3 non-lame ways to celebrate Valentine's Day

Ask anyone and you'll find there are infinite ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. Some couples like getting dressed up and going back to the restaurant where they had their first date. Others might exchange special homemade gifts, and some people choose to take a special weekend getaway. For those of you who'd rather mix it up this year and don't want to go the traditional flowers-and-chocolate route of Valentine's Day, here are three non-lame ways to celebrate this weekend.

1. Cook something new together. Instead of fighting the crowds that will inevitably fill up your favorite restaurants, try teaming up to cook a new dish that you've been wanting to try. Maybe it's a complicated entree or a delicious dessert you pinned months ago. You'll remember the experience of making dinner together more than eating out.

2. Stay in and have a movie marathon. Since neither Adam or myself are much into Valentine's Day, this was how we spent the day last year. We watched Crazy, Stupid Love (a favorite of both of ours) and spent the day lazing around together. You don't need to put on a big show to celebrate your relationship; sometimes just being together and in the moment is all it really takes.

3. Have a two-person game night. You can do this one at home or out on the town if you prefer. Play cards, board games or go to an arcade or a bowling alley. A little friendly competition is always fun, and it can be a great way to remember the early days of your relationship. You could even make it a little interesting and make bets!

And bonus #4: spa night with these goodies!

How are you spending Valentine's Day this weekend? Do you have any traditions, or do you like to go the unorthodox route? 

P.S. 8 ways to treat yourself this weekend and how to keep the sparks alive

Valentine's Day goodies: treat yo'self

1. Deborah Lippmann nail polish 2. dipper ear crawler 3. face mask set 4. rose salve 

5. pearl ring 6. nail therapy 7. fringe heels 8. bath scrub

Valentine's Day is this weekend (but you already knew that), and what better way to celebrate the Day of Couples than by treating yourself to a little something special? I'm not much into Valentine's Day, and as you might recall from last year, I believe in self-indulgences. Like a special face mask or a pretty new nail polish.

Whenever I tell people I don't like Valentine's Day, they usually say something along the lines of "But you have a boyfriend!" Like as long as you're in a relationship there is no reason to not love this holiday. *Rolls eyes.* I don't know about you guys, but I feel no different about this holiday than I did three years ago when I was spending it alone with some rom coms and a giant bowl of popcorn. (Which still sounds like heaven in my book.) Adam and I are going to take our normal Love Day route and stay in, watch movies and share a little much-needed R&R. Manicures and facials included (for me at least ;).

P.S. Last year's Valentine's Day gift guide and outfits two ways

Wandering the Web: Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

Introducing... a brand-new look to Wandering the Web! I love how my blog has evolved since I started it just six months ago. I feel like my posts are starting to reflect me a bit more, and that's why I wanted to redesign my WTW graphic for a more simplistic, modern look. I hope you like it too!

So you all know tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Adam and I went super chill with our planning this year. Tomorrow we'll be making lasagna (for the first time!) and cheesecake and spending the day watching movies. I picked Her. (Adam is dreading it already, but I've been dying to watch it!) What do you have planned for this weekend? Will you be celebrating or avoiding the love madness? I'd love to hear...

And as usual, some interesting things I found on the web this week:

1. An Instagram account to bring stories to life. (New York Times)

2. How to stick to your workout goals. Hint: hot workout gear is involved. (Hello Fashion)

3. A beautiful scrapbook I would love to make myself. (A Beautiful Mess)

4. Baublebar has a new guest designer collection with this blogger, and it is fabulous. (Wendy's Lookbook)

5. How to take photos in public without being embarrassed. (Who What Wear)

6. I really, really want to splurge on this gorgeous dress. (Revolve Clothing via Somewhere Lately)

7. A hilarious cartoon review of Jupiter Ascending. (Buzzfeed)

8. This woman's career is both impressive and inspiring. (The Everygirl)

8 movies to watch with your significant other

I can't believe Valentine's Day is this weekend already. Do you have any plans for it? Adam and I aren't big Valentine's people. Last year we went out to dinner and spent the night in watching old movies on Netflix, and this year we plan to do pretty much the same, except we'll be making dinner this time. What do you typically do for Valentine's Day? Is it a big deal or more of a non-event?

With so many bloggers writing about date ideas for couples celebrating the holiday, I thought I'd go another route and share some of my favorite movies to watch with a significant other. I know a lot of girls get really excited to dress up and go out for a special date, but this is for those like me who prefer a more laid back date — where sweatpants are perfectly acceptable!

1. Date Night. An underrated hit, in my book. This came out a few years ago and truthfully, I haven't seen it since I watched it the first time. But I remember really liking it. Tina Fey and Steve Carell are both great, and they can turn a maybe-stupid plot into a good movie.

2. Friends with Benefits / No Strings Attached. Since they're both essentially the same movie, it's really about your preferences here. I liked both of them, but I choose Ashton Kutcher and his "period mix" for my leading man.

3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Guys LOVE this movie. Seriously, I didn't hear the end of it from Adam and all his friends until I finally watched this movie last fall. But they were right — it's a pretty great movie, and a good one for couples.

4. Safe Haven. Because I had to have one Nicholas Sparks movie, right? I considered The Vow, but it kind of breaks my heart. I really enjoyed Safe Haven, and I think it is more in line with a guy's movie interests too. Plus, it hasn't been totally overdone yet.

6. Crazy, Stupid Love. A classic for couples of all ages. Adam actually really enjoys this movie, as do most guys I know. It's funny, charming and sweet — you can't go wrong with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.

7. 10 Things I Hate About You. I think this will be on every movies-to-watch list I ever make. It is funny, quirky, sweet, romantic — and Heath Ledger sings on the bleachers! I will never stop loving this one.

8. If I Stay. I can't recommend this one enough. (But, if you haven't read the book, do that before you watch it.) It's such a sweet, romantic and tragic story. Grab the tissues and snuggle in tight, because you won't want to let go once it starts.

What do you think of my list? Any I missed? Let me know your favorites in the comments!

Related: non-cheesy Valentine's Day gift guide, and Valentine's Day outfit ideas

Valentine's Day outfit ideas

1. Black dress (Express) 2. Love me some purse (Forever 21) 3. Leopard pumps (asos) 4. Crossed arrows necklace (Forever 21) 5. Floral dress (Express) 6. Lip pencil (NARS) 7. Candle (Forever 21) 8. Nightie (aerie) 9. Bralette (aerie) 10. Varsity sweater (aerie) 11. Heart socks (Express) 12. Boxers (aerie)

After being sick on the couch for most of last week, I'm finally getting my energy back and feeling more like myself. Just in time for Valentine's Day! And after two trips to the mall this weekend with Adam, I feel like buying myself a little something in honor of the holiday — and all the new season's clothes in stores now ;)

Maybe it's just me, but I think Valentine's Day calls for a little self-indulgence. We tend to focus so much on the couples part of it and forget that we deserve a little splurge for the occasion, too. That's why I decided to pick out some of my favorites for both going out and staying in, because both options call for celebration, am I right?

Whether you're going out for a special date, spending the night in with your S.O., or hanging out with your girls — take advantage of the holiday and treat yourself to something fun! Like a gorgeous pair of heels or some fun new PJs. These are my favorite picks for whichever way you choose to celebrate this year. I'm really loving these dresses from Express, but I'll be wearing something more along the lines of those socks and that varsity sweater while Adam and I stay in, cook dinner and watch movies together.

Do you like to dress up special for Valentine's Day, or are you not so interested in all the hearts and red everything? I'd love to hear...

Related: Non-cheesy Valentine's Day gift ideas

Non-cheesy Valentine's Day gift ideas

My parents always used to surprise my siblings and me with little gifts for Valentine's Day when we were growing up. It could have been candy, a shirt or a charm for my favorite charm bracelet — I never knew what I was going to get, but I always loved it. Even though most people I knew at the time didn't celebrate Valentine's Day with presents, I always loved the idea of giving gifts for the special day.

Maybe you're celebrating with your sweetheart, or maybe you want to get a little something for your best friend this Valentine's Day. Either way, if you want to buy a gift and you're not sure what to get, here are my top picks. For the sweet, chic, sarcastic and all-around awesome people in your life.

1. Leather watch (Nordstrom). This monochrome watch looks so sleek and cool. I know it's a man's watch, but I kind of want it for myself...

2. Greeting card (Forever 21). If you're not about spending a lot of money on Valentine's Day, a sweet little card like this one is a great way to show you care without breaking the bank. Or, if you're creative, a handmade card is even sweeter.

3. Travel bag (Owen and Fred). This travel bag is a constant reminder for your guy that you're thinking of him. Cute and functional — it's a win-win.

4. Copper Mug (Nordstrom). Even if you don't like Moscow Mules, these copper cups are the perfect addition to any kitchen/bar/bachelor pad.

5. Tote bag (Forever 21). One can never have too many cheeky totes, am I right?

6. Lipstick set (Sephora). This NARS lip pencil set is perfect for the lipstick-lover who likes trying new colors but doesn't want to commit to the full-price, full-size versions.

7. Monogram necklace (Urban Outfitters). A personalized gift like this one is perfect for Valentine's Day.

Will you be giving any Valentine's gifts this year? Do you usually, or do you have other traditions?

Related: Gift ideas for him and for her