Visit Bletchley Park For FREE tomorrow!

Residents of Milton Keynes can take advantage of the history right on their doorstep this Saturday, with free entry to Bletchley Park. Bletchley Park Community Day is a chance for Milton Keynes residents to explore their local heritage, and find out more about the history of Bletchley Park. Visitors can come and experience what it was like for the Codebreakers of WW2, exploring the restored wartime buildings and exhibitions. For those who have seen the film 'The Imitation Game' there's even more reason to visit, as there's also the official exhibition of the film, where you can find out more as well as see where some of the film was shot. There will also be family-friendly workshops to get involved in.

To get in for free you need to have a Milton Keynes postcode, and bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill or other proof of address. Open from 9.30am-4pm, last admission is at 3pm.

Last minute Valentines...

February always seems to fly by, so if you've been caught unawares by Valentines this year, we've got some last-ditch attempts to (help!) save you! Whether you've just been rushed off your feet, are a bit short on cash, ordered something online which hasn't arrived in time, or, let's face it, you just plain old forgot, we've got a few ideas left up our sleeves to help save you from trouble!

• Cook up a storm: Can't afford those hiked up Valentines day prices, or just don't fancy the busy restaurant scene? Then why not cook something from home. Get some candles on the table and cook a couple of courses, however basic your cooking skills are you'll be sure to master something. If cooking isn't usually your forte and you take the effort to cook for your date, chances are they'll be pleasantly surprised and it'll be even more appreciated than a meal out... unless it tastes bad that is, maybe give it a try before you serve it up!
• Get creative: There are a number of gift ideas which you might find on some quite expensive sites, where they offer personalised posters and cards. A lovely gift idea, but probably one you could make for yourself. All you need is a computer/laptop or probably even a mobile app, and you can use some quirky and fun fonts and colours to create a really nice poster, personalised however you want it, pretty much for free (apart from the paper and ink). Head to a supermarket or homestore and buy a frame, and they'll never know it didn't cost the earth. 
• Brave the shops: It might be that you hate the shops, but you do still have time to make it in and out alive! If you think creatively you might even get away with visiting the 24 hour Asda!
• Chocolate: For men and women alike, chocolate is generally a safe bet. Plus, you can grab it while doing your food shop, nice and easy and sure to be appreciated (unless they don't like chocolate, of course!)
• Flowers: You need to get them fresh anyway so you can't be accused of not being prepared (even if you weren't) and they're a pretty safe bet, even for the men (although maybe not the most masculine of ideas)
• IOU?: If all else fails and you don't get round to getting anything or the inspiration is lacking, write them out an IOU, and if it's for something like a day trip, weekend away or something similar, it's a fair excuse for not providing anything much on the day!

Valentines day is a created holiday, arguably to grab our money but also a nice excuse to show someone you love them. Of course don't feel pressured into taking part, and if you're single this Valentines, make the most of that reduced chocolate the day after and hold a chocolate party with your friends! 

Personalised Valentines

You've got just under a week until Valentines day, so if you're searching the web for something to buy your other half, why not consider a personalised gift for your loved one. There are countless things you can get personalised on numerous websites, from cards to key rings, coasters to mugs. Using initials, names and photos, you can create a personalised gift which will be really unique. That way, no matter how small the item is, it'll be meaningful and appreciated, you can even get chocolates personalised! Not just for Valentines day though, gifts like these are great for birthdays, anniversaries or even just a treat for yourself!

(For those last minute guys and girls out there, don't forget to check the delivery date before ordering from the internet!)

What's next?!...

Post Valentines day, what’s the next occasion our shops will be trying to sell us? Easter eggs will be in the stores within the next few days, if not already, and then there’s Mothers day, for which cards have already been seen on the shelves. They’re obviously nice things to be advertising, but why oh why do they feel the need to pounce on us so early?! It feels like the day of one event, the next is being advertised. It's like the classic 'back to school' adverts, which are always up in the shops before the school holidays have even started, making all children seeing it feel like their holiday is over before it's even begun!

Past vs. Present: Has Valentines Day lost its appeal?

Valentines day has been around for centuries, so I've taken a look at the history behind it, finding out where on earth the idea started! 

Stories about the origins of the day go back to around AD 250, with tales of ‘Saint Valentine’, of which there is little known. We know that he was a holy priest in Rome, and was executed on the 14th February, which was how Valentines day came about. The actual idea of sending Valentines Day cards seems to have begun in around 1400. The oldest known valentine in existence was from Charles, Duke of Orleans, written to his wife in 1415, whilst he was imprisoned in the Tower of London; possibly not the happiest of messages, but romantic nonetheless.

Love is in the air: Some of our top Brit couples

Tis the season for celebrating love, and so we’ve racked our brains to give you a selection of couples Britain can be proud to boast of…

First and foremost, Kate and Wills. Their wedding was arguably the wedding of the century, and now with baby in tow, they continue to present a relationship of bliss. Of course, the royals aren’t going to be airing their spats and disagreements into the public domain, but just looking at this couple it is clear they are truly loved up and taking their role in the spotlight seriously. They seem to be the perfect match for one another.

Top City Breaks

We're on the approach to 'V-day' and whether you want to sweep a loved one off their feet this Valentines weekend, or just want to escape away with friends, we've come up with a selection of weekend city breaks that should do the job. You've just got enough time to get planning, but don't leave it too much longer!