Valentine's Day Romance Guide 2011 by Love Kudos

Written by Lauren and Lindsay of Love Kudos

 

 

Valentine's Day is less than 10 days  away and whether you are single, dating someone new, or married for a few years, it can stress you out. Love Kudos has put together our annual Valentine's Day guide to help infuse some romance into your life. This guide is for both couples and singletons.

Question from a Reader: I just started dating this woman, can I ask her out for Valentine's Day? We have gone out three times and I live out of town.

Answer: Lauren says, of course you can ask her out. If she is into you and you are #1 in her dating mix, she will say yes. Be prepared though that you might not be #1 right now and she might not be ready for exclusivity yet. I just would not recommend a first date for Valentine's Day.

digital-scrapbooking.net

If you have been together for quite some time, (let's say more than three months), this is your opportunity to step it up and be romantic. Some people (men and women) believe you should treat your girlfriend like a princess every day, and that is great. However, I am sure there is still something extra special you can do for or with her this Valentine's Day. (Same goes for you ladies!)

If you've been together for longer than 6 months, a scrapbook/photo album would be a great idea.  There are many on-line photo services that can do all the hardwork for you.  Just download the pics, select the album features, and enter credit card number. Snapfish is a great website that offers such services. Lauren recommends kodak gallery or picasa's services.

Lauren K. believes a card is essential, regardless of the present. The message in the card and what type of card all depends on the nature of your relationship. If you want to give a humorous card, Lauren suggests you also give a romantic card as well, so she will still think you are taking this seriously. (If you treat everyday as if it was V-day, you are exempt in participating in the commercialized holiday.)

Lindsay K. believes are Valentine's cards a Hallmark invention.  A home made card, like you did in 3rd grade,  can be extra special.  Sending sweet emails and text messages are so 2011 and they are completely free.  Don't forget to comment on her Facebook wall, so all her friends can see what a sweetheart you are.

Our recommendations will let him or her brag to all of their friends afterwards. We will also give you some ideas that won't break the piggy bank.

If you want a personalized date/gift recommendations: 

visit LK services.

7 Gift Ideas for your Babydoll

Flowers or Fruit Arrangements: Edible arrangements, such as chocolate covered strawberries make an excellent starter gift.  
1. Bouquet of Flowers: A dozen red roses are great, but they can be a little bit too traditional for some women. begin_of_the_skype_highlighting  If you want to get really creative and develop your own special flower arrangement,  visit Austin Flower Company at 1612 W. 35th St. Austin, TX 78703.   Lindsay K. suggest a cheaper version is going to HEB which has bouquet of flowers for $4.  Get a couple of those,  plus vase and you are all set.  No need to spend over $20 on flowers.(512)477-7719
2.  Massages for two: Massage / Spa Treatment: Massage Harmony (Massage Harmony) with two locations offers 1 hour massage for only $44.  Milk and Honey (Milk and Honey Spa) is a great spa with two locations in Austin.
3. Weekend getaway: The Crossings is an Austin local get away located in Volente, TX.  Hiking, Yoga, Relaxing by the pool, which overlooks Lake Travis and the hill country. They have a hot and cold jacuzzi, plus sauna. Take a trip to Fredericksburg and hike Enchanted Rock. Stay at Angel's Lodge.
4. Shopping trip: Go to Nordstrom's and let your girlfriend pick out an outfit and pick up the tab. (You tell her the approximate amount or get her a gift card to put a halt on the spending). Afterwards, you can grab lunch at Nordstrom's Cafe or California Pizza Kitchen.  For our out-of-town readers: In Miami, same shopping plan, but go to Lincoln Road for lunch or dinner instead.  In Houston, Grand Lux Cafe across the street from the Galleria, has excellent food and great portions. Indulge in the brownie sundae. In Washington DC, after a visit to Pentagon City Mall or Montgomery Mall, go into the District for a romantic evening at Zola, The Tabard Inn, or splurge at The Plume at the Jefferson Hotel.  In Santa Monica, CA, Shutters on the Beach is still Lauren's personal favorite.  If it's a nice day or night, a walk on the beach during the day or after dinner.

5. Jewelry: BB Jewels BB Jewels Gramercy Park was established in 2005 as a jewelry design business inspired by owner and creator Berry Brown's love of old world accessories. The company's mission is to create new treasures that are inspired by beautiful antique designs. (I highly endorse these special jeweled treasures).
6. Electronics: If your a big spender, get her a Kindle or an iPad.  If she is looking to move to the iphone, possibly get her a case or some accesory for her new phone.
7. Check out the snuggly blanket and cuddles bear at Brookstone.com. Get it in pink or camel.

7 Gift Ideas for your Beau

1.  Media/Entertainment:  If he's been talking about the latest band or movie, surprise him with a CD, DVD, or maybe even tickets to a concert in the near future. (Lauren cautions: Don't buy tickets for anything more than a month or so in advance).  
2. A risky gift, but one he will love: buy him a new Wii, PS3, DS1, or XBox360 video game. Try to find a game that you can both enjoy playing together. (Have a fun bet when playing Wii Tennis where the loser has to arrange a prize for the winner.) I just checked out the Dance Connect game, good exercise for her.
3. His favorite bottle of liquor or bottle of wine you shared together on your first date. Make your own wine at Water to Wine (http://www.watertowine.com/) located at 4036 South Lamar Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78704.  (This could also be a great romantic date idea.)
4. Buy him a nice shirt and make his favorite meal for him. If you are not big on P.D.A. (Public Displays of Affection), I would advise you not venture out into the public on V-day night. Most restaurants convert their restaurants into only two tops and encourage lovey / dovey behavior.
5. Coupon Book of Love (Lindsay's personal suggestion and one Lauren fully endorses.) Coupon examples: 30 minute massage, "Get out of Jail" free card (put an expiration date on it,) cook dinner, do an activity of his choice, or watch his favorite TV show or movies.
6. Visit brookstone.com and get him a neck massager or 3 piece blanket, comfy set. (This gift is unisex and has several different uses. Wink! Wink!) 
7. Get him a gift certificate at his favorite lunchtime spot and promise to meet him there for lunch one time over the next few weeks. 

10 Romantic Restaurants to spend Valentine's at in the Austin Area

(LOVE KUDOS APPROVED)

1. Uchi S. Lamar (Sushi and Traditional Japanese)
2. Botticelli's Garden - South Congress (Italian)
3. Sienna - 2222 and 360. (It looks like a big villa - Italian)
4. Jeffreys of Austin 1204 West Lynn Street (American Steak and Seafood, Dark and Intimate)
5. Chez Zee 2222 and Balcones (French, not too fancy) 
6. Fonda San Miguel 330 W. North Loop (Traditional Spanish)
7. Vespaio S. Congress (Italian)
8. Trulucks  400 Colorado (Seafood, Upscale), Also, Arboretum Location
9. Aquarelle Restaurant Français 606 Rio Grande Street (French, Ready for Valentine's Day)
10. W Hotel 2nd Street & Lavaca Downtown 

Whisk away to the wonderful world of W Austin this Valentine's Day. Feel the Wuv with an experience that includes:

•Two specialty Valentine's Day Cupcakes

•One beautiful bottle of Cava Riserva

•2 PM late checkout, based on availability

•Plus, a Wonderful room you'll love from $289 per night

Book and stay from February 10-16, 2011.

7 Ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day with your Single Friends

1. Get a mani/pedi and/or makeover at your favorite department store. 
2. Dinner at a place you've been waiting to try.  NORTH Austin, at the Domain, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 124, Austin, TX 78758 offers a special menu just for Valentine's day. Vivo always gives the women roses, so that should be on your list for sure.
3. Go shopping for yourself: Charming Charlie (http://www.charmingcharlie.com/) is a Houston based fashion accessories company with a two local Austin shops, one located at 5207 Brody Lane, Austin, TX 78745.
4. Go for a run or walk in the park with a friend and your dog (borrow a friend's dog if needed). Have a picnic afterward.
5. If you have not taken the plunge in online dating, many sites will be offering a free trial  this weekend / week.  Try chemistry.com, eharmony.com, or match.com.
6. Re-visit the Love Kudos site and laugh at Lauren's and Lindsay's dating mishaps and successes.  Sign up for a photo makeover session or have some friends take some great shots of you to add to your Facebook page or online dating profile.
7. On February 10th, visit House Wine for Love Kudos' mixer. You must RSVP by Tuesday, February 8th. You can pre-pay the $5 entry here.

Hope to see you at the Valentine's Mixer on February 10th at House Wine.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please write in or call us.

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