Five ways to make your sweetie swoon

As animal lovers, every day we show we care through the choices we  make and by taking a stand against the exploitation of animals.

But after a long day of activism, some of us (including me!) are  guilty of not always showering our (human) loved ones with enough  affection.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you have the perfect opportunity to show your sweetheart just how much you care.

If your sweetpea is anything like me, they’ll swoon over these five animal-friendly Valentine’s Day tips.

1. Splurge

Treat your sweet to dinner out. But

before you make that reservation, check out the Happy Cow or the NZ Vegetarian Society websites for a list of places that are happy to make you a delicious  cruelty-free meal. Have somewhere in mind? Ring ‘em up to be sure that  they will make you something great AND cruelty-free. You might even want  to suggest a dish or two!

2. Cosy up at home. 

There’s nothing like a home cooked meal, so why not create your own  v-day menu? Customise it to suit your sweetie’s tastes and don’t forget  to add a few aphrodisiacs (like red wine, chillies, avocadoes, bananas,  chocolate, pomegranates…). The SAFE website is jam-packed with recipes that will inspire you!

3. Breakfast in bed. 

Is there anything more extravagant than breakfast in bed? Just sneak  away to the kitchen while your love is snoozing and whisk up something  great like brandied apricot crèpes or a spicy Mexican morning scramble. Don’t forget to decorate the plate with a flower or two.

4. THREE WORDS: Dark. Chocolate. Strawberries.

If you’re not a wiz in the kitchen or you  want to keep it simple, but still make a splash, go with a Valentine’s  Day classic – dark chocolate-covered strawberries. There are lots of  great chocolates that are free of animal products, like Whittaker’s dark  bars. Heat chocolate over a double burner or microwave, dip fresh  strawberries and serve with champagne!

5. Picnic on the beach (or in the park).

Pack your own basket of your favourite  treats, a bottle of wine, grab a blanket to cosy up on and take your  sweetie to your favourite spot in the park or on the beach. You can  write “I love you in the sand” or watch the sun go down, hand-in-hand!

Each of us can make a difference by cutting out animal products – on  Valentine’s Day and every day. It’s really the best way to help animals!  Learn more about cruelty-free living.

Jennifer Riley, Campaign Coordinator (Go Veg)