Warm up!
With the icy weather set to get colder in the run up to February 14th, this year you may want to think about ditching the high heels and the expensive meals, and opt for a perfect Valentine’s night in. Taken or single, book a reservation in your living room, call your beau or your pals, and prepare for a night of guilt-free indulgence in front of the fire. We have seven top tips to help you prepare for the big day:
Warm the place up - Yes, we know your heating bills are through the roof and you’ve been sleeping in your dressing gown since October, but if you can’t be warm on Valentine’s Day, when can you be? A cold heart isn’t the path to romance, so let’s turn up the heat.
Hit the bath - Cleanliness is close to godliness and so is a bubble bath, Mariah Carey and a bloomin’ good soak in the tub. So relax ladies, spend as long as you want and make sure you don’t step out until you’re feeling rejuvenated.
Pamper yourself - It’s time to put that facemask in your cupboard to good use. Cucumber will cool the skin and make you feel calm while waiting for your date. Even try reading a book or meditating until they arrive and when they do, you’ll be fresh and energised.
It’s the colour of love - Studies have found that the colour red enhances a woman’s sex appeal and makes them more attractive to men. Not that we think you need this, but there are some great red nail varnishes on the market and if you’re going to put your feet up, they’ll need to look good!
Choose a DVD - If you haven’t had the chance to see Gone Girl yet, you’re in luck. Just in time for Valentine’s Day this twisted fairy tale has been released on DVD for your viewing pleasure. If Ben Affleck isn’t your thing, well, we have no answers.
The menu – Clearly the most important thing on the list. Now, we know you’ve been doing really well on your new January lifestyle plan, and nobody wants to feel bloated on Valentine’s Day, so we’ve come up with a guilt-free menu alternative. Here it goes…
Pizza – This amazingly simple recipe from BBC Good Food combines our favourite food, pizza, replaces the doughy base with cauliflower (in the shape of a heart of course). Ta da! Goodbye carbs.
Hot chocolate – We can’t get enough of the new Weight Watchers Hot Chocolate Cake in a Cup range. Available in three irresistible new flavours themed around a selection of the nation’s favourite cakes, choose from Jaffa Cake, Chocolate Cherry Brownie and Cappuccino Cream Cake…all with only 38 calories a cup.
Popcorn – Onto the snacks! Use Female First's popcorn recipe and replace with low fat butter, but keep the syrup in - because you’ve got to have some fun!
Candles – Last but by no means least, light a candle, get rid of the smell of cooking, sit back, relax and enjoy.