Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Are you ready and prepped for V-Day? Everyone knows the perfect date does not have to be a pocket-burning experience, and as the date is drawing ever closer, we thought we would take a look at some of the best (and affordable!) date ideas this year for you and your loved one.

ICE SKATING:

Honestly what is more romantic than falling all over your loved one as you try to regain your balance on a potential death trap of ice?! Only downside to this plan is that the closest rink is in Bristol.

CINEMA:

New movie out your partner really wants to see? Why not treat them to the full cinema experience and pay for their ticket and buy them all the snacks and drinks they want!

Top Tip: Try Odeon for £4 cinema tickets all day, every day for all ages!

Why not check out La La Land?

A SPA DAY:

There is quite possibly nothing more relaxing than a spa day – treat you and your partner to a day of relaxation at a local spa which you we took the liberty of finding a list of here.

AN EVENING AT THEIR SERVICE:

Want to treat your loved one to an evening of pampering but cannot quite afford a spa day? No problem – be your own spa! This is an easy date to do from the comfort of home, simply be your partner’s personal serviceman/woman for the day or evening! Anything they want or need is your responsibility. This includes all the cooking, cleaning and drinks-delivery (the wine will not top up itself, you know!).

FOR SOMEONE YOU ARE TRYING TO WIN OVER: KARAOKE

What is more embarrassing than karaoke? Pretty much nothing. However, it does serve well for one thing and that is eliminating awkwardness! If you are trying to bag yourself a relationship with a certain someone this Valentines, a round at the local karaoke is going to show your carefree nature and ability to laugh at yourself better than anything and you might even find you have more fun than fear doing it!

A COOKING CLASS:

Is your partner a total homebody? Want to celebrate V-Day but not from the comfort of your living room? Perhaps an idea that is not too far from home would be to try a cooking class together! Take a look here to find your nearest one in Gloucestershire.

FOR A NEW RELATIONSHIP: A MEAL OUT

Whilst going for drinks again may seem nothing out of the ordinary – and therefore, not V-Day special - cooking may seem a little intimate at this point. Why not settle for a late reservation at a restaurant and that way, you have time to fit in drinks beforehand should you need them for the nerves!

Madia & Matilda loves: FAT TONI’S

The authentic Italian Pizzeria and Bakery are based in both Stroud and Gloucester and have rave reviews. Book and view the website here.

We hope you have a beautiful day whatever you choose to do,

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Culture - Things to do this Winter

If you are still on holiday from uni, here are a couple of other ways to spend your winter holiday period, after all it is Dry January. 

If you are stuck for things to do, why not visit a Museum gain some insight on cultural aspects of life. Or for those seeking a little more of a thrill, ball pit bars, (yes that's right, there is such a thing), visit your local market or for movie night why not watch Passenger, more details below.

Museum Trips - Saatchi or V&A is just a few of our favourites that springs to mind. Check out whats on here.The Saatchi Gallery, is based in Chelsea, where we shall be holding our next event. The home of curated art, fashion and a little bit of culture.

The V&A, a hub of revolutionary art, design and fashion, a space to think, view the like of so many visionary's, throughout the history of art. For us it is one for the bucket list!

Ball Pit Bars - Where childhood meets adulthood, who said we have to grow up gracefully. Ballie Ballerson in Dalston. A ball pit filled with over 200,000 balls, inflatables and foam toys, for a bit of light hearted fun and frolics. Funk soul and bass for some adult play. If that does not sweeten the deal, the bar has range of throwback cocktails, (mocktails for those of you who are on a health kick) based on sweets such as Wham bars, pink shrimp and Dip Dabs. The food offering is also (obviously) ball-shaped. Find out more here http://www.ballieballerson.com/

Photography Credit - Stacey Hatfield

Market - One of our favourites to visit, Bath Artisan Market filled with artisan hand crafted treats, open every second Sunday of the month. Renown for its fresh goods, independent artists and where we first started out. Perfect for Sunday morning strolls, if you are an early bird. http://bathartisanmarket.com/

Photography Credit -  Bath Artisan Market

Films to watch this winter - Passenger, check out our review below

We at Madia & Matilda love a sci-fi,action thriller, rom com; once we saw the trailer we eagerly awaited the release of this film Passenger and were not disappointed.

The film from The Imitation Game director Morten Tyldum. Staring Chris Pratt  & Jennifer Lawrence.  
Chris Pratt as Jim and Jennifer Lawrence as Aurora, find themselves alone on a passenger spaceship, after waking up from cryostasis earlier than intended from being ejected from their sleeping pods.

In a time of uncertainty the pair turn to each other for comfort and much needed help, it soon becomes quite clear that going back to sleep, is not an option. Instead, the pair face a lifetime aboard the ship, with just each other for company.

Definitely a must see movie for this winter, released in cinemas on December 21st 2016

Passenger Release date December 21, 2016 click here to see trailer

  Sincerely Madia & Matilda