Posts Tagged ‘Romantic’

Romance- The Definiton

Friday, February 12th, 2010

The dictionary defines romance as a love affair, to woo, a relationship between two lovers….

 To me that defines “A Romance” but what about romance or being romantic?  I don’t believe there is a definition for this.  Why?  Quite simply because when one person says I need more romance or I wish my husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend were more romantic what they are wishing for is likely to be very different from the next person that utters those same words.  For some of us the most romantic thing our special someone could do for us it to put a big red bow around the latest and greatest power tool or that time saving piece of kitchen equipment we have been coveting for ages.  For others it’s the obvious things that spring to mind when the topic of romance surfaces, flowers, romantic dinners a weekend away without the children.  For me romance is all about my husband planning something as a surprise.  I love surprises and the anticipation of wondering just what it is he has up his sleeve.  For others though not knowing what to expect is torture, no fun at all and therefore not in the least conducive to romance. 

 So how do you get romance right, when there is no set formula that fits all?  Well, while there is no blanket formula there are two things that are in my experience standard criteria when planning a romantic gesture.  The first is time and the second putting yourself in their shoes.  Whatever the Romantic Gesture is from Power tools to flowers from kitchen appliances to spa treatments the one common factor is time.  You have taken the time to organise something (and this is where the putting yourself in their shoes comes in) that you know they will enjoy.  That is selfless and that in my opinion is what romance is all about.

Tags: , ,
Posted in All, What is a Romantic Gesture | No Comments »

Valentines Day

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

What to do, where to go, how to impress on Valentines day?  These are questions asked by many in the lead up to Valentines Day so I thought a few words of advice might be of use…

 

Before we look at the what, where and how let’s consider why.  Why celebrate Valentines day at all?  Quite simply it’s a day that celebrates love and it is my opinion that such a celebration is worth being a part of.  I know it’s commercial, so is Mothers day and Fathers day, none the less I think it is magical to know that on the 14th of February every year couples are taking some time to celebrate their relationship.  We don’t need an excuse and I certainly hope it is not the only day you celebrate your connection but this is the day you share with those in love, those falling in love and those returning to love, enjoy it!

 

That said how to you make Valentines Day special?  First and foremost don’t leave it to the last minute!  I think because Valentines day is so close to Christmas planning often gets left until a day or two before the 14th of February.  The difficulty with that of course is that the restaurant you were hoping to go to will be (if it’s any good) fully booked, the shops you were planning to visit for that special gift will be crowded and you will more than likely end up settling for something quick, easy and therefore disappointing, plan ahead!

 

With that little lecture out of the way and the decision made to start planning early the next thing to think about is your budget.  This will be different for everyone and that is fine, so long as you know what it is you have a point to start from.  Whether your budget is large or small the key to success is thoughtfulness.  Put yourself in his or her shoes.  What says I love you in their language?  Build your Valentines Day gesture around that and it will be a day to remember.

 

A few Valentines day ideas to inspire….

 

Make a photo album with pictures of the two of you

Spend the morning in bed with champagne, crossiants and strawberries

Book a table at the restaurant were you first had a special meal together

Surprise them with a Romantic Gestures room theme

Valentines Day is on a Sunday this year, secretly arrange for your special someone to have Monday off work and head away on Sunday for a night at one of Romantic Gestures special venues

Have flowers delivered, yes it’s an oldie but it’s a goodie!

 

Aroha,

Jody

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in All, Valentines Day | No Comments »

Romance on a Shoestring.

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

I have two wonderful romantic memories that stand out very clearly in my mind and I am sure always will.  One of them cost around $20.00 the other much more than that.  My point is that the dearer experience in no way diluted the memory of the less expensive one.  While it is wonderful to treat yourself to shear luxury when you can afford it, it’s more than possible to achieve Romance on a shoestring.

 

 Firstly go back to the post What is a Romantic Gesture so that you have your checklist in mind.  Now work out your budget and stick to it.  If you are doing something that is stretching you beyond what you can afford neither you or your special someone will have an enjoyable experience because you will be too busy worrying about how you are going to pay for it.  So with your budget in mind start planning and be creative.  Money can make it easier and quicker to organise something but  along with careful planning can really give the wow factor and make an occasion truly memorable.

 

A few simple date ideas:  Fish and chips with a bottle of wine at a nice quiet location can be very romantic.  Go to the extra effort of packing the picnic rug, wine glasses, some nice napkins (plain white tied with string and a sprig of lavender is a nice touch) and something sweet for after.  You may also like to include a gift, this can cost you nothing more that a bit of time to make a voucher giving a shoulder massage or car clean from you.

 

Find a spot where you can see the sunrise.  Check the weather forecast and choose a fine day to set the alarm and go for a drive.  If the budget stretches to it go out for breakfast on the way home then spend the rest of the morning in bed with the paper.

 

Set aside a little money each week so you can treat yourself without worrying about the budget from time to time.  You and your special someone are worth it.

Tags: ,
Posted in All, Romance on a Shoestring | No Comments »

Romantic Ideas

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

I know it can be difficult to keep the creativity flowing when planning your Romantic Gestures.  Flowers are wonderful, girls love them and I think you guys don’t mind them occasionally either :-) .  However – while the saying is you can’t have too much of a good thing I think you can have too much of the same thing.  So varying it up is important.

 

While I am going to share a few romantic ideas with you I also want to encourage you to set aside some time and let your own imagination run free.  After all you know your partner better than anyone else.  Part of loving someone is learning about them so during the time you have been together you will have learnt his or her favourite colour, food, drink, music etc etc.  Let all of that information be your inspiration!

 

Romantic Ideas

1/ Let’s say your partner’s favourite colour is purple, buy some purple post it notes take five pieces and in the top left hand corner of the first write number one of five, in the second number 2 of 5 and so on. Then write five things you love about him/her (one comment for each page).  Put these notes around the house in areas where you know they will be found.  Sit back and wait for the reaction…

 

2/ What is his or hers favourite food?  Buy a cook book that is full of the type of cuisine your partner loves.  Wrap it up and after he/she has opened it give a card with something along the lines of these words inside…I have bought this cookbook for me so I can make you the type of food you love.  Please choose a recipe, I’m cooking tonight.  This is a great gift to give first thing in the morning before your partner goes to work it creates a fantastic mood for the day.

 

3/ If you are living together and you enjoy a glass of wine from time to time chances are you purchase it from the supermarket with your groceries.  Occasionally stop in at a specialist wine store and arrive home with a bottle you have selected with the assistance of a wine expert.  This gesture is often reminiscent of what you did in the early days and they are always good memories to revisit from time to time.

 

Once you get in the habit of thinking about your relationship, planning special time together and surprised for one another the results will speak for themselves.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in All, Creativity and Romance | No Comments »