February 14th is the traditional day for candy, cards, and flowers and for a few, proposals and diamonds. Romance has been delegated to a day when Cupid shoots his arrow and heaven help whoever is in the way! Admittedly, if you are a born romantic like me, one day isn’t quite enough. Any day can be a time when romance works best and your home can be one of those places it does so. In addition to a lovely bedroom, there are other places in your home to say “romance”, as well. So here’s my recipe for a lovely romantic Valentine’s Day at home.
Start with a delicious romantic dinner and set at a table dressed with flowers and candles. He or she can cook or just cater in. (If the kids can visit grandma’ s for a sleep-over, all the better) If you’ve been “two” for too long, or not, rekindle your romantic side by putting on some of your personal favorites from your dancing days as background music for the foods and wine you love, prepare a sinful dessert to share and sit by the fire in your cozy den or living room. Scented candles, some new pillows and a comfy luxurious throw all help set the scene for an intimate winter “cuddle-up.”
The master bath and bedroom have often times been designed for moments like these and seldom used. Now’s the time for actually filling the tub for two, opening the scented oils and taking out those new really fluffy towels and bathrobes (What are your saving them for??) Shut off the cell phones, computers and tv and relax, laugh and talk to the person you love - and not about the mortgage, kids and financial problems. Catch up on the hopes, dreams and happy memories you share.
To put a little more romance in your life, here are some things you can do to sex up your bedroom before Valentines’ Day.
1. Get rid of the clutter! This may seem obvious, but I’ve been in more bedrooms than I can count where laundry baskets filled with clothes, shopping bags, piles of books, shoes, stuff to go to the cleaners or seamstress, are all hanging out on the floor – and what’s under your bed and on the night tables? Feng Shui tells us that kind of “stuff” is a no-no. You won’t rest well, and it won’t help your marriage, either.
2. If you have your work in your bedroom -get it out! Working from home may be great, but the computer, desk, files and papers and the issues and problems that go along should be moved to another room. Your master bedroom should be for other things. You fill in the blank!
3. How about a little color? You can rev up your bedroom without new furniture, just be putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. No – not the same beige you had! What about a soft sexy peach (a color that makes most women glow) or go for broke and pick a “red hot” red. Sounds crazy/ color is your best friend when money is tight or you’re out of time. You pick the color you like and see what a change it creates.
4. Find some great new bedding and sheets – something romantic, soft, and inviting. Lose the mismatched set and find a pretty coordinated “bed in a bag.” Ready mades today are relatively inexpensive and often have “go with” benches and bath accessories.
5. Finally… turn the lights down (need to get a dimmer?), get some candles (make sure their safe), add a couple of glasses and a bottle of wine, and you’re all set. Oh – and maybe your favorite old pajamas and socks should be put away for the evening.
And – remember to stop admiring your beautiful new room and say something nice to your honey.
Happy Valentine’s Day!