We’ve Got Your Back!

It’s February!  My favorite month.  The month of love and selfishly, my birthday month.  Everyone says that January is the best month to reset, but for me its February, its the beginning of my year.  This is the best time to shower yourself with love, self care and take stock of the people and things that you’re grateful for.  Yes, I am that person, the one who keeps a list of places that give you free stuff and discounts on your birthday, although I do enjoy the free birthday short stack at IHOP. As for Valentines day, it is a heavily commercialized mainstream holiday, many engagements, marriages and landmark events happen on Valentines Day and the heart shaped box filled with chocolate is its trademark.  But in February, it can be “love month” all month long, not just on the 14th. Celebrating is relative.  Wear that red sweater often or heart pin all month. No matter if your plans are budget friendly or over the top to celebrate your sweetheart, your crush or your “Galentines”, there are so many ways to make it memorable and to share a moment that will resonate with your special someone.  For me it’s the little things, the intention, the effort  and the heart of giving or receiving, that really makes it special. 

As always, we throw no shade and champion a trip to the dollar store, for this holiday is no different.  If dining out is not your scene, and you would rather have a cozy dinner for two at home, or you’re throwing a Galentines soiree, look no further than your local Dollar Tree for the best decor and pantry essentials.  Ranging in price from $1.25 to $5 the good ‘ol dollar store has everything you could possibly need for a budget friendly Valentines celebration.  Everytime I go there I am continually impressed with the vast array of offerings, and many times things fly off the shelf as soon as they are stocked.  It’s one stop shopping at its best.  From a card, to tableware, to decor, to all the ingredients for a delicious Italian meal, cue the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene. 

The wallet-friendly Valentine’s ideas are countless when it comes to DIY and you can tailor it as much as you want.  It’s about slowing down, spending time and being with your loved one or friends.

Thoughtful doesn’t have to be expensive

• Handwritten letter: Cheesy? Yes. Effective? Extremely.
• “Open when…” notes: “Open when you miss me,” “open when you need motivation,” etc.
• Custom playlist: Mixtapes or create a download from Spotify(free for 10 songs) for the win!

Out & About (Cheap or Free)

• Sunset walk or picnic: Bring snacks from home and a thermos.
• Free local events: Art openings, markets, museum free days. First Friday Art Walk is Friday February 6th from 5-8pm in downtown Pueblo.  
• Coffee Talk: Skip the sit-down dinner, stroll and talk instead.

Gifts Under $20 (dollar store run, wink wink)

• A mug filled with their favorite candy
• Printed photos in an inexpensive but cute frame
• A book with a note inside the cover
• Fill a basket with some of their favorite things for less than $20!

Valentines Day isn’t just for adults, the kiddos love filling out Valentines to exchange with school friends, and parents, you can make some fun Valentines activities for your kids or grandkids ! One cute idea is a coupon book.  Fill it with DIY ideas for kids and from kids.  This is a great way to show them that things that are made from the heart go a long way and are more meaningful. Coupons like “one free hug” or “free pass for no chores” or “game/movie night”. 

It’s Restaurant Month in Pueblo!

Dining out with your sweetheart, crush or your ride or die might be expensive, but there are deals at participating restaurants during Pueblo’s restaurant month in February.  With 36 restaurants on the list there is sure to be something to tempt your tastebuds.  It may sound daunting but the rewards are totally sweet.  You can win $500 cash plus a gift card to every restaurant that participates in Pueblo Restaurant Week – valued at over $1400.00! You can pick up a bingo card at any participating restaurant location, The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce (open Monday to Friday 8-5), or print a PDF version from their website, using the QR code. Spend a minimum of $25.00 at participating locations and receive a stamp on your BINGO card. Once you achieve 6 in a row in any direction, you can turn in your bingo card for a chance to win. 

Lastly but certainly at the top of the list, let’s remember to support local small businesses, because as a patron, you are not just supporting the brick and mortar, you are supporting a family and its extensions.  You are supporting the ability for individuals to make a living and continue to offer diversity and variety in our city which makes it unique.  Support living artists, support food trucks and small cafe’s, support the specialty shops throughout Pueblo.  All of these places help keep our city a unique destination that sustains growth.