Happy Quirky Valentine's Day: Last Minute Gifts

I've always wanted to be one of those crafy people who can create an HDTV-worthy room with dollar store merchandise. Unfortunately, I wasn't gifted with DIY abilities, but I think even I could undertake this fun project.

Today's Daily Candy Chicago had the coolest personalized Valentine, courtesy of Chicago designer and Suitor owner Jessica Murnane.

You’ll Need:
Matchbook
Favorite photo printed on printer paper
Scissors
Glue stick or double-sided tape
Ruler or a tape measure (or just wing it)

Step 1: Find a matchbook, ideally one that is blank on the inside flap (you will be writing your note here).

Step 2: Open the matchbook so it lays flat. Eyeball or measure its width and height, making sure to leave the striker pad uncovered.

Step 3: Choose your favorite photo (vertical works best) from a trip, night out, or special occasion. Reduce it to the size of the matchbook and print it on thin printer paper.

Step 4: Cut out the photo and swipe the blank side with a glue stick or cover it with double-sided tape.

Step 5: Place the photo over your matchbook and smooth down. Cut any excess paper from the edges.

Step 6: Fold matchbook flap over, making sure the photo is pressed securely on the creases at the top.

Step 7: Write a cheeky message on the inside flap. (Some ideas: C’mon, baby, light my fire; burning up with your love; you’re my perfect match; my eternal flame.)

For those with no interest in Super Bowl Sunday....

I could NOT care less about Super Bowl Sunday, and my plan was to hunker down and wait for daylight. However, the Windy City always provides activities for those in need. Check out a few of these alternatives to beer nuts and belching.

Gejas Cafe is offering a romantic spin to the evening. On Sunday and Monday, diners who purchase a Premiere Dinner will receive a second Premiere Dinner for free. Gejas calls itself one of the most romantic restaurants in the city, and normally a claim like that would annoy the crap out of me, but I have to agree. The food is amazing and the atmosphere just exhudes romance. My fiance and I actually had dinner here the night we got engaged.

Celebrate 4709, the Year of the Rabbit, in Chinatown with a colorful parade of marching bands, lion teams, floats and the Mystical Dragon. The parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. and heads down Wentworth from 24th St. to Cermak. Be sure to stick around for dinner at New Chinatown Chop Suey.

This is not yo mama's craft fair. Check out the February Craft Fairy at The Nineteen Hundred & One Gallery/Theater for over 15 local dark crafters and artists. Browse through homemade jewelry, knitting, accessories, clothing, candles, incense and baked goods.