18 Days Until Valentine's Day... Start Planning!

We encourage you to shop at local boutiques this Valentine's day.

• Go traditional with flowers and chocolate.

Fena Flowers is our unique favorite (they deliver, of course) and for salted caramel chocolates, visit Fran's Chocolates in Old Bellevue.

• Have a trendy Valentine's day at The Bravern.

Pair a romantic dress with silky chocolate Trophy Cupcakes (dessert first, of course) and on to dinner at John Howie Steakhouse.

• Go under the radar and cozy up at The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland.

You can't go wrong with a chocolate truffle and rose petal turndown. Grab some of the world's best coffee at Zoka in the morning.

• And don't forget the baubles!

Keep it simple with pearl earrings or go crazy at Turgeon Raine . (I know Blue Nile isn't a local boutique, but to make the most of your money, it's a good start.)

This post is in no way, a hint to my husband... Truly!

Whatever you do, do not wait until the week before Valentine's day to make dinner reservations.