This Year Has Turned Lots Of Things On Their Head..
We can no longer go to gigs, the movies or even get our hair cut (professionally that is). It has kept us apart from friends and for some it has kept us apart from our partners. For those who are fortunate enough to be with someone they love at this time, here are some ideas on how to make that time count. If you're in a long distance relationship at the minute (fair play), we have ideas for you too. You can of course try these with friends and family members too. We hope these help you safely enjoy Valentine’s day regardless of your situation!
Craft Night
Couples who craft together stay together. Those abandoned craft projects from the start of lockdown could come in handy right now for a thrifty couples' activity. Maybe you could recreate that scene in Ghost?! Pottery, crochet, knitting, woodwork, jewellery making and painting are all fun activities to do together. It's all about the process - don't worry if it's not a perfect piece of art. If you are apart from your partner this can be done over video chat.
Movie Night
If you and your lover are apart, this is one that you can do as if you're together. YouTube now allows you to rent movies and you can use sites like Watch2Gether to sync your play buttons and video chat, while you're watching the same movie. This is also great for groups of friends if you're more into Palentines/Galentines, than Valentines.
If you’ve watched everything on Netflix already, sites like Volta are full of Irish films and international films that might add something different to your Valentine's Day.
If you're looking for some movie snacks, there are lots of Waterford based restaurants and eateries that are offering great Valentine's Day 'dine at home' boxes and grazing platters.
Cook Together
A lot of people have mastered the art of cooking over lockdown. Making a fancy meal with your significant other or your family is a great way to show your love. If you're looking for inspiration, here are a few Waterford food blogs that have some tasty recipes.
Waterford Foodie has some great healthy treats, that look really tasty along with great main course ideas.
Rosemarie from The Kitchen Drawer has some really simple, easy to cook recipes, that give you that belly hug feeling.
Jen's Kitchen has some great recipes for sweet treats to top off your Valentine's evening.
Daytime Nature Date
We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful county and sometimes, you can't beat some fresh air and the nature that surrounds us! Maybe a walk on the beach, in a nearby park or any other nice spot, as long as it's within your 5k. Here's a non-exhaustive list of great spots in Waterford to go for a romantic stroll, if restrictions allow. It's also a great way to build up an appetite if you plan on having a Valentine's feast!
Crough Wood, Coumshingaun, Waterford Nature Park, May Park Trail, Anne Valley Nature and Wildlife Walk, Dunmore East Cliff Walk, Doneraile Walk, Waterford Greenway
Small Acts Of Kindness Can Be Sexy Too!
Helping with cleaning, laundry and general household chores are all thoughtful, kind things you can do for those special people in your life. They can also free up some time so you and your partner or housemate can spend quality time together. Maybe you could tidy the shed or do work around the house that's been put off for too long.
Homemade Gifts
Covid-19 has been hard on everyone emotionally but it's also been a difficult time financially for a lot of people. Here are some gift ideas that don't break the bank and that you'll enjoy doing - promise!
A Homemade Card
It doesn't matter if you're not the best artist, this is a really good way to make something personal to your relationship, maybe you could draw where you met, reference an 'in joke' you have or include a voucher for their favourite restaurant or shop.
A Jar Full Of Compliments
Let's not lie or be modest - we all love a good compliment every now and again! Fill a jar with all the reasons why you think your partner is the best! Bonus points if you include compliments on the content of their character, sure we all love to hear we are handsome, but inner beauty is what holds people together.
Pamper Sesh
We all deserve a spa day after what we've been through! You could cut or dye your partner's hair (careful now), pick up some face masks or make some homemade beauty treatments. If that's not your thing, you could give each other a massage too (again, careful now!).
Board Game Night
Most of us have a few board games lying around that could make a great night's entertainment. It might sound lame but board games are a lot of fun for couples, families and friends. Maybe it's time to break out the scrabble - don't blame us for any fights though!
Single This Valentine's? Fear Not!
For all you single people out there that are looking for love, Tinder now has a video chat function so you can have a virtual date with the person you are chatting with at the moment.
