Top Tips For A Romantic Valentines Day

Th 14th of February has arrived, so that means it's Valentine's Day again!

We've done some digging into some of the best Valentine's Day activities you and your partner can do which won't necessarily break the bank.

1. Refresh those clothes

Getting into bed with your loved one while wearing the same old pyjamas (the ones with holes) may not be the best way to get into the romantic mood.

Revamp your bedtime wardrobe with nice new threads. Maybe even buy each other some new bedtime attire to add some spice to the evening.

2. Unleash your inner bard.

How about doing something different in the evening? Getting stuck in a routine is easy, and even when we're out for a special date, we can easily lapse into discussing practical matters like work, house plans, etc.

Why not recapture the surprise and delight of when you first met.

Write poetry, taking turns to write each line. Even just starting it as a bit of fun and then starting to drop a few nice things about your other half is a lovely way to make each other laugh, relax and compliment each other.

3. Chocolate.

OK, so it's naughty, and not many chaps these days get cheers of thanks for buying chocolate, BUT it's Valentine's Day, so don't be shy and treat yourself. Share it between you, so that you're both being naughty together (and who knows where that might lead!)

Aim for dark chocolate though, because it contains serotonin, which is a relaxant to the body and mind, and avoid milk chocolate because it contains the stimulant dopamine which can disturb sleep.

4. Go for a drink.

But do it differently.

Upgrade yourselves, go somewhere special that you wouldn't normally and take the time to dress up for it. It's a hot date with the love of your life after all!

Most importantly go separately and meet each other there. This will conjure up the romantic excitement of dates from the past.

5. Stay in bed all day.

Take the day off, and prepare the night before for breakfast in bed.

Stay in your pyjamas, get some movies sorted, make exciting plans for the future and prepare for a John and Yoko-style love-in!

Get a takeaway for dinner and luxuriate in your slovenliness.

6. Make each other a Valentine's card.

Create something for your "memory box" with both of you agreeing to make a card for each other.

Dust off the old double-sided sticky tape, glue, glitter and whatever else you need and pour your love into a wonderful creation.

The time and effort spent will be appreciated and the finished card will, maybe not win any artistic prizes, give you and your partner a laugh at each others' amateur sub-Blue Peter efforts!

7. Recreate your first date.

Who can forget the heart a-fluttering? The will-they-won't-they- turn up? The "what shall I wear?" internal questions.

I can remember what I was wearing, can you? Try as best you can to recreate that evening. The whole process of doing so will reignite all sorts of happy memories you can share, and cause you to reflect and celebrate all that has happened since then.

8. Go away.

We are not saying you should tell your partner to go away!

I mean have a cheeky night away somewhere. It doesn't matter if it's far away, overseas. or just down the road.

The turn of midnight in Paris sounds pretty romantic, doesn't it? But even a romantic night in a hotel near where you live will feel like a really special pampering experience.

9. Treat yourselves to some better bedding.

Surround yourself with the nicest things in your bed. A new comfy duvet with large fluffy pillows, enticing you and your partner to spend more time in bed can't be a bad thing!

A good mattress, and some natural-fibre rich bedding will make both of you feel special, not just at the end of your Valentines Day, but for years after. And when the chocolates and champagne are all gone, you'll still have your bedding to share!

And remember, don't just love your partner...LOVE YOUR SLEEP!