Valentine

Five Smokin' Valentine's Day Gifts for Cigar Lovers

Filed under: Cigars

Valentine's Day cigar gift

Cigar smokers should be the easiest people in your life for whom to shop, with a clear interest that is easy to address. But, if you want to go the extra mile, finding that perfect present can be daunting. This is especially the case on Valentine's Day, when you really want to send a loving, thoughtful message. Obviously, the smart move is to take the pressure off yourself, tell your loved one that he or she is in fact a loved one and celebrate what you have with each other.

Of course, we're rarely that easy on ourselves at this time of year!

If you have a cigar smoker in your life, here are five ideas from Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, to make Valentine's Day a bit easier for you ... and a bit enjoyable for him or her:

1. S.T. Dupont Limited Edition Shaman Series Lighter: got a grand to burn, so to speak? This impressive piece will set you back $1,000, but it's sure to impress. The white pearlized lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlays is stunning, and whipping this lighter out to ignite a cigar is a clear sign of taste.

2. Bugatti 3 Chrome Satin/Chrome Polished Traditional Flame Lighter: this one won't hurt your wallet as much as the Shaman (at only $150), but it will nonetheless garner plenty of attention. And, it's one of Lee's favorites.

Tags: bugatti, cigar, cigar accessories, cigar smoking, cigars, Colibri, davidoff, lighter, lighters, st dupont, valentine, valentines day, valentines-day, xikar

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Conway Stewart Valentines Limited Edition Pen

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Writing Instruments

Conway Stewart has designed a pen just for Valentine's Day. The 'Valentines Limited Edition' is made of rich red resin and shining sterling silver with a large 18k gold nib. Carefully designed and balanced for smooth and effortless writing, the clean contemporary design is accented with small engravings of romantic Shakespearean love sonnets. The romance continues all through the packaging with a small book of sonnets, a calligraphic copy of the love Sonnets engraved on the pen, and a bottle of red ink all included in a pretty black satin-lined box. Limited to only 50 for $750.

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Tags: conway stewart, ConwayStewart, pen, valentine, valentines day, ValentinesDay, writing, writing instrument, WritingInstrument

Seven His and Hers Recommendations for Valentine's Day: A Box of Chocolates and a Box of Cigars

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Dining

Of course, you don't have to stick to the gender stereotypes on this one. Men do enjoy chocolate, and I've met more than a handful of ladies who are happy to cut and light a double corona. So, feel free to mix and match as you see fit. You'll have all the tools you'll need to make the best choices, thanks to chocolate and cigar recommendations from Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club.

Some of the selections aren't surprising, according to Lee. "Obvious choices are the fine selections from Godiva, Lindt and Ghiradelli, but we thought we'd suggest some exotic chocolate indulgences you might not be aware of." He continues, "Chocolatiers can now be reached from anywhere around the globe. Our advisers did an exhaustive search, and the choices prove it was well worth it."

Let's start with eight chocolate recommendations that are sure to make your evening fantastic.

Tags: burlwood, cao, chocolate, chocolates, cigar, cigars, crumbs, Crumbs Bake Shop, CrumbsBakeShop, ghirardelli, gift, gifts, godiva, GodivaChocolate, GraycliffHotel, lindt, lindt chocolate, LindtChocolate, LindtLindorTruffles, Romeo and Juliet, romeo y julieta, RomeoAndJuliet, RomeoYJulieta, tatuaje, tatuajes, valentine, valentines, valentines day, valentines-day, ValentinesDay

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Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Valentine's Day has many rumored beginnings with one of the most romantic (and believable) being that the holiday is named after Saint Valentine, a priest who lived in 3rd century Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decreed that marriage was outlawed because single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, Valentine defied the law and married young lovers in secret, until the day he was discovered, sentenced to death, and thrown into prison. There he met and fell in love with the jailer's blind daughter and because of their love her vision was restored. Then, as a final act of love before he was sent to his death Valentine wrote her a love note and signed it "From your Valentine."

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Tags: chocolate, history, luxist-awards, main-pedia, romance, sweets-pedia, valentine, valentines day, ValentinesDay

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Dempsey & Carroll's January Sale, New Valentine's Designs

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Writing Instruments

Last summer, my colleague Jared noted that stationer Dempsey & Carroll was stepping in when Mrs. John L. Strong closed up shop. It seems that despite the ubiquity of electronic communication devices, there are many who still put pen to paper. If you are one of these people, or have resolved to be in the new year, you should know that Dempsey & Carroll is offering its annual January Correspondence Card Sale, with its greatest price reductions of the year and never-before-offered engraving options.

Quantities of 100 personalized and engraved Correspondence Cards, in Dempsey & Carroll's most popular size, are on sale for $225, a 40% savings on its regular price of $375. The sale price includes a new name plate, if desired. Customers may choose from four typestyles, five ink colors, and white or ecru card stock. Borders, motifs, return address plates, return address engraving, envelope liners, and other options are available for an additional charge. New for the sale this year is the Deluxe (4-ply) and Opulent (6-ply) stock, also for an additional charge.

But maybe you're not quite ready for a hand-written note. Why not start on Valentine's Day? Dempsey & Carroll is a very traditional company, but for the first time they are offering modern designs for Valentine's Day (see the gallery, below). What a nice way to send, or receive, a love note.

Gallery: Dempsey & Carroll's January Sale, New Valentine's Designs

Tags: Dempsey Carroll, DempseyCarroll, paper, stationer, stationers, stationery, Valentine, Valentines Day, ValentinesDay

Big Heart Zip Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Tis the season for love, hearts, and girliness, and the Big Heart Zip Clutch by Marc Jacobs doesn't fail us! Leather appliqués in varying shades (of pink and purple of course) and textures generously cover the front and back, and almost look like they're floating around the bag as opposed to being stuck on it. Other than the hearts aplenty the design is pretty simple, featuring a gold hardware zip-tip closure, fine textile lining, and an interior patch pocket.

I really like it, although the color scheme gets on my nerves a little (I think red, white, and black would be awesome). $795

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Tags: bag, bags, clutch, handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, handbags, heart, hearts, marc jacobs, MarcJacobs, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay

SUSHISAMBA 7 Shares their Valentine's Day Cocktail Recipes

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Spirits, Events

SUSHISAMBA is a staple restaurant for many New York sushi lovers. Though Japonais normally has my vote for best sushi, SUSHISAMBA 7's Valentine's Day plans look amazing.

SUSHISAMBA 7, at 87 Seventh Avenue South, will be featuring a number of delicious dinner specials, including Maine Lobster Taquitos, Tuna Tataki, Lobster & Palmito Salad, Oysters & Pearls, Pan Seared Foie Gras, Austrialian Wagyu Beef Tataki, Kobe Gyoza, Japanese Style Salt & Pepper Mongo Ika, Broiled Alaska King Crab, Seared Muscovy Duck Breast, and Braised "Bone In" Short Ribs. Yum!

Best of all, they're featuring Naughty and Nice Valentine's Day Cocktails, and we have the recipes. Here you go:

Naughty
3 strawberry halves
1 piece of watermelon rind
Muddled jalapeño peppers
1.5 oz tequila
0.5 oz creme de fraise des bois liqueur
0.5 oz sweet and sour

Muddle fruit and jalapeno peppers in glass until pulverized. Add liquor, shake vigorously and strain. Serve in martini glass and garnish with a pierced strawberry and jalapeno.

Nice
3 strawberry halves
1 piece of watermelon rind
1.5 oz tequila
0.5 oz creme de fraise des bois liqueur
0.5 oz sweet and sour

Muddle fruit in glass until pulverized. Add liquor, shake vigorously and strain. Serve in martini glass and garnish with a pierced strawberry.

You can keep those delicious drinks on the books all year! If you haven't finalized your Valentine's Day plans yet and are in New York, call 212-691-7885 for reservations.

Tags: cocktail, cocktails, drinking, drinks, entertainment-awards, sushi, sushi samba, sushisamba 7, valentine, valentines, valentines day

2/12/09 Valentine's Day Contest: Flora2000's Free Bouquets

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services

Here's one last chance for a Valentine's prize. Flora2000 is giving away three Valentine's Days bouquets, to be sent as gifts. Just fill in this sentence: "A romantic thing I would do for my valentine would be ... " and enter here. Winners will be announced on the morning of Thursday, February 12, so enter quickly!

Tags: contest, flowers, free, valentine, Valentines Day, ValentinesDay

How Do You Feel About Hearts?

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

I have a friend who mentioned the other day in passing (I think she might be secretly hoping that her boyfriend hits me up for hints about what she likes) that she loves hearts in jewelry, especially heart-shaped gems. When she said that I couldn't help but remember a situation years ago when another friend actually cried when her boyfriend got her a heart-shaped amethyst pendant for her birthday, saying "how could he not know that I hate hearts in jewelry?"

Some women see hearts as corny and immature, while others see them as a universal and age-old symbol of romance and love. What's your take?

Hearts in jewelry: Love them or Hate them?
Love them! They're the universal symbol of love	13 (36.1%)
Hate them. They're corny and over used.	21 (58.3%)
-delete-	1 (2.8%)
-delete-	1 (2.8%)

Gallery: Hearts, Hearts, Hearts!

Tags: hearts, jewelry, poll, polls, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay

Hand Painted Valentine Cards by Sarabella

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art

Valentine's Day is almost here and it's time to start thinking about the finishing touch on the gift for your sweetheart: the card. If you haven't already picked one out and are reluctant to go buy one "off the rack" at your local mall, consider one of these pretty art cards from Katie's Paperie. Created by artist Natalie Sarabella, the card above is hand painted and has Swarovski crystal accents to complement the classic music and hearts design, and the simple phrase "You make my heart sing" on the inside. A card that's also a unique, beautiful little piece of art. $75

Via ForbesLife

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Tags: cards, katies paperie, KatiesPaperie, love, natalie sarabella, NatalieSarabella, valentine, valentines day, ValentinesDay

Valentine Essentials: Sexy Lingerie

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Holiday Guides

The thought of confused men wandering aimlessly around the lingerie sections of department stores this time of year makes me laugh, and it also makes me wonder how many men actually buy lingerie as Valentine's Day gifts? I think these days it's more about women buying it for themselves, and then the wearing of it is the gift for the man in their lives. Lingerie can be expensive, but I think it's totally worth the splurge. After all, it's one of the few things that makes both people happy.

So ... red, white, or black? That is the question.

Gallery: Designer Lingerie Perfect for Valentine's Day

Tags: lingerie, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay, vday, vday09

Teleflora's Rubies & Roses Sweepstakes

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Seems like everywhere I turn I'm seeing ads for sweepstakes involving jewelry or other high-end prizes. It must be the two-fold punch of a sagging economy (spend money! win stuff!) and Valentine's Day. So indulge me -- or yourself, if you win -- because here's another: Teleflora's Rubies & Roses Sweepstakes. Select Teleflora rose purchases will be delivered with a game piece and PIN. The sender and recipient both can enter to win these prizes: Grand -- $60,000 ruby and diamond necklace; 100 winners -- $600 14k gold ruby and diamond heart-shaped pendant; 1,000 winners, $150 10k gold diamond and created ruby heart-shaped pendant. Official rules here.

P.S. Not sure your guy knows which flowers to send to you? Send him this.

Tags: contest, contests, flowers, roses, rubies, sweepstakes, Teleflora, Valentine, Valentines Day, ValentinesDay

Valentine Essentials: A Diamond Ring

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Holiday Guides

Put "Valentine's Day" and "diamond ring" together and most people's minds will go to "engagement" next, but there are plenty of other reasons to give, get, or wear a diamond ring this Vday. There are anniversary bands, fashion rings, and of course the "Right Hand Ring" is growing ever more popular as women decide that they don't have to wait for a man in order to wear a beautiful diamond.

Engagement rings might be the most common type of diamond rings given and worn next week, but they certainly don't have to be the only type!

Gallery: Diamond Rings for All

Tags: diamond jewelry, diamond ring, diamond rings, DiamondJewelry, DiamondRing, DiamondRings, diamonds, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay, vday, vday09

Valentine's Sweepstakes: Win a Weekend in Godiva's Chocolate Hotel Suite

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Get shopping, because if you purchase the right box of Godiva candy, you could win a May weekend getaway for two in Godiva's all-chocolate Decadence Suite in New York City's Bryant Park Hotel. Godiva does a Valentine's Day promotion each year, and for 2009, anyone who buys the winning box of chocolates -- for $23 and up -- may win the chocolate suite. The winning box, sold only in North America, will contain a note informing the buyer of his or her good luck.

In addition to staying in the suite, the winners also will be treated with several chocolate-themed activities, among which is a private tasting in Godiva's Rockefeller Center boutique and a dinner for two at one of New York's top restaurants. They will also go home with a year's supply of Godiva chocolate.

The room was created by Los Angeles designer Larry Abel and features interior design by Jonathan Adler. Hanging in the "living room" was a painting built of multicolored chocolate pieces inspired by Gustav Klimt's painting The Kiss. Above the dining table was a "canvas" dripping with brown and white chocolate -- a takeoff on Jackson Pollock's signature "drip" paintings. Books opened to a mound of chocolates. A glass-covered table features a design under the glass made up of chocolate pieces. Visitors can feel free to sit on the sofa, which is chocolate-covered only on its sides, but don't touch the chocolate walls, or light the fireplace (with its chocolate logs and mantle) or chocolate candles, or try to snuggle up in the chocolate easy chairs.

Gallery: Godiva's Chocolate Hotel Suite

Tags: chocolate, contest, Godiva, hotel, New York, New York City, NewYork, NewYorkCity, sweepstakes, V Day, Valentine, Valentines Day, ValentinesDay, VDay

Valentine Essentials: A Diamond Pendant

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Holiday Guides

Whatever you're doing this Valentine's Day certain things are essential, and one of them is a pretty diamond necklace to complement your little black dress. Whether you hint around with hopes of getting it on vday as a gift from your sweetie or decide to treat yourself, a pretty new diamond pendant will not only make you feel beautiful this holiday but it will also be something you can wear again and again for years to come. Totally worth splurging on (this Harry Winston Snowflake is on my wish list!).

Gallery: Designer Diamond Pendants