MOMania

By momtoAlex&Max

February 10, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this

A box of chocolates and an uninterrupted nap (minimum 2 hours)

By motherjanegoose

February 10, 2009 7:32 AM | Link to this

How about a gift certificate for a mani/pedi…less than $40 with a tip!

I travel a lot but for some, an uninterrupted night in a hotel by yourself with some truffles and a good book could be heaven.

You could order room service for breakfast after you slept in!

Perhaps your husband could take you to dinner and join you for a while and then sneak out to go home to the kids and you would have the time alone.

Most Moms I know would love to have 12 hours alone to RELAX!

I read that hotels are hurting now, so you may be able to find some great deals with breakfast included…your husband could show back up then….LOL!

Some Moms cannot understand how I can stay in a hotel by myself on a business trip…I do not understand that. I cannot traipse across the country with my family in tow..can I?

It is wonderful to sleep in, after a long day’s work and order room service…no rush.

I have hinted about dance lessons for years but that ain’t happening around here…LOL!

One of my former neighbor’s husbands planned a 40th surprise birthday for her and a few close friends. He booked the entire trip for everyone to New York with his miles and they all went together…now that was AWESOME!

By ebaby

February 10, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this

My husband took me to the High one year on V-day. They had a buffet of strawberries, other fruit, chocolate, wines and champagne. I think there was even a professional singer (Atlanta Opera?) that provided the mood-setting music. It was great and inexpensive (I think). And of course, after a few drinks, the art work always looks much more interesting :)

By JJ

February 10, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this

I think the best Valentine’s present my sorry ex-husband ever gave me was a pink Dogwood sapling. We had just moved into our new home, and I wanted stuff for the yard. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see it mature, as we separated about a year later and I had to move out of the house. Oh well. I have a wonderful yard now.

I don’t like fresh flowers, as they die. I don’t like candy, as I’m just not a big candy eater.

I love stuff for my yard. Flowers, plants, yard art, tools, etc.

My ex could never understand why I would get so excited over something like a rake. I love puttering around my yard and just being outside.

By Becky

February 10, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this

A card, maybe dinner, a book..NO chocolate, no cookies, no cake..Nothing sweet period..It doesn’t take a lot to please me, just remember the day..

By Homeschool Mom

February 10, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

If he’d just finish up a few unfinished tasks around the house and maybe clean my car I’d be happy…after 21 yrs of marriage all of the normal VDay stuff is just a waste of money(not exactly romantic but I’ve always been more practical)

By FCM

February 10, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Well, my ex and I married a week after Valentines so he usually just did the anniversary. I got roses one year (3 dozen), he said I did not react like most women over flowers——whatever! I liked them but we could not afford it with baby #2 on the way ($300 delivered to the office taken from our joint account). Usually our anniversary was dinner and a card—-jewlry for births and christmas and a sewing machine for Mothers day.

He did let my best friend and I go for a movie/dinner just a few weeks before I delivered baby #2—so in March…that was one of the nicest things he ever did. He kept baby #1 instead of asking me to foist her on to my Mother.

A guy I dated brought me a single rose one night.

In general I just don’t find ‘romantic’ men…

By Becky

February 10, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

If my husband ever spent $300.00 on flowers, he would sure be an ex…

By Brooke

February 10, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

Let me be the first to say… Valentine’s Day is made up for the benefit of the card, candy and flower people. Now let me say that I am in a relationship so I am not bitter about the holiday. I think it is pointless, shouldn’t you tell someone you love and appreciate them EVERYDAY? If you choose to celebrate it, thats fine, but what REALLY gets me, is these women who get all upset that their signifigant other forgot the holiday. What about the women doing something for the men? Please don’t say “I clean the house, take care of the kids, etc., etc.” Thats your fault for doing it all and not asking for help, and if you do ask for help and don’t get any believe me that was obvious well before marriage and kids. Its a 2 way street in a relationship, I can’t get upset if something is not done for me, If I don’t do for others. I don’t want to sound bitter or get people riled up but just the way I feel

By new step mom

February 10, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

I love the mani/pedi idea. I love fresh cut flowers and when I was single, I would often buy them at the grocery for myself…I am glad my guy will often get them for me when he goes to the store too. Also there are decent massage places that will do an hour massage for $40 or the massage schools have gift certificates as well. We are doing a nice dinner this year and if the weather is pretty we will go to the park with the dog on Sunday!

By Last year...

February 10, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

…I pulled out all the stops - Dinner at a Buckhead Life restaurant, with flowers delivered there and awaiting “her” arrival; a card and a small teddy bear holding a lingerie box for her; a heart shaped diamond necklace; and a night in a hotel after dinner. Did she appreciate it - no, she has already said I do not have to get all that “stuff” again!

Our 25th wedding anniversary was 3 weeks after Valentine’s Day last year; I again pulled out all the stops - night at the Ritz downtown; dinner at Emeril’s (just before it closed); cards and flowers again waiting in our room; and another diamond “forever” necklace. Again, was she appreciative? Not on your life!

This year we will be going to Dominica in the French West Indies (leaving tomorrow morning)to visit our son. We will be taking him and his girl out on V-day night! My son has already said I can pick up the tab for them, too!

So, tell me again WHY Valentine’s Day is all about women?

By momtoAlex&Max

February 10, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

Hey last year: as you can see from the posts, most of us have pretty low expectations!

Personally, I’d love the go all out thing any other time of the year. On V-day is all 5 times more expensive and just not worth it. Like I said, I am perfectly content with a box of Godiva chocolates and a 2 hr nap.

By Becky

February 10, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

Brooke, we’ve already had that discussion..We’re not saying that it’s not a made up holiday..All of them had to be thought up to start with..That still doesn’t mean that it’s not nice to just have one special day to be loving to your spouse..Kinda like a date night…People don’t have to celebrate any made up holiday that the don’t want to..

By Theresa

February 10, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

Hey — We went out like three Saturdays ago to Pastis in the old town of Roswell - based on the review and photo in the AJC restaurant guide — It was so fantastic and so romantic. They had a fireplace going and the food was wonderful. We had three courses and drinks and got out of there for $80 (I think tip must have been on top of that) — I’m not feeling super pressured to have a big romantic V-day because we had such a nice night a few weeks ago. We are doing a V-day jumping party with some friends. Everybody is paying to get it on their own but I’m bringing snacks and treats for the crowd. I think the kids will have fun, be tired and go to bed on time. So then we could watch a movie or what have you. But also the kids get to have a big time with their friends!

By new step mom

February 10, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

Pastis is fabulous. Another great Roswell Restaurant is Sugo. I highly recommend it!

By Brooke

February 10, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

@Becky, I know it just irritates me sometimes to listen to some women in my office that say “if I don’t get at least a dozen roses, I am going to be so upset!”… Whatever, but yeah date nights are always fun … We do one a month..YIKES and we don’t have kids yet… I have a feeling there will be none then…. :( oh well …. enjoying them while I can

By Stacey

February 10, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

I have never liked jewelry so the only piece I wear is my wedding ring. My husband used to buy me necklaces and such for special occasions until I finally convinced him that he REALLY shouldn’t have. I’m a chocoholic so candy is always appreciated. The cheapskate in me prefers the huge box of Russell Stovers or Whitman’s Sampler to the tiny box of Godiva for the same price. Flowers are beautiful but like JJ, I would rather have a rose bush than a bouquet of roses that will die in a few days.

I would love for my husband to just cook me dinner, serve me and clean the kitchen afterwards. There’s an old joke that a woman thinks the sexiest thing for a man to wear is an apron and that is true in my opinion! LOL

By JJ

February 10, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

Callaway Gardens is giving free admission to the gardens for the next two months.

It’s worth the hour drive from Atlanta, and the Gardens will be stunning in about a month!!!!

They normally charge $13.50 per adult, and less for kids. There is a TON of stuff to do there!!!!!!

By new mom

February 10, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

We’ve done the going out to eat somewhere nice thing on Valentine’s day…and I just never enjoy it. Too crowded, too expensive…it just isn’t enjoyable. I would much rather go out some other night when the crowds aren’t bad and really enjoy our night out.

My husband has cooked me dinner in the past, and that’s by far my favorite thing for valentine’s day. He’s not a cook at all, so it is some work for him to research recipes and find something that he can safely do without burning the house down! ;) But I will NOT tell him what I want, I just stress to him that I like to be surprised. He was not born with an ability or desire to keep surprises, so it’s taken years and years of telling him ‘SURPRISE ME!’ to finally get him to just not tell me what he’s planning. Seriously, he could fix me a ham sandwich, but if it’s a surprise that he planned, it’s more exciting then some fancy night out.

And he knows I love/need chocolate. The darker and richer, the better. :)

I know, he could take me to Mcdonalds! That is the only weird thing I crave when I’m pregnant…and it’s the only time I want it!

By DB

February 10, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

We get each other a card, but I’m with newmom, I just don’t enjoy going out to eat on V-Day, so we just don’t. I hate the crowds and the air of quietly desperate “romance”. I’ll splurge on king crab or a really great steak and make us fabulous dinner at home with his favorite dessert and have a bottle of wine. And he’ll clean up!

And, frankly, he’s so good about bringing the occasional surprise bouquet of flowers home that he was long ago given a “pass” for V-Day, as it bothers us both to spend $80 for what was $14.95 the week before. Other than that — no real gifts, per se. If a new book is out by one of his favorite authors, I might pick that up, and he might pick up a movie from the $5 bin at Wal-Mart for me (we are gradually replacing all our VHS movies with DVDs). But as far as diamonds, jewelry, etc. go — I guess I’m not high-maintenance enough :-)

By Becky

February 10, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

Brooke, I know what you mean about other women in office..One of my coworkers complains that its just for couples (shes single)..NO, its not..

I was given the best gift ever last weekend by my grandchildren..Twins (6), they spread silk rose petals on the floor for me to walk on & then the boy made me a special snack of bologna & a fruit juicey..I could not have been given anything better…

When I ask him where did he come up with this, he said, “I just knew it” That’s what he tells me every time aabout the things that he does for me..If he stays on this track, he’s going to make some woman a great husband..

By Michelle

February 10, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

I’ll tell you a story and make it brief! When my husband & I first started dating, we met for lunch on V-day. I ranted & raved about how ridiculous it was to buy flowers on V-day because of the inflated price, blah, blah, blah…well, I got back to work and what do you know…I had a dozen roses and a HUGE balloon delivered. I was mortified after my lunch tirade!

Needless to say, my hubby now knows that I like flowers, just not on V-day! LOL!

Personally, I don’t really care about V-day. It’s just another day to spend money. We will usually do something like a card, or special meal. We don’t go out on the day itself for the same reasons others have mentioned…way too many people!

By Joyce

February 10, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

Well, new mom, it sounds like the most economical thing for your husband to do re: V Day is keep you pregnant at this time of year! :) JK

By Patiently Waiting

February 10, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

New mom: are you pregnant?

I agree that restaurants are crowded on Vday so I either will go out for lunch or brunch or go out on Friday.

I would like a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. I guess I’ll have to copy my own post and send to my husband.

By new mom

February 10, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

hee hee, that’s funny Joyce! I am a cheap date, huh? ;) But I’ll bet that the amount we’ll spend on diapers will outweigh any flowers, dinner, etc…

And Becky, that is such a sweet story about your grandkids. Bologna and a fruit juicey! Cute!

By new mom

February 10, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

Yep Patiently waiting, I’m about 8 weeks along. Not far, but we got to see him/her last week at our first ultrasound. We are so excited!

How are you and your new baby boy? We want an update! :) Are you sleeping at all?

By JJ

February 10, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

AWWWW Becky, that was sweet.

My daughter is working a double on Saturday so she will make a ton of money.

And No V-Day is not for couples. It’s for anyone you love.

I’ll get my daughter a card and probably some candy or a gift card for a manicure. She is too old for stuffed animals anymore.

I don’t require anything. A hand made card is good enough for me. I know I’m loved.

By Becky

February 10, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

new mom, do you plan on finding out the sex of the baby? I have a niece thats due in July & she has decided not to find out..This is her first & shes had a rough time..She miscarried twice before this one..So, please keep her in your thoughts..

By FCM

February 10, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this

Forgive me…I don’t get ‘crude’ often….but I had to chuckle at Stacy’s note…..

My general rule for men I am in a (commited—legal or verbal)relationship with: You do the dishes and I will do you.

I think a man cleaning the kitchen is the sexist thing on earth!

By new mom

February 10, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Becky, we are definitely finding out the sex. I like the ‘idea’ of that ultimate surprise (see my love of suprises above!) but I’m too much of a planner for that much of a surprise. Plus if we are having a boy, there are some things we’ll need to get that are boyish (boppy covers, sheets, basic clothes) I doubt we’ll have a shower other than maybe a family one, since two years ago we had six! I’m OK with that, we have a lot of stuff that we’ll need, and most of the big items we picked out last time are gender-neutral. Oh, also if we are having a boy, I’m going to go ahead and start sorting all the girl clothes to sell!

I hope your neice’s pregnancy goes well and is very uneventful! I have never miscarried (knock on wood) but have had family and friends who have, and I can’t imagine how hard that would be.

Here’s a big Valentine’s day hug to all of you out in momania-land: <<<< :) >>>>

By CAD

February 10, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

Valentine’s Day is to me just a made up day where stores, florists, etc. make money. I tell my husband that I’d rather gauge how he feels about me by his behavior toward me 365 days a year. Valentine’s Day is not a “get out of jail” free card. I could not care less about even remembering “Valentines Day”. My life is full enough and my relationship is complete enough. A card that I do not need, flowers that will die, chocolate that I do not need are all a waste of money. This is another ridiculous societal created expectation that we gladly pass on to our children as soon as they are old enough to pass out Spiderman or Tinkerbell Valentine’s cards and little candy hearts. Such ridiculousness.

By JJ

February 10, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

A very dear friend of mine, who’s husband is dying of cancer, is praying that he will live long enough to see Valentine’s Day this year. They don’t expect him to make it to the end of this week. That’s all she wants for Valentine’s Day. Just one more day with him.

Kinda puts things in prospective doesn’t it.

This is why it is SO important to tell the people in your lives that you love them, each and every day!!!!! Don’t just wait for one day of the year, do it now, and do it often.

By Becky

February 10, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks new mom..I understand wanting to know..With baby items so costly, most people do need(want) to know..This will be her Mothers first grandchild, so needless to say, she/he will be spoiled..

JJ, yes that is sweet of him..He’s always doing something like that..When we go places, he’ll get me a rose, then tell his Poppy that he needs to pay for it..When I say something about being fat, he’ll tell me, “you’re not fat & don’t ever let anyone tell you different”..Please let your friend know that I’ll keep her in my prayers…

By Razz

February 10, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

how bout some ideas about what to do for the men? i never know what to get since men aren’t into flowers/chocolates. we usually do something little as a gift and cook dinner at home…

By JJ

February 10, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this

RazzI did this one year.

I made a reservation at a small hotel. I went to the hotel early and set up a little picnic on the bed. Cheeses, deli meats, a bottle tequilla for him, and a bottle of wine for me, and a bouquet of fresh flowers. I went into the bathroom and with my tube of lipstick, I wrote on the bathroom mirror “meet me here at 7:00, I’ll bring the bubbles”.

Then, I went and “kidnapped” him from work, blindfolded him, and took him to the hotel and we spent the night.

He said it was one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for him.

By Becky

February 10, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Razz, my husband is usually out of town for Valentines, so in the past, I have sent him flowers & had the florist put one silk flower in the mix with a note that say’s “I’ll love you until the last flower dies”..

Make him a coupon book of things that he can trade in for thru the year..Take his car & wash it..Give him a peidcure at home..I do those for my husband about 3-4 times a year anyway..

If he takes lunch to work, pack him a love note or make him a heart sandwich..

By JJ

February 10, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

Very cute ideas Becky!!

By nurse&mother

February 10, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

Too much hype for Valentine’s day. My husband and I usually just give cards. I am thrilled with dinner if we are not watching our money. Who needs all the other stuff?? it is just a waste of a lot of money. I don’t need all the other stuff to know that my husband loves me. He shows me in lots of other non-material ways. :-)

By Becky

February 10, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks JJ, I loved your also..

By JJ

February 10, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

Razz I just asked a few of the guys I work with what they would like for V-Day. Know what the responses were?

They don’t want the pressure to HAVE to buy anything for their wifes/girlfriends.

I asked four guys, (three married and one single), and all three of the married men said the same thing!!!!

By new mom

February 10, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

My husband always says that Valentine’s day is a holiday for the ladies…but I always get him at least a card. And honestly, I think most men do what they do on Valentine’s day so they can ‘receive’ in return…if you get my drift. ;)

If you want to get your guy something, I recommend thinking about what it is they like. My husband is a coffee freak, so in the past I’ve gotten him some special coffee & a travel mug, or a gift card to starbucks or DD.

By new mom

February 10, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

Good gracious, I love my husband but there’s no way on earth I’d give him a pedicure! Becky, you’re a stronger woman than I am.

Speaking of feet (some segway, huh?) the last time I got a pedicure the girl told me about a way to soften your feet. Apparently mine grossed her out…Anway, she said to use plain-old vaseline all over your feet, then put socks on and go to sleep. Here I was trying all these special foot lotions…and I could have been using vaseline for $3/tub! It really works, my feet are softer now then they have ever been, especially in the winter. One word of caution, don’t take your socks off in the bathroom until just before you get into the shower…your feet can slide out from underneath you!

By Becky

February 10, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks new mom..Guess, I’m not that easily grossed out..Did you know that you can also apply a very thin layer of vaseline to your face each night after you wash it, then sleep with it on & it will help you face stay soft & smooth..

By new step mom

February 10, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

I’m with you new mom. I love my husband, but I am not messing with his funky feet.

By new mom

February 10, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

Becky, I didn’t know that about vaseline on your face, but I can guarantee my face would break out at the thought of it! Even at my ripe old age…

By FCM

February 10, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this

My mother said she recalls that Doris Day said she slathered in Vaseline once a week and rolled up in plastic and slept that way—-kept her skin perfect.

My hands/feet get so dry the break open and bleed (even with regular lotion)….so when the wind gets going—like last week—-I put the vaseline on put plastic baggies on then socks then sleep. It absolutely will soften the skin.

By motherjanegoose

February 10, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this

FCM….haha Doris Day… I sing with children and one time a teacher told me that I sound like Doris Day. I guess that was a compliment but I feel old!

By MA

February 11, 2009 7:36 AM | Link to this

It is our Anniversary as I stated before. We go to the store, stand in front of the cards, pick one out, show each other and put it back, and then we go out to dinner and sometimes a movie. We are planning a cruise for our 25th(3 years).

By JJ

February 11, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

MA Love it!!!

Where are you cruising? I love to cruise!!! I’ve only been on two, but we have so much fun. Where are you going?

By MA

February 11, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

Thanks JJ. We have never been on a cruise. My husband was in the Navy and served 2- 6 month cruises. He always told me he would never step foot on a boat again, but, his friends have told him how much fun they are. We are not sure yet where we will go. It is still 3 years away.

By Becky

February 11, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

MA, I have heard from several people that a cruise in Alasks is one of the best..One of my coworkers, takes his wife on a cruise every year & they said that of all they have ever been on, Alaska is it..So if this is within your budget, check into this..Just a thought..

By JJ

February 11, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

Check out www.vacationstogo.com. Very cheap cruises.

We did our “starter” cruise for 4 days to the Bahamas, out of Port Canavarel (Cocoa Beach, FL), about 4 or 5 years ago, on Carnival Cruise Lines. The ship was nice, the kids had a blast. There is something for all ages on these ships.

We went on an Alaskan cruise in 2007 for 7 days, and it was wonderful. We said Holland America, and it was four or five star service. The rooms were so comfy and we were treated like royality.

There is so much to do on cruise ships. And the food is fabulous and in your face 24/7. On the Alaskan cruise, they did a Midnight Chocolate Buffet and it was the prettiest thing I have ever seen!!!!

By MA

February 11, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Thanks Becky. Yes, Alaska did come up.

By JJ

February 11, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

I’d go back to Alaska in a heartbeat. We are supposed to go again next year for my Mother’s 80th birthday.

You should have seen the looks on the kids faces when we told them we were going to Alaska. They were “No way, it’s cold there”. They wanted to go to the Carribbean. Well, once we got on the ship, they quickly changed their tunes. Now they want to go back!!!

By motherjanegoose

February 11, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

Alaska is awesome. I was invited to speak to the Speech Pathologists there 2 years ago.

I asked my husband and daughter to join me. My daughter rolled her eyes and basically told me that she did not want to go.

Well, guess who wants to go back.

It is a wonderful place and they do have the modern conveniences in the big city ( Anchorage) but the remote areas are beautiful!

By motherjanegoose

February 11, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

Check out Travelzoo for a new cruise special this summer for Alaska…it just arrived today!

Theresa, you sound like you need a cruise…LOL!

Little children who are sick, are no fun at all as they are so miserable…sorry!

Once, I was at the Pediatrician 4 times in one week. This was before co-pay and when we had to file the insurance. I asked, “how about a buy three get one FREE visit ( today)?” They wrote NO CHARGE on my bill… amazing!