For Men Only ~ Tips for the perfect Valentine's Day

Gentlemen,

Now that we have “The Big Game” behind us, it is time that we draw your attention to St. Valentine’s Day.  Instead of waiting until 6:00 pm on February 14^th, take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas for ways to charm and delight your woman. To get you started,  I will provide a simple check-list to get the ideas flowing. I know that to guys,  Valentine’s Day can be sappy or begrudged, OR  it can be a wonderful opportunity for you to express your love and gratitude to and attraction for your Queen, it’s all a matter of perspective.  

This Week:

Make arrangements for a babysitter and have a backup plan. ~ If you are going out have someone keep the kids at home because it is a school night. If you are having an at home date make arrangements for the kids to sleep over with a trusted family member. Make all of the arrangements,  but make sure that your wife is comfortable with whoever you choose. 

Make Lunch or Dinner Reservations ~ This year Valentine’s Day falls on a work night, so an early dinner is a nice gesture that respects your wife’s busy schedule. Splurge on someplace nice like Fleming's Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris, or the place that she told you that her girlfriend got engaged at J.  Most restaurants will have a special (overpriced) menu, but this is NOT the time to complain about money. It is one meal that will make her feel good and she is well worth it. Alternatively, you can decide on a sexy but easy menu to prepare at home like Steamed Lobster with Drawn Butter, Baked Potato and Salad. Pick up a nice bottle of wine and buy a nice chocolate dessert from your local bakery.  Set a nice table with candles and red placemats. Target Stores have nice tableware at affordable prices and many of the stores also have meat departments with high quality meats and seafood. 

Flowers ~  Surprise her with an office deliver, you can order from Teleflora or FTD, or you can pick up flowers at the grocery store and deliver them in person. She won’t mind.  Roses are nice, but by now you should know her favorite flowers and if not take a picture of her wedding bouquet to the florist. I’m sure that she carried her favorites on that special day. If you go with roses, request a simple bouquet with no fillers); Don’t forget the vase!  

Get the Gift ~  Whether it’s jewelry (yes: we like jewelry), an unexpected trip or that bag she won’t shut up about, put time aside one night after work and get it this week. Don’t get me wrong. An expensive gift is not necessary, just make sure that you put some thought into what she might like. Here’s a secret. She doesn’t want lingerie on Valentine’s Day. It is fine for an everyday present, actually, it is a GREAT unexpected gift, but for this special day, try to find something that is more suited to her taste. 

Don’t Forget the Card ~ All of the good cards will be gone by next Monday. Stop by Walgreens, CVS or the mall to grab one ASAP. No matter what she says, she loves those sappy velvet monstrosities. Let Hallmark say what you may have trouble expressing.  If you’re one for cheek & nostalgia, create one of those old “Do You Like Me? Yes or No” notes and tape it to her mirror to discover when she wakes up on Tuesday. 

Monday, February 13:

Double-Check the Babysitter — Just make sure she’s not sick; it’s flu season.

Tuesday, February 14:

Breakfast in Bed ~  if you want to go full camp, surprise her with breakfast in bed. No matter if it’s just a cup of coffee, and bowl of oatmeal with a brown sugar smiley face or a full-fledged, home-cooked meal, it’s the thought that counts.  My hubby “surprises” me with Fresh Fruit, Croissants from La Madeline and a Starbucks Coffee in bed. Every year. For 18 years. I’m always shocked J

Chocolates — Stop by your local chocolatier, bakery, or drugstore to pick up a truly delightful mix of chocolates. Good drugstore brands are Ferrero Rocher, Ghiradelli, and Lindt.

Time ~ Ultimately, all your Sweetie wants from you is your undivided attention on this day. She wants to know that she is worthy of your love and attention. Anything that you give a woman is multiplied. If you make the investment in a worthy woman, the payoff for you will be immeasurable. 

Hit me up and let me know how it works for you. 

Smooches…