Get Ready For Valentine's Day: Hit the Spa or Plan a San Diego "Staycation"

We all know that Valentine's day is about bringing the love... and nothing says love better than a day at the spa or a weekend in a swanky, downtown hotel. If you are lucky enough to live in San Diego (or even Southern California) here are my two picks for getting reacquainted with your significant other.

La Costa Resort and Spa

If you follow me around on my various social networks, you know how much I LOVE La Costa. Yes, it's five minutes from my house but there is still something magical about spending the day at the spa there. I feel like I'm hundreds of miles away instead of just three. While a nice bamboo massage or aroma rain massage will also put you in a loosey goosey mood, for V-day you can always spice it up with one of these Valentine-inspired treatments:

Champagne Mimosa Massage Indulge in a champagne infused full body massage. Helps reduce muscle tension and increase circulation.  Relax afterwards by the spa dipping pool with a complimentary signature Spa Bellini. 

Sweet Red Rose Facial Revitalizing and nourishing, this Sweet Red Rose treatment will assist in toning and reducing visible signs of aging.  Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this facial is sure to deliver a refreshing boost of firming hydration. 

Romantic Journey for Two Enjoy a 50-minute Suite Hearts Couples Massage followed by 45 minutes leisure time en-suite to enjoy after the massage.  You will enjoy your own private Jacuzzi and patio area while indulging in champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.

**swoon**

But maybe a night away is more up your alley? Downtown San Diego is always a great spot to spend the night and feel young again. 

W Hotel San Diego

Last year, the W San Diego in downtown San Diego completed a $5 million renovation that includes a new lobby, signature restaurant, rooftop bar, spacious indoor and outdoor meeting facilities and event spaces. Referred to as the “Living Room,” the lobby includes vibrant colors in a lounge-like atmosphere with a DJ some nights. They also have a new bar, "Rooftop" that combines cocktails, bonfires, private cabanas and views of the city and San Diego Bay. 

Two things to note: If you live in California, you get a 10% "locals only"rate. Also, take advantage of the "Acura Experience" - a free 5 mile ride. But book it early as it fills up quickly. 

Get Ready For Valentine's Day! Professional Pictures Celebrating the Day!

I know that normally one wouldn't think of getting "Valentine's Day" pictures taken, right? But why not? 

Since we didn't do pictures for our holiday cards this year, I decided to take the kids to one of our local photographers, Baby Dream Photography, for a Valentine's Day "mini-session." Mini-sessions are perfect for kids - 15 minutes in-and-out. That's about {my kids} can stand before they start wigging out. You would think our overly photographed kids would be used to getting pictures taken by now... 

I'm really happy I did these, as looking at these pictures I worry that by next year Lucas will have outgrown his tolerance for things like this. Zoe, in her red Jason Wu (just like FLOTUS on inauguration night!) will still pose and smile (with some bribing), but Lucas is getting to this "really Mom?" stage now that he's almost 9. Thankfully, he still relishes in his "class clown" status...

The other wonderful thing that I'm happy was captured was just how much Zoe LOVES Lucas. She wants to do what he does, she wants to pose like him (with her feminine twist - she was NOT going to have a mustache!) and she just can't keep her hands off him. While that makes for cute pictures, I will admit that this love-of-Lucas can be rather annoying around 7:45 AM on school days when we are trying to get ready to go. 

But I'm happy to have these moments captured today. They are both changing so rapidly that I love having these memories of them at different ages and stages.