the savvy guy's guide to valentine's day
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Seven tips to make your lady love’s day perfect!TRANSCRIPT
28 NJSL | FEBRUARY 2009 NJSL 29
1. Make a reservationNothing impresses a gal more than a “man with a
plan.” Be that man and reserve a table for two at one
of New Jersey’s many romantic restaurants. All you have to
do is pick up the phone. Do not say to her, “Whatever you
want to do is fine.” It is not fine; she wants you to plan the
evening.
2. Make a reservationThere’s a reason it’s number one AND number two. It’s im-
portant. Do it. And don’t forget, if you have kids, book the
babysitter too — even if it’s her mother and they talk five
times a day. Make the call yourself.
3. ChocolateThis is tricky; if you buy it, will she be mad at you for
tempting her? If you don’t buy it, will she be mad because
you’re implying she shouldn’t have it? I don’t know. She’s
your lady, not mine. Recommendation: a small amount of
high caliber chocolate is a good choice — do not go to CVS
The Savvy Guy’s Guide to
Valentine’s DaySeven tips to make yourlady love’s day perfect!
and buy a 15-pound heart shaped box and think
you’re a prince for buying the biggest one in the
store. In this case size doesn’t matter, quality does.
For those who plan ahead, order online. Procras-
tinators can pick up the chocolate in person.
Suggestions: ENJOU CHOCOLAT, Morristown,
offers a milk chocolate cherub with red foil hearts,
www.enjouchocolat.com; ROSE CITY CHOCOLATES,
Boonton, has rich Belgium chocolate (including
assortments for vegans), www.rosecity
chocolates.com; chef CRAIG SHELTON’S
GASTRONOMIE CHOCOLAT COLLECTION
features six hand-crafted chocolate delights,
including the classic French bonbon and
truffles with green tea, wasabi, lemongrass and
mango. www.chefscoffee.com, and OLIVER KITA
has dark Valrhona chocolate shoes with sprays of sugar
gum paste roses, www.oliverkita.com.
4. FlowersIt’s hard to justify roses on Valentine’s Day when the price skyrockets
on the 14th (NOTE: VALENTINE’S DAY IS FEBRUARY 14.) Instead,send them a week or two ahead with a note inviting her to dinner
(you know, the place where you made the reservation). The price
will be lower and you’ll be seen as romantic, not chintzy. Extra points:
Send them to the office so all her co-workers will see what a swell guy
you are.
5. A GiftNot necessary but always appreciated. At a loss? THE GREY DOVE in
Livingston will help you navigate through jewelry, handbags and
accessories to find the perfect gift. And they’ll wrap it for you in spec-
tacular fashion. Presentation is everything! Or take her to ROSEMARIEETCETERA in Flemington and let her choose an outfit for your date.
(Rosemarie will do all the work while you sit in a comfy chair. Just
nod approvingly and cheerfully proffer your credit card.)
6. A cardIt doesn’t have to be poetic or insanely mushy — humor is good too.
Just be sure to read it, sign it, and put her name on the envelope
(yes, some people do have to be told).
7. Empty the dishwasherLoad the dishwasher. Empty the dishwasher. Do it as many times as
you have to, so your kitchen will be clean when you return
from your romantic dinner. Nothing kills the mood
like a pile of dirty dishes. This is called foreplay
and it really works. Feel free to use this tip
year-round.
What about him?Does he really want a tie or cologne? We asked afew NJSL male readers what they’d like for Valen-tine’s Day. Here’s what they said:
“Some serious champagne, like Dom Pérignon, mywife and three hours alone.” — Bruce K.
“A limousine picking my wife and I up at home (afterbringing a babysitter to us) and taking us to a smallromantic restaurant where, naturally our favoritecocktails are waiting for us… our song, "I Only HaveEyes for You" is playing. We have a wonderful gour-met meal. The limo takes us home to find our kidsasleep as we crawl in to our preheated bed…If thatisn't possible, then a night at home without any kidswould do just fine.” — Burt S.
“…a gift certificate to Borders” — Bill I.
“…the 15 pound heart shaped box of chocolate fromCVS. More is always better.” — Dan T.
“…my wife to like what I get her!” — Rick R.
Far left, from the Anasta-sia Lace collection, an 18karat gold necklace withgarnets and rubies, around$3,000 at www.katrinakellyjewelry.com.
Left, wrapped gifts fromThe Grey Dove.
Below, chocolate shoefrom Oliver Kita.Ci
ndyStern
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