Now we’re right in the swing of saving for FebuSave and thinking more frugally, my husband and I thought we’d forget about the flowers, chocolate and restaurants for Valentine’s Day and concentrate on spending some time together instead, which costs us nothing!

Last year he had a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered on our wedding anniversary, which falls in January, and then followed this with a beautiful charm for my Sabo bracelet for Valentine’s Day. Between these two presents hundreds of dollars were spent – and that doesn’t even include the gifts I bought for him.

This year we decided our present to each other for Valentine’s Day was time together. As parents of two young boys this is a gift that was exceptionally meaningful. Like many parents, we are usually so exhausted by the end of the day that an in-depth conversation right into the night like we used to indulge in is completely out of the question.

My husband prepared a special dinner in for the night, instead of us eating out, saving on the meal, wine and babysitting. He did spend more than he would on an everyday meal, but it was a fraction of the cost of going out to a restaurant. We indulged in Peterson’s House Blush, which had been bought a while ago for a special occasion, so we didn’t even need to worry about a wine list. Our evening together started once the boys had gone to bed, so there was no need organise anyone to babysit.

We spent hours talking about our hopes, dreams, plans, worries, ideas and children, leaving the TV off for the night. Our conversation, the wonderful meal and the chance to being together as a couple was the best present we could have given each other – and it was a fraction of the cost of an expensive meal and long-stemmed roses. Of course I love both of those as much as the next girl, but concentrating on saving during ANZ’s FebuSave campaign has made us more aware of where we are spending money. It will be a present I cherish for years to come.

What savings have you made this month?

Media Release: For You My Queen

Valentine’s Day calls for romance on a grand scale and online boutique For you my Queen provides all you need for a truly seductive encounter.

Win a Cheeky Queen Valentine Gift Set by logging on to www.foryoumyqueen.com.au and signing up to the VIP Club to receive regular email updates exclusive offers. The Cheeky Queen Valentine Gift Set contains everything you need to seduce her on Valentine’s Day: silk strawberry cuffs, sexy blindfold, sterling silver and jade bracelet, make-up compact, bottle of Moet Chandon and a box of decadent Lindt chocolate.

Girls, your partner might need a gentle prod to encourage him to buy you something sexy for Valentine’s Day so tell him what he could win and you’ll get your way.

For you my Queen owner Angie Wood said the Australian boutique website launched just before Christmas and she had a special Valentine’s Day planned for online customers.

“We have added some exciting new bracelets to our jewellery range, just for Valentine’s Day. We know our customers will think these bracelets are perfect for giving… or to keep for themselves,” Ms Wood said.

“Valentine’s Day is an important day for us because our hand-made lingerie pieces and accessories make exceptionally personal gifts that we know will make every woman feel special when wearing them.

“We believe how lingerie feels next to the skin is just as important as how it looks, so we have gone to great lengths to source beautiful pieces hand-made from silk, French lace, satin and sheer fabrics. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for guys to make their partner feel beautiful with a unique gift from our selection.

“Our lingerie, jewellery, fascinators, make-up compacts and memo books have been individually crafted by Australian and UK designers. One of our brands – The Courtesan Collection – is a silk lingerie seduction apparel line that is only available in Australia at www.foryoumyqueen.com.au,’’ she said.

For you my Queen knows fashionable girls also need beautiful accessories to complete their outfits. With this in mind, Ms Wood has scoured the globe to find eye-catching fascinators encrusted with Swarovski crystals for racing carnivals or spring weddings, handcrafted jewellery to complete any outfit and hand designed make-up compacts and memo pads.

For you my Queen has a comprehensive FAQs section, as well as delivery and sizing information. Keep up-to-date with the latest collections and news via the For you my Queen blog and user polls to contribute feedback.

Visit www.foryoumyqueen.com.au to see the full collection.