VALENTINES IDEAS WITH HEART.

Valentine’s Day is one of those chocolate box days that usually passes without celebration in our home. The love between the huz and I goes deep, the force is strong with that man so we don’t ‘feel the need’ to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

However there was one Valentine’s Day when I was heavily pregnant and hubby walked through flood waters to collect the flowers he ordered for me. Oh, it doesn’t stop there, as if that wasn’t enough romantic gesture he also waited until I was asleep and blew up enough balloons to fill our unit…a sea of balloons! AND, yes there’s an ‘and’, he also made a freakin ginormous paper mache heart (filled with balloons) with ‘Jenni 4 Craig 4 Eva’ on one side and ‘Craig loves Jenni’ on the other side. Awww 🙂

Yes I just outed my romantic huz, and yes our names together are ‘Jenni Craig’ ? Oh the irony!

I think that one romantic gesture filled my heart enough to skip Valentines for oh, 21 years!

These days I have sons who are dating and Valentines is on the agenda in our house.

It’s got me thinking about celebrating Valentines, not just commercially but with heart. Choosing a gift or gesture that will melt your loved ones heart. For those on a budget I’ve got help there too, without looking like an absolute tight arse.

While we may want to buy ‘all’ the things for our other half, it’s just not necessary. There’s plenty of people who just don’t have cash to splash, but this doesn’t mean that Valentines needs to be a flop. If you have the willingness then I have five ideas for you…

1.PACK A PICNIC. The huz and I spent last Sunday on a picnic, it’s one of my favourite things to do but we don’t do it enough. Of course this is the year of sticking to a budget in our house and our little picnic cost us nothing but a sniff of fuel. Laying on the grass under a tree with scrummy food, a newspaper and a rug is my idea of relaxation heaven and it can be pretty romantic too.

Make it as simple or elaborate as you like. You don’t need to spend the earth but add in a special touch that makes your partner feel special. Using crockery, glasses and cutlery can feel a little more special than paper plates but if relaxed and easy is your thing then with it. There’s nothing like sharing food and a blankie 🙂

2.WRITE A LOVE LETTER. The power of words cannot be underestimated, I still have a collection of notes and letters that my Mister wrote when we were dating and keep every card he gives me. I secretly stash all the cards I have given him too. Sometimes writing the letter can reinforce what it is about our partner we love about them and you might find yourself falling in love all over again as you walk down memory lane.

3. GET IT INSCRIBED. A few sweet words, a special date or a love word that’s unique to you as a couple can be inscribed on a piece of jewellery, cufflinks or even a personalised Ipad cover or wallet that they use every day. Maybe together you have overcome something big and want to commemorate that, or perhaps a new bubba has joined your household (not me!), sharing a special anniversary date is personal and a beautiful way to unite a couple. You might even like to have some fun with personalised gifts like these or this.

4. SAY IT WITH PICTURES. How often do you actually download the photos you take? If you’re like me, not often enough. Take the time to print of some photos and pop them in a frame. Get creative and have some special photos put into a photo book, perhaps depicting your ‘love story’ so far. These days we can put a photo on just about anything, choose something that will make your other half smile and have a laugh together.

5. ONE NIGHT IN PARADISE. A getaway is always welcome but sometimes the budget just can’t deal with the attached hefty price tag. A getaway doesn’t need to be expensive though. If you know someone with a holiday home approach them, perhaps even work out a special rate. Offer to do some maintenance or gardening in exchange for a reduced rate.

If you need to stay closer to home then decorate the backyard with fairy lights, a canopy, lots of cushions and serve a chilled bottle of something nice with some sexy tunes. A little romantic backyard ‘glamping is kind to the budget and a wonderful way to create long lasting fond memories.

It’s all about creating an experience that will become part of your love story. A gesture, something personal with thought applied that is special to you and your loved one.

Whatever you do, do it with love in your heart.

til next time,

Jen x