Category Archive: Romance

Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas

Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s possible that like many of us you have found yourself in a bit of a funk.  Many of us are more spontaneous people when it comes to expressing our love, so having a pre-set, very specific day and time period where so much is expected in the romance area can be a little tricky.  We want it to be special.  We want it to be meaningful.  But maybe giving more boring heart-shaped candy and flowers doesn’t seem to express exactly what we want to say. Sometimes store bought Valentine’s don’t say it right or aren’t enough, either.  Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean another stuffed bear or a box of chocolates.  Here is our huge list of great Valentine’s Day ideas that will be sure to help this Valentine’s Day be the most memorable one ever!

  1. Surprise! It doesn’t really matter what the surprise is, but doing something that is completely out of the ordinary and truly unexpected will make your partner feel extra special and loved.
  2. Romantic Dinner.  This is an old stand by, but give this Valentine’s Day dinner a special twist by having it at home. Go all out with soft music, candles, and your nice dishes. Use some of your most favorite recipes.
  3. Go Kart Racing.  Not your typical Valentine’s date at all, but the adrenaline rush of go-karting is a super thrilling and fun date that will really get your heart racing!
  4. Dance the Night Away.  There is something extremely sensual about dancing together.  The music…the touching…it’s fun and so sexy!  Try taking a dance class together for another unique spin on this idea.
  5. Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot.  Take fun Valentine’s Day pictures together with your digital camera.  Print your favorite pics for framing and for the memories.
  6. Hit the Shooting Range.  Ready…aim…fire!  He won’t be expecting this date, but he is going to love it.  Compare your paper targets and declare a winner!
  7. Beer or Wine Tasting.  If there’s beer involved, he’s there.   Wine tasting is another fantastic option.
  8. Concert tix.  Get your guy tickets to see his favorite classic rock band and get ready to rock your Valentine’s Day!
  9. Sweat it out.  Take a boxing class together or another workout class that you both would enjoy.  Getting some exercise together and breaking a sweat can get the adrenaline pumping and be very invigorating as well as fun.
  10. Movie Night.  Rent a romantic movie; pop some popcorn and then cuddle up with your Valentine for a sweet and snuggly movie night.
  11. Create Something.  Make something together.  Food is an easy choice, but you can also make homemade Valentines or even a fun craft project for your house.
  12. Love Coupons. Create a set of love-themed IOU’s for all sorts of things that your special someone is going to love.  The best part about coupons is that they can be personalized according to what the two of you like best.
  13. Notes.  Sexy notes in the lunchbox.  An “I love you” taped to the bathroom mirror.  Another note in the car or on his desk.  Remind him of how wonderful he is and how much he means to you!
  14. Sexy Picnic.  Pack a romantic picnic dinner and take it with you somewhere that is meaningful to the two of you.  Enjoy!
  15. Love Letter.  A handwritten love letter is almost a lost art in our digital age.  Find some lovely stationary and pen your sweetie a sincere love letter expressing your innermost feelings.
  16. Poem.  Write a special poem (even if it’s silly) for your special someone.  Need some help?  Try the poem maker found on this page: http://www.whimsies-online.com/valentine.htm
  17. Romantic Memory Book.  Find some of your favorite photos and take them to your local photo counter and have them put into a bound photo book.  This will become a cherished source of memories for you both!
  18. Valentine’s Dessert.  Find a decadent recipe and bake something delicious for your honey.  Feed it to him if you feel so inclined!
  19. Game Night.  Especially fun for families, get out a couple of your favorite games and compete for hilarious fun!
  20. Give Back.  Nothing makes you feel better than doing an act of charity.  Donate time at a food bank or head to a nursing home to visit an older person who might be alone on Valentine’s Day.
  21. Calendar.  It’s still early enough in the year to create a calendar for your loved one using some of your favorite photos of the two of you together.
  22. Stargazing.  Take the picnic dinner (from item #14) and go stargazing.  Lie down on a blanket and just stare up at the sky while enjoying the peace and quiet as well as the romantic time alone together.
  23. Head to the Ocean.  If you are fortunate enough to live near the coast, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to take a hand held walk along the beach.
  24. Scavenger Hunt.  Guys love a good quest.  Put together some clever clues and send your guy out on a mission to figure out where his Valentine’s present is–it’s even better if the surprise is you!
  25. Live Big.  Having an amazing as well as exhilarating experience together is a unique idea for Valentine’s Day.  A Hot Air balloon ride, sky diving, rock-climbing- see what’s available in your area and have a fantastic couple’s adventure!

Who is this Cupid Guy, Anyway?

What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?  Valentine cards are obviously way on the top of the list.  Hearts, flowers and candy are also very traditional tokens that we associate with Valentine’s Day as well.  Valentines Day, a holiday that celebrates all things love and romance, is steeped in lots of symbols.  Cupid, however–the arrow bearing, diapered baby, might be the oldest and most common of the love symbols we associate with Valentines Day. But who is this Cupid guy anyway?  What has he got to do with the day of love?

Cupid:  What’s Up With the Diaper?   Not to burst anyone’s bubble here, but Cupid actually didn’t start out wearing a diaper at all.  In Ancient Roman mythology, Cupid, the son of Venus, was usually depicted completely in the buff.  (That’s naked, folks.) He also wasn’t always a baby.  Cupid grew up into quite a strapping (and apparently quite smokin’ hot) youth who indeed was also the god of desire and erotic love.  He did indeed carry a quiver of potent arrows, however.  The gold-tipped arrows were purported to make someone fall madly and quickly in love, while the lead-tipped ones were used to create wanton passion and lust.

Jealous Mother:  Roman Mythology gets a little dicey here, but as the story goes, Venus, Cupid’s mom was very jealous of a mortal human woman named Psyche.  Psyche was extremely beautiful, perhaps even more so than Venus, which made Venus a bit crazy.  Venus sent Cupid (armed with his powerful arrows) to shoot Psyche.  The point was to make Psyche fall immediately in love with someone nearby that was a truly vile or hideous human–now that would keep her busy and get her off of Venus’ mind, right?

Whoops…I Hate it When That Happens:  When Cupid lays eyes on Psyche, he slips up and accidentally scratches himself with his own potent arrow.  He immediately falls madly in love with mere mortal Psyche and although he knows trouble could be a-brewin’, he marries her anyway.  Even though he and Psyche are now in love, Cupid insists that Psyche never look at him.  That’s the rules.  Now, Cupid is aware that he is indeed quite delicious to gaze upon, but Psyche just isn’t allowed to know what he looks like-ever.  Cupid only visits Psyche when it is dark so that she cannot see him.  Cupid is apparently quite a magical lover, so Psyche is very happy.  During the daytime, Cupid has supplied Psyche with all she needs to live a very happy and quite a cushy life.

Jealousy Strikes Again:  Psyche’s sisters become very jealous of the very pleasant lifestyle their beautiful sister has suddenly attained with her mysterious new husband.  They stir up all sorts of trouble by convincing Psyche that Cupid must be actually quite hideous looking or he wouldn’t keep his appearance a well-guarded secret.  Psyche allows herself to become convinced that she must see what her husband looks like.

Shed A Little Light On It:  One night, during one of Cupid’s nocturnal visits, Psyche sneaks a candle into the room.  While Cupid is sleeping, Psyche lights the candle in order to be able to get a good look at her husband.  Psyche is so enamored with the great beauty of her husband that she stares completely aghast at his stunning form.  As she does so, she accidentally drips some of the candle wax on Cupid, waking him.  Enraged by her disobedience, Cupid leaves Psyche, who now is left totally in despair.

Love Conquers All:  Don’t worry–this torrid tale still somehow manages to end up happily.  Psyche strikes a deal with Venus who sends her on a mission to prove herself, which even includes a trek into the underworld.  In her possession, Psyche has a box, which Venus has instructed her to never open.  Overcome by curiosity, Psyche opens the box, which immediately puts her into a deep, deep slumber.  Cupid happens upon his sleeping bride and upon seeing her in this state, he just can’t be angry with her any longer.  Cupid released Psyche from her sleep, and then takes her to see Venus, convincing his mother that Psyche is now worthy of godly immortality. The gods give Psyche some powerful nectar made of ambrosia, making her a goddess in her own right.  Now folks…that’s what we will call a happy ending!

Feeling the Love?  You may want to try creating your own version of Cupid with one of our many perfect-for-Valentine’s Day costumes.  Check out our how-to video on how to create a really sweet and sexy Valentine’s Day look. This look is going to knock his socks off!   (Plus it works a lot better than a half-naked arrow-wielding baby, we promise!) Happy Valentine’s Day from your friends at Halloween Express!

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