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Happy Valentine’s Day, Y’all!

Here in the United States, we’ve been planning for this day since right after we rang in the new year. That’s when all the stores start stocking shelves with pink and red goodies while bakeries are busy ordering the ingredients for royal icing. Valentine’s Day is a big deal, and rightfully so. It’s the day of love!

How did you spend the day? Did you remember to send flowers or did you run by Sam’s on the way home? Lol! Was something sparkly presented in a box or did you scribble your sentiment on a sticky note tacked to the fridge? Well, it doesn’t matter all that much, because you’ll have another shot at it in 12 short months.

Besides that, sometimes for us Texans, the simpler is pretty much the better.

Texans Like it Simple

We who reside in the Lone Star State know how to do it up big. “It” can be a wedding, baptism, graduation, kindergarten birthday, or a funeral. (Nobody does funerals better than a Texas Baptist preacher, y’all.) However, if we’re not lookin’ to impress, we Texans don’t mind going simple. In fact, we find it a little on the side of refreshing.

So, is your honey bun a Texas guy or gal? Then tuck these ideas away and bring them out next year for an occasion to remember. (Did someone just mention honey buns??)

Sing a Texas Love Song

I once heard a story about a Baylor University senior who proposed to his bride after serenading her with a George Strait love song while she swooned from her dorm room window. That’s what we’re talkin’ about, friends.

https://youtu.be/dLu-v2A6ukc

Eat a Chocolate Covered Strawberry from H-E-B

By the time H-E-B rolls out their chocolate dipped strawberries for Valentine’s Day, the mouths of devoted Texans are already watering. Looks like our state’s most beloved grocery chain has added chocolate dipped bacon to the sweetheart treats. Uh-oh.

Enjoy a Texas Sunrise

The rising of the Texas sun is something to behold, especially way up north in the panhandle. But, hey, it’s awesome wherever you can get it. Grab a heart-shaped donut, fill your travel mug with hot coffee and drive on out to the city limit sign. Your Valentine won’t even be huffy about getting up early if you surprise her like that. I know this from experience.

Snuggle Up Under the Texas Stars

Just like you’ve always heard, the stars at night really are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas, but if you’re out to rev the romance up a notch, head west to Big Bend National Park. It’s chilly at some of the campgrounds this time of year, which is all the better for moonlit snuggling.

Photo @visitbigbend Instagram

Read a Texas Romance

From Texas-born author, Jodi Thomas, comes a story just right for reading on this day of love. Seriously, who can love a good Texas love story? Especially one priced at $1.99. A package of those strawberries and a romance novella by a Texas author? It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Watch Some Good Ropin’ and Ridin’

Now, don’t hate me for punctuatin’ everythin’ like we actually say it down here, y’all, okay? I typed it correctly and deleted it three times before I just said, to heck with proper punctuation. You can’t go around saying roping and riding very much if you’re a Texan. Well, you can if you want to, but people might think you’re from somewhere else.

Anyway, it’s stock show and rodeo time in San Antonio, y’all. In Texas, that translates to a cowgirl’s dream date!

Photo @sarodeo Instagram

Grill a Texas Steak

“Let’s stay home and grill some steaks.” Whisper those words into the ear of your Texas sweetie, and you’ll be set. Like golden. For at least a year. Click here for a few tips from The Dallas Morning News on grillin’ the perfect steak at home.

Photo Dallas Morning News

There You Have It

And there you have it. That’s how we celebrate Valentine’s Day in Texas.

Not every year, mind you. Just the best ones.

Encouraging everyday intentional adventure and another simple celebration with the one you love – same time, next year,