic Era? Whether you are great at the piano, saxophone, or even the drums, try to learn or get some instruction in a classical piece. Certainly your love will swoon listening to you perform the works of Chopin, Mendelssohn or Tchaikovsky. Not only will they be amazed at your talents, they will also be appreciative that you took the time to prepare entertainment just for them!

3) “Karaoke Night”- Where’s the party? Your living room! If you and your date enjoy a more upbeat atmosphere, getting a home karaoke machine might be just the right fit. Many are available for under $100 if you are just looking for a spontaneous purchase. If you’d like to be prepared for future gatherings, you could go for a more professional option. How much more romantic is it to hear your beloved crooning out a ballad just for you? “Faithfully” by Journey, “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion, or “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis are just a few examples of heart-winning tunes. If you and your date feel like dancing, pop on some hip hop or pop music, and surely the night will be grooving.

4) “Dedicated to You”- One of the most personal gifts you can give someone is to create a piece of art just for them. This could be the most meaningful gift your love has ever received! Be sure to fill the lyrics with description not just about their appearance, but also their personality and inner essence. Your SO will quickly understand how much they mean to you, hearing flattering thoughts set to music. Writing a song is another activity where you would be appreciated and admired for your talents and intelligence. Again, your beloved would be grateful of all of the time you took, and this gift would truly win their affection.

5) “Culinary Ambience”- The time-honored tradition of dinner by candlelight never fails. If cooking is more your flavor, perhaps you’d like to focus more on preparing a gourmet selection for your date, and then having some classy music in the background. Jazz, classical, or instrumental are popular choices for date night, as these genres allow room for conversation. If you have an Alexa, your night is already prepared. You can just ask her for your preference! Alexa has a large variety of relaxing options. Some of my favorites are 80s Love songs, 70s Easy Listening, or even just ambient sounds like thunderstorms or trees blowing in the wind. Wining and dining your partner is serving success, and having romantic music in the background completes the mood.

Valentine’s Day can be a great success, with just a little preparation. I hope this post has inspired your mind with new ideas to win over your crush!