Moonlit dinner on the beach in Jamaica may not be on your radar this Valentine’s Day but don’t despair. Romance is not dependent on the economy and here are ten winning ideas for you and your sweetheart this year.
1. One of my favorite Valentine’s Day moments was when I sent my husband out to the market and while he was gone, I left rose petals from the front door to the bathroom where I had a bubble bath and a glass of champagne waiting for him.
2. Your local dollar store is a great holiday resource and you will find a great selection of house and table decorations to decorate your space.
3. Prepare a red meal—all food is red! Spaghetti, rare roast beef, cranberry sauce, cherry pie … use your imagination and your favorite cook book for inspiration.
4. Leave heart-shaped notes in the places that your sweetheart will be sure to find them like in his shower, on the steering wheel of his car, or in the morning newspaper. You can even find heart-shaped Post It notes at Staples.
5. Give your honey a special massage. Light candles, lay a heavy towel on the floor, and put the massage oil in a bowl of warm water. Put on some relaxing music and knead the daily tension right out of him.
6. Take him to the imaginary beach by planning an indoor picnic. Fill a basket with cheese, bread, and wine, lay a tablecloth of the floor, and bring out the backgammon board. Have a bottle of sunscreen and a couple pair of sunglasses as props.
7. Email him a list of the reasons you appreciate him.
8. Start a “What I Like About You Journal.” Keep it out in plain view and take turns adding to it. Try to write a couple of ideas every day.
9. Have a romantic dinner out … at home! Cook a favorite meal and then dress up as if you were eating out. Light the candles, put the music on, and imagine you are in an exotic locale.
