Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day: New Ideas to Keep Romance Alive

Romanic meals, boxes of chocolates, red roses and love, Valentines Day approaches and you'd better get ready! Perhaps this year you should consider some new options for your sweetie on the big day of love. After all, the big box of Whitman's Samplers won't help a New Years weight loss resolution. Here are some ideas for romantic Valentines gifts that won't derail your honey's diet.

Who says women aren't outdoorsy? Still, she may not want to pitch a tent and sleep on the ground all night, no matter how cuddly you are. Many cities have cabins for rent at reasonable prices. KOA campgrounds have reserves all over the United States, you can choose from a cabin, cottage or lodge. Set up a fire outside; bring a bottle of wine, and star gaze all night sharing a warm blanket.

Romantic Diners are certainly the cliché on Valentines Day, so why not put a new spin on that old trick and take a couples cooking class together. After all, while the way to a man's heart may be through his stomach; the way to a woman's heart is certainly begins with gourmet food! Elect to make traditional Valentine's dishes together like lobster, oysters, fillet mignon and chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert.

Give her a day (or even just an hour) at the spa. You could even enjoy a couple's massage! I can't imagine a better gift for "the day of love" than utter rest and relaxation. Whether your girlfriend or wife is a busy professional or a stay at home mom, she's dealing with mounds of stress. A day or even just an hour of facials, massages, and sweet smelling body treatments will make her feel like a new woman.

These are great ideas to sweep any woman off of her feet, but many of us are still recovering from holiday spending and may not have much of a budget for Valentine's Day. That's okay; you can recreate all of these ideas by simply doing them yourself! It'll be just as romantic, maybe more, and it won't leave you with an empty wallet.

Scallops and shrimp are easy to cook, usually reasonably priced, and a perfect main course for a home cooked Valentine's Day diner. You could pair them with a pesto spaghetti dish and recreate that famous moment between lady and the tramp. Of course freshly steamed vegetables are also a good choice; try snow peas- they're delicious and have been associated with beauty since ancient Greece. Snow peas were sacred to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. For dessert, chocolate covered fruits couldn't be easier, more romantic and less expensive for that matter!

After diner you can build a fire in the fireplace or light candles around the room. Then treat her to a relaxing back massage using aromatherapy oils. Jasmine, Rose, Neroli, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Vetiver, and Clary Sage are all believed to get you in the mood for love. You may also consider using these oils in a romantic bath for two.

Valentines Day is about showing the person you love how much you care for them. Enjoy the "day of love" together, as well as every other day after that. Valentine's Day isn't the only time for romance. You can use these tips any time of year!