show love YOUR

Tuesday 14 February marks

St Valentine’s Day, which for many is a chance to show their significant other, or their secret muse, just how much they care.

From classic o erings such as red roses and chocolates, to an intimate dinner for two, there is no end to how you can celebrate. Here are some swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day date ideas from Metropol:

STARGAZE WITH YOUR SWEETHEART

Pack a cosy blanket and head to a secluded spot for a romantic night of stargazing. Take along a selection of snacks and use a stargazing app to identify constellations.

CREATE SOMETHING TOGETHER

You can buy a DIY air dry clay kit, bake something special, or try your hand at mixology to re-create your favourite cocktail. You can also book in for ‘paint with a glass of wine art classes’ on 14 February.

Play A Game

Enjoy quality time together and a bit of friendly competition with a classic twoplayer game, such as chess, Jenga, or Scrabble, or splurge on a couple-themed game, which often improves communication and prompts couples to reflect on their relationship.

Exchange Letters

Show your love and appreciation by writing a heartfelt letter to your partner, whether it’s an e-letter filled with gifs and videos, or a decorated scrapbook spread filled with mementos from your time together.

REVISIT A SPECIAL PLACE

Take a trip down memory lane by visiting a location that holds special significance in your relationship, such as your first date or engagement spot.

ENJOY CHRISTCHURCH CITY TOGETHER

Wander through the Botanical Garden and into the city centre to see what sparks your interest, whether it’s grabbing a delicious cocktail (or two) and tasty tapas, or setting up a picnic, the city central has so much choice.

THE ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY

Not everyone will be in a relationship on Valentine’s Day. Celebrate self-care or gather with friends for an “anti-Valentine’s Day” party to celebrate friendships and heal from past heartbreaks. Don’t forget to write Valentine’s Day cards and bake some delicious heart-shaped sugar cookies with pink icing.

Christchurch City is the setting for local author Robyn

Readers will be transported through the streets of Opawa, Woolston, Cashmere and Merivale, as she cleverly uses the Garden City as the backdrop to her storyline. Robyn explains:

“The heroine, Jamie, embarks on a horrifying experience, when she and her friends visit a house that contains narcotics ready to be on-sold to a crime boss. With teenage pressures placing them in an unpredictable situation, against all odds, they choose to deal with it.

“When home owner Nigel arrives, he realises his son Jack, and school friends, are waiting for him in the drug storage room. Drug dealing Nigel, recently out of prison, loses his temper, and takes his anger out on his partner Tessa. Jack intervenes, but he and Tessa are injured in the fallout.

“Nigel races o to hide the drugs, meanwhile Jamie is kidnapped by the crime boss, determined to recover his hidden merchandise.

“The police become involved, and an investigation starts to locate the missing drugs, and discover why Jamie was taken captive.

“This is the story of four sensible teenagers, all di erent in their upbringing, who, with police help, follow the clues, and work out a plan that defies all odds.

“Both young adults and adults would enjoy this thrilling, easy read.”