Romantic Date Ideas with a Difference

Valentine’s Day is next week! Eeek! And, as usual, I am not prepared, meaning, that we have not arranged a babysitter and our traditional ‘going-out-on-a-date-night’ idea has now officially flown out the window. Also, having just celebrated my birthday and then our wedding anniversary, the budget is a little tight, to say the least. I have therefore come up with some exciting and affordable date ideas, activities and excursions to celebrate this year’s day of love!

Sneaky Lunch Getaway

Oooh, exciting, a secret rendezvous! Meet your significant other during your lunch break and take part in any of these activities. Don’t forget to tell your boss you might be back later than usual.

• Buy some ice cream and go for a relaxed stroll around a local park.

• Go for a romantic lunch at that very un-child-friendly restaurant you have been meaning to visit.

• Skip the lunch and go straight for coffee and dessert. Tanya and Wessel inspired this idea - they often pop over to the DV Chocolate Cafe at Spice Route in Paarl for some naughty indulgence. ​

Connect at Home

We tend to get so settled into our daily routines that an evening at home can seem like the furthest thing from being romantic, but, all any couple really needs to create some romance is to connect with each other again. When last have you discussed your passions, dreams and aspirations with your partner? Not the quick, ‘oh, my day was so stressful’ discussion as you are watching T.V - I mean an in-depth discussion, the passion tangible in the room (you know, like when you first met and were trying to figure each other out).

• A themed dinner party: choose a theme, create a menu, cook it together and dress up.

• A themed movie night: choose a romantic movie and create a themed activity and tapas menu (which can be eaten picnic-style on your lounge floor) to match.

• Play a board game and dance in your PJ’s - have fun!

• Have a picnic in the garden

Visit a Child-Friendly Restaurant

For those of you who get cabin fever like me, go for a romantic outing to a child-friendly venue and remember to choose one which has childminders. Order a cocktail, a meal, or just a coffee and simply enjoy each other’s company, rest assured that the kids are entertained and taken care of.

• For family-friendly restaurants in the Cape Town area, click here.

• For family-friendly restaurants for Johannesburg, click here and Pretoria, click here.

Romance does not necessarily have to be represented by the traditional cliches like roses, restaurants with dim lighting, classical music, tuxedos and fancy red dresses. It can be anything which makes your heart skip a beat. Celebrate the little things which make your relationship special, pack him a love-themed lunch with a note, tell her how beautiful she looks (even in her nightgown) and appreciate each other.

This year, let’s be kinder to each other -  let’s simply love, instead of focussing on how we should be loved.

xxx

Alexa

If you are looking for some fun, family excursions to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day as a family click here and input your area of choice.