How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? If indeed you do at all. So many people choose to ignore the day completely, seeing it as no more than over-commercialised nonsense. Dom and I have been together for almost twenty years and although we do celebrate the day with cards and little gifts, we’ve never been a couple to go crazy on this ‘romantic’ day.
For example, we’ve never been out to a ‘romantic’ restaurant on Valentin’s Day. The thought of being in an over-crowded, over-priced restaurant with a load of the other couples, just doesn’t do it for me. What’s romantic about that? I’d much rather go to the same restaurant a few weeks later when it’s not so busy and the menu is back to normal, not the ‘special romantic’ set menu put on for the night.
Before you get the wrong impression, it’s not that I don’t like Valentine’s Day, I’m happy to celebrate (almost) anything, and let’s face it a day to celebrate love is always worthwhile. What I’m trying to say is that Valentine’s Day should be celebrated in your own way, whatever that may be.
After being together for so many years Dom knows that I’m happy with a bunch of pretty pink roses, like these (I’ve never been a fan of red roses) and some chocolates and I know that he expects a card and good bottle of Malbec (his favourite wine) to enjoy with his meal.
We normally go for the M&S meal for two deal because after a busy day looking after three kids, a lovely ready-made meal is the easiest option – and we know it’s going to be delicious! The deal includes; a choice of starters, main meals, sides, puddings, a bottle of fizz and a box of chocolates – all for £20. We usually choose steak and chunky chips, followed by something chocolaty for dessert and looking at this list, this year will be no different! The M&S Valentine’s Day meal for two offer is always a good one, they really step-up the offering to include some more luxurious and indulgent options, making it feel extra special.
This year Valentine’s Day falls during half-term, so I’m going to have three little girls to entertain during the day. They’re old enough now (well the big two, at least) to understand what Valentine’s Day is all about, so they’ll be keen to get in on the action by decorating heart shaped chocolates and making some cards for daddy.
Another thing we do every year (that the kids LOVE) is dip strawberries into melted chocolate. Honestly, if I mention Valentine’s Day at any time of the year, that’s the first thing they’ll mention. It’s such an easy but effective Valentine’s treat and as I’ve said it’s what the kids (and I) look forward to more than anything else!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Marks & Spencer.
We are the couple that don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, if it was down to me I definitely would whereas it is Mr H that doesn’t buy into commercialism. I do love the idea of having fun with George on the day, sadly it isn’t half term for us so a little difficult but he will definitely be receiving a card x
My husband is usually working on Valentine’s Day as he’s a pub manager so it’s one of the busiest days of the year for him (alongside Christmas, New Year and Mother’s Day). We try and go for a date-night at some point in February (cinema and out for dinner) but that’s about the extent of it, and it doesn’t always happen if we can’t find someone to look after our girls. I’ve often thought about doing the M&S meal deal offer as the food always looks so tasty and it’s good value. I’ll have to pop in and see what they do.