by Johanna Osborne

Say what you will, love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day comes once a year, every year, despite the fact that most men wish they could wear blinkers and block it out altogether. Yes, it’s commercial and a bit cheesy, but it is a day to remind someone you love them, and since we are totally in love with love, we applaud this notion with all of our hearts. So will you jump on board the love wagon with us, wave the flag high and indulge in a little schamltzy lovey doveyness, just for this week, oh pretty please?!

Naturally we’ve been fishing in the pool of love, and here are a few ideas that tickle our fancy. But before we begin let’s soak in the gorgeousness of Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting as Romeo and Juliet. There have a look. Ahhhh. Sigh. L’amour, ain’t it grand? Ok, now you can read on little Cupids!

A treasure hunt!
Who doesn’t love these? Use your relationship and past experiences together as a theme and you can go as big and elaborate as you like. Place clues where you have a history together, and use questions that will lead your sweetheart to new locations with the promise of a gift or reward at each. Clues like “Go to where we first me” or “Have a seat at the bar where we first kissed”. At each special place leave another clue as well as a sweet treat (heart shaped chocolate perhaps?) to continue to inspire the way. The pot of gold at the end of the search? You of course, arms open and ready to pucker up! Perhaps at your favourite restaurant, such as divine Dockside or the equally stunning Whitehouse or make a night of it at these amazing hotels: The Wellesley, The Bolton Hotel or The Amora.

Go shopping and enjoy it together!
Shopping is likely to be one of your lady love’s favorite activities, but perhaps not the fiance’s. However, together this could be made super fun. New things to see and touch, and of course some precious couple time – it’s a win-win really! Choose your own earrings, necklace or ring, and perhaps he can help pick new lingerie… now that ought to keep even the most begrudging customer cool and happy.
As a bonus, why not kickstart the day by surprising each other with a little something you picked out or made? A framed photo of you both, some chocolates or a special piece of jewellery? Our favourite shops to hit up this Valentine’s Day are Hanne Andersen, Tory & Ko and Alison Blain.

Rent a limo
You may not have rented a limo since your high school ball. And let us tell you, they are bigger and better than they were back then – gone are the days of the stretched out dungers! There’s a reason that you rented one all the way back then. It was fun and a sure-fire way to impress your friends, and of course potential lover. Well gals and guys, take a cue out of Mr Big’s book – he always picked up Carrie in the most unexpected places and was always the picture of cool as he rolled up in his too cool for school limo and said “Hey kid”, champagne flute in hand. Boys, arrange for the chauffeur to pull up to her work when she has finished her day, then invite her in for a whirlwind ride. Who do you call? Well The Limo Club of course!

Do something together
Book some lessons at a dance club. Salsa or other sexy dances will get the two of you hot and heavy once you start perfecting your steps. If dancing’s not your thing, try a cooking or language class, now that could be fun! A french class perhaps? Before long you will just have to jet off to gay Paris to test out your new found language skills or perhaps French Poynesia? Bora Bora is nice this time of the year we hear! Book your exciting travel with Air NZ for exceptional service and value.

Pandora’s box
Only you know what makes you special and unique as a couple. And only you have these sacred memories of your time together. Bring them back to life by creating a special keepsake box of all your moments together. Fill it with photos spanning the time of your relationship, movie ticket stumps, brochures/cards/wrappers of things you have seen and tasted together, old love notes, cards, memories and anecdotes. Get creative and it can be the best walk down memory lane ever! And you will end up with a box you will never part with and be proud to show your grandchildren.

Getaway
There is nothing like taking a wee trip as a couple – and a surprise getaway is nothing short of romantic. Who doesn’t want to be whisked away to a remote location and be forced to relax, unwind, drink bubbles and eat glorious food. Again, if it’s adventure you seek, contact Air NZ for all you need to get up, up and away!

Beauty and style
2 of our favourite things – Antipodes beauty products and For Every Minute sumptuous sleepwear are 2 absolutely guaranteed ways to make your lady love feel treasured, valued and totally pampered. Nothing beats feeling beautiful and comfortable all at the same time!

 
Get creative
Write something for your lover. It could be a poem, it could be a story. A tale recounting the way you met, the way you make each other feel and the hopes you have for your future. Take your heart from your sleeve and put it on paper, you will wow him/her!

And there we have it, nothing short of romantic and lovely. Enjoy and savour your love and celebrate your relationship. Others hope and pray for what you already have… so make sure no matter what you do, that you show your lover how grateful you are to have them. And if grand gestures aren’t your thing, a simple brekkie in bed, some handpicked flowers or a love note tucked in his/her purse/bag could be all it takes to send a few butterflies fluttering. Enjoy!

“When love is not madness, it is not love.”– Pedro Calderon de la Barca
“Grow old with me! The best is yet to be”. – Robert Browning
“Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.” – Rose Franken