Valentine’s Day falls on Wednesday14th February, which means it may be the weekend of the 10th/11th you’ll be celebrating. The day itself is celebrated in 53 countries, if you live in Columbia however, you have to wait till the 19th October. Even here in Wales we celebrate Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, on January 25th. More of that later.
This SOUTH WALES LIFE guide to Valentine’s Day will be expanding over the coming weeks so bookmark the page, tell your friends and come back regularly.
- HISTORY
- PLACES TO VISIT
- FOOD & DRINK
- TOP TEN THINGS TO DO (FOR VERY LITTLE MONEY)
- LUSH CARDIFF SPA (Read & Watch Our Feature)
- FREE DOWNLOADS
HISTORY
Many of us celebrate by showing the people we love or adore just how we feel or appreciate them. You may (under normal circumstances) take them out for a romantic meal or a night away in a hotel, some even choose this day to propose or get married. Traditionally though we would give cards, chocolates, jewellery or flowers, particularly roses.
It’s not the same all over the world though. In some places it’s all about appreciating our friends. For example, Valentine’s Day in Finland refers to “Friend’s day”, which is more about remembering all friends rather than focusing on romance. In Guatemala it’s known as Day of Love and Friendship. It’s pretty similar to Valentine’s Day with our customs and traditions, but it’s also a time to show appreciation for their friends. and we really like that side of it.
So when did this Valentine’s thing all start? The truth is, we’re not really certain. Some reckon it comes from the story of St Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred on or around February 14 in the year 270 CE. How he became the patron saint of lovers remains a mystery but one theory is that the church used the day of St Valentine’s martyrdom to Christianise a pagan festival held around the middle of February.
It was a strange old ceremony which included putting girls’ names in a box and letting the boys draw them out. These couples would then be paired off until the following year. The Christian church substituted saints’ names for girls’ names in hope that the participant would model his life after the saint whose name he drew. However, it was once again girls’ names that ended up in the box by the 16th century.
Eventually the things we associate with Valentine’s today became more accepted. Sending anonymous cards or messages to those we liked became the way of celebrating the Day. Eventually it became an established day, first in the America and then in Canada, in the mid-19th century. Very early Valentine cards made of satin and lace and ornamented with flowers, ribbons, and images of cupids or birds appeared in the 1880s.
There are so many things we associate with Valentine’s. Hearts, the colours red and pink, roses, cupids’ bows and arrows all symbolise romance and love. Cupid is usually seen as a small winged figure with a bow and arrow. He apparently uses his arrow to strike the hearts of people. People who fall in love are sometimes said to be “struck by Cupid’s arrow”.
As we said earlier, if we were being traditional you wouldn’t find us in Wales celebrating Saint Valentine – instead, it’s Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, on January 25th.
St Dwynwen was a fourth-century Welsh princess who lived in what is now the Brecon Beacons National Park. Dwynwen was really unlucky in love, so she became a nun. She prayed for true lovers to have better luck than she did.
Of course we do have one traditional romantic Welsh gift, a love spoon. As early as the 17th century, Welsh men carved intricate wooden spoons as a token of affection for the women they loved. Patterns and symbols were carved into these love spoons, each signifying a different meaning. A few examples include horseshoes, which stand for good luck; wheels, which symbolise support; and keys, which represents the keys to a man’s heart.
Today, love spoons are also given at weddings, anniversaries and births.
PLACES TO VISIT
Many places offer vouchers, or even pre-booking. So maybe a nice gift box, with the promise of a night away, or a luxurious spa treatment is the way to go.
One thing we can tell you is that there are some great deals to be had right now. Take a look around, and pick up a romantic bargain while you can.
A DAY AT A SPA
MERCURE CARDIFF HOLLAND HOUSE HOTEL
Spa Naturel Fitness has a full thermal suite, sauna, steam room, a range of treatment rooms and a 16-metre swimming pool. If you’re looking for a full day of pampering, there’s the Serenity Day, with a range of beauty treatments. They also have Time For Indulgence, including two choices from the massage list. Both include a full day’s use of the spa facilities plus lunch.
The Hotel Spa includes a spa pool, sauna, steam room, an indoor heated pool with mood lighting and three treatments rooms. Prices range from £30 for a half-hour facial or £35 for a 25-minute back, neck and shoulder massage.
The Resort has everything you need all in one place. What I can tell you is that right now, they have some really good deals on rooms, spa and golf days. Well worth checking out. Also, they offer promotional vouchers you can purchase and keep for up to 6 months. We have done this many times and they really are great value. We suggest signing up for their newsletters to find our more.
Set in more than 2,000 acres of panoramic parkland at the gateway to South Wales, the five-star Celtic Manor Resort Hotel has everything you need for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway – from luxury spa facilities, delicious dining, a stylish cocktail bar and world-class golfing.
They have a range of Valentin’e offers right now, including the ultimate Signature Escape. Details of that one HERE.
The Forum Spa offers 16 treatment rooms, plus a range of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, plunge pools and a relaxation pool overlooking the rooftop garden.
Take a look at the Spa video HERE.
To download a copy of the Forum Spa brochure, go here. FORUM
There is also the Ocius Treatment Rooms, which are in the Celtic Manor Golf Club, just up through the Roman Road golf course from the main hotel.
And to see what they have in store for this Valentine’s. go HERE.
The Celtic Manor also have other hotels in their collection which also offer some incredible ideas for that special Valentine’s someone.
Cardiff’s newest and most luxurious destination, the 170-bedroom Parkgate Hotel is a stylish retreat for a Valentine’s Day getaway. Featuring a boutique rooftop spa with stunning views over the city skyline, and fine dining at the chic Sorting Room restaurant (which was recently added to the Michelin Guide), the Parkgate Hotel breathes new life into two of the city centre’s most historic buildings – the former Head Post Office and the old County Court.
For more information and reservations, go HERE.
We were there when the property opened – HERE and for their first anniversary – HERE. The rooms are stunning, but as you can see, the spa is next level luxurious.
ST PIERRE MARRIOTT HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB
The Beauty Rooms include an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and spa bath. There are a range of day packages priced around the £130 mark. The Refresh & Revive gives you a choice of treatments totalling around 90 minutes, plus lunch and use of the facilities. Overnight spa packages are available.
As well as 19 treatment rooms, the Vale Spa contains three relaxation zones – the chill zone (full of leather sofas and glossy magazines), the float zone (think water beds and gently trickling water features) and the slumber zone (complete with shimmering lanterns and sumptuous quilts). You’ll also find a pool, hot tub, saunas and steam rooms in Wales’ largest spa.
They have so much on offer, including the Vale Full Body Swedish Massage. A Clarins Essential Eyes Facial or a Luxury Elixir Facial. They have plenty for the guys too. At the minute they have some really good deals on both treatments and spa breaks.
Take a look at The Vale Spa Treatments right here. VALE
PLACES
Brimming with life and wreathed in legend, the waterfalls and rapids in the National Park add an exciting, picturesque and thoroughly romantic touch to the woodlands and hillsides.
One part of the Park, at the head of the Vale of Neath, has so many wonderful waterfalls that they call it Waterfall Country. Many of these cascades are easily accessible on foot, as long as you’re prepared to walk through beautiful woods to get there.
A unique blend of coast and countryside means this park has something for everyone.There are eight miles of golden sands at Cefn Sidan, 550 acres of woodlands, caravan and camping pitches and picnic and BBQ sites.
You won’t be short of things to do since activities on offer include horse riding, the longest toboggan run in Wales, a dry ski slope, adventure playground and outdoor laser tag.
Castell Coch really is the ultimate fairytale castle. It stands in a stretch of woodland on the slopes above the village of Tongwynlais and the River Taff, about 10km from the centre of Cardiff.
The design combines the surviving elements of the medieval castle with 19th-century additions to produce a building which the historian Charles Kightly considered “the crowning glory of the Gothic Revival” in Britain. It is protected under UK law as a Grade I-listed building due to its exceptional architectural and historical interest. Above all else, it’s stunning.
A ROMANTIC WALK ALONG PENARTH PIER
Stroll along the pier, have an ice-cream and enjoy Penarth Pavilion which has a lovely small cinema and an art gallery.
They Have……..
- Great Teas – imported by Waterloo Tea, with many Organic and FairTrade options.
- Great Coffees – they change the coffee weekly, showcasing different roasters, origins and varietals.
- Delicious Food – using seasonal local produce, and a focus on creativity. Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Teas.
- Stunning Views – the teahouse at the Pavilion looks out onto the iconic pier and across the Bristol Channel.
Take a look at our feature on Penarth right HERE.
FOOD & DRINK
Food is the one thing we all expect to enjoy with our loved one on Valentine’s Day.
THE IVY
elebrate the season of love with our three-course Valentine’s Day Menu, priced at £75 per person. Join us for an evening filled with romance, featuring dishes perfect for sharing.
Dine a duo of prawns to start with avocado and tomatoes, beautifully complemented with Marie Rose sauce. For mains, we have a choice of an array of other exquisite plates such as succulent fillet of beef, lobster linguine and coconut sweet potato curry. Finish with a touch of sweetness and enjoy our ‘Love is in the Air’ sharing dessert, with vanilla and strawberry parfait, raspberry sorbet, and salted caramel chocolate truffles.
Toast to your evening with a glass of Della Vite Prosecco Rosé on arrival, with love from The Ivy.
Available from 6pm through to the 15th February. To book at table at THE IVY in Cardiff, go HERE.
The also have a special Dim Sum Menu running right now at THE IVY ASIA, which we went to try recently.
Chinese New Year will fall on Saturday, February 10th, starting a year of the Wood Dragon to sample the Dim Sum menu which is available weekdays from 11:30am to 4:30pm.
The food is next level good and really difficult to pick our favourite, however, the prawn toast is like nothing you’ve ever tried before. As for the Aromatic Duck Spring Rolls – well, what can I say, amazing.
Incidentally, they also have Year of the Dragon Cocktails on offer right now.
Watch our video to the end to see the Lunar Sphere Dessert – it looks great and tastes even better.
GLEN-YR-AFON HOUSE HOTEL
The award-winning Glen-Yr-Afon House offers everything you would expect from a luxury hotel. The Afternoon Tea voucher would give that someone special, something to look forward to on the day.
Afternoon Tea Menu (subject to change)
Selection of savoury sandwiches
Mini quiches
Mini sausage rolls
Scones served with jam and clotted cream
Vanilla mille-feuille
Mini lemon possets
Chocolate covered profiteroles
Victoria sponge
Chocolate brownie
Carrot cake
Freshly brewed tea/coffee
£32.50 per head
Prosecco Afternoon Tea – £39.00
Gin Afternoon Tea – £40.75 per head
Champagne Afternoon Tea – £47.50 per head
based on 2 persons sharing a half bottle Champagne. (Minimum booking requirements – 2 persons).
Fo more details on the Afternoon Tea go HERE.
BEEFEATER WALSTON CASTLE
Beefeater Walston Castle restaurant running a delicious 2-course Set Menu, with the option of adding a third course and a delicious drink from the Spritz menu! It’s the perfect opportunity to spoil your loved ones with some feel-good food and drinks this Valentine’s.
Thier namesake, the Walston Castle, was built in the 1530s. Times have changed a little since then, but they’re still proud to be associated with this historic place in one of the most scenic parts of the country near Cardiff.
The Walston Castle Beefeater is only a 15-minute drive away from Cardiff Airport, Barry Island and Cardiff City Centre.
Closer to Wenvoe itself, there’s the stunning National Trust site at Dyffryn Gardens or St Lythans Burial Chamber, perfect for relaxing and unwinding after one of their world-class steaks.
You can download the menu to your device HERE.
You can see what else they have on offer – HERE.
BILLS
Passoã, the original passion fruit liqueur, has partnered with Bill’s restaurants to put the va-va-voom in your Valentine’s Day dining. Whether you’re celebrating the big day by diving in head first on a first date, out getting loved-up with your long-term sweetheart or gathering the girls together for Galentine’s, this Bill’s and Passoã collaboration offers a divine date experience to get you in the groove.
Lovers of love are invited to enjoy a taste of temptation with Bill’s Valentine’s menu and Passoã cocktail pairing. Each dish has been designed to speak your ‘love’ language, so whether you’re wide-eyed for words of affirmation, passionate for physical touch, aching for acts of service, quelling for quality time or gearing up for gift-giving – Passoã x Bill’s have all your bases covered.
Valentine’s day just isn’t complete without a toast to love! Cocktails include the Passion Fruit Martini (£9.95): Passoã passion fruit liqueur, vodka, passion fruit puree and pineapple juice, and the Passoã Margarita (£8.95): Passoã passion fruit liqueur and tequila shaken over ice and a tangy blend of citrus juice. Both cocktails are included in the set menu price of £29.95, and also available as 2 or £12 for those wanting to continue enjoying the unmistakable taste of Passoã’s intensely stimulating flavour. Made with real passion fruit and no artificial flavours, Passoã adds passion to any cocktail: adding an exotic passionfruit twist to your favourite cocktails.
The Passoã Valentine’s activation will be available across all Bill’s locations (England and Wales from through to Saturday 17th February. The seductive set menu includes a starter, main and Passoã cocktail pairing for just £29.95. Here, you can choose Spiced Aubergine Fritters to ignite the start of something new, and Peppercorn Steak Frites, Pan Fried Salmon & Saffron with lemon cream sauce, roasted chestnut and butternut bake or Truffle & Parmesan Mac & Cheese for that main character moment.
You can add a dessert for an additional £5, the sweet treats will win hearts over with the likes of the Valentine’s Sharing Dessert* with white chocolate and passion fruit mousse, triple chocolate brownie truffles, cinnamon doughnuts, strawberries, and topped with chocolate sauce; sharing is caring after all… For the more selfish of lovers, treat yourself with a Banoffee Pie Sundae or Valentine’s Brownie for one (there’s no judgement here).
Booking in advance is advised to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones at Bill’s restaurants. For more details go HERE.
*Valentine’s sharing dessert must be ordered by two people ordering from the Valentine’s menu
VALENTINE’S MEAL DEALS
MORRISONS
Morrisons has unveiled its The Best Dine in For Two Meal Deal where customers can get a three-course dining experience, including starters, mains, two sides, dessert and a drink to help them celebrate Valentine’s Day in style.
My Morrisons members and online shoppers can pick the deal up for just £15, saving up to £20.45 compared to buying the cost of individual items separately. Couples can start things off with camembert tear and share bread, an antipasti platter or a vegan mushroom pate.
Mains include pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto with a balsamic glaze, a rump steak with peppercorn butter, or Scottish salmon filets with a hollandaise butter that can be paired with classic chunky chips, Maris Piper dauphinoise potatoes, or maple roasted carrot and parsnips.
Desserts range from some delightful raspberry panna cotta, a cheese selection, and – new for this year – GÜ chocolate and honeycomb and hot chocolate molten middles. A full vegan option is available as well which features chipotle cauliflower wings, vegan mushroom pate, a miso mushroom stuffed butternut squash, three sides to choose from and an indulging GÜ vegan cheesecake dessert.
To drink, there’s a selection of red and white wines as well as fizz, including Chevaliers St Martin AOP Bordeaux, the La Bellamente Pinot Grigio Blush, and the Menestrello Prosecco Spumante. In addition, some refreshing non-alcoholic drinks from Morrisons The Best collection are available, such as The Best Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade, The Best Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade and The Best Ginger Beer.
The Valentine’s Day Meal Deal is available from 8th to the 14th February, all for just £15.
WAITROSE
- Price: £20
- The deal: a starter, main, side and dessert to share, plus a bottle of fine wine or a pre-mixed cocktail
- Available from: February 7 – 14
Veering towards the pricier end of the scale, but still only £10pp for a three-course dinner with a drink, Waitrose’s offering looks and feels luxe. Couples will get a starter main, side and dessert, plus wine or cocktails from the likes of MOTH or Tails. Off the sauce? Swap in a box of chocolates instead of booze.
Starters champion seafood with the likes of prawn cocktail and mussels on the menu, although there are cheese souffles for fishy foes. While steak is the classic V-Day main, Waitrose includes other elevated options like duck and garlic chicken, paired with fat or skinny chips or a roast vegetable selection.
Sweet-toothed significant others will delight in the dessert selection. Choose from white chocolate mousse Pistachio Hearts, Salted Caramel & Chocolate Profiteroles and Melt in the Middle Chocolate Puddings, to cheese and fruit salad.
TESCO
- Price: £12
- The deal: One main, one side, one dessert and a bottle of plonk (or non-alcoholic option) for two diners. But here’s the rub: for Clubcard holders only.
- Available from: January 22nd – February 8
It’s a bit early, but if you fancy treating your S.O. to a tasty dinner before February 14, Tesco has the goods. The supermarket has unveiled its day of love Finest range for 2024, with a special price of £12 for the lot available for Clubcard holders exclusively.
You’ll skip the starters and hit the mains first. Options include: chicken tagine, Chicken Cabernet Sauvignon, Chicken Leek & White Wine or the favourite, Ranch Steaks with heart-shaped Garlic & Herb & Pepper Butter. Sides include chunky chips, mac and cheese, minted baby potatoes and more.
To finish, confections such as millionaires tarts, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate & orange cheesecake slices, plus a few more.
Wash it all down with soft drinks, or red, white or rose wine.
LIDL
Price: varies
While Lidl isn’t offering a V-Day meal deal per se, there are oodles of gems to pick up in the aisles to create a romantic dinner of your own with prices from just £1.99.
Kick things off with an antipasti platter with prosciutto, before a main of 10oz Birchwood steak to share or Aberdeen Angus burgers along with sides of Potato Dauphinoise or Halloumi Fries. The steak can easily feed two if there are other sides on the table, or when sliced into a leafy salad for a lighter option.
Veggie options include a Deluxe Sourdough Chargrilled Veg & Pesto Pizza. Keep things on script with heart-shaped macarons to finish. Sweet.
Available to shop in-store now
SPECIAL GIFTS
There are so many things to gift your other half with. Giving presents is traditionally part of the whole Valentine’s thing, and since the day is mostly about love, why not flip it on it’s head and get your partner a gift they will truly LOVE. This does of course require a bit of thought and planning, especially in the current climate. It’s not always easy to figure out relevant valentine gifts ideas, especially if you extend it to other family members and the kids.
- SHOW YOU CARE – Giving presents or gifts is also a way to give more attention to other people.
- MAKE OTHERS HAPPY – Happiness isn’t measured in value, but from the attention we give to other people.
- BE CREATIVE – Use your creativity to make gifts with the heart as the symbol of love.
- MAKE SWEET MEMORIES – A gift doesn’t have to be expensive, but remember it will be a sweet and precious memory.
There are some common valentine gifts you can choose around the day. Most of them have reddish or pinkish styles. Anything with the heart shape is always good.
- Red or Pink Flower
- Some love quotes or cards
- Cards or game with valentine words
- Red or heart theme home decor (cushion, wall, kitchen utensils, etc)
- Personal wear (clothes, shoes, makeup, jewellery, etc)
- Books
- Food
- Toys
- DIY and craft
- Entertainment (music, movies, etc)
LUSH
The Lush Valentine’s Day range is something very special. Gift yourself or someone you love with a collection of gifts that will spark joy and kindness for yourself and others. Decadent, limited-edition bath bombs, bubbleroons and bath melts made with ingredients like Fair Trade organic cocoa butter and luxurious essential oils – from Sicilian lemon to Pakistani rose absolute, will soothe the mind and body.
The Valentine’s Day collection is available now LUSH. We particularly like the SEX BOMB. LOVE BURGER and a bit of PASSION FRUIT DELIGHT.
And if shopping is your thing, the team at St David’s Cardiff have put together a guide to the top romantic gifts ahead of Valentine’s Day.
With more than 150 brands, St David’s offers everything to make Valentine’s special while couples looking to celebrate by dining out can explore a host of cuisines at the city shopping destination’s restaurants including Ivy Asia, Giggling Squid, Gaucho, Wahaca, Wagamama and more.
Cute and playful
- Love Bug Plush Toy –Butterfly
- Adorable to cuddle up to, this 8-inch plush penguin toy is dressed as a cute butterfly.
- Available at: MINISO. Price: £11
- Yoshi Jammie Dodger Biscuit Leather Bag
- This official Jammie Dodger biscuit cream leather ladies cross body bag looks so yummy with its Jammy Love Heart front detailing.
- Available at: AG Meek. Price £59.99
- For the love of LEGO
- Visit LEGO for a special Valentine’s Day Make and Take event to create a mini-build to take home. Join the fun on February 11th and 12th, from 10am-2pm while stocks last.
- Available at: LEGO, St David’s. Price: Free
- Four in a Row Game
- Get ready for heartwarming fun with this Valentine’s edition of the four-in-a-row game.
- Available at: Flying Tiger. Price: £7
- Crocs – Classic hearts
- This exclusive to schuh Classic Clog boasts an all-over heart print paired with Valentine’s theme jibbitz.
- Available at: schuh. Price: £45 (jibbitz sold separately)
Fragrance and beauty
- Ladies Fragrance Collection
- An adorable miniature set of feminine fragrances to suit a lady’s every mood. 5x5ml
- Available at: Penhaligon’s. Price £50
- Emporio Armani Stronger With You EDT
- Warm, sensual eau de toilette for men, inspired by a personal love story. 150ml
- Available at: The Perfume Shop. Price £64.99
- The Shea body care collection
- A must-have collection to soothe dry and dehydrated skin during the winter months – a perfect unisex gift for the one you love most.
- Available at: L’OCCITANE. Price £55
- Fragrance Experience
- Book your loved one in to learn about the art of Scent Layering with the fragrance experts to find a unique combination and choose a Valentine’s gift together.
- Available at: Jo Malone London. Price: Complimentary 30-minute session.
Jewellery
- Kissing Couple bracelet charm
- This hand-painted has a richly detailed design with engraved lines with red and black cold enamel with Soulmate engraved on the back.
- Available at: THOMAS SABO. Price £59
- Bound Forever Silver Bracelet
- Beautiful sterling silver bracelet with 9ct rose gold detailing containing rare Welsh gold, inspired by the ancient Celtic tradition of “handfasting”.
- Available at: Clogau. Free when you spend £129 or more on Clogau jewellery and watches, valid Feb 1-14.
- Diamond Solitaire Pendant
- This 18k yellow gold solitaire pendant with 0.15ct round brilliant diamond is a classic yet beautiful choice with £200 off RRP.
- Available at: Diamond Heaven. Price £300
Fashion
- Amora Love Heart Jacquard Brushed Jumper
- Bring a cute vibe to a cosy season. Made from a responsibly sourced wool blend yarn, it has a brushed texture that’s super soft with a jacquard motif of hearts.
- Available at: ALLSAINTS. Price £169
- BOSS Interlock-Cotton Polo Shirt
- An essential BOSS Menswear piece that belongs in any wardrobe. Made with a luxurious soft cotton, this fitted long sleeve polo shirt is the perfect piece for Valentine’s Day
- Available at: BOSS. Price £119
Lingerie
- Lacey Amour Bra, Thong and Suspender Set
- Get the Valentine’s matching set feeling with this heart-adorned Lacey Amour lingerie, designed to feel as good as it looks. Bra, thong, brief, high-waisted brief and suspender; sold separately.
- Available at: Bravissimo. Price from £18
- Amelia Satin Chemise – pink mix
- Discover the new Amelia collection made from 100% recycled polyester with premium lace trim detailing, adjustable straps, a side split and a silky satin finish for a luxurious feel.
- Available at: Boux Avenue. Price £30
- Boux Avenue Amelia Satin Chemise
- Bravissimo Lacey Amour Bra
- Boux Avenue Amelia Satin Chemise
- Bravissimo Lacey Amour Bra
Food lovers
- Giggling Squid Cookbook
- This is a celebration of Thai food from the much-loved restaurant, famous for their Thai tapas and beautifully designed bold vibrant interiors. Learn the secrets of their classic and sharing dishes and recreate them at home
- Available at: Giggling Squid, St David’s Cardiff. Price £25
- The Ivy Valentine’s Day Set Menu
- Celebrate the season of love with this specially curated three-course Valentine’s Day Set Menu, complemented by a glass of Della Vite Prosecco Rosé.
- Available at: The Ivy Cardiff. Price £75 per person
- The Ivy Asia Valentine’s Menu
- Explore a beautifully crafted set menu, perfect for two including dishes of Wagyu Beef Tataki, Black Miso Cod and a Cupids Roll dessert alongside opulent cocktails and breath-taking interiors.
- Available at: Ivy Asia. Price £55
Special offers for Valentine’s
- Enjoy two courses for £18.99 and celebrate with two -or one-on cocktails or a free glass of Prosecco with every main meal.
- Available at: TGI Fridays. Price £18.99 for two courses
- Valentine’s doughnuts
- Treat your loved one to one of three special heart-shaped doughnuts including the ‘You colour my world’, ‘I love you a-chocco-lot’ and ‘Without you I’d crumble’.
- Available at: Krispy Kreme. Price: Individually priced
- Straight from The Heart Valentine’s Chocolates
- Beautifully arranged in a heart-shaped box, this collection of coveted creations ranges from tipsy Pink Champagne truffles to elegant Praline Oysters
- Available at: Hotel Chocolat. Price: £44.95
- Bubble Ci-Tea Sweetheart Series
- Until February 14, find two special drinks; Sweetheart Punch with strawberry and white peach syrup and Strawberry Sweetheart with a frozen mixture of watermelon, strawberry and milk.
- Available at: Bubble Ci-Tea. Price £5.10
- Valentine’s Day menu at Pizza Express
- Dine together and choose 2 courses for £17.95 or 3 courses for £21.95 for Valentine’s Day, including these limited-edition heart-shaped dough balls.
For more details about St David’s, visit HERE
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO
BREAKFAST IN BED
Oh come on, we all love a little brekkie in bed but try and step away from the norm. Bacon Sandwich and toast can happen any day. Whip up a delicious breakfast – or brunch spread on Valentine’s Day and enjoy it lounging in your bed. It’ll definitely be a nicer way to start your day together and a change from all the usual running around.
HAVE A BLUE MOON DAY
In telling you this, I’m going to have to let you in on one of my little secrets. A BLUE MOON DAY was something we came up with a long while ago. In simple terms, once in a Blue Moon, you take a day off work and do nothing. PJs, Food, TV. So why not take the day off from work, have breakfast in bed and remember how and why you two first fell in love.
RECREATE YOUR FIRST DATE
This will take a bit of planning, especially if you’ve been together a while. Go right back to where it all began. To the time when you first started falling for each other with a second shot at your first date. If your memory isn’t great, you could even order the same food and drinks as that one memorable night.
COOK DINNER TOGETHER
Going out for dinner is of course fantastic (expensive and tricky right now) but it can be so much more romantic going DIY together. Even if one of you doesn’t have chef-worthy skills, you can still make a memorable dinner you’ll both enjoy. And remember, it’s not about the food but all about the sharing.
HAVE A ROMANTIC MOVIE DAY/NIGHT
So you’ve taken your BLUE MOON DAY, had your romantic home-cooked meal, now all you need do is grab the popcorn and settle on the couch for an evening filled with your favourite rom-coms.
Here is the IMDB list of the twenty most romantic movies of all time. We’d like to be there’s a few in there you haven’t seen or even considered. MOVIES
No guesses as to what is at Number One. It’s CASABLANCA, undoubtedly one of the greatest romantic films ever. Just because it’s old, and in black and white, shouldn’t put any of you ‘newbies’ off. This is the movie you know without even watching it. Each scene is like an old classic song, we instinctively know every line and scene.
Here, Rick is telling Louis to go, and when when she started crying, he said “Now, now; Here’s looking at you kid.” When you are in love and you miss someone when they are away, you think about those moments you looked at each other; seeing the face you remember so well.
“Here’s looking at you kid” is: Beautiful, I will always remember your face so when you miss me just know I’m always looking at you just as I did when you were near me.
WRITE A LOVE LETTER
Don’t you dare send a Valentine’s Text. I’m sorry, but it’s lovely to get a cheeky little message from your loved on when you least expect it. This is however Valentine’s Day so we expect more. If you’ve never done it before, now’s the time to put in writing why your partner is so special to you. Tell them how they make you feel, and why you fell in love with them. Trust us, a proper letter (and it doesn’t have to be long, will really hit the spot). Here’s a few of our favourites.
Marilyn Monroe to Joe DiMaggio
I don’t know how to tell you just how much I miss you. I love you till my heart could burst. All I love, all I want, all I need is you—forever. I want to be just where you are and be just what you want me to be. I know it’s lousy of me to be so late so often, and I promise to try a million times harder, I promise. Love, Marilyn.
Johnny Cash to June Carter
Princess, We get old and get used to each other. We think alike. We read each others minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes take each other for granted. But once in awhile, like today, I meditate on it and realise how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met. You still fascinate and inspire me.You influence me for the better. You’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence. I love you very much Princess. John
Elizabeth Taylor to Richard Burton – written a short while before their first divorce.
My darling (my still) My husband,
I wish I could tell you of my love for you, of my fear, my delight, my pure animal pleasure of you – (with you) – my jealousy, my pride, my anger at you, at times. Most of all my love for you, and whatever love you can dole out to me – I wish I could write about it but I can’t. I can only ‘boil and bubble’ inside and hope you understand how I really feel.
Anyway I lust thee, Your (still) Wife.
P.S. O’Love, let us never take each other for granted again!
P.P.S. How about that – 10 years!
GIVE EACH OTHER A MASSAGE (A PROPER ONE)
Here are the rules, no 5 minutes and my hands hurt, or moving the massage along – if you know what we mean. Grab a bottle of body oil, set the mood with candles and soft background music, and give your partner at least 30 minutes of massage therapy. They can thank you by returning the favour. Here’s 3 hours of perfect music to play as you massage. RELAXING
TAKE A BATH TOGETHER
To make it extra special, surround the tub with candles, sprinkle rose petals in the water, and set a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne within arm’s reach. And for goodness sake, don’t argue over who gets the tap end, there really is no need.
GIFT EACH OTHER SOMETHING MONEY CAN’T BUY
February 14th doesn’t have to be all about the money or presents, but it is nice to give and receive a little token. Like a lot of us, we’ve done the excess route, gifts, flowers, dinner, night away and yes, each of them is lovely and very well received. I do remember watching my then partner, getting a handmade card from our child, the joy on her face was better than any expensive gift I could have come up with.
So perhaps we can take a lesson from this and do something special, from the heart and definitely personal. Consider getting something your loved one has always wanted, not what you think they want. Listen to what they say over the year and make a mental note.
You may not be a kid anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still craft your heart out on February 14! In fact, in our opinion, crafting is even more fun as an adult, which makes it the perfect thing to do on Valentine’s Day. Here are a few simple ideas where the pictures really do say it all.
This one we love from the States. It is such a brilliant, simple idea but we reckon one of the most fun and romantic you can do. Why not adapt it yourself.
Hallmark has a handful of free Valentine’s Day colouring pages that you won’t find anywhere else. There are colouring pages of flowers, animals, hearts, robots, rainbows, and even unicorns. Click on the link below and the file will download to your device. Simply open them up, print them off and get the kids (or you) colouring them in.
We also have a simple Wordsearch puzzle for you to download and print.
With so many of us having spent more time with our loved ones, in the strangest of situations, it can put a strain on any relationship. While it’s essential to spend quality time with your partner to strengthen your bond, keep the love alive, as well as make the relationship itself grow, that is never easy, especially if you are spending 24/7 together.
- What’s a healthy amount of time to spend with the person your partner?
- Where’s the balance?
- What is a healthy amount of time to spend with a significant other?
If you’d like to delve further into your loving relationship, why not take our ‘Love Compatibility Quiz.’
