By Erin Russell, Chinook Book Sales Coordinator

The month of February is here and we all know what that brings: red hearts, fat cherubs and lots of talk of romance. While I cannot claim expert status in the world of love, I can provide some cool ways to meet people in Seattle and how to shower your loved ones with true appreciation that can't be mass marketed.

Looking for love?
Don't wait for it to find you! The great thing about Seattle is that people love to be active. Make new friends and maybe even land a date.

• The Mountaineers: Their singles outings include hiking, rafting trips, weekend ski trips and dances to name a few.  Great way to meet some like minded people and maybe a little more?
• Underdog Sports: Sign up as an individual and be paired up with other single players on a team.
• MeetUp: This is the place where you can find almost anyone interested in anything.  My experience with meetup.com has garnered fun experiences meeting new people that share similar interests.
• It has been heard through the grapevine that the Sierra Club's activity outings and Greendrinks networking events have resulted in some romance as well as at least one marriage!

Found your love?
Make sure to treat them right. With all the great Seattle restaurants and theaters there is no way to screw up date night. Check out these restaurants and others in the 2010 Chinook Book.

• Dinner: Bal Mar has a sexy lounge feel. Bizzaro defines unique. Eva is elegantly fresh. The TASTE Restaurant is true art.  Seastar is swanky. Ten Mercer is intimate and warm. 
• After Dinner: Nothing wrong with dinner and a movie, but why not really impress your loved one with tickets to improv at Unexpected Productions? Or maybe the Seattle Rep Theater? Or head up to the Century Ballroom and learn a little swing before dancing the night away. 
• Gifts: Going the jewelry route? Green Lake Jewelry Works has got your back. Local, organic and sustainable Terra Bella is a wonderful flower option and remember: nothing is ever wrong with just chocolate. Theo, Fran's, Dagoba, mmmm.

Love? Check. Kids? Check.
I always loved February growing up because it meant that my mom broke out the heart-shaped cookie cutters and red sprinkles. There are many great ways to involve the little ones.

• Fun: The Woodland Park Zoo always helps the animals celebrate love with herbal bouquets; heart shaped steak and ice pops as well as lots of colorful fruit. It's happening Feb 13th. Or catch the love story Pero (or The Mysteries of the Night) plays at the Seattle Children's Theater through Feb 14.
• Crafty: Here is a cute way to use up all those broken crayon bits. Also, here are some cute ideas for Valentine's cards.
• Hungry: Pizza always wins hearts. Snoose Junction is always a fun time and what isn't cool about bike delivery?

With love from Chinook Book to you!

Image credit:  diego/CreativeCommons