This time of year a lot of people are strapped for cash and have to make some cut backs - I fall into that category for sure - but that doesn't mean that you can't do anything with your other half on Valentines Day this year. I have thought of a few of ideas that don't have to cost you an arm and a leg but still keeps the romance alive.
Stay in
Whether you planned to go out but just missed out on a reservation at your favourite restaurant or you just can't afford the expense of wining and dining out, because let's face it, it's not cheap is it? I may have a perfect alternative for you that could actually be far more romantic and meaningful than splurging out on an expensive dinner that you will need a magnifying glass to see it. Why not just stay in? I know that might sound boring, but wait let me explain.
Decide who is going to cook or surprise your other half with a top notch meal or just their favourite dinner, both of you get all dressed up just as though you were going out, it makes it seem more of a date and not just another usual night in. Light a few candles around the place, in the lounge and at the table, there's nothing more romantic than a candle lit dinner - it really does set a moody atmosphere! Open a bottle of wine and just relax, chat and focus on each other.
Not a particularly keen cook? Don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all night? That's alright because Waitrose and Marks & Spencers have a brilliant offer on at the moment which is Dine In for £20 and Sainsbury's are doing the same thing but for an amazing £15 which includes a Starter for 2, Main Course for 2, Side Dish for 2, Desert for 2, Wine or Bubbly. A 3 course dinner with wine for £20 or less? You couldn't get that in many decent restaurants! It's what I did last year and probably what I will be doing this year!
After dinner you could always put some music on and just continue with your conversation or get comfy on the sofa, make a bit of a camp and have a marathon of a film night with some of yours and your other half's favourite movies.
No phones
What else is there to say? I know we are all stupidly addicted to our phones, whether it's Facebook, Instagram or Candy Crush - I am definitely guilty. But when you're trying to have a nice, romantic night, there is nothing more frustrating than the other person being glued to their phone all night. So why don't you just switch your phones off, or even just on silent and keep them out of sight. You will have a much more enjoyable night without them - trust me! I suppose they are allowed back for the obligatory photo of your food, that you will just have to upload to Instagram at some point.
Breakfast in bed
If you're anything like me, in the sense that usually there is a rule that no food is allowed upstairs in my house let alone in bed, so this really would be a treat. But how lovely is giving your other half breakfast in bed, whether it's just tea and toast, a full blown english breakfast or a healthy bowl of cereal with a glass of orange juice. It's such a small yet thoughtful gesture that is sure to gain you several brownie points.
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| Scrambled egg on toast |
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| Breakfast cups |
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| Full English |
Now I think this one is for the men, so listen up guys! It's time to really woo your Girlfriend or Wife and make her feel special.
As I mentioned in my Valentine's Gift Guide for Her it's a known fact that us girls just love a hot bubble bath, so treat her to some beautiful smelling bubble bath, bath bombs or oils, fill the room with candles, maybe even scatter rose petals and let her have a relaxing soak with a glass of vino or bubbly, you could even join her - if she will let you!
Either while she is (or both of you are) in the bath or when you get out why not give each other a 30 minute massage to really get each other relaxed and keep the romance alive!
Something that screams Valentine's Day to me are chocolate covered Strawberries, you can buy these already done but they are so simple to make yourself and can be made a day or two in advance. I did my own chocolate coated Strawberries to decorate this cheesecake I made. (Let me know in the comments if you would want to see a recipe on this).
To make chocolate coated Strawberries yourself:
1. Melt chocolate of your choice and let it cool for a few minutes
2. Dip your Strawberry (whole or halves) into the chocolate and place on a plate
3. If you want the same effect as above, dip a tablespoon into different melted chocolate and drizzle over the Strawberries in a zig zag motion.
4. Put in the fridge until the chocolate has set, about an hour.
One thing I love to do with my boyfriend is to go for walks, although we don't do it as often as I would like. Where I live, there are some really lovely places with beautiful scenic views and great pubs and cute little tea rooms for a well earned treat after. I would say that getting all wrapped up in your winter layers and taking a gorgeous scenic walk together is a fab idea for Valentine's Day and it's free! Unless of course you do treat yourselves and stop off in a tea room for tea and cake or a pub for a Vino or Gin & Tonic.
Just a tip
Just a final thing that I thought of at the last minute, there are so many offers on different Champagne at the moment in various stores, hunt out the best deal and get the most out of your money. Also, Prosecco is becoming more and more popular and a lot of people say that they prefer it to Champagne, plus it is cheaper than Champagne, so give it a try.
I hope these ideas gave you some inspiration for your Valentine's date.
What are you doing this Valentine's Day, any of the ones I have mentioned?
xxx
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