So if you're single chances are you've either got a big date tonight/this weekend, or you wish you did. It's a story lived by millions everyday all over the world who are looking for love. We tend to worry and agonize over what we wear and what we do in an attempt to make the right first impression, but have you ever thought about what the car you drive is saying to those potential dates? From "well-rounded and stylish" to "determined and driven to succeed" it may be telling them a lot before they even get a chance to meet you in person. Check out some of these examples and see if your car is saying what you thought it was.
Red wine and chocolates, you can't get a much more perfect pairing for romance than that. The inspiration for the NOKA-RIEDEL Experience came from 10th generation glass maker George Riedel and his exquisite glassware, and it includes one of two combinations of chocolate and glasses. There's the "2-piece Vintages with 2 Cabernet Glasses" or the "4-piece Truffles with 2 Champagne Glasses."
Apparently when George Riedel visited the NOKA Chocolates boutique in Dallas for a tasting he said that combining the chocolates with champagne in a RIEDEL varietal-specific glass resulted in an experience that was "beyond words." $96-$104
A holiday like Valentine's Day is all in the details, and in today's world of emails, text messages, and computerized everything what better detail than to write your sweetheart a love note by hand in beautiful rose colored and rose scented ink. Love Letter Ink 2008 by Montblanc is available either by the bottle or in cartridges, and although it's not clear how strong the rose scent is or how long it lingers (this reviewer says it's fairly short-lived) how great it would be for a long-distance lover to open a perfumed V-Day card along with a delivery of blooms (not to mention it would be so pleasant to write the note as well!).
Whether you're after a breathtaking view, a secluded romantic getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to find it and a popular time to for many to pop the question and get engaged. Choosing the where and the when for your proposal really is a big deal, since all the rest of your days together start in that moment and in that place.
If you're looking for inspiration check out these ideas, all of which will have you making a memorable journey together to mark a memorable moment, and please add your own suggestions in the comments!
A romantic dinner by candlelight is perhaps one of the most common, and most enjoyable, ways to spend Valentine's Day. And what better way to set the mood and light the evening than with a pair of classy looking Kissing Candlesticks from Nambé. The candlesticks cuddle up together to give off a sweet glow of love without being gaudy, cheesy, or over-the-top. And after Valentine's Day is over they aren't so themed you can't continue to display and use them the rest of the year. 7" or 9" high, $79-$110.
Computer Choppers is at it again, blinging up your personal gadgets with platinum, gold, and diamonds. They certainly seem to have a love of everything Apple (and I can't say I blame them) since from iPods to iPhones to Macbooks they've now moved on to the 24" iMac. There's not a whole lot of info available on their site yet except to say in coming weeks they're offering the iMac all dolled up in gold, platinum, and even rose-gold (a Valentine's Day treat for your tech-loving sweetie?).
Not this Valentine's Day, but next Valentine's Day, some lucky ladies will be getting not red but blue roses from loved ones looking to show their affection. 14 years in the making, Suntory Ltd. is already growing test batches of the new blooms here in the States and is anticipating big sales and premium prices when they launch them next year in Japan.
Blue roses are such a rare commodity because no blue pigment naturally exists in roses, which means serious genetic modification had to happen even to get this pretty shade of purple. But what I don't get is why do they insist on calling a purple rose blue? It strikes me as an impure form of blue (there's obviously still red in the mix) and it just begs for somebody else to come up with a slightly "bluer" color and call it better. Either way, they are really beautiful -- and no word yet on what this new blue rose will be called.
Previously released this past December in the UK and Paris, a newly redesigned version of Mulberry's Roxanne bag is now being launched here in the U.S., just in time for Valentine's Day. The result of a collaboration between the Mulberry brand and fashion stylist Katie Grand, the Mulberry Roxanne bag is part of Gap's (PRODUCT) RED (TM) line and is made of sweatshirt jersey in either red or gray. What better gift this season of love than a beautiful red bag that sends 50% of its profits towards to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa?
Want one this Valentine's Day? Well you'll need to head to New York, as the bag is available now but is being sold exclusively at the NYC Gap store located at 680 5th Ave at 54th St.
Roses might be one of the most cliché items a woman can receive on Valentine's Day but that doesn't mean they aren't appreciated. If you want your floral gift to last the ages and carry your personal message as well, the Platinum Roses from Love Is A Rose fit the bill. Choose red, white, pink or yellow roses, have them adorned in gold, silver or platinum and inscribed with the perfect message. It is certainly a twist on the traditional bouquet -- even so, if I had a choice between flowers that are jeweled and flowers with a separate piece of jewelry I could wear... I might be picking option B.
Romantic getaways are one of the most popular ways for couples to celebrate Valentine's Day, and for those who have money a private jet charter is a pretty appealing way to get there. Even more appealing is a private jet charter with a cabin packed full of diamonds, roses, and all kinds of other goodies. On that note Halcyon Jets is offering the $1.5 million DreamDate package that includes a long list of high-end luxury gifts. You'll get a diamond necklace from Tiffany's, a bottle of 1996 Vintage Krug Champagne, Noka chocolates, Clive Christian's Imperial Majesty, a pair Christian Louboutin Sequin Peep-Toe Pumps, a 9 piece set of Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Luggage, and DreamSpa treatments for 2.
Whew! What a list. Anybody have $1.5 million I can borrow?
If there was ever a time of year where you could take off on an overly extravagant getaway without feeling guilty it's over Valentine's Day. Resorts and hotels know this too, with most of them putting together romantic and pampered packages in luxurious settings -- many times all-inclusive so minimal planning is required. Just decide where in the world you want to go, and if you'd prefer to stay in or go out, and finding a deal somewhere that fits the bill should be easy as pie. Here are a few we found that look particularly tempting:
A Valentine's Box for your dog. It does strike me as a little over the top, but then what's life without the simple pleasure of indulging others? And if there was ever anybody worth indulging it's that little (or big) companion that sticks by you no matter what -- ignoring your bad moods and loving you unconditionally. The box contains an assortment of dog-friendly chocolate-looking treats made of organic ingredients (not chocolate) and a big bouncy strawberry chew toy that's made of recycled materials. It's so pretty it looks almost as fun to give as it will be for Fido to get! $29.95
If you're looking for points in the "uniqueness" department this Valentine's Day and know somebody who likes marmite, this champagne flavored version with a heart-shaped label and "I LOVE YOU" in big bold letters definitely fits that description.
600,000 jars will be made, and although they aren't going on sale in stores until January 21st (£2.99) you can get one now from Selfridges & Co. if you're willing to pay a little more (£3.99). You can also glam things up a bit with a personalized engraved silver lid -- if you're willing to pay (£145).
If you haven't found anything to
your liking in our Valentine's Day free-for-all, why not try the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. The AAA 5 Diamond
resort on the Northern California coast resembles a Nantucket style lodge smack on the Pacific Ocean. The location is
picture perfect for a resort and a lovely Arthur Hills designed golf course. If couples golf isn't your thing, you
could spend the day being pampered in the 16,000 sq ft spa.
But since you are here to get together, the
hotel has some special things planned for February 14th. The restaurant, Navio, will feature a 4 course, wine paired
menu featuring Mushroom Crusted Ahi Tuna and Butter Poached Lobster. If the dining room didn't fill you, a chocolate
buffet will be available for your over-indulgence. Of all the goings on at the resort, my favorite is the Rose
Champagne Flight. In the 5,000 bottle wine room, this is a oenophiles dream come true. Complete with chocolate covered
strawberries, you and your mate can sample a fine selection of Rose Champagne till your heart's content. Make sure your
suite has fireplace to get things heated up!
In our continuing coverage of the best Valentine's Day
surprises, we trek towards the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles are about as far away as you can get from anywhere and
located just north of the main island of Mahe, is North Island. North Island
is home to a very unique and exclusive lodge featuring only 11 villas to accommodate the most discerning travelers in
the world. This Eco-friendly resort is designed to be self-sustaining and completely in-tune with the natural
surroundings. The resort decor is utterly fabulous, featuring modernist furniture and natural materials blended
perfectly. The villas are a lesson in design perfection with a generous 4,800 sq ft of space with 2 bedrooms and a
kitchenette. Outside, guests can relax on a traditional sala or take a dip in your private pool. Naturally, these
villas come complete with A/C and a high speed Internet connection.
What truly makes North Island a
wonderful place are the natural surroundings. And what better way to enjoy the natural surroundings than to have a
picnic prepared for you on a private beach for you and a loved one. To get around North Island, guests have free rein
of golf carts. However, be warned that you must share with road with the native tortoises and other wildlife. The
island is surrounded by a coral reef that makes for fantastic diving. Cuisine on the island is 5 star and barefoot
friendly, whether you decide to eat in the restaurant at the island piazza or in your villa. If getting away from it
all is your goal, North Island goes to the ends of the earth and still provides top-notch service. One look at this website, you'll be making a reservation!
In our continuing coverage of the best Valentine's Day
surprises, we trek towards the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles are about as far away as you can get from anywhere and
located just north of the main island of Mahe, is North Island. 
