5 Steps Towards Perfect Valentine’s Celebration

Life spins at warp speed, so it’s more important than ever to make time to show your loved one that you adore and cherish them. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion.Sleepletics7199-BEDDING-CHALK.jpg

You know how you want to celebrate – just the two of you, spending a cozy night in, ending the evening with cuddling in bed, enjoying the sheer luxury of Celliant® Performance Sheets. More than beautiful and sleek to the touch, these sheets also show you care. Made with mineral-infused fibers that convert body heat into infrared light and reflect it back into the body’s muscle and tissue in a natural, safe way to promote a temporary increase in blood flow and local circulation. Just imagine how good you’ll both feel.  For a limited time, you can buy one set and get a second set half off with the promo code: LOVE at sleepletics.com.

Featured Photo from French Institute Alliance 

As to the important details that come before? Flowers, cards, dinner, chocolate and such that set the stage for that perfect time together? Not to worry, Sleepletics™ has scoured the country for what may be the best of the best in each category. Pick your favorite and enjoy the most romantic Valentine’s Day ever:

FLOWERS

Flowers speak volumes — and never make a sound. Yet since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans they’ve represented love. Choose something classic or talk to the florist about a personalized arrangement. You can’t go wrong with flowers. Two top-of-the-line flower vendors are presented here:Session 2-009.JPG

The definitive symbol of romance, roses are the specialty at Ode à la Rose. Co-founded by two Frenchmen, the flowers are sourced from eco-friendly farms and arranged à la Parisienne. Colors range from the descriptive Snowball to Black Magic and many in between. Verifying your Valentine will like the flowers, you’ll be sent a photo of the bouquet before it leaves the workshop. Same-day delivery in NYC and Chicago, and next-day delivery to over 1,400 cities in the Northeast. odealarose.com, 646-660-4351.

For something more offbeat, a bit rustic in style, contact Farmgirl Flowers of San Francisco, that ethically sources its blooms, 80 percent of them in the U.S. Listed in Architectural Digest’s 2018 “7 Best Local Flower Shops Across the Country with Beautiful Design,” each of its bouquets are one-of-a-kind, and most are delivered in owner Christina Stembel’s signature burlap wrap. Delivery is available to the lower 48. farmgirlflowers.com.

CARDS

A surprise is one of the most important elements of a Valentine card, and what better way to achieve that than to make it yourself or find one so unique it’s truly a keepsake. Two faves:

With Duco® Cement glue a pretty vintage key to the front of folded, white card stock, and surround it with the phrase, handwritten in red, “You hold the key to my heart.” Then write your personal message on the inside. Make it totally unforgettable by using a key that fits a new car’s ignition or a jewelry box containing a gift-wrapped trinket or two._DSC5545.jpg

You can find instructions for making sliceform kirigami cards online, but the easier thing to do is to buy a Lovepop® card. The intricate 3D paper sculptures, of which there are myriad formats, from a bouquet of flowers to a fluttering butterfly, are designed by naval engineers on software and then handcrafted. Either way, they are truly works of art. lovepopcards.com, 888-687-9589.

DINNER

The essence of the perfect Valentine’s dinner is to serve something that while exceptional, will definitely please your loved one such veggies for a vegetarian, or salmon if they like fish. Two easy-to-prepare meals that look gorgeous and taste incredible are:

Eggplant Florentine with Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce & Toasted Ciabatta. Colorful and architectural in presentation, it’s completely vegan, yet so scrumptious meat lovers enjoy it just as much. The recipe can be found on purplecarrot.com.

Steak au Poivre. Nothing is more refined than this dish, a renowned favorite of 5-star restaurants around the world. Fast prep gives you more time with your love, few ingredients mean less time in the kitchen. Find the recipe on epicurious.com.

CHOCOLATES

Chocolates have evolved enormously over the past few years. There are still plenty of extraordinary classics, but also a multitude of new ones using offbeat ingredients and looking more artistic than ever before. Two companies with choices galore that you should consider:

ROYCE’ has been making exquisite confections in Hokkaido, Japan, an ideal location with its cool climate and clean air, since 1983. Available in stores throughout the US, vdabannerbox-775x800.pngthe selection ranges from the unusual – Prafeuille Chocolate Maccha – to such straight shooters as Pure Chocolate Venezuela Bitter.  For store locations, visit https://order.royceconfectusa.com/pages/royce-store-locations. They’re also a member of the World Cocoa Foundation, which promotes social and economic development as well as environmental stewardship in cocoa-growing communities.

MarieBelle, established in New York’s Nolita neighborhood by Maribel Lieberman in 2000, and singled out by Oprah as a “favorite thing,” suggests such items as champagne truffles and single-origin chocolate ganache for Valentine’s Day. Not only mouthwatering delicious, the chocolate’s packaging is tongue-in-cheek fun. mariebelle.com.

BED LINENS

As noted, there’s only one choice when it comes to bed linens when you want to end Valentine’s Day on a high, Celliant Sheets. Not only elegant, available in sophisticatedSleepleticsTan.jpg blue, chalk, tan and light grey, but they are also an FDA- determined medical device and general wellness product that helps people fall asleep easily, stay asleep and wake up refreshed and energized. Could there be a lovelier way to start a new day? And, don’t forget the promo code: LOVE.

Make this Valentine’s day, and night, to remember with gifts of joy for your love’s body, mind, and spirit.

Valentine’s Day Beauty + Fashion Essentials – No Matter You Have Planned

On February 14th one might find themselves at a romantic dinner with their partner, working a double shift with their co-workers or stocking up on Trader Joe’s wine for a fun Galentine’s Day! See below for a V-day inspired roundup of products – starting from your skincare regime, your make-up routine, your outfit and through your meal – guaranteed to help you look and feel your best this Valentine’s Day, no matter what you have planned!

–          Pre-game Pampering – Nerium International Prolistic Skin-Balancing Probiotic Lotion ($60, Nerium.com) – With Nerium’s exclusive ProRenew Plus, a proprietary prebiotic and probiotic blend, this lotion helps the skin maintain a healthy microbiome via a probiotic lysate, a form of probiotic that triggers the probiotic response in skin. This formula works to enhance the skin’s natural renewal process resulting in healthy-looking and feeling skin.

–          Finishing Touch – Clove + Hallow Lip Crème ($20, www.cloveandhallow.com) – Formulated with a combination of natural and organic jojoba, castor and sunflower oils, our PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan soothing Lip Crème delivers bold color with nourishing hydration in 9 satiny shades.

–          Find the Perfect Outfit – Romance is in the air this February 14th and Ann Taylor can help you find the perfect outfit for your perfect date night. This Valentine’s Day, stick with the classics and opt for simple and refined styles with flirty detailing, streamlined silhouettes, and Cupid-friendly hues from Ann Taylor’s new Spring 2018 collection.

–          Avoid Overindulging – Introducing you to the perfect little Valentine’s Day essential to help you enjoy Valentine’s Day without overindulging – Sweet Defeat, a mint-flavored lozenge, with all-natural ingredients that reduces sugar cravings in seconds. Lasting up to one hour, Sweet Defeat is that extra boost of willpower when confronted with a serious sugar craving. As we’re bombarded with heart-shaped chocolates and candies on V-Day, Sweet Defeat’s individually wrapped packets are easily kept in your purse, gym bag or work drawer. ($26.95 for a 20ct. box)

10 Healthy and Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Toss that box of chocolates! Forget the flowers! This year, why not show that special someone you REALLY love them with these very alluring, romantic, and healthy alternatives!

The editors and experts at Getfitnow.com offer these fun non-traditional ways to heat up your Valentine’s Day!

1. START THE DAY WITH STRAWBERRIES
Colorful and oh-so-romantic, strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which bolsters the immune system. Serve them with low-fat fruit yogurt, and a cup of green tea instead of coffee. Green tea contains powerful blood-thinning agents called flavonoids, which can reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots by 60 percent.

2. TAKE A YOGA CLASS TOGETHER
Yoga expert Gwen Lawrence, author of Body Sculpting with Yoga, says yoga refreshes, relaxes and restores. It increases strength and flexibility. Enthusiasts even claim yoga boosts your desire! So what are you waiting for?

3. GIVE (AND GET) A MASSAGE
Stock up on a bottle of fragrant massage oil infused with jasmine. Jasmine is a relaxing, sensuous, and alluring scent. Rub those achy shoulders and backs. You’ll be steaming up the room in no time!

4. GET AWAY FOR A HEALTHY WEEKEND
Rather than stay at home, venture to a quiet and cozy bed and breakfast or spa where you can spend the weekend hiking, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking. Perhaps even do some “forest bathing” as recommended by Nina Smiley, author of Mindfulness in Nature.

5. SPICE IT UP IN THE KITCHEN
Cook a delicious low-fat, low-calorie meal together. Experiment with healthy cuisine from around the world. Add some real spice, too! Onions, garlic, and ginger are rich in compounds that destroy viruses and bacteria.

6. INDULGE IN A GLASS OF RED WINE
Rather than beer or other alcoholic beverages, opt for a glass of red wine. Red wine is rich with anti-oxidants called phenolics, and red wine drinkers have a 50% lower risk of diabetes. Find out more about including red wine in your diet in the new book The Mamma Mia! Diet.

7. SINGLE? TAKE A GROUP EXERCISE CLASS
Exercise classes are not only very motivating, they are a great way to meet new friends who share a common interest in exercise and health. Treat yourself to new workout attire, while you are at it.

8. BUY YOUR SOULMATE A NEW PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES
Over time, running shoes wear out. The soles no longer act as shock absorbers and the shock gets passed along to your bones and joints. Terri Schneider, the author of Runner’s Workout Handbook, recommends a brand new pair of running shoes as a great fitness gift which also helps prevent injuries.

9. GO DANCING!
That’s right, dancing is a great way to burn calories together. Try the twist, the foxtrot, or–if you are daring–the tango, the most romantic of all dances. Want more? Dancing can burn over 300 calories per hour.

10. WHATEVER YOU DO… DON’T FORGET A VALENTINE’S CARD
While non-traditional ideas are great fun and can be healthy too, don’t put yourself under needless stress by forgetting to give your special someone a Valentine’s Day card! Love can be a tonic for all of life’s challenges, so don’t take it for granted.

ABOUT GETFITNOW

Getfitnow is the leading internet destination for health and fitness. Experts in nutrition, exercise, and wellness contribute to a community devoted to healthy living.

 

Galentine’s Day Favorites from Victoria’s Secret Pink & Heidi Klum Intimates

I wanted to share Valentine’s Day/Galentine’s Day from Victoria’s Secret PINK and Heidi Klum Intimates!

 

Love is in the Air with Ann Taylor: Valentine’s Day Gift Selection

This Valentine’s Day, stray away from the classic chocolate and roses combination and find your partner a gift that is as beautiful as they are. Go on a date with Ann Taylor to help find that perfect gift for that special someone.

Featuring sparkly accessories, romantic hues, and a velvet touch at a budget-friendly price, even Cupid would be impressed with Ann Taylor’s Valentine’s Day gift selection. See gift ideas below featuring NEW accessories and shoes from Ann Taylor’s Spring 2018 collection.

Valentine’s Day 2015 in DC – Specials and Gift Ideas

Treat that special someone to a Valentine’s Day they won’t forget. Up the ante this year by indulging in specials from Mari Vanna DC, Shinola, Union MarketDCanter and The Still Point. Whether it’s a relaxing spa day at The Still Point, decadent Russian caviar at Mari Vanna, luxurious leather goods from Shinola, delicious wines at DCanter or a heart-opening yoga session at Union Market, there’s something for every loved one this season.

Valentine's Day 2015 JPEG

Mari Vanna (1141 Connecticut Ave., NW, www.marivanna.ru):
Spoil your sweetheart with an extravagant delicacy at Dupont hotspot Mari Vanna with their special Caviar Prix-Fixe Valentine’s DayMenu. On Saturday, February 14, guests of the Russian eatery will indulge in a menu of one cold appetizer, one hot appetizer and one hot entree for $125 or $150, depending on your caviar choice. Cold appetizer options include Olivier, Vinegret or Herring. Hot appetizers options include red caviar Blinis ($125) or black caviar Blinis ($150). Available entrees include Chicken Tabaka, Chicken Kiev, Sea Bass, Salmon, Beef Kebob or Beef Stroganoff. Diners will be treated to a bottle of champagne for two and a complimentary dessert.

Shinola (1534 14th St. NW, www.shinola.com):
Give a gift of timeless elegance with this Detroit-based luxury design brand, dedicated to producing handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods, journals and pet accessories – all made in America. Adorn wrists with the Valentine’s Bracelet in Lollipop Red ($125). Explore the city with The Runwell bike ($2,950) or make sure your sweetie never misses a minute with the Triple Wrap Runwell watch ($825).

Union Market (1309 5th St. NW, www.unionmarketdcom):
Open your heart – and your chakras – with an invigorating free yoga practice on Sunday, February 15 at Union Market’s Dock 5 with yogi Nya Alemayhu. The 90 minute session will channel the flow of love and compassion, bringing harmonious balance to mind, body and spirit. Bring a mat and an open mind.

DCanter (545 8th St. SE, www.dcanterwines.com):
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without popping some bubbly, and what better way than with a champagne tasting? Make a toast with your sweetie on Saturday, February 14 from 6 – 7 p.m. ($65 per person). Sample 6 champagnes and nosh on artisanal cheeses. Take home a bottle of wine at a special discounted price. RSVP to reserve a spot.

The Still Point (1 Columbia Ave. Tacoma Park, MD | 12451 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD | 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD. www.thestillpointspa.com):
Pamper that special person all month long with luxurious treatments from the Maryland-based wellness spa, with three locations. Choose from two unique experiences, the Chocolate Sweetheart Facial ($55/30 minutes) and the Couples Massage ($218/50 minutes, $290/80 minutes Add on Cocoa Sugar Polish +$140/25 minutes. Price includes 2 guests). The facial includes cleansing and exfoliation treatments followed by a TOMA Skin Therapies #14 Hydrating Antioxidant Mask. The soothing facial is finished off with a blissful 10 minute massage over the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. The couples massage offers a full body exfoliation in relaxing rooms with heated massage tables and heated floors.

Gift Ideas:

 

Shinola’s Valentine EnvelopeDouble Wrap Bracelet or Contrast Dog Leash

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