Seeing as how I do not have a Valentine, and haven't had one in some time, typically I would say "eh" to Valentine's Day. But now that I am Badass CEO of the Badass Army, I'm lookin' out for all of you! And guess what? You've got less than one week to find the perfect Valentine's Day gift for that special Badass in your life. It's also 4 days until you, hopefully, get a great surprise from your honey. Tick tock tick tock.
Every Badass needs to be spoiled and pampered now and then, right?
Still, I don't necessarily want you to celebrate by downing a 1-lb. box of Godiva truffles in one sitting. A truffle or two, yes. But 20 of them? You're better off without. Above all I want you, my beloved Badass soldiers, to give and get something cooler and more memorable than the standard bouquet of roses.
So I have come up with my first annual Beloved Badass Valentine's List. It's based in part on what I'd want any future Valentine to get me, and based on what I'd give. It also includes things that friends say they would consider great, but also healthy-minded, surprises.
Happy Shopping, Badasses! Give these, and I'll bet you have an awesome makeout session to follow! Awwww yeah! Dim the lights ;)
Oh, and if you are without a Valentine, do what I plan to do: Pamper yourself. Yep, you can treat yourself to any and all of the suggestions below. Why? Because you're a Badass, and you deserve it!
Beloved Badass Gift List
1. Lululemon workout clothes: when I was in Chicago in the fall, my hotel was right near a Lululemon store. I walked in and felt like I was in fitness fashion heaven! They had bootcut yoga pants, amazing sports bras, workout shorts and capris in flattering cuts and styles. The men's stuff is great, too. If I made a lot more money, I would get all of my stuff here and I'd shower them on any future guy. But I do not, so it's Tar-jay and Sports Authority for me. Valentine's Day, though, is about special suprises. So splurge a little and make sure your Badass babe is the gym's resident fashionista or fashionisto. (This hoodie rocks!) 
2. A massage, or a package of them: Massages are a luxury, but for Badasses who spend a lot of time working out, they're also great for recovery and for kneading the tightness from those worked-over muscles. Buy your Valentine an hourlong massage, or a few, from their favorite masseuse or from a place like MassageEnvy. I just got one this past weekend from Fit and Functional Training in Tallahassee, and it rocked. If you're good at giving massages, draw up a "coupon book" to be used by your beloved whenever the need or desire hits. It's cute, it's free, and it can lead to a whole lotta heavy petting. Nice!
3. Fitness gadgets: We all know cool accessories and fitness boosters like those Garmin watches or cycling gear are not cheap. But they do help with goal-setting and with boosting performance, so if we get a gift like that from our respective Valentines, it's not only practical -- it conveys the message that they 'get' and support our fitness goals. That is so important for a relationship. I mean, we all want a personal cheerleader, right? So think about what they love to do, and shop accordingly. Get them a high-tech gadget or a new organic yoga mat and duffel (I love the Gaiam stuff). Splurge on a really great, durable gym bag. REI sells great bags that will last.
4. Personal trainer/boot camp sessions: The best gift you can give someone you love is health, the kind of strength that will keep them around so that you can enjoy their company and their contented spirit. So buy them a package of sessions with a trainer or with a boot camp program to get them on the right path. Even better: Buy one for yourself, too, and get stronger together. It's one of the smartest investments you can make. (If you're in Tallahassee, here's my shameless plug: Buy them a package of Spinning classes with yours truly at Good Friends or at Impact Health where I teach, or send them out to my Saturday boot camp at Doak Campbell!)
5. Basket of healthy faves: You, better than anyone, should know what your special someone loves to eat most for healthy snacks. Whether it's portable coconut water cartons for yoga, her favorite organic dark chocolate, or his favorite post-workout protein bars, if you make a basket filled with the favorites, it says that you are paying attention and that you care. Stick a gift certificate in there for your Valentine's go-to frozen yogurt or smoothie shop, add in a few other goodies, and you've made a Badass Basket that will earn you lots of points!
6. A catered healthy meal: This can be catered by you (bonus points for effort!), or it can be professionally catered by your local healthy market or organic chef. Set the right mood with candles and music, and make sure the menu features the best of your sweetie's favorite healthy foods -- plus one indulgence for celebrating the occasion, whether it's full-fat mashed potatoes or chocolate mousse. You two can burn it off after dessert (wink!) Check out Badass Foodie's awesome Chocolate Cupcake recipe here: Download Chocolate_CupCakesv2
7. A Badass Journey journal: If your special someone is all about setting goals by writing them down, and tracking healthy eating by keeping a daily food log, spend a few extra dollars on a great journal. Crane's has amazing journals, and you can personalize them with initials or a name. That's a fitness keepsake worth keeping! 
8. Workout jams: Some of the best presents I have ever received from significant others were what we old-school folks used to call "mix tapes." Now they're "mix CD's," or "iTunes mixes," but the premise is the same: Take the time and care to map out a musical journey that sends your beloved Badass down their fitness road with a killer beat and motivating thump-thump-thump. This gift is a reminder that sometimes, the coolest and most romantic surprises are the ones that cost the least -- but say the most.
I hope this helps you with your shopping and gifting!
In case you wondered: This year I plan to give myself the ultimate Valentine's Day pampering: A trip to London with my best friend. Come Feb. 14, I'll be outside Buckingham Palace and thinking about where to drink my first pint of hard cider. Maybe I'll even meet my prince!
Coming tomorrow: The Skinny on all those protein and energy bars.
