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Anniversaries can be a time of stress for couples. Women worry that their husbands will forget all about them on that special day. Men worry that theyll forget and have to throw a gift together at the last minute. But it doesnt have to be this way. Whether youve just remembered your anniversary is tomorrow, or whether youve been thinking about it for weeks, here are seven never-fail ways to give your spouse an anniversary theyll never forget.
A romantic getaway - From a week long sailing vacation on the Greek Islands to a weekend trip to a local bed-and-breakfast, nothing beats a spontaneous romantic getaway on your anniversary. Dont be discouraged from this idea if you dont have a big budget. It doesnt matter how much the vacation costswhats important is that the two of you set aside time to be alone together and lose yourselves in that romantic mood, even if its just for a few days. A new place also helps rev up the romance by adding novelty and a touch of luxury.
A gift to remember - Forget the flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. Give your spouse a gift theyre not expecting this year. For him, its often best to give something special that corresponds to his interests. Has he always wanted to learn to fly planes or play guitar? Buy him some lessons. Does he have a favorite band? Get him concert tickets. Does he love sports? Get him great seats for the big match. For her, its all about demonstrating that youve put thought and time into the gift. Go through your photo albums. Make a collage of your marriagefrom your wedding day through important events like buying your house and the birth of your kids. Make the photos into a DVD movie or into a hardbound coffee-table book.
A surprise party - Planning a party is a great way to bring friends and family together to celebrate your love. It doesnt have to be an expensive partybut it does have to correspond to the interests of both. A dinner party, picnic-and-barbecue, pool party, or restaurant gathering are all great ideas. Unless youve got a big budget, keep it simplepaper plates and potluck are all fine.
Renew your vows - This is an extremely romantic idea, and one that doesnt have to break the bank. Gather your friends and family, a suitable vicar and renew your vows in a romantic place like a park, on the beach, or even in your home. Demonstrate to your spouse that youd marry them all over again. These can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. Some couples plan vow-renewal ceremonies as complex as the weddings themselves, while others make them very informal and inexpensive. Either way you do it, its sure to make for a wedding anniversary youll have trouble topping next year.
Write a love letter - Nothing says I love you like, wella letter that says I love you. Of course, its got to say a few other things, as well. But dont give up on this idea just because you arent a prize-winning writer. You dont have to write something brilliant, as long as its heartfelt. And believe me, your spouse will never notice any spelling mistakes if the words you use are sincere. Tell your spouse how attractive, sweet, or funny you thought they were when you met. Tell them how nervous you were on your first date. Tell them the moment you knew you wanted to marry them. Details are importantshow your spouse how clearly you remember those special times.
Watch your wedding video - If youre not up for a big night out or vacation this year, spend a night inside. Get some popcorn, put on slippers and sweatpants, and spend an evening watching your wedding video and leafing through your wedding album. Make sure the kids are at a sleepover or over at Grandmasthis night should be all about the two of you. If you prefer, cook a simple meal for dinneror order Chinese food. Above all, concentrate on each other and on your wedding day. It might be low-key, but it will set the stage for a perfectly romantic anniversary.
Pamper each other - An at-home spa day is a great way to have a wonderful anniversary. Spend an afternoon giving each other deep tissue massages and foot rubs. Dont forget to bring some adult toys to make your at-home spa treatments much more fun and memorable than an ordinary trip to the day spa!
The most important piece of advice I can give you about your anniversary is not to forget it! Mark your diary, calendar our whatever software you use to remember appointments and keep it in mind as the time draws nearer. However, even if you leave it until the last minute, you can still have a memorable anniversary. These creative anniversary ideas are sure to give you wonderful anniversariesat least for the next seven years.
Janette Vince is managing director of http://www.thanksdarling.com an online company offering a range of gifts and experience days for individuals and couples. For a range of leisure breaks visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/48-5.htm.
Yoga Teachers CertificationCalifornia's cities are each famous for one unique thing: Los Angeles has Hollywood, San Diego has surfing, San Francisco has hippies and Monterey has - cheese? The city of Monterey, located along the Pacific Coast's Monterey Bay in Central california, has long been known around the world as the home of Monterey Jack cheese. However, Monterey boasts a rich history, with its past residents including the likes of Henry Miller and John Steinbeck, whose novel "Cannery Row" was set in the city. In fact, Monterey offers the visitor many attractions - not just cheese!
Monterey has been dubbed by some as "the cradle of history" and is home to many "firsts" in California's history: including the Golden State's first theatre, brick house, publicly funded school, public library and its first printing press. Anyone hoping to get a glimpse of Monterey's rich historical tradition need only visit the Monterey state Historic Park, in which visitors will find many examples of early colonial architecture. Major historic landmarks in Monterey include Larkin House, Royal Presidio Chapel and Colton Hall - a public school and government meeting place that played host to California's first constitutional convention.
Moreover, Monterey is well-known for its spectacular marine habitats and its long fishing tradition. Monterey's fishing industry was for many years one of the most famous in the United States, but underwent severe decline in the 1950s due to over-fishing. Cannery Row, Monterey's once bustling sardine-canning street has now been converted into a major tourist attraction with many restaurants and shops lining the important historical site.
Cannery Row is also home to one of Monterey's most popular attractions: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. One of the largest aquariums in North America, the aquarium sees more than 1.8 million people pass through its doors every year and is home to 35, 000 plants and animals from around 623 species, including jellyfish, sea otters and stingrays. And in September 2004, the aquarium's Outer Bay exhibit momentously became home to the first Great White Shark to ever successfully be kept on exhibit.
If you're hoping to sample some of Monterey's non-cheesy delights, you'll find that getting around the city is simple due to its fairly compact nature. Any of the hotels in Monterey will leave you only a hop, skip and a jump away from the city's main attractions. And since Monterey is only a couple of hours away from San Francisco and San Jose, and only a little further away from San Diego, Sacramento and LA, it's an easily accessible day or weekend trip for tourists visiting any of California's major cities.
Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist
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