All is fair in love and war

Valentine’s Day is back and no one seems to be indifferent. While many argue V-Day is a commercial invention, even when based on historical events, some others are so overwrought that would go as far as to hire an online fake girl/boyfriend to pretend being in a relationship. That way, if you don’t have a date on Valentine’s, at least you can keep up appearances on Facebook. All is fair in love and war.

The contemporary hype surrounding this festivity puts many couples off going for a big celebration, but we can still see it as the perfect excuse to do something kind for the people we care for, and that is our humble suggestion at The English Cam. So dear late but thoughtful Valentine’s gift-givers, here we go!

Let’s start with the V-Day must: a card. Instead of buying it, we can show our DIY spirit and create it ourselves. If you need a bit of help, you can download our card here (small size or big size) and fill it with your feelings to let people around you know your reasons to celebrate love. Needless to say, we’re not only speaking about romantic love. What about your unconditionally supportive friends and your endlessly caring relatives? What about your most inspiring and charismatic teacher? What about that neighbour who always gives you a hand with your shopping bags? Tell them how lucky you feel that they’re part of your life.

Maybe these lines will help you come up with your own stroke of genius. So let’s celebrate love because…

• we go together like rock and roll (or like peanut butter and jelly)
• we bring out the best of each other
• doing nothing with you means everything to me
• your radiant smile makes my day
• you’re always there for me
• … love? I’d rather fall in chocolate!

And now let’s move on to something sweet to go with the card. Of course flowers are also accepted, but our craving for chocolate is tipping the scales in favour of sugary treats. If you’re into cooking, here you have 30 yummy ideas for Valetine’s desserts by blogger Chocolate-covered Katie. And if baking is not really your cup of tea, you can buy any cookies, muffins or cake you like and add a personal touch with a customised wrapping. For example, this easy-peasy wrapping idea by Kristy from Sweet Treats and more. Get some cellophane paper and tie it with a piece of string and voila! You have a sensational unique Valentine’s gift.

In case you don’t think cards and sweets are your type of gift, just remember your life is a limitless source of inspiration. In the end, it all comes down to showing appreciation for all the love and kindness we share all year long, so sure you’ll find the perfect way for you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

[If you need some help with the vocabulary and expressions used in this post, download this pdf file with some notes on meaning and usage.]