Cupid is sharpening his arrow, florists are doubling their stock, and men and women everywhere are starting to sweat...must be Valentine's Day.
What we love about this day is its creative spirit that sparks some lovers to go above and beyond to show their affection. What we find annoying is that everyone feels obligated to do something. Romance should be spontaneous and sweet, not mainstream and manufactured.
However you choose to spend your V-Day -- and whomever you choose to spend it with -- here are a few Foxy pointers to get you through smoothly...
DON'T...
- Follow the Herd Most lovers appreciate a little one-on-one time on this particular day. So, don't even think about suggesting that the two of you join a small army of friends for "a couple of beers" and some loud club music.
- Make It a Bling Thing Even the slightest hint that you're expecting an engagement ring can make him run for cover. Unless you think it's time to get rid of him, we recommend avoiding any ring talk.
- Ask for the Stars Along similar lines, if your partner is unsure of what to get you and wants your input, avoid mentioning ultra-pricey precious gemstones and metals, timepieces, or exotic trips, especially if you recently started dating. It's just not cool, especially during these challenging economic times. There are other ways that he or she can make you feel like a queen or king -- without the pressure of price tags.
- Be a Cliché Red roses are pretty, sure. Chocolates taste good, yup. But don't do both, unless you add in something unique. Differentiate your relationship from every other one out there. A big bowl of garden-fresh gardenias or a sweet bunch of colorful Gerber daisies speak volumes over a dozen been-there-done-that red roses. We appreciate when you think outside the chocolate box.
DO...
- Get Crafty Make a homemade card or collage, design a T-shirt at the copy shop with an inside joke, or log onto Snapfish or iPhoto and design a do-it-yourself photo album -- it's fun to create and affordable, too.
- Mix It Up Make a mixed CD of favorite songs. This is a gift that carries a lot of weight. It's thoughtful and requires some decent time to make it -- brownie points for you!
- Woo Chez Vous Invite your loved one to your place for a perfect evening in. Make pasta together, grill steaks and potatoes, or just order in a pizza, open a bottle of tasty wine, and light lots of candles. Afterwards cuddle up on the sofa and watch a movie over a pint of decadent ice cream with a shared spoon. What could be better? Remember, V-Day doesn't have to be fancy.
- Go Sweet 'n' Sexy Sure, buy her lingerie. Most women will love it. But stick with sweet little somethings and avoid the satin cheesy stuff. You can't miss with soft cotton chemises, a few pairs of Hanky Panky panties, or a sexy silk robe. Include a little canister of the Laundry's Finest, so she can clean her new unmentionables with a gentle organic wash. That will show that this gift is as much for her as it is for you.
- Book 'Em Books are always a great give -- personal, thoughtful, and classy. Inscribe a sweet note in it, and you'll win someone's heart for sure. Our current faves: for guys, Malcolm Gladwell's latest, The Outliers; and for gals, The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood.
...And check out these Valentine's desserts you can make at home.
For more tips on how to live well, visit foxyandco.com. And for more style scoop, check out Curves Rule and Flat Is Fabulous - Sexy Stylish Looks For Every Figure.

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