Today I’m starting a new series called The Angie Files! Why The Angie Files? Well, I am a researcher and organizer by nature and my computer filing system is packed with not only business stuff but personal tidbits. Every idea, itinerary, learning experience, etc. is filed away. I’ve been trying to think of a way to get more personal on the blog and I thought hey… why not share what I just file away for my own personal use? The Angie Files will include lifestyle tips, Mom & wife topics, behind the scenes on weddings days and so much more! I’m so excited to share some of my life with you! <3

What a better way to start with Valentine’s Day coming up this Saturday? I really feel like it snuck up on us this year! Quite a few people have asked me what we’re doing this year and I realized that we may change it up a bit. Long gone are the days where Shaun and I would do dinner & a movie on Valentine’s Day. You can wait 2 hours for  a table at a restaurant and the theaters are PACKED! I’d rather spend that time really enjoying each other’s company. Here are a few different ways you can celebrate this year! By the way, you don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Get together with your closest friends and just HAVE A BLAST!

1) Movie or Netflix marathon at home- Grab some popcorn, candy and throw on an entire season of a show everyone has been talking about (Scandal, anyone? I’m so late to the party) or a trilogy of your favorite movies! Shaun finished his DIY movie room (aka man cave) a few months ago and it may be my favorite spot it in the house. In addition to building a projector screen, he threw in a $50 candy machine from Sams Club, a recliner and movie posters for good measure. This might be how we spend the evening given I want to snuggle with Koa Avery on his first Valentine’s Day haha! Of course, you don’t need a movie room for this! Throw on some comfy clothes and snuggle on the couch why don’t ya 🙂 2) Visit a local museum, aquarium, zoo, art gallery, etc.- When is the last time you’ve done this? I bet some of you probably haven’t been to a museum since elementary school! Virginia Living Museum, Virginia Zoo, The Mariner’s Museum, Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Air & Space Center and The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center (free!) are all great examples. The list goes on and on if you are in Hampton Roads. Feel free to email me if you’d like more location ideas!

3) Cook a new recipe together- Does one of you do most of the cooking? (Hint: It’s me LOL) Combine your talents this weekend! We’ll probably pair this with our movie night. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is DELISH (even though my pic below doesn’t do it justice haha) and it’s super easy. Pair it with some noodles, bread and wine and you are good to go. Thanks Shaun for modeling the wine with our last name on it haha!

4) Get Active: Ice Skating, Bowling, Hiking, etc. I know my Hampton Roads readers are saying, “Hiking?? It’s cold out! Girl bye!!” LOL!

5)  Paint- Have you attended one of those ‘Paint & Sip’ classes popping up in the area? We’ve done Wine & Design in Newport News and Paint & Sit in Virginia Beach. Both awesome places! You’ll see on their calendars that they both have love themed paintings scheduled for this weekend. Score!! Bonus: Game Night- We LOVE to play games! Have a game night with just the two of you or invite over a bunch of friends and really have a party!

Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy!! Also, please remember that… 

 What do you have planned for Valentine’s Day?
xoxo