We’re one week away from Valentine’s Day!

Everyone may not agree with me but I love this holiday. Tucked in the middle of a gray winter month, Valentine’s Day is a great way to let others know you’re thinking of them and you care about them. 

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about giant romantic gestures or huge bouquets of flowers. It can simply be about celebrating your loved ones. Or perhaps it’s about self-care and celebrating wonderful you!

This holiday is the perfect time to write a meaningful note to tell a loved one that you appreciate them. Maybe highlight a favorite characteristic. Maybe thank them for a kind deed. Or simply write three words: I love you(This is also a great opportunity for me to work on that 2020 goal of mine to send more snail mail.)

There is a reason children share Valentine’s in class – it’s a fun, caring, friendly gesture that doesn’t cost too much money or take too much time. Often we forget about sharing Valentine’s with adults. I think we should bring the practice back!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about those we love, either. It can be a great time to do something kind and perhaps unexpected for those important individuals making a positive impact on our daily lives. Here are some simple ways to spread love this Valentine’s Day. 

Your child’s teacher. Drop him or her a handwritten note to thank them for their hard work and their time teaching your child thus far this year. Maybe include some Ashley’s bucks, too, so he or she can stop in for a special treat on a hectic morning or on a well-deserved day off!

Your neighbor. Pickup an assortment of a dozen donuts or pastries and leave on your neighbors doorstep with a sweet note. This small act will go a long way!

A babysitter. Whether you have someone watching your kids 40 hours a week or for the occasional date night, showing extra appreciation will mean a lot. Stick an extra tip or a giftcard to a favorite store in a Valentine to show how much it means to you to have them take care of your children. 

An elderly parent’s caretaker. Perhaps you are at that stage where you have an elderly parent (or parents) that need an extra hand. It may be just to help around the house a couple of times a month or perhaps it’s more involved. This is an important, valuable person in your life and your parent’s. A Valentine’s note, a gift card to a favorite coffee shop and a few of Ashley’s signature sugar cookies would be a perfect treat to express your gratitude for them. 

Receptionist/secretary/coworkers. You don’t always need an excuse to thank those you work with, but Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate with a treat. Pick up a fresh coffee cake, a dozen donuts or a tray of assorted cookies and share with coworkers. 

As we appreciate those we love, we’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of you. We wouldn’t be us without you so thank you for your support and loyalty week after week, holiday after holiday,  year after year. You truly are the best and we love you!

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!