All the Valentine's goodies

Over-priced cards, flowers and restaurant set menus are NOT what we're after for next week.

Why not give a present that you'll use for the rest of the year, and is cleverly really for you! I'm guilty of this a LOT, but it's the thought that counts....

So have a little peek here for easy to make treats for you, or pressies for others if you're feeling like going with the vibe of it all.

To get ready for my Mini Bundt Beauties you'll need these:

 

Start the big day (or make at the weekend like we seem to on repeat), these gorgeous heart waffles - using my pancake recipe, and these fabulous waffle irons that go straight on the stove! They're too pretty to ignore.

Solid Heart Shaped Waffle Maker

 Or add a few quid and get the non-stick ones:

Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker

Champagne and Oysters are a great way to go if you're not going out, way cheaper and you can keep your tracky bums and go to bed early still too!

And there's nothing like a smart ice-bucket to make you think you're in a boutique hotel!

I buy oysters at my local fishmonger - you might need to book them this week - they'll be super fresh, you can pick them up on the day and they shouldn't cost more than £1 a shell, then you just need a good shucker:

Freshlove Oyster Knife - Premium Quality Pakka Wood-handle Oyster Shucking Knife

Supermarkets do amazing fizz deals these days, so you can chill it and then have it ready to go when he gets back from work. Give the occasion a little retro chic upgrade with these beauties, click for details:

And then the slightly pricier but super elegant version, click for details:

 

And we ALL need chocolate, of course, but why not have a go at making your own. Who can refuse a meltingly gorgeous plate of these pretty hearts? Make them for your man, your sis, your kids or your mum - I gave a batch to the kids' teachers which perhaps as it's Valentin'e day wasn't normal, but they loved them! The easiest, healthiest, cheapest and tastiest way of eating chocolate you'll ever know I reckon. Heart shaped moulds perfect for Valentine's Day, and great to keep forever. Get your pretty heart moulds for a steal here:

Silicone Chocolate Moulds Tray - Hearts

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 3-4 tbsp maple syrup – to taste
• Hazelnuts for each heart (optional)

Melt the coconut oil in a small pan over low heat, take off heat, then whisk in the cocoa and maple syrup until smooth. Pour into silicone moulds and freeze for 10 minutes or fridge for 30. These wow factor Queen of Heart cookies are a bit more work than the other two, but a great half term afternoon filler, and super tasty. Heart Cookies I have sets of these cookie cutters and it also means you can make sandwiches, eggs on toast or ANYTHING look romantic when you cut it into a heart! Cookie Cutter, PANNIUZHE 12PCS Stainless Steel Christmas Cookie Cutters, Star Hearts Round Flower Shape Moulds, Cake Pastry Icing Biscuit Cutters And then if you want to give a lovely new Book to rustle up some goodies from, the latest Gluten Free form the River Cottage is amazing: River Cottage Gluten Free Have a lovely romantic time! Or just fill yourself up with gorgeous treats. Or both. Nothing wrong with a bit of self-love guys! Peace out to all of you.