Men feel pressure to spend a lot of money and compete with the romantic displays of other men with their women. No surprise, when the Valentines Day industry encourages this. I saw an ad for flowers yesterday where a woman talked about receiving a huge bouquet of red roses at work that made all the other ladies jealous. Bottom line is many men feel like they are set up to fail.

So, what’s a guy to do or, more importantly for some, what’s a guy to do that doesn’t cost a fortune?

1. Two flowers.

A rose first thing in the morning. Keep them in your car the night before. Give one to her before you leave the house in the morning and it’ll answer the question, “Did he remember the special day?” Hold the second flower back for later.

2. Yes, the celebration should include a meal.

That doesn’t have to mean dinner at the most expensive spot in town. It can be a picnic, indoors or out. It can be a trip down memory lane, like the place you went on your first date. It could be lunch at hotel. Whatever it is, think intimate, vs. expensive.

3. Put pen to paper.

Even if you’ve never done it, maybe especially if you’ve never done it, write a love note. The recipe is simple, three paragraphs. First, a cherished memory you have of times with her. Second, something you love about her. Third, how she makes you feel. Sign it I love you, and you’re done. For extra impact, give her this note at dinner or deliver it to her office during the day.

4. Jewellery or chocolate?

Maybe neither. Maybe a gift certificate for a massage or pedicure – either by a professional, or better yet, maybe by you. Treat her to something that will leave her feeling pampered and precious. If you opt to offer up the pampering yourself, you better follow through, probably on Valentines evening.

5. Run her a bath.

Before bedtime, run her a bath, light some candles in there, and sprinkle the petals from the last rose into the bathwater.

Follow these five steps and I swear to you – you will be a Valentines Day hero. Which is really what men want – even the ones that hate it!

Mandy x

Not sure who enjoyed the shoot more, Malcolm or Harry, but we got some great shots of him playing his favourite game – Dad was pleased too!

Thanks to Harry and Fiona for a great shoot!

Not content with that, we’ll also let you have your favourite shot printed and framed up to 20×16″ too

- all worth a cool £250!

Remember that Animalarkey will also photograph you and your family if you haven’t got animals – we’re often asked the question and it’s fine if you don’t have furry friends (we can pretend…!)

There’s more info here if you’re interested in having a Spinone – although they do have a reputation for stealing food, they’re fantastic dogs and ideal for families with small children especially due to their lovely temperament and placid nature. They love their walks and are very strong swimmers although getting them dry afterwards can be hard work!

Originally bred as a gundog, the Spinone is a cross between a Griffon and a Mastiff so it’s a big dog – very hairy too! We have ours stripped twice a year which keeps her coat free of tangles and matts.

If you’d like any advice on Spinones, drop us a line!

Don’t forget that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have animals – Malcolm’s great at shooting most subjects, even unruly 4 year old twins so if you’d like us to shoot your kids, give us a ring!

Only joking – thanks guys, we had a load of fun! x

We know a lot of you love your animals too – we can shoot in the studio or at a favourite location of your choice and as a special treat, anyone who like us on facebook will receive a 25% off voucher for prints and frames ordered from their shoot.

Call us to arrange your booking 0845 199 0087 or email hello@amimalarkey.co.uk

They were all nice and dozy when we arrived but soon woke up when they realised they were the stars of the show!

Thanks to Paul and Jan for a great shoot x

The setting was just perfect with a beautiful farm, fabulous light and a backdrop of Pendle Hill and Rossendale Fell.

Charlie and Jupiter were impeccably behaved…

…but Yogi the miniature horse had a plan. To look angelic for the camera, then leg it across the fields and into the farm next door to introduce himself to their horses!

And to think that butter wouldn’t melt…!

Thanks to Dawn and Tom for a great day.

If you’d like us to come and jump in muddy puddles with you and your animals, drop us a line!

Thanks Mark!

Mums and Dads with children and your dogs (or cats) can apply – this is a fantastic opportunity to be selected to take part in a live shoot in Southport!

We’ll be holding a casting at the studio on Friday 19th August.

There is a fee paid plus you will receive your very own Animalarkey! book of selected photographs.

Interested? Please drop us a line if you’d like to come to the casting – the shoot will be loads of fun (let’s hope the sun shines!)

hello@animalarkey.co.uk