Put your heart into Valentine's Day

We can’t visit our favourite salon or spa, or be waited on in a nice restaurant, however we can still have a little enjoyment this Valentine’s, either by pampering yourself, or sharing some relaxing time with a loved one or even the family that you live with.  

If you are a frontline worker particularly those who are working over the Valentine’s weekend, make sure you create a day or an evening where you find a little time to treat yourself.  Self-care can really alleviate stress.

I realise not everybody celebrates Valentine’s Day, and in my opinion, you should care about a loved one all year round and not just for a day. 

If you are someone that does love spoiling a loved one on this day, but perhaps you don’t have the usual finances to spend, I hope to give you a few ideas on how you can still make it special without hitting your bank balance. 

Sometimes throwing money at a gift takes less thought than spending some time or energy to make someone feel special.  
Perhaps you could do something nice for a friend or a member of the family who lives on their own, a little thing can really make some one feel loved and less isolated.

Pamper ideas for your other half

Why not run your partner a nice fragrant bath with either their favourite bubble bath or create your own sensual oil blend.

Followed by a back massage using the blend that you have created, or an oil that you know they love.  

Historically the essential oil of rose was thought to be an aphrodisiac as is essential oil ylang-ylang now. 

For a feminine blend, mix rose oil with lemon oil and a drop of ylang-ylang and mix in a base oil (grapeseed oil is easily obtainable). 

For a more masculine blend opt for ylang-ylang with mandarin and maybe a black pepper oil. 

If your partner is working over Valentine’s then create a voucher, with the promise of a pamper treat on a suitable date. 

Beauty Gift ideas for your loved one

If your finances allow, then here are some gift ideas to please:

• Buy your loved one their favourite fragrance or body lotion, this will always go down well and shouldn’t go to waste.
• A beautiful candle is a safe option, there are so many to choose from, try and choose fragrances with the family and notes of scents that your loved one likes.
• Gift vouchers for a salon or spa treatment for when they can reopen would be a real treat to look forward to.

Valentines made special for the household

If you are unable to steal time together as a couple with young children at home, with no where to go and no babysitter, why not make the day fun as a family?  

For some people the days are long and dark without the company of friends and perhaps they are missing grandparents who are shielding. So make the day a little special to add a little love and winter cheer. 

If you can, get heart shaped chocolates, set the table for breakfast and place the chocolate hearts on each setting and choose your favourite breakfast choice. 

Have your evening meal with candles and watch a family movie.

Make somebody who lives on their own feel special

In the first lockdown I created some pamper bags for friends to add some lockdown cheer.  

I used some plain coloured party bags and put in chocolate, a mini bottle of Prosecco for adults, a sheet face mask, a small votive candle, a cuticle oil or a mini nail varnish, and a foot or hand mask. This would be a lovely idea for a grandparent or a friend or family member who is living on their own.  

You could include a heart shaped chocolate, or get the children involved in baking a heart shaped biscuit and decorate it. Wrap in clear wrap and tie with a red or pink ribbon.

Top Valentine's Day Tips

• When sending a Valentine’s card to the person that you are romantically involved with, spray a fragrance that they associate with you. Aroma is a powerful thing and stimulates the memory, that way they will get a waft of your scent and think of you! 
• When planning to treat your partner to a scented bath or a massage or both if they are very lucky, then create a relaxing atmosphere, dimmed lights and candles safely positioned in the room creates a great ambience for relaxation and romance. Ensure the room smells nice too.  If planning a bath and massage, it is more beneficial to bathe in a warm bath first as it warms and relaxes the muscles in preparation for a massage. Soft background music will also add a thoughtful touch.
• Getting the children involved about thinking of others could take their mind off their own worries and lift their mood by making someone else smile. Getting them off their computers and making gifts will give their eyes a rest and get them thinking creatively.
• If making pamper bags, put tissue in to coordinate and make the bags look nice. The children could create heart shaped gift tags. Remember you don’t have to spend a lot, there are good offers at Boots or go online.
• If you are able to have an evening with your partner, make an effort, dress for dinner, apply your favorite fragrance and a little make up, it will make you feel better about yourself.
• If you live on your own have a pamper night and watch a feel good movie.

Whatever your plans, I wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day!