As Valentines Day approaches, we can see that love is all around us and there are many ways to express it.

Empty nesters Michelle and Kevin Easton of Regina have been married for 26 years and still make time for each other, which is the key to a lasting loving relationship.

“Staying your own person, but finding time to do things together,” said Michelle.

After raising four children together, they now find the dynamic of their life has changed.

“Coffee and board games,” said Michelle. “And a healthy intimate life.”

The arts, plays, and music bring them closer together; and a desire to be more physically free with each other at home and not scare the kids during “Naked Tuesday”.

“That’s one of the dreams I’ve had for a long time,” said Kevin.

Relationships are hard work. Marriage is “not all roses,” said Michelle.

“Pay attention to your partner,” said Kevin. “Time, gifts, texts, make them a priority and know that they are thought of.”

For the last three years, the French Press Coffee and Tea Co. located at 4114 Albert St. is owned and operated by Nikole Dupi and her husband George, is known for their in-house baked goods, beverages, and ambiance.

Dupi shows their wonderful latte’s and one of their delicious desserts, a chocolate mousse with caramel Dolce de leche and white chocolate mousse, with strawberry flavour that would be perfect for Valentine’s Day.

“It’s a good day where couples come here together, especially in the evening, and enjoy drinks and treats together,” said Nikole Dupi.

“Lots of people come here for dates, no matter if it’s Valentine’s Day or not,” said Dupi. “We have had so many couples that have met here for the first time for dates and have come back after getting married, it’s such a special thing.”

Nikole and George have been married for 10 years and just had their second child.

They have had a lasting relationship.

“I think it’s just a true love, with trust and most of all respect for each other,” said Dupi.

Filigree Chocolaterie, located in the heart of the Cathedral neighbourhood at 2130 Robinson St., offers a variety of handmade romantic treats.

Lindsay Dyck and Jen Hammer have been working at the shop since January 2024.

“It’s a very big chocolate holiday,” said Dyck.

“Chocolate is the way to somebody’s heart.”

Valentines is one of their busiest times of year.

“Our top seller is the candy crush bar, that’s made of dark chocolate with a mixture of sweet and sour candies on top, we sell a lot of those,” said Dyck.

“Love is in the air all year for us as we have awesome clientele,” said Dyck.

Petra Janssen, the owner and operator of the Wascana Flower Shoppe at 333 Victoria Avenue, has been creating beautiful bouquets for 45 years.

“It’s the holiday of love,” said Janssen. “We have everything from roses to chocolates to candies to plants, just about anything anyone would love to have on the day when we celebrate love.”

Wascana offers items for all budgets, from one flower to 50 flowers, they have got you covered.

“The best part of Valentines Day is that we get to make a lot of people happy,” said Janssen.

Janssen has been married for 46 years and got married at a young age.

“We just know each other’s zig and zags,” said Janssen. “You have to listen and not be too pushy.”

The irony is that Janssen does not get flowers on Valentines Day. Her husband says she has an entire flower shopful at her disposal.

Whether it’s time with your loved one, or giving special gifts like chocolates and flowers, love is certainly in the air in Regina.