❤ Pre-Valentines Post ❤

Valentines, as every "meant to be romantic commemorative date", is always a struggle for me. Mr. Hunter is a guy. That should suffice and require no further ado.

Whilst any cute, loving or thoughtful idea would make my heart melt - and somehow, despite knowing Pinterest exists, Mr. Hunter struggles for ideas... On the other hand, to please him, unless I surrender to the safe option of any sports related gear, I have to start thinking about what to get him weeks, if not months, before...

Just as an example: When we got married, I had to pretend I had a freelance job to go to his football (soccer, if you're on the other side of the Atlantic) team ground, buy a jersey, contact the press office, buy some pretty good fabric marker, get the jersey & marker shipped to the press officer that was sympathetic enough with my gesture and who got the entire team to sign it for me, then I went and had it framed and - hold your breath... - last but not least, had to still hope with all my hopes that QPR would be promoted to the Premier League that year! Luckily enough they were... 

I guess the point I am trying to make is that somehow it's so much harder to be creative and original when you want to give a present to a guy! Most of the times they don't care about cute or it never cross their minds how much work it goes into baking or sewing or preparing any handmade gift, so it can really put you off... Below, however, a couple of suggestions for you in need of a last minute idea. 

And if you're curious to know what I got him this Valentine, I am afraid you will need to come back Friday or it will spoil the surprise! :)

Personalised Beer bottles
1. If you're not going out, but having a meal at home, why not surprise him by buying his favourite beer, but changing its label to something you personalised? If Photoshop is not your best friend, this website is one of the many out there that helps you with it...

Less than 5 minutes on the website, with a little help on Photoshop

Sound Canvas Art

2. Is he into music? If so, he will probably enjoy this one. If it is too early for you to go with the "I do", why not settle for "I love you"?! You'll need to record you voice and open it using a sound editor software to see (and, if you want, print-screen) the "wave". I use Audacity, but there are many other free ones out there. With the pattern in hands, you can blow and get it printed/framed, use as a reference and paint it on canvas or simply make a sweet little card.

This amazing heart was made by Aimee Weaver, but why not try yourself?