St.Valentine, the patron Saint of bee keepers, epilepsy, fainting, but most importantly love! I never understood how people have come to hate Valentine's Day! Well, okay, I get that you are single and don't have anyone to share the day with-that sucks. I've always had a boyfriend for Valentines Day so I guess I'm pretty lucky to never be in that situation BUT STILL!! This is the perfect opportunity to go out and find someone special. If you have a crush on someone then this is the best excuse to ask them out for example say, "hey, I know Valentines Day is uber cheesey and lame but would you want to come over and watch a movie with me and maybe get a bottle of wine?" Nobody is going to say no to that. Then before you know it things start to take off! So don't use Valentines Day as a day to be bitter, instead, use it to help yourself find love and happiness. So what if it's only for a day? You'll remember it for a very long time. I still have the roses I got from Matthew on our first Valentines Day :) Anyways, here are some great tips for guys when it comes to gift shopping (curtesy of Maxim Magazine! )
Where to go?
Take her on a winery tour. Lots of my friends are doing that this year and in Virginia there are many very beautiful places to go to. This is for the relaxed couple who are very comfortable around eachother and this outing makes for a perfect passionate setting.
Melting Pot. Hahaaa :) I had to put this on the list (No Maxim did not recommend this one haha) but it is, however, Matthew and I's favorite place to eat! Caution: You're going to blow $$$ easily- it is pretty expensive but the whole experience of fondoue and dipping cheesecake in a flaming pot of chocolate is well worth it.
Romantic Ski Resort. Places like Wintergreen are just plain fun. For the outdoors couple who are also a little adventurous, I highly recommend this. There will be lots of laughing and making fun of yourself when you wipe out and also lots of cuddling to keep warm with all the human-made snow around! If skiing and snowboarding aren't your thing then definitely try the tubing- SO MUCH FUN! After your outing you can rent out a condo for the weekend and enjoy the view of the resort.
Surprise! This one is for the girl you want to impress. She thinks that you are taking her to a dinner and a movie but what she doesn't know is that you have actually planned a surprise date that will knock her socks off. Take her on a picnic that you have made yourself (If the weather is sucky I wouldn't suggest this haha) but if it is a little cold bring blankets and lots of hot chocolate. Boars Head Inn is my ideal place for a picnic. Right on the lake you can see the hot air balloons taking off and all the cute duckies swimming by.
What to buy?
Chocolates, red roses, balloons, you know the whole spiel. BUT to win bonus points here is something you might want to try- lingerie! I know it sounds tough for guys but here are some tips to help you pick out the perfect set.
Size- Most of the time guys will get the size wrong. Do your homework and when she's not around sneek a peak at her lingerie. If that still scares you, go for a cute nighty. They only come in S, M, L so you don't have to worry about numbers.
Which One? There are lots to choose from but really, buy what you would want to see her in. Any girl would agree that if you like it then she will just be happy with that. Know if she likes pink as opposed to black. Also pick out the color that suits her best.
Wine
Here are some nice wines to choose from for this special day:
Brut Rosé Champagne from France. It's in the $20-$45 price range
The pink sparkling bubbles speak for iteself.
Banyuls
This has some acidity to it which makes it a perfect dessert wine.
Portuguese Red
Any Portuguese Red wine will suit her especially if she is a red wine kind of girl.
Price Range is in the $15-$25 range
Me
In all honesty, this stuff is great but for me I like a nice homemade dinner, Godiva chocolates, and as a gift a thoughtful present from the heart. Whether it's a simple card, or even a picture of us framed, I go for the simple things. Jewelry is nice, but knowing my guy took the time to make me something is the best gift of all. Money can't buy me love :)
