IT is the day of the year when restaurants all over the Redlands are booked; florists are run off their feet, chocolate sales sky-rocket and people find creative ways to declare their love.
It's Valentine's Day!
Celebrated on February 14, which falls on a Tuesday this year, it is a day not to be forgotten by husbands or boyfriends - or you may just suffer the consequences!
Whether you make a big deal about the day of love or keep things low key, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion without spending a fortune.
Here are some budget-friendly Valentine's Day ideas:
Pack a picnic and head to a romantic spot. Pack a bottle of champagne, some strawberries, some other yummy treats, the picnic blanket and choose one of the many spectacular locations in the Redlands. A sunrise or sunset picnic adds an extra element of romance.Cook dinner at home. Nothing beats your favourite home-cooked meal eaten under candlelight, with your favourite music playing softly in the background. Don't forget a decadent dessert to top off the evening. Buy a plant. Rather than buying a bunch of flowers. Buy a potted rose bush, or your partner's favourite plant species. It is sure to cost less and be something that can be enjoyed for many years. Make a card. A heartfelt card with a message to your loved one is always a lovely gesture. Make sure you spend a bit of time on it to show you have genuinely made an effort - you may even like to incorporate a nice photo of the two of you. Cash in your coupons ? give your partner a jar with a few (four to six) notes or coupons that they can cash in throughout the day, such as a back rub, bubble bath, special meal, etc.However, if cost is not an issue , there are not too many women who will complain about being showered with expensive gifts. Some ideas include:
Diamonds. As the song goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend; and they are generally happy to accept them in any form ? be it earrings, necklace or a ring ? you can't go wrong! Dinner date. Take your partner out to their favourite restaurant (be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment). To make the evening even more special, book a limo or a Hummer to drive you to and from the restaurant. Propose. If you and your partner have considered getting married, buy their dream ring and find an extravagant way to propose, whether you jump out of an airplane or plaster it across a billboard.Roman tic getaway. Plan a weekend away or a longer holiday for the two of you. Go somewhere tropical where you can enjoy romantic walks along the beach, somewhere that offers pamper packages for couples, or perhaps fly to Paris - the city of love itself.While Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to show your loved one you care, don't limit sharing your affection to just one day. Find time to show you care each and every day ? it's the secret ingredient to a happy and long-lasting relationship or marriage.
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