10 No-clutter Valentines Day Ideas
Valentines Day advertising is everywhere! On our TV's, on our social media pages, on billboards, shop front. It seems everywhere we turn, society is trying to sell us products to "show our love" each Valentines Day.
What happens to the products we buy? Those dusty "I Love You" teddies, the roses that wilt and die, the chocolates that lets face it we didn't actually need and will ruin your new years resolutions to cut back on the sugar.
So ... what do we do instead? Lets talk about some low budget, no clutter, low stress options for this Valentines Day.
1. Sunrise With Your Sweetheart
A great early morning idea to celebrate Valentine’s Day is watching the sunrise together. Make a big cup of coffee for each of you, pack up some muffins or if your feeling really adventurous some bacon and egg rolls, grab a cosy blanket and head out to the best sunrise location near you. Nothing is more romantic than cuddling up with your special someone and watching the sunrise for the day.
2. Enjoy Breakfast in Bed
This wont be for everyone, but if you are an early riser, why not wake up just a little bit earlier and cosy up with your S.O. for an hour or so before you start the day. This is a great opportunity to catch up on life, or reminisce. Just don’t forget to make extra coffee!
3. Valentine’s Day Playlist
This idea can be paired with many of the other budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas. Create a special playlist of you and your love's favourite songs, these need not be romantic, maybe your partner is a metal head or a K-pop fan! What ever genre of music you choose, include songs from special moments through out your lives, maybe the song that was playing when you first met, a song that remind you of them, your wedding song. Make the playlist unique to your relationship.
4. Lunch Date Outdoors
Valentines Day at it's core is about spending time with together. . Considering Feb 14th falls on a Tuesday this year, we can safely assume a good percentage of my readers will be working. How about a lunch date? Not at a busy hustle and bustle restaurant or café, how about a packed lunch in the park or along the river bank? Lunch doesn’t have to be fancy, just as long as it’s something you both enjoy. With your lunch and a blanket in tow, head out to find a quiet place to enjoy your meal. Spread out and enjoy some time together in the sun.
5. Dinner and a Movie
You can't beat dinner and a movie right?! Classic! This can either mean making a reservation at your favourite restaurant and choosing a movie together, or it could mean dinner at home (this could still be your favourite takeaway) with a streamed movie. If you would like to get a little bougie why not try setting the table as if you are going out? A simple table cloth (If you don't have one, try a colourful sarong or piece of fabric), some candles, and cutlery and glassware set out ready for dinner to be served.
6. Go stargazing.
With the ever rising interest rates and increases to our mortgage payments, why not opt for a low cost/ free Valentines Date? Star gazing can cost absolutely nothing. We are lucky to live in a part of the country where there is minimal light pollution. Head out into the backyard, or to a local park. Lay out a blanket (bonus points for a grazing board and wine!) and admire the wonders of the galaxy. There are free apps available to help you identify constellations. Dubbo also has a fantastic Observatory. Follow this link for information on bookingshttp://www.dubboobservatory.com/index.html . For the romantic, you could even name a star after your love, a simple google search will give you many options for this.
7. Stage Your Own Photoshoot
Why not get a little dressed up and head out on location! Nothing says "I love you" quite like cute photos together. You could rope a friend into helping or you could go around to meaningful locations and take some selfies together! Have them printed and hang them in you home, or post them to social media if that is your thing.
8. Indulge in a Bubble Bath for Two
Set the scene, some soft lighting (NOT the blaring heat lamps!), aromatic candles, some bubbles and some soft music and a couple of cold drinks to share. If you would like to be a little extra, sprinkle some rose petals on top of the bubbles. Also make sure you have some soft fluffy towels (fresh out of the dryer) ready for afterwards.
9. Host a Potluck
This is definitely not an intimate date for two, but sometimes a dinner with friends can be some of the best quality time spent! Invite only 1-2 other couples, each bringing a course (entrée, main, dessert) and share some food, drinks and create memories with your S.O.
10. Have a Game night
This could be added onto the previous potluck dinner, or kept intimate between you and your love. A little competition often spices things in a big way. Be it board games or online, there are so many options! What ever it is make sure you enjoy it, and maybe steer clear of monopoly, not sure about you... but in our house this always ends in an argument! Some of my favs are Cards against Humanity, Scrabble and Chess. Try to pick games you either already have, or would play again!
However you choose to show your love this Valentines Day, remember that its not about how much you spend, its about the quality of time spent.
Let not feed into the idea of needing STUFF to show our love and affection.
Happy Valentines Day!
Sending you all love and clarity.
-Alice xx
