Valentine’s Day ideas from the bush
BY PERIN MULCAHY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA-BASED MEDIA STRINGER
YOU ROCK - the cheapest and cutest gift around! Image: PERIN MULCAHY
Valentine’s Day is often associated with grand romantic gestures, red roses and love-heart balloons; a day when we can be impassioned without judgement. These gestures can be more subdued in the bush as we rarely have a florist nearby and shops are often a long drive away. I don’t think this restrains our opportunity to be romantic…it’s quite the contrary. Sometimes the most romantic gestures can be the small, personal or ‘laugh until our belly hurts’ moments that genuinely show we care. I had a chat to some local lads and creative country women to give you a list of 10 Valentine’s Day ideas from the bush that don’t cost a cent.
Whip up a dam bank sundowner farm feast! Image: JACQUI IVES
10 Valentine’s Day ideas from the bush that don’t cost a cent
1. The good old garden posy of flowers tops the list. If it’s a posy picked by hand it will be in demand.
2. A romantic evening on the farm with sunset and water views. Grab a couple of cold beers and set yourselves up on your most scenic dam bank with a picnic blanket and good conversation. It is truly a beautiful way to end your day!
3. A ‘YOU rock’ rock. The cheapest and cutest gift around. Farms are of full of them. If you are more ambitious, find a stick and add the note ‘Let’s stick together’.
4. Cook your love a fresh bacon and egg sanga for breakfast, with a decorative tomato sauce heart.
5. Stick some sticky notes of love in the tractor or ute.
Or you could lend your hand at some heart-felt home cooking for a Valentine’s Day Tea party with your pals!
6. Go glamping indoors – because indoor cubby houses are not just for kids! Add your favourite rom-com and have a romantic night in. My pick is ‘Rock of Ages’, so you can belt out a few classic rock ballads too.
7. Everyone loves the hand written word, so express the ‘10 things I love about you’ in a handwritten letter or card. Post it if you have time.
8. Set up a kissing booth for your one and only – you get some cash and kisses. Win win.
9. For the modern couple – take a Valentine’s Day selfie. Yes, this is a thing. There are even instructions and filters for you to create the perfect picture. Make this your annual Valentine tradition and a lovely keepsake for the years ahead.
10. This one is just for the ladies - if your other half is just not into Valentine’s Day host a Valentine’s tea party with your best girls! What country girl doesn’t love the chance to catch up over coffee, cake and a little champagne?