7 Ways to Surprise Your Valentine
Here are some ways to shower your loved one with affection. Let us be your guide
Okay! They would probably like the flowers you send but going that extra mile which screams true love wouldn’t hurt either, especially when it all stays within the confines of your own home. Here are some tips.
Save the clichéd flowers and chocolate routine for your anniversary, and prepare for a more thoughtful and intimate experience for them this Valentine’s. Like a cheeky personalised pillow for the young at heart. Or a chalkboard at the entrance that shouts your love with a trail of red hearts to sweep them off their feet. Using gold balloons with monogram motifs will definitely be the crowning touch.
Some fizz and film
Who doesn’t love to put their feet up and relax with freshly popped popcorn, some cola and a great movie. But having a backyard movie night date for just the two of you? That would set any heart a-flutter! Here are a few things you might want for your backyard movie screening: a digital projector, a blank wall, some throws and cushions, a warm and soft blanket, popcorn as already mentioned and you’re good to go.
Who doesn’t love to put their feet up and relax with freshly popped popcorn, some cola and a great movie. But having a backyard movie night date for just the two of you? That would set any heart a-flutter! Here are a few things you might want for your backyard movie screening: a digital projector, a blank wall, some throws and cushions, a warm and soft blanket, popcorn as already mentioned and you’re good to go.
Now that the outdoor cinema is set up, you need the right movie. Additionally, to spice up the ambience and to bring more romance into the night, you can line the walkway with lanterns or candles.
Here’s a list of 10 iconic romantic movies that I recommend:
1. The Notebook
2. Pretty Woman
3. You’ve Got Mail
4. Dirty Dancing
5. Notting Hill
6. Kabhi Kabhie
7. Jab We Met
8. Hansee to Phansee
9. Maine Pyar Kiya
10. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
Here’s a list of 10 iconic romantic movies that I recommend:
1. The Notebook
2. Pretty Woman
3. You’ve Got Mail
4. Dirty Dancing
5. Notting Hill
6. Kabhi Kabhie
7. Jab We Met
8. Hansee to Phansee
9. Maine Pyar Kiya
10. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
Play games
Yes, yes – I know you vowed to be in the A Team together and go hand-in-hand and have each other’s back for life. But on Valentine’s Day, play against each other.
Barricade your home at the door – make it a no-entry zone for visitors – and have some alone time with no distractions. Set up a treasure hunt, a game of cards or chess, make bets. Or go wild and play paintball in the backyard! Do remember to turn on your competitive alternate ego, as winning can bring on great highs, and a little playful competition adds a little frisson of excitement that will light the spark.
Romance is essential to keep passion alive, so whether it’s been two or 20 years of togetherness, little romantic gestures and games always keep things fresh. Small things done together can make for the most memorable memories.
Yes, yes – I know you vowed to be in the A Team together and go hand-in-hand and have each other’s back for life. But on Valentine’s Day, play against each other.
Barricade your home at the door – make it a no-entry zone for visitors – and have some alone time with no distractions. Set up a treasure hunt, a game of cards or chess, make bets. Or go wild and play paintball in the backyard! Do remember to turn on your competitive alternate ego, as winning can bring on great highs, and a little playful competition adds a little frisson of excitement that will light the spark.
Romance is essential to keep passion alive, so whether it’s been two or 20 years of togetherness, little romantic gestures and games always keep things fresh. Small things done together can make for the most memorable memories.
The way to the heart…
One way to do your Valentine’s right is to share a breathtaking meal under the stars. This doesn’t necessarily require big bucks. Make the most of your outdoor space by arranging a candlelight dinner. Soft throws, cosy seats, warm shawls, and all-time favourite love ballads are all you need to have a romantic evening. Add atmospheric lighting, such as candles in hurricane lamps and mason jars, or string up some overhead fairy lights to add sparkle to the romantic glow.
One way to do your Valentine’s right is to share a breathtaking meal under the stars. This doesn’t necessarily require big bucks. Make the most of your outdoor space by arranging a candlelight dinner. Soft throws, cosy seats, warm shawls, and all-time favourite love ballads are all you need to have a romantic evening. Add atmospheric lighting, such as candles in hurricane lamps and mason jars, or string up some overhead fairy lights to add sparkle to the romantic glow.
If you are at a loss for what to cook, here is my favourite, quick-and-easy recipe to get you moving.
Recipe: Tomato Walnut Basil Pasta
Ingredients:
2 pureed tomatoes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup packed, fresh basil leaves. Remove stems and chop finely. (Reserve a few whole leaves for garnishing)
1 tsp salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 cup nutritional yeast (optional – you can replace it with grated cheese added at the end)
2 large handfuls spinach, roughly chopped
1/2-3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Pasta of your choice (I use spaghetti)
Directions:
1. Chop onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the onion and cook over low-medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook on low for another 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Cook on low for a few minutes. Now stir in the pureed tomatoes, chopped basil, and nutritional yeast. Stir. (You can leave out the nutritional yeast. It is a vegan cheese substitute – add cheese just before serving, instead.) Bring to a slow boil and then simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook your pasta. When it’s done but still has a little bite – ‘al dente’ – drain it, mix in a teaspoon of olive oil, and set aside, keeping it warm.
3. Stir in the chopped walnuts (saving a spoonful for the garnish) and the chopped spinach into the sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes longer on med-low. Serve over pasta and top it with the reserved basil leaves and walnuts. If you like, grate a little cheese on top if you are not using nutritional yeast.
4. The best garnish, for your beloved, will be the love you’ve put in!
Recipe: Tomato Walnut Basil Pasta
Ingredients:
2 pureed tomatoes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup packed, fresh basil leaves. Remove stems and chop finely. (Reserve a few whole leaves for garnishing)
1 tsp salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 cup nutritional yeast (optional – you can replace it with grated cheese added at the end)
2 large handfuls spinach, roughly chopped
1/2-3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Pasta of your choice (I use spaghetti)
Directions:
1. Chop onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the onion and cook over low-medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook on low for another 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Cook on low for a few minutes. Now stir in the pureed tomatoes, chopped basil, and nutritional yeast. Stir. (You can leave out the nutritional yeast. It is a vegan cheese substitute – add cheese just before serving, instead.) Bring to a slow boil and then simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook your pasta. When it’s done but still has a little bite – ‘al dente’ – drain it, mix in a teaspoon of olive oil, and set aside, keeping it warm.
3. Stir in the chopped walnuts (saving a spoonful for the garnish) and the chopped spinach into the sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes longer on med-low. Serve over pasta and top it with the reserved basil leaves and walnuts. If you like, grate a little cheese on top if you are not using nutritional yeast.
4. The best garnish, for your beloved, will be the love you’ve put in!
Sleep under the stars
Imagine pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars in your own backyard. It’s the stuff of everyone’s dearest daydreams. While it may not deliver a true, roughing-it-in-the-wilderness camping experience, you and your loved one will still be able to have an extraordinary time. All of this without the hassle of travelling to a campsite, or suffering the hardship of not having an indoor toilet or hot showers or a stocked-up fridge.
Tip: Do keep effective mosquito repellents handy to enjoy the night comfortably.
Imagine pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars in your own backyard. It’s the stuff of everyone’s dearest daydreams. While it may not deliver a true, roughing-it-in-the-wilderness camping experience, you and your loved one will still be able to have an extraordinary time. All of this without the hassle of travelling to a campsite, or suffering the hardship of not having an indoor toilet or hot showers or a stocked-up fridge.
Tip: Do keep effective mosquito repellents handy to enjoy the night comfortably.
Breakfast in bed
Set up a tray the night before with your beloved’s favourite coffee cup, a napkin with a love note tucked in, and a rose. Bring them a fresh hot cuppa in bed, first thing in the morning.The rest of the meal can be taken care of later.
Next, whip up a scrumptious breakfast, cooked with love and drenched in passion. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or exotic. “Have you eaten?” is one of the most romantic questions I have ever been asked!
Set up a tray the night before with your beloved’s favourite coffee cup, a napkin with a love note tucked in, and a rose. Bring them a fresh hot cuppa in bed, first thing in the morning.The rest of the meal can be taken care of later.
Next, whip up a scrumptious breakfast, cooked with love and drenched in passion. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or exotic. “Have you eaten?” is one of the most romantic questions I have ever been asked!
The ultimate indulgence
How about helping them unwind at the end of the day? Set up a warm bubble bath sprinkled with rose petals. Don’t worry if you do not have the luxury of a bathtub. Transform your bathroom into a home spa. Add a few scented candles, use lemongrass oil in the burner, play some soft music, and let the hot shower work on them.
Read more:
How to Turn Your Home Into a Love Nest
10 Shortcuts to a Happier and a Healthier Life
Tell us:
What household chores would you like your partner to take on to show you their appreciation for you? Share in Comments below.
How about helping them unwind at the end of the day? Set up a warm bubble bath sprinkled with rose petals. Don’t worry if you do not have the luxury of a bathtub. Transform your bathroom into a home spa. Add a few scented candles, use lemongrass oil in the burner, play some soft music, and let the hot shower work on them.
Read more:
How to Turn Your Home Into a Love Nest
10 Shortcuts to a Happier and a Healthier Life
Tell us:
What household chores would you like your partner to take on to show you their appreciation for you? Share in Comments below.
When it comes to proclaiming love, every single effort counts – from a garden decorated with flower cut-outs that give reasons why you love him/her, to doing up the various areas of the house in tiny, thoughtful ways. You could also use Post-Its around the house to scribble sweet nothings. They would make for a great keepsake.