It's Valentine's Month!

Hey everyone,

The last 2 weeks have been spent both in hospital and recovering at home, so sorry that we're starting Valentine's Month late.

But there is so much to say let's hope we manage it!

Looking for the perfect gift? Not sure what to buy that special someone in your life? Well look no further! In this post we will share with you our secrets to the perfect valentine's gifts that will knock the socks off your partner.

We compiled a list of suggestions that may help you on your path to the discovery of Love.

1. Something homemade- homemade chocolates, heart shaped biscuits, dinner for two, picnic in the park, chocolate fondue in front of the fireplace (a screensaver also works well)- the list is endless. www.pinterest.co.uk is one place you could look for ideas.

2. Flowers- Flowers never cease to amaze people. It's a comfort, a cheery up gift, a blessing and also a symbol of love. (Do check though in case your partner has allergies/sensitivities to pollen- like me) Hit up www.marksandspencer.com and click on flowers to see their range- A local flower shop may be able to help too.

3. A romantic meal out- It doesn't have to be fancy- I love restaurants that are family run- they pay more attention to making their customers feel welcome and happy rather than every single detail. TimeOut magazine has an article on the best restaurants in London https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/best-restaurants-in-london but they will have good suggestions for anywhere in the UK.

4. A trip to the theatre/on a boat/an adventure- Just an escape from everyday life for you both. You'll be surprised how your partner will delight in some time off. www.goape.co.uk https://www.whatsonstage.com/all-cities https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/jul/08/10-great-uk-boat-trips-scotland-cornall-london-chosen-by-readers Just a few to try- the possibilities are endless!

5. If you're musically talented- compose a song about them or play her favourite song. If you are unsure ask a friend or find someone at the local college/school who will be willing to help for a tip towards their future education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUSzL2leaFM&list=PLxk4IadlN7SyhsgOa7-L3pod3wtlyFq5q&index=5 Eric Clapton- Wonderful Tonight

6. Treat yourselves to a couples massage at a spa- relaxing may be one thing, but relaxing together encourages intimacy and your bond as couple to grow stronger. https://www.standard.co.uk/escapist/wellness/best-couples-spa-treatments-in-london-a4359016.html The Evening Standard has a list of places in London but a Google search for your area will tell you where places are for a couples massage.

They say that love has many a meaning and many a way of loving someone. But I believe that to love and be loved in return has to be as a working relationship- being willing to compromise, willing to love the other always, willing to accept love in return, willing to work things through when things get tough, being willing to have a deeper yet yearning connection with your partner. I could quote many a bible verse here but I'll leave it to you to search His word on what God knows/declares is Love.

One of my favourite things to do for Valentine's day for my husband Duncan (Dunks/Snuggle Bear as he is affectionately known) is to tell him how much I love him and to thank him for everything he's done for me and with me in the past year. For me it's about the time we share not how much money we spend (not that that's a issue). Valentine's Day (or the nearest Saturday) is one of the days in the year where we're not on our phones, not calling anyone, not blogging, not working, just spending quality time with each other.

I know that can be a rarity but do try this Valentine's Day (get a babysitter in even!) to spend quality time with each other.

Tomorrow we will be discovering the art of making gifts for our partners. So do stay tuned in for that.

Love,

Lily