The Panic of Valentine's Day

Sean Walsh's column, Musings from The Mills appears weekly on Patch.com.

As the clock turned to 12:01 am this morning I could feel beads of sweat already forming. That day had arrived. It's the day I'm supposed to be the hero, the romantic genius armed with flowers and candies and cards and any and all pink and red vestiges of the day I am supposed to most impress my wife. I was certain I was going to fail. I toyed with the idea of staying up all night and hand-crafting a card emblazoned with cut out hearts and glitter, but my hands seemed uncharacteristically shaky. My eyes burned and yearned for slumber. TV commercials shot at me rapid fire. "He went to Jared." "Every kiss begins with Kay." "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." I couldn't escape it. The countless ways to impress the woman one loves, it seemed…

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Sweet and Frugal Tips to Make Your Valentine's Day at Home Special

Shaw's provides budget-friendly Valentine's Day ideas.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, Registered Dietitian for ShawsSupermarkets Jennifer Shea has created a list of romantic ideas to help you plan a special day for your Valentine, keeping your love, hearts and budgets in mind.   o   Savor dark chocolate dipped strawberries, a classic romantic dessert that is quick and simple to make at home. o   Sip spicy and sweet Mexican hot chocolate made with low-fat milk, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, chili powder, cinnamon and a bit of sugar. o   Indulge in light vanilla bean ice cream. Top with sliced strawberries and shaved dark chocolate.  Have two spoons for this one. -Press release by Shaws Supermarket.

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Sweet, Local Valentine's Day Gifts

Local businesses share what they have going on for V-day.

A good deal is almost as good as a good date. Treat yourself, and a loved one if you wish, to something special for Valentine's Day. Who's to say you can't love yourself too? Do you have other great ideas? Tell us in the comments! What are you getting for that special someone?

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Poll: How Far in Advance Do You Plan for Valentine's Day?

Did you make reservations for your favorite restaurant months ago? Or are you flying by the seat of your pants on the day? Take the poll and add your comments.

  Valentine's Day is on Tuesday, February 14. One week from today. You have been warned. There's still plenty of time to make reservations at a restaurant, order flowers, write a poem, or organize a scavenger hunt for the love of your life. The size or price (or lack of) isn't always important. Macaroni necklaces are some of the most cherished gifts ever, but probably if you haven't been married to the person for 40 years...  Check out Patch all week for Valentine's Day ideas and suggestions. And let us know what you're doing for Valentine's Day in the comments section.

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Lisa Gentes-Hunt

11:32 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012

We love Marliave in Boston, a little, romantic French place hidden behind Tremont St...so nice!   more ›

The Real Housewife of Centerville

Happy Valentine's Day, Cape Cod Mick!

Hobbies are a funny thing - see what keeps my husband Mick going.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. For couples, like us, who have been together a long time, we have not even talked about any plans. Well, actually, Mick did mention dinner. Speaking of Mick, he is a very interesting subject, at least in the Carlon house. Some husbands spend their free time golfing. Some watch every minute of their favorite sport regardless if their home team is playing or not. Some do nothing and are really boring.  My husband? He leads a very busy life: teaching, publishing his first novel; constantly reading a book and/or his favorite magazine, (I cannot even have a conversation with him if the new MOJO is out); and writing reviews for L.L. Bean. Yes, he writes reviews for L.L. Bean. Yes, those people who write …

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