Valentine’s Day is said to be named after Saint Valentine, who worked as a priest during the Roman era and was arrested by Claudius II for practicing his religion. St. Valentine stuck to his guns and for all of his efforts, he was executed. Folklore has it that before he died, he left a note for his jail keeper’s daughter and signed it, “Your Valentine.” Since that time, folks around the world have celebrated by honoring loved ones with a Valentine of some sort on Feb. 14. If you are looking for a meaningful and yet inexpensive way to impress your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, look no further. We found some great ideas right here in East Pierce County to celebrate the big day with a bang.
1.The first stop was Indulge Cupcakes at 207 N. Meridian. Owner Jen Quaschnik has been in business since December, and is pleased with the public’s response to her love affair with the cupcake.
Though she runs a family business, her husband Darrin, a Seattle Firefighter, helps out on Saturdays and her sons are on hand to pick up the slack. Her one regular employee, who happens to be her best friend, is one of the mainstays of the operation.
Quaschnik has an obvious affection for cupcakes and it shows. She also enjoys folks who wander into her business to savor them. Her shop hums with efficiency and lots of good-natured fun.
On Valentine’s Day for a mere $2.50 you can buy a red velvet, vanilla, lemon cream cheese or chocolate cupcake (this one from Quaschnik’s granny’s recipe) for your special someone. Of course, all cupcakes are frosted and have holiday toppers. They can also be nestled in a special, decorated box for a safe trip home.
If you want to stay and enjoy your cupcakes on site, cozy up in one of the chairs and have a good visit with customers who seem to hang around instead of rushing out the door. The welcoming atmosphere of the shop is addictive, as are the sweets!
2. Travel down Pioneer to Van Lierop Bulb Farm located at 13407 80th St. E. where you can buy a beautiful bouquet of 10 daffodil stems for just $5, or a bunch of ten tulips for $8. All bouquets are wrapped and tied with a festive, colorful bow.
Also on hand are 6” potted flowers with bows and moss for $8. Design specialist Cindy Bush or any of the clerks can whip up a bouquet that will delight anyone and bring some sunshine into your day, no matter what the weatherman says.
3.The Coffee Bar at 208 South Meridian always offers a holiday drink special and on Valentine’s Day it just might be the French Kiss, which consists of espresso and milk, white chocolate and French vanilla flavoring. A regular 16 ounce cup will set you back $4.30.
Coffee Barista Ashley Hagstrom said the Coffee Bar also offers Wi-Fi service. There are lots of comfortable chairs begging customers to sit awhile and visit before rushing out the door.
4.Bradley Park on South Hill will give you an opportunity to walk off some of the sweets of the day as you stroll around Bradley Lake or sit in the covered picnic area.
5.Books are always a treat and some of the Valentine offerings this year include “A Peanuts Valentine,” “Bee Mine,” “The Day it Rained Hearts” and “I Love You Because You’re You” in the children’s section. For adults there is “Lovestrology,” “LaRomance,” “The Psychology of Romantic Love” and “Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate is Waiting.” A place to purchase a great reading material is A Good Book in Sumner or Borders Books on South Hill.
6.If movies are more down your alley you can always pick up a copy of “When Harry Met Sally,” “Love Story,” “You’ve Got Mail” or “Never Been Kissed,” and if you like music there are offerings from Johnny Mathis and Barry White.
7.Something homemade is always fun to make and even greater to receive, be it Valentine cookies or personalized valentines. Local craft stores offer a wide variety of red construction paper, colored pens and doilies for decorating, with special scissors to make the cut out hearts even more interesting. Many local shops offer balloon bouquets as well.
Whatever your interest, there is no shortage of choices for all of us come February 14th.
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