We tend to treat this auspicious occasion in one of two ways: A lavish day in which we express with (or without) expensive gifts, just how much our partner means to us. Or, we dismiss the entire affair as a ridiculous money making scheme.

I hope no-one reading this is the latter.  If you are, let go and live a little.  There’s no need for you to spend a fortune (or any money for that matter) to show your loved one just how much you appreciate them.  And we can never show them enough times…

With Valentine’s Day lurking around the corner, I thought it would be an excellent idea to look into some interesting things to do this year.  Whether you’re single or already in a relationship, why not make this Valentine’s Day one to remember?

If you are single then make sure you plan ahead.  Get together with a bunch of just-as-single friends.  Ask your friends to each invite another single friend (of the opposite sex).  This is a great way to meet new people.

Host a get-together at your place.  Why not let everyone dress up with a theme: My Favourite Single Celebrity.  Ask each guest to bring along either a bottle of champagne or chocolates.  Or go big and ask them to bring both!

If you’re lucky enough to have a first date planned for Valentine’s Day, then do something different.  Why be just like everyone else and eat dinner at an expensive restaurant?

I know Drive Inns sound cheesy but it can be a great idea for a first date if you do it right.  Pack a picnic basket with wine and a selection of cheese.  Make sure you remember a blanket and some cushions so you won’t have to sit inside the car the whole evening.

Alternatively, try a wine and cheese tasting experience outdoors next to an open fire.  Remember the marshmallows for desert.

If you’ve been dating for a while why not add some spark to your relationship by staying at home and making an interesting dish together.

Have you ever tried making sushi?  There is loads of information on the internet on how to go about this.  It’s fun and messy which is always good for a laugh.  If sushi isn’t your thing, why not try making pasta from scratch?   WARNING: Just as messy!

For dessert, head into your local cafe and purchase and assortment of flavoured sweets.  Make sure you remember your partner’s favourite flavour.  Unwrap one, leave it in your mouth for a couple of minutes until the flavour has exploded, then remove it.  Proceed to kiss your partner.

If they can guess the flavour, it’s their turn.  I have no doubt that this will be a night to remember…

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I hope your day is filled with loads of love!