Photo Credit: Money Hip Mommas

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And while I’m not one to buy into the commercialism, celebrating some mysterious dead saint or exhausting myself just for the sake of it, I think there just might be something to it that is worth taking notice of.

In more modern times this age old holiday has become about romantic love, but for many centuries it was more simply about showing kindness and caring for your fellow man, or woman.

So what is Valentine’s day to me – it’s about taking a step back from the busyness that is life and taking a moment to appreciate the people around me in a thoughtful way. One that’s different from the everyday kindness I try to exude. Now I have had people say to me that they don’t need a special day to do that – they can do that any time they feel like it. But my question is “Do they?” If you do, that is awesome. However if you’re anything like me, you might have good intentions and even good ideas, but more often than not, not enough time or energy to make it a reality. This is why I think having a day on your calendar that you can plan for, in advance, is actually a pretty good idea.

So please let me encourage you today – don’t ever become too tired or busy to show a little love.

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© 2016 As You Wish Events Ltd.  Want to use this article in your E-newsletter, blog, or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Auckland, New Zealand – Event Planner & Designer Nadine Crozier publishes the ‘As You Wish Events’ blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://www.asyouwish.co.nz.  As You Wish Events is an event planning and design company based in Auckland, serving the Auckland region and certain areas of Northland.

What to do, what to do?  Dinner and a Movie?  Sometimes we can easily get stuck in a rut when it comes to date ideas, so here are  5 Valentine’s Date ideas, to spark your dating creativity.

1. ‘A Great Pick Up’ – Sometimes what could be a rather unimaginative date idea can be made memorable by arriving to pick up your date in an unexpected mode of transportation.  Yes there is the cliché limousine, but why not try something different like a scooter, horse, tandem bicycle, golf cart or roller blades.

2. ‘On a Mission’  – Just like the old party game ‘Treasure Hunt’, set up a series of clues for your date to follow in order to find you.  When they do find you, you are waiting with a fun activity to do together or a romantic dinner.

3. In the Park – If you happen to be in the Auckland region over the summer months there are a great selection of free outdoor movies and concerts that you can take your date too.  Take along a picnic and enjoy the outdoor entertainment together.  For more details on when and where these events are taking place click here.

4. ‘Decisions, Decisions’ – If you are tired of being the one who always makes the date plans then here is a great idea for you.  Send your loved one an invitation for a date. However, create multi-choice options for the when, where and what so they have to make the decision for once. Here is an example …

5. ‘A Rotic Evening’ – While Valentine’s Day is considered to be more for couples, why should the singles miss out on celebrating love.  Rotic is simply ‘romantic’ without the ‘man’.  So arrange a girls night with a group of single friends.  Why not have a candle light dinner and watch a good chick flick.

For more ideas and resources try The Romantic.com, alternatively if you have some creative ideas for dates please share them in the comments section below.  But more than anything we hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day.