Meredith Grant
Staff Writer
If cash flow is an issue or the cliché card and chocolates just don’t cut it when it comes to your significant other, here are 10 ways to make this Feb.14 amazing. Whether it’s as a couple or with a group of friends, choose one of the following options or combine a few and end up with a Valentine’s Day memory that means a lot more than the $90 flowers that will die in a week.
A picnic on the beach
Nothing can win a girl’s heart better than a romantic beach picnic. First of all, cook if possible because even if it is just macaroni and cheese, the simple gesture of attempting to make dinner will win major points. If not, swing by the Oasis and pick up your significant other her favorite kind of sandwich and some fruit. Take the time to go to Ralph’s and get some sparkling apple cider to make the night have a little bit more romance. Come prepared with a blanket to sit on and one to wrap her up in so she isn’t cold. Also, check what time the sun will set and plan accordingly. To top it off, bring music and ask her to dance with you after the sun goes down, underneath the stars. Her heart is guaranteed to melt.
Go for a hike
Solstice Canyon, which is just north on PCH about 10 minutes, is a beautiful hiking trial with views of the ocean and a mysterious burned down house to explore. Enjoy getting to know each other a little bit better while getting some exercise and be a little bit adventurous. This would be a low-key way to spend time together with the opportunity for great conversation but no pressure to dress up or to pay too much.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Think of a series of both random and meaningful things that you can search for together and take pictures with. Think for things she will enjoy, like puppies in a pet store, or meaningful things to you such as your favorite book or movie. The best things will be places that have been special to you as a couple. Make the clues for these places “remember when” moments. For example: “Remember when… we had our first kiss.” Then you will go back to the place where it happened and take a picture. It will be a great way to remember and will be a great thing to remember in the future. To complete the gift to her, develop the pictures and put them together in a collage she can put up in her room.
Make a Teddy Bear together
Talk about making memories? She will be sure to treasure making the bear with you and if you are lucky, she will sleep with it, causing her to wake up and think of you. There is a Build a Bear Workshop in Thousand Oaks; check www.buildabear.com for directions. Put your voice inside the bear to haunt her after you have broken up.
Volunteer together
Count your blessings and celebrate one another by helping someone else. This is a good way to show the good in each other. Go to a soup kitchen and serve the homeless and then eat with them. Talk with the people and make connections, this can be a reoccurring date that will not only be a great way to spend time together, it will help others. Another fun option might be helping out with Meals on Wheels, go to www.mowaa.org to help out.
Ferris Wheel ride
Classically romantic, share a moment of exhilaration while looking out over the ocean and the lights of Santa Monica Pier on the Ferris wheel. Not only will she enjoy walking around and taking in the carnival-like atmosphere, food will be cheap and you will have an excuse to cuddle
Name her a star
Go to www.starregistry.com and register a star in her name. They will send you a certificate of authenticity in the mail, so make sure to do it well enough in advance. She will never forget this amazing gesture and your love for her will go down in history. Finish the gift by going to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles together and look at the starts you can even find hers and show it to her.
Go to the Getty
Enjoy time together walking around admiring beautiful paintings or explore the beautiful gardens together. Either way, this will be a highly cultured date, free of charge (parking costs $8). Go to www.getty.edu for directions and hours. Also, checkout the web site to find out more about the most famous paintings there— or to impress her with your knowledge of the Egyptian exhibition they are hosting right now.
Have a Night In
No car? Plan the perfect night in. Pop some popcorn, rent a classic romantic movie from the library and play a board game together. This will be an opportunity to have good old-fashioned fun, just don’t be super competitive. She will love the willingness to watch a girlie movie and the care it took to plan a night together, even if it was simple. Girls, to switch it up a little, let him choose the movie.
Go skating
Whether its rollerskating or iceskating, it’s the right formula for a great time. Try Roller Dome in Thousand Oaks, www.rollerdome.com. You are guaranteed at least one couples skate— hold hands and share a laugh watching others (or at each other) fall. This option doesn’t just apply to couples. Round up a group of friends and dress up 80s style and enjoy the same, or even more, fun. Don’t forget to bring socks.
02-08-2007