The Valentine Issue

I have pretty mixed feelings about Valentine's Day this year; up until now I've always been rather cynical. Don't get me wrong, of course I was always [in denial about being] envious of the girls whose boyfriends' serenaded and spoilt them with cuddly me-to-you's, elegant rose arrangements and gorgeous red underwear and I'd totally be lying if I said I don't go out on 15th February (yes, I'm cheap! And what?!) to treat myself to the things I've never really been bought before. You see, the thing that bothers me, really, is the idea that the only time you feel able to show your partner you love them is on a day mandated by the greeting card industry. I mean whatever the hell happened to spontaneity, a bouquet of flowers or a "you mean the world to me" card that came for no reason at all? And this is me before I've even started on the ridiculously expensive set menus ‘for two' that are usually forced down in an over-crowded restaurant crammed full with other couples spending exactly the same factory-line Valentine's Day as you.

Forgive me though because despite my cynicism, this year I'm actually teetering on celebrating this over-hyped, hyper-commercialised day. I suppose we could put that down to my playing for the other team now; I find all the garish red paraphernalia more endearing than enraging. My only point, though, is that we at least seek to celebrate with some originality, some individuality away from the masses. I know, just from speaking to close guy friends, that their intention on Valentine's Day is only to bring a smile. So who am I to deprive their other halves of the joy of a heartfelt gift? Guys - going out there and spending £100 on the perfect posy might be your only option at 5.45pm on February 13th but how about some forward planning to piece together a day you both won't forget? Here are a few of my Valentine's favourites this year; as for what I have planned… well, for risk of it being read, I'm just going to have to fill you in on the 15th.

I love this Swarovski ‘Charmed Pendant’ (47 GBP) that allows for the attachment of charms to create a unique necklace each time you wear it. It’s something that will be treasured for years to come and can be added to each occassion. Perfect.

Cupcakes, anyone?

xxx