Back off, Hallmark.

February has crept it's way in, reminding us that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Some of us are either ecstatic to be spending the day with our loved one, or making plans with the girls for a Gal-entines night out. Whether hitched or ditched, it is time to make Valentine's Day a little more exciting than just a box of chocolates and an overpriced dinner.

Last year, a couple of weeks before Valentine's Day, my friend Lizz invited me to what is known as a Passion Party. I immediately jumped to conclusions and denied the request to this "party of passion." How awkward? No way was I going have some half naked dude named Pedro shake his junk in my face. After convincing me that there would be no such talk, and hearing that they we're actually quite fun, I decided to give it a shot. When I walked into the party, the first thing I saw was that my friends living room was decorated cute with hearts and pretty products. She had invited a handful of girls, a number of them familiar, yet some unfamiliar, nothing too big and crazy. I was a little uncertain about being around complete strangers at this passion extravaganza, but it was was too late to turn around at this point. If any of you know me personally,  you know I don't do embarrassing or awkward well, so naturally my first stop was to grab a drink. After small talk and mentally questioning why i was there, the party was called into session. The party consultant called all of us together into the living room and handed each of us a catalog, including a pen that had a penis on the end of it. I looked over at my friend Alyssa and immediately chugged my drink, things were about to get awkward. To my surprise, the host was extremely funny and reassuring that we were all not attending some trashy toy party, and everyone loosened up. She started her presentation by showing us these amazing smelling lotions, shaving creams, and candles. The tension finally left the room, the good times were rolling, and the drinks kept coming. Now I'm not going to lie, the second part of the presentation gets friskier, and the consultant bust out the big guns. I must say I have never laughed harder in my life, and found that I was actually having a good time bonding with my friends over passion products. With no intentions of actually purchasing anything, the booze had other plans for me, and I ended up buying a shaving cream, message oil, and  body spray. I loved my products, and thought it would be such a fun idea to do before Valentine's Day, for any group of friends, with any relationship status. 

Kick those over priced hallmark cards, box of chocolates, and roses to the curb. Get frisky and have fun this Valentine's Day.