Love. It's a word that encompasses a universe of emotions, a force that shapes our lives in countless ways. From the tender affection we hold for a newborn child to the passionate bond shared between lovers, from the comforting embrace of family to the quiet devotion to a beloved pet, love weaves its way through every facet of our existence. This Valentine's Day, we celebrate love in all its forms – the love we have for ourselves, the love we share with partners, children, family, and friends, the love that connects us to our community, our faith, and even our furry companions. Join us as we explore the many faces of love this season, from heartwarming stories to exciting local experiences.
The Many Faces of Love
Mom's Valentine's Day: Love in Action
Valentine's Day. Roses, chocolates, romantic dinners... sounds lovely, right? But for many parents, the reality of Valentine's Day looks a little different. Listen to this heartwarming story from Lisa Luera about what she really loves to do on Valentine's Day. I'm sure many parents out there will relate – and appreciate – her honest and refreshing perspective.
Let’s Talk about Love: Houston Trainer Lisa Luera Chimes in
A Beautiful Dinner for Two
For many of us, Valentine's Day conjures up images of crowded restaurants and elaborate nights out. But Realtor Sara St. Marceaux has a different idea – one that celebrates the heart of the home. She's sharing her favorite Valentine's Day tradition, and it involves whipping up a fantastic dinner right in her own kitchen. Here's what Sara had to share:
We don't like to go out to eat on Valentine's Day because the menus are typically limited, and the restaurants are usually too crowded. Instead, we prefer to enjoy a nice dinner at home. We'll open a nice bottle of red wine, grill a nice cut of steak, like a filet mignon, served with a creamy cognac mushroom sauce, and we'll roast some vegetables for the side dishes. For dessert I typically make a flourless chocolate cake or chocolate pot de creme with some homemade whipped cream. After dinner we like to relax in our movie theater room and watch a good film!
I had to ask her about that "nice bottle of red wine", to which she responded, "Caymus Cabernet is always a favorite in our house! Or a nice Bordeaux blend like a Chateau la Clotte Saint-Emilion".
Cultivating Well-being and Connection: Making Any Day Special
Bailey Mier-Nava, owner of Interstellar Massage, believes that any day can be special by focusing on connection and well-being. It's about nurturing bonds with others and prioritizing self-care, whether it's Valentine's Day or any other day of the year.
A Day of Love, Anniversaries, and Gratitude
Valentine's Day has always held a special place in Yanira Mendoza's heart. From the excitement of heart-shaped chocolates as a child to celebrating her engagement anniversary on this very day, February 14th has marked milestones and memories. But it's not just about the date itself; it's about what it represents. This year, as Yanira reflects on the meaning of Valentine's Day, she realizes it's evolved into something much deeper than she ever imagined.
Valentine’s Day for me has always been a special date. As a child I looked forward to the heart shaped chocolates and gifts from friends. It was also my mom’s birthday, and as of 10 years ago, my husband and I celebrate our engagement anniversary on this date. How do we celebrate? We don’t have a ritual. Sometimes we travel, some go to dinner, others sit on our back porch and enjoy a glass of wine or my husband’s culinary skills. (he will be cooking Lobster and Clam chowder for tomorrow’s dinner).
What Valentine's Day means to me…
I can honestly tell you that before my husband David, Valentine's Day was just another “fun day”. The way I experience it now it’s like a reminder of how blessed I am to have the ideal partner, and I thank the Universe for such an amazing gift. The secret to a good relationship. Do not wait for this day to show your appreciation and love, this should not be a once-a-year celebration. Show your love and appreciation daily. This will keep your love strong and your relationship healthy.
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!
Yanira Mendoza
From Romance to Family: My Valentine's Day Evolution
For Houston visual artist Cassandra Bohne Linnard, Valentine's Day has evolved over the years. From romantic dinners to family-focused fun, she shares how her perspective on the holiday has changed and how she's celebrating love this year.
When I was younger Valentines meant something completely different than it does now. It used to be about who I was dating or who I was married to. After kids Valentines had taken on a new meaning. Now it’s all about spending time with my family and letting them know how much I love them! So this year we are taking the kids to Blue Bell and going to watch Paddington. For dinner I am making a prime rib and risotto dinner for all of us. And of course to keep the romance alive my husband and I will open a nice bottle of wine AND champagne.
My Valentine's Day Revelation at Raquel Cepeda's Jazz on Valentine Concert
Here's my (Lisbet Newton) story on how I used to feel a little disconnected from Valentine's Day. The emphasis on material gifts always left me wondering what the holiday was truly about. Then I experienced Raquel Cepeda's Jazz on Valentine concert, and everything shifted. Her music, a soulful blend of classic jazz and original compositions, washed over me, creating an atmosphere of pure warmth and connection. It wasn't about the things of Valentine's Day; it was about the feeling. Raquel's performance reminded me that love isn't something you receive; it's something you experience, something you share. It's in the laughter with friends, the shared glances with a loved one, the simple joy of being present in a moment. That night, I fell in love with Valentine's Day all over again, not for the chocolates or the teddy bears, but for the profound realization that it's love, not hate, that truly makes the world go round. It's the connection, the music, the shared experience that makes the day so special.
If you want to indulge in the experience that is Valentine's Concert with Raquel Cepeda, here's the link to the event page.
I reached out to Raquel Cepeda and this is what she shared about LOVE:
Whoever thinks that love is a 50/50 is wrong.
True love is always 150%.
Mike and Lisbet at the Raquel Cepeda Concert
Food, Fun, and Travel: My Dream Valentine's Day
Forget the pressure of elaborate gifts. Houston City Beat correspondent Lluvonia Graham believes the best Valentine's Day celebrations are about shared experiences. She shares her top three ideas for a day filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.
We all know that Valentine’s Day is the day of love and of course we want to share that time with our favorite loved one, but what that looks like is different from one person to the next- even one couple to the next.
My top three most idealic Valentine’s Day ideas involve time with the one I love and feature the things we most love- food, fun and travel.
A night out with my Hunny is a great idea anytime, but on special occasions like Valentine’s Day we like to create memories so for us that would entail a trip to Benihana’s. The chef’s there are masterful at making us laugh and creating wonderful food creations with comedic flair so it’s like getting dinner and a movie at the same time!
From there, I would want to go to my next favorite place- the coast. I grew up by the water so a moonlit stroll down the beach or riding down Texas City Dike and watching the moon glitter off the rippling waves always brings a smile of joy and happiness to my face. Simplicity at its best.
My Love and I are avid travelers but most of the time it’s for business or family functions. This year, since Valentine’s Day is on a weekend a Stay-cay would be a great way to spend time with each other. A nice hotel room away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday (preferably stocked with all my favorite snacks and adult beverages) is a great way to relax and get away. Wherever we go, I’d like to take in the sights and culture around the city and then retire to our hotel to finish the evening sipping our favorite drinks and nibbling on snacks as we laugh and giggle and recount the days events.
I think my last- and almost always most memorable thing to do for Valentine’s Day would be a nice meal at home. Turn off all the phones and technology and cook a delicious meal together. There’s a closeness and a certain type of intimacy that comes with preparing a meal together. And if your partner is anything like mine, there will lots of laughs to be had.
Enjoy.
Let's Talk Love: Houston Edition with Mike Acosta
Join Lisbet Newton on this special Valentine's Day episode of "Let's Talk" on Houston City Beat! Lisbet aims to capture the Houston's pulse on love. From romantic gestures to anti-Valentine's Day sentiments, Houstonians share their candid thoughts on the day of love. Tune in for heartfelt conversations, humorous insights, and a healthy dose of Houstonian charm. What does love mean to you? Find out what your fellow Houstonians have to say on this special episode of "Let's Talk"!
Valentine's Day at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (Sponsored Content)
Treat your sweetheart (and yourself!) to an unforgettable Valentine's Day at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe. Enjoy a delectable three-course meal at License to Chill Bar & Café, where delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere combine for the perfect celebration. Keep reading to learn more about this special Valentine's Day offering.
Create unforgettable memories this Valentine's Day at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe. Enjoy a special three-course dining experience at License to Chill Bar & Café. The price is $79 per person, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Details for Romance in Paradise at Margaritaville Lake Conroe
For the Love of the Eats
Here are some special things local restauranteurs are doing for Valentine's Day and throughout the weekend:
From Burger Vibe and La Vita Coffee (make sure to tell them Houston City Beat sent ya))
La Vita Coffee will have a strawberry white mocha latte that will run all weekend. Also 1 free strawberry cream cheese with the purchase of any bagel for just tomorrow.
As Valentine's Day approaches, let us remember the power of love to connect us, to heal us, and to bring joy to our lives. Whether you're celebrating with a romantic partner, family, friends, or simply enjoying some self-love, we hope this article has inspired you to embrace the many beautiful forms of love that surround us.
Happy Valentine's Day!
