Win her over with less than 5K
So you’ve been saving up for Valentine’s Day right? Pinching sumnis to surprise that special person in your life? No? Oh dear. Well, here are a few tips on how to celebrate your love without breaking the bank. Thank us later but don’t blame us if he or she doesn’t stop calling. Ever.
The history behind this ‘lover’s day’ is a little foggy. Several early Christian martyrs were called Valentine but there is no obvious connection between them and the festival of love and romance.
Over time, history, lore and legend fused into the story of a Catholic priest called Valentine, who allegedly defied Roman Emperor Claudius II’s edict banning marriage and secretly wed hundreds of young couples.
Bless his heart. If you too are all about much more than romance, why not choose this day to propose? It costs nothing and it can mean everything. And if you don’t have a ring yet, why not use the ring from a soda can just like in the movies?
Maybe you think this is too rash. No problem.
“You could take a leaf out of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s book – last February, the limelight- loving, sprightly 74-year-old said he planned to e-mail Valentine’s Day wishes to all his girlfriends. And he is one of Italy’s richest men!”
Make the most of the promotions and special offers on the day. Trust us, the newspapers will be full of “buy-this-at-half- off“ or “two-for-one” promotions. Keep your radio at hand for those adverts. Might as well have the television on too. But be smart about it: you will not be alone. Hordes of hapless boyfriends and hopeful wannabes will be looking to do the same. We suggest that you get to the shops and supermarkets early! Grab that bar of chocolate, slice of pizza or cute cake and dash to the cashier like Usain Bolt.
Of course, if you are really broke, you could take a leaf out of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s book – last February, the limelight-loving, sprightly 74-year-old said he planned to e-mail Valentine’s Day wishes to all his girlfriends. And he is one of Italy’s richest men! So why not log on and start typing now. It doesn’t have to be Berlusconi-brash, but a thoughtful poem or well-crafted few lines could hit the spot. If, unlike Berlusconi, you have only one special one, why not go a step further and write to them – on a scented piece of paper, with a fountain pen, put it in a real envelope, and stick on a real stamp. Your efforts will be appreciated.
Is your loved one the outdoors type? Does he or she love movies? If so, go see a late-night movie at Capri 7 Grill and Lounge. They screen movies on Sunday nights. Entrance is free – February 13th falls on a Sunday night. Do the math. A kiss under the stars in the first hours of Valentine’s Day could mean more than the most expensive gift.
And when could chicken and chips taste any better than on a late night after carousing the streets of Nairobi. Go to Sanford and tell them UP sent you. Order half a bird and chips for under 300 bob. What says, “I love you,” more than a belly full of grease?
And one more for the boys, or maybe the daring girls, among you: as you walk home, pull out a single, white rose, look deep into your lover’s eyes, and whisper, “Roses are red, violets are blue, baby this rose thought it was beautiful until it saw you.”
