Valentines Day is fast approaching! And if you haven’t planned that special something for that special someone yet, then we have got some great ideas for you.

By Zainab Elharith

 

Ice Skating

For those of you who love ice-skating as much as I do, this year brings good news. After 2003 when planet ice got damaged, Birmingham was left with no ice-skating rinks, but BAM this year the place has re-opened in the name Leisure Box just in time for your Valentine’s Day date.  And even better, it is only a few minutes walk from the Bullring placed outside the Arcadian in Birmingham City Centre.

You will also be happy to hear that prices are affordable with only £10 for unlimited ice-skating, skate hire and a game of bowling. So pop into your red and pink garments and enjoy the love and romance.  

Address: 73 – 75 Pershore Street, Birmingham, B5 4RW
Phone: 0121 622 5207

 

Narrow boats

If you’re tired of the usual cinema and meal why not try something new?  Birmingham has more canals than Venice and they are accessible to the public by boat. Why not treat yourself and your loved one to a Valentines cruise with a buffet style lunch aboard a premier narrow boat? On Sunday13th February catch a boat 12:30pm-2:30pm for £15 per person and indulge in a free bottle of wine per table.

Trips and Charter Pick Up Point: The Canalside, Outside the International Convention Centre (Approx Sat Nav location B1 2EA)
Advanced booking is required: Call 0121 455 6163

 

Poetry

If you’re a person fond of poetry and music, this is the perfect event for you. On Monday 14th February The Crescent Theatre will be holding a ‘Love is in the air tonight’ event presenting a special selection of the greatest love poetry, prose and song from across the years. With tickets as cheap as £10 per person, this is a great opportunity to treat your lover to something unusual as well as receiving a free glass of sparkling pink wine to celebrate the occasion.

Address: The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AE 
On-line and telephone booking fee: £2 per transaction. Postage 50p. Card Fee: £1 applies to all credit/debit card transactions. For sold out performances call Box Office on:  0121 643 5858.

 

Comedy

If you stay in at night to watch Russell Howard’s good news show on BBC3, then this will definitely paint a smile on your face. Russell Howard is going to perform live in Birmingham on Saturday12th February. Although it’s not quite Valentine’s Day, it is a great treat for you and your loved one to bond and have a real laugh. Book yourself a seat on Ticketmaster now.

Address: LG Area
National Exhibition Centre
Birmingham
B40 1NT
Phone: 0121 780 4141

 

The Saturdays

Good news for those of whose hearts got issues. The Saturdays will be performing at the Wolverhampton Civic Centre on monday 14th February 2011. Ticket prices are £24- £24.51.

Address: Civic Hall, North Street
Wolverhampton
Please Select
WV1 1RQ
General Office Telephone: 01902 552122
Booking Office Telephone: 0870 320 7000

 

Night at the movies

If you prefer the classic way of celebrating this year’s Valentine’s Day, Why not catch a Hollywood block buster at AMC Broadway Plaza? Paul the comedy, sci-fi film’s UK release date falls on Monday 14th February, so you and your lover’s imaginations can run wild with it on this year’s Valentines. There are 9 other films due to release on the 11th February, therefore you will be spoiled for choice. If you’re feeling competitive, you will also get a chance to go into the arcade at the Broadway plaza, play bowling, pool or have a meal at one of the many restaurants.

Broadway Plaza
Centre Management Office
220 Ladywood Middleway
Birmingham
B16 8LP
Phone: 0121 454 3890

 

Gift ideas

By Isabel Jones

If you are tired of getting the same old stuff for your partner, like, chocolates, flowers etc why not bake them something? Below is a recipe for Millies style chocolate chip cookies that are unique and it shows that you have produced a gift from the heart and you have gave it some thought.

cookies

Recipe For Cookies
125g butter, softened
100g light brown soft sugar
125g caster sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1tsp vanilla extract
225g self-raising flour
½ tsp salt
200g chocolate chips

How To Prepare The Cookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4.
Cream butter and sugars, once creamed, combine in egg and vanilla.
Next sift in flour and salt, then chocolate chips.
Now roll into evenly sized walnut shaped balls.
After this place them on ungreased baking paper.
Cook them for 10 minutes until the edges are just golden.
Take them out of the oven and leave them to harden for a minute.
After a minute transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

TIPS: To make the cookies look fit for the purpose of Valentines Day, why not get heart shaped cake cutters and some coloured icing (pink, red etc). This would make the cookies look thoughtful and if you want to be even more romantic, why not write your special someone’s name on the cookies in icing. Also to add finishing touches you could put them in a box, either made by yourself or bought and decorate it (add a bow etc).

Information about gifts and gifts for Valentines Day: http://www.milliescookies.comhttp://www.milliescookies.com/gifts
Information about recipe for chocolate chip cookies and hot to prepare the cookies information:
http://laureneasmith.blogspot.com/2008/05/millies-cookie-recipe.html

If you think you are a lousy cook, you could always buy premade cookies. However I think to score top points with your partner, making your own cookie cake would sprinkle a tiny bit more of specialness to it. This recipe is sure to put a smile on your partners face. I can smell the cookie…I mean love in the air already!