I’ve been a busy bee!

And this week I’ve made jewellery, greetings cards and a canvas. Pictures soon!!!

Why you should shake things up this Valentine’s

Do you want to hear an interesting fact about Valentine’s Day? Nobody really knows who St. Valentine was, there were lots of martyrs called Valentine. But, which one is responsible for February 14th? Who knows. The point is, somewhere along the line, a Christian day of feast got moulded into a holiday concerned with (supposedly) elaborate displays of affection for our loved ones.

Now, it would not be unreasonable of people to call me cynical when it comes to affairs of the heart. Not that I was ever a gushy, please-buy-me-a-teddybear-holding-a-heart type of girl, but after two long term (failed) relationships and a circle of friends playing in turn the wronged lover and the heartbreaker I must admit my faith in love is waivering slightly. I still believe it’s out there, I simply no longer believe we are capable as a human race of not completely destroying the ones we love most.

But Valentine’s Day makes me sick, and the fact is that it always has done. Even when I’ve had boyfriends, I’ve never really enjoyed the concept of Valentine’s day and here’s why:

1. I know this is- ironically- a clichéd argument, but whatever happened to showing your loved ones you love them everyday? And, if this is too big an ask, then whatever happened to spontaneity? Surely I am not alone in thinking that a bunch of flowers for no reason is more romantic than a bunch of flowers hurriedly purchased from Sainsbury’s on V-Day because you think your girlfriend will get the hump if you don’t make some grand gesture. I, for one, would rather a display of love because you happen to be feeling especially close to me as opposed to a display of affection because a poster hanging in the window of Clinton’s told you to.

2. Where’s the personal significance of Valentine’s? What do a dozen red roses say about YOUR relationship, except that you’re willing to spend an inordinate amount of money on a bunch of flowers that probably aren’t her favourite- except you don’t know that, because you never bothered to ask her, or her best mate, or her mum. You got her the roses because society tells you that will do. It’s the easy option, and it’s lazy. Why does she want a little box of foil wrapped heart shaped chocolates? Maybe she’d prefer a bar of fruit and nut. What does SHE like? I was randomly looking up cheap holidays on lastminute.com earlier and “Paris city breaks” was the top search. Paris for Valentine’s, how original.

3. Girls. Girls who buy into all this drive me crazy. The ones who expect their boyfriends to make dinner reservations and make a mixed tape, sprinkle rose petals over the bed and present expensive jewellery. The girls who think that how romantic their man is in what I would argue is the least romantic day of the year is a true measure of their affections. Get real.

4. It’s a holiday designed to put pressure on you. If you’re single, you’re just sad and alone. If you’re in a couple, everyone else is putting on these massive displays of their love and it’s going to make you think about your own relationship’s shortcomings. Your best friend’s boyfriend whisked her away for a weekend, but your boyfriend only managed dinner in a gastro pub in the town in which you live. Your best friend’s boyfriend is probably nowhere near as lovely as your disorganised, unimaginative boyfriend, but now he looks superior.

Relationships are hard work. They require attention, and more than once a year. Indulge in Valentine’s if you must, but think about how you go about it. Maybe you don’t have to go out, maybe you can just stay in with a bottle of wine and have a good old fashioned conversation. Perhaps you buy your girlfriend the flowers she loves, and take her llama trekking (I’ve not made this up- http://www.lastminute.com/site/lifestyle/experiences/product-details.html?productCode=606277494-1&SEARCH=&sortBy=2&CATID=92816) OR maybe, surprise her and do it a week early. And ladies, if he doesn’t get it right, don’t give him a hard time. Valentine’s really has no bearing on how much he loves you, the biggest love rats are capable of buying something sparkly, but it takes someone really special to keep at a relationship every day of the year.