Valentine's Day- yay or nay??

I hate Valentine's Day in a lot of ways. I am not a bitter single, I'm a romantic and I think being in love is awesome and I am happy for so many of my coupled-up friends, but 14th Feb is so over-marketed and consumerist, it's just ridiculous. People are pressured into buying or doing something on this one day out of the whole year.

 However, I do agree with the sentiment.  I think it's really important to tell or show someone how much they mean to you. I don't think any of us know how long we've got and think that we should be grateful for the important things in life.  Despite this, I personally can't see the appeal of sitting in a restaurant with loads of other couples doing exactly the same thing, ruining any intimacy or uniqueness. To be honest, I would rather have a surprise on another day, doing something different/ spontaneous, that has far more meaning for you as a couple.  I don't mean that to sound unappreciative but I just don't think that making some generic gesture on a date that has been etched in your brain by marketing campaigns bombarding you for the past few weeks, makes you particularly amazing or unique.

Do something for you as a couple, whether it's staying in watching your fave films/listening to music, one of you cooking for the other, going somewhere that means something to you, whatever.  I think homemade cards are very sweet and thoughtful but flowers, chocolates,teddies, balloons, Valentine's meals etc are all so contrived and boring.  I dislike red roses, I think they are very naff and tacky.  I think that Valentine's is so try-hard that actually, you don't have a great time. 

I think there's a lot to be said for imperfections; I think some of the best, funniest and most memorable times in life are when things haven't gone as planned and I think that the over-organisation of Valentine's Day squashes any room for adventure. 
E.g.  You receive a card/ flowers, you go for a meal with every other couple in the universe, you wear the red/black satin/lace underwear. Yawn! 

 By all means, if this appeals to you then ignore my ranting and be happy, but personally, it doesn't float my boat. 

DISCLAIMER: I'm not judging anyone, merely expressing my thoughts and opinion, yours may very well be completely different! :)  I'm also not putting myself above all this, don't get me wrong, in the past I have gone for meals etc... 
This isn't just my single brain talking, even when part of a couple I have felt like this and know many couples who share my views on Valentine's Day.

What happened to spontaneity and imagination and the simple things?

Make your cards/presents, hide thoughtful presents,choose another day, surprise them!!

Ultimately, I think it has to be from the heart, not because you're expected to/have to but because you are genuinely happy to be with your partner.

Am I asking for too much??
  
Peebreeks xxx

Smiling Sunday! (Things I love #6)

Such a lovely week- gig, birthday, meal, party... Lots of things making me smile.....

 Last Saturday, I organised and hosted a charity music event at a local venue which went really well, great music from local musicians and we raised around £250 for local charity PAC- Positive Action on Cancer.  I had a brilliant night, played my first ever solo set on guitar and was so overwhelmed by the amount of support for the event.  Thank you to everyone who came, or supported me xxxx

This morning's fry up with my best friend- Perfection! So yummy for a Sunday brekkie :)

This scene from Lost in Translation, one of my favourite films. The music is Lost in Kyoto by Air. Picture quality not brilliant :(  Via gangasensei

Wagamama has been my favourite restaurant for a while now and I was lucky enough to go this week- I had the veggie gyoza and delicious veggie Pad Thai. Yummmmm...

New quick dry nail varnish from Marks and Spencer-  shade is 'Granite'.  
Not tested on animals, BUAV approved :)

Amazing unicorn cushion which my best friend made for me :)

Lovely rose scented candle from Marks and Spencer- really glowy and pretty.   BUAV approved :)

Managed to get these old ordnance survey maps in an antique shop for a quid each.  I went to uni in Aberystwyth and would love to attempt to make some map candles.

Beautiful flowers from my family :)

The new H & M ad featuring David Beckham.  Enough said really... :) Via worldspotlights Hope you have all had a great week.  Peebreeks xxx