Creating a Valentine Retreat That Won't Break the Bank

By: Jennifer Harmon

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I wanted to share a few tips about maximizing the love zones in your home. Sure, it would be nice to run off for a weekend retreat that includes a hot tub, but that option is not always cost effective. Let's focus on the two major romantic areas of a home: the master bedroom and bathroom. In this article I will explain how a few home-staging tips can dress up your love nest for the Heart Day holiday. Adding ambiance and pizzazz doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Greenery can go a long way in the bathroom. You can stop by your local craft store or even a retail outlet such as a Ross Department store and pick up some greenery items. For example, consider an artificial orchid in white or pink tones that can be placed in the corner ledge of the bathtub. Also think about a small potted vine or ivy for a shelf or the toilet tank lid. This will soften up the room and add a soothing effect. The next great step is to add candles. These can already be in your home, or you could buy tea candles from Target. To create a spa look, purchase white candles. Place them around the room, the counter, any shelving, line the tub sides and even group them on the floor in a safe area that won't impede getting into the tub.

While you are out shopping, consider picking up a few oversize white bath towels. Roll them up and place them in a basket located conveniently near the tub for your loved one. Another way to show your appreciation is to run her/him a relaxing bath. Bath salts or bubbles can be found in beautiful basket displays at retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart or even your local drug store. Or if your budget is tight, most women have bubble bath hiding in the linen closet or under the sink. If you have children, make sure to clear out all the bath toys before beginning this plan!

The last thing that will help add a romantic feel for this newly created spa atmosphere is music. You can play a CD by a favorite artist or one that has soothing beach sounds. Sound and smell are excellent ways to help us recover from our everyday troubles. You can create a relaxing, beautiful Valentine's Day retreat without leaving home or hiring a sitter by only spending a few dollars. Of course, if you could hire a sitter, I'm sure your significant other would not object!

To create a spa-like retreat in the master bedroom, you can duplicate some of the steps discussed for the bathroom. However, de-cluttering should be the first step. Hang up clothes, put dirty laundry in its place and clear off the dressers. Use as many candles as possible without creating a fire hazard. If your master bedroom is a large area, then purchasing pillar candles in glass containers is a god option. You wouldn't have to worry about the mess of burning wax and they store easily. Pillar candles can be found in any local department store and dollar stores. If you do purchase candles in bulk, make sure that they do not have an aroma that could overpower a room. Also, using music in a bedroom will add to a romantic mood.

To enhance the romantic atmosphere, you can purchase a few throw pillows for the bed. For less than five dollars each, your local Marshall's or Burlington Coat Factory are great places to shop. Select a silk or satin material in warm colors such as gold, red, berry or pale pink. Adding a vase of fresh flowers will also increase feelings of beauty and create a resort-like quality.

However, purchasing flowers during the Valentine's Day rush can get expensive -- roses per dozen have been known to increase to $20 or $30 dollars per dozen. Shop earlier and consider a mixed bouquet instead. Stop by retailers like Costco or Wal-Mart for a more wallet friendly bunch. Lay slippers and your loved one's bathrobe across the bed for a finishing touch so they can prepare for the relaxing spa bath you have secretly waiting for them.

Don't break the bank for your Valentine's Day holiday. Create a lovely, inexpensive space. This will produce memories that will last much longer.

Jennifer Harmon
Delightful Decor Windows & More
(910) 989-3200
http://www.delightfuldecorwindows.com
Helping people create the home interior of their dreams.

Celebrate Valentine's Day on the Isle of Wight

By: Terry Simpshon

The year is almost over and after Christmas, the next big celebration that you need to plan is where to celebrate Valentine's Day.

There are many romantic places in UK you can choose from but if you are working under a limited budget and want to spend it in a nice and quiet place, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to go.

There are many interesting and romantic things that you can do in the island. Plus the scenic views will make you fall in love all over again. So holidays and short breaks, Isle of Wight, are the ideal Valentine's Day escapade.

Some of the romantic activities you and your loved will enjoy doing in the island include the following:

Eating Out
The flavours of fresh locally produce vegetables, freshly caught seafood and local wines, cider, and beer in the Isle of Wight restaurants are more than enough reason for you and your partner to have a great Valentine's Day on the island.

As part of the island's vision for a more sustainable island by 2020, the island is committed to provide flavoursome, home-grown produce. When you eat at any of the island's restaurant, expect seafood straight from the fishermen's latest catch, locally brewed beer, locally-grown wine, scrummy ciders made from gorgeous Island apples, and tasty organic veg.

Whatever preferences in taste you may have, your senses are surely in for a treat in the Isle of Wight. And regardless of the budget and season you decide to visit, you're guaranteed to find the perfect eating venue - whether it's in a historic inn, a romantic restaurant, or a trendy bistro - everything you're looking for is here.

Chilling out
Nothing is as romantic as spending time with your loved one in a pub or village cafe overlooking the sea.

A perfect Valentines Day getaway in one of Britain's most tranquil retreats, the Isle of Wight is calm, unspoilt, and untamed - all the things you need to wash those stress and worries away. What's even better about Isle of Wight is its accessibility from the mainland - just a short trip by ferry, which can be romantic all by itself!

You can also unwind with some leisurely golf sessions, sailing, or a stroll around the local galleries and vineyards.

Walking the Wight
If you and your loved one are more adventurous types, you can go for a walk on the island's wealth of bridleways and footpaths. The Isle of Wight is reputed for having more footpaths per square mile than any other English county - from short town rails, to the 60 mile coastal path, and circular routes, you're sure to enjoy walking down the lanes, fields and cliffs to take in the island's natural beauty.

for more information on short breaks, Isle of Wight please visit: http://www.islandviewholidays.co.uk/

Valentines Day at A Theme Park

Going to a theme park filled with big thrill rides is probably not the first place you think of as being romantic. You can't really be alone together so there isn't an opportunity for intimacy and special 'Kodak' moments. It would be difficult to give Valentines gifts or a bouquet of flowers and the dinning facilities are designed with families in mind rather than love birds looking into one another's eyes in candle light. Despite the romance levels been low, Theme parks with their White-knuckle roller coaster rides are still ideal venues for romantic dates for other reasons. Going to a theme park I'm sure you will agree is a great day out. It's fun exciting and at time exhilarating. But did you know that going on one of the theme park's main roller coaster rides could actually make you feel in love? The adrenaline rush that we get when we go on big exciting rides, is a very similar chemical that is released into the body when we feel 'in love'. Therefore if you and your sweetheart go on lots of big exciting rides together, you will experience that rush of 'in love' emotion, and that is a must for any Valentines day out. Not only that, but Theme Parks generally big out the caveman in most men, and women tend to like to see the big strong caveman in their guy. It reminds them that their guy is powerful and makes them in turn feel safe, knowing that their man can look after them. Men like to prove that they are strong and brave, and are determined to go on any ride, even if the thought of it does make them go green around the gills. In today's society, men have little opportunity to show how brave and fearless they are. Theme Parks offer a pleasurable opportunity for men to display their masculinity whilst the ladies enjoy their rutting male displays. Women, on the other hand are more divided. Some ladies behave meek and mild and others like to show that they are as brave as any man, or wild enough to try anything once. All of which are strengths which men find attractive. The main thing about a romantic Valentines Day at a theme park is that you enjoy all the fun of the fair, and build precious memories of a really fun day out that you have shared together. You even have the opportunity to take home a photo of you both having a hair-raising time on a White-knuckle roller coaster ride. What a fantastic way to spend Valentines Day!

Book a Valentines day out at a Theme Park Here

Picnic Under the Table

What is Romance? There is no hard and fast rule, what feels romantic to one person my not feel romantic to another. However a common feeling is that when something is romantic it is something that you do as a couple, something that is done without sharing it with others - such as a romantic dinner for two.

However when you go out for a romantic dinner on Valentines day, you tend to find that every man and other half are also trying to have a romantic dinner for two as well.

This Valentines Day have yourself a real Valentines dinner for just two, by having lunch in secret - have a Valentines Picnic under the table. Yes under the table!

Just image how romantic it could be...
In a nice warm clean room with some essential oils burning away on the side fragrancing the air, drape a clean quilt cover or two over the table so that the covers touch the floor like a cosy little tent. Throw in some big cushions to lean on and to make yourselves comfortable on. You can illuminate your picnic area with a small lamp, or candles. If you do choose to use candles, use small tea light candles in a glass vase so that you don't cause a fire hazard. You could sprinkle a few rose petals about for that overtly Valentines feel. Then all you need is your favourite picnic foods. Eating with cutlery under a table is quite tricky with limited space, so go for finger foods.

Why would picnicing under the table be romantic?

The thing about romance is that you tend to remember romantic days when they stand apart from other days. Think back over the years to your most memorable Valentines Day - why was it so romantic?

A picnic under the table is very unusual unless you're five years old and because of this, it will be a day that stands apart from other days. So it will be remembered for being unusual, and remembered because you didn't quite fit under the table properly and you legs were sticking out, and because it was difficult to eat under there and so on.

A Valentine's date under the table will also evoke memories and feeling from childhood, when life was carefree and simple, a time when you felt playful and safe. Bringing back these warm feelings on you Valentines date will also make the time feel romantic.

Last but not least, it will show a wild and wacky side of your nature to your Valentine and they will love you for it.

Romantic Victorian Photo Shoot

Have you ever thought of having a romantic day dressing up in Victorian style clothing and having your photo taken?

You can got to a photographer's studio and get some professional photos taken. This would have to be booked in advance, and you could let them know when you book that you would like Victorian costumes and setting for your photos.

The advantage of having a professional photographer taking the photos is obviously the photos will be of a high quality, and the composition and lighting will be perfect. Additionally a professional photographer may also have an assistant who can help you with dressing up and applying makeup and styling hair to give the finished images the right look.

However, you could hire Victorian costumes from the local costume hire shop and keep the costs down. Ask the shop assistant for help choosing something that would suit you and that would also represent the Victorian era. Also ask if they have any accessories, a lace parasol, ladies gloves and so on.

Once dressed as a Victorian aristocrat you could drive to where you know there are some old looking buildings and take a few photos of one another. Old Victorian parks make great setting with their wrought iron railings and band stands. Old cobbled streets also make a fantastic backdrop.

If you camera allows, take a few photos in black and white to make the photos look more authentic. And remember that Victorian photos took a long while to take, so on most Victorian photos the subjects are not smiling. So don't over do it with the big beaming smiles. However, trying not to smile will probably give you both the giggles.

Also when out taking the photos, make sure that you ask passers by to take a couple of photos of the both of you together.

After all the excitement of the photo shoot, have a look through the images that you took and choose a couple to frame to remind you of your romantic day.

Have a Perfect Valentines Day with Perfect Valentines.co.uk ~ Perfect Valentines Craft ideas, Valentines Poems, Print Valentines Cards, Valentine Recipes and more Valentine Crafts