From romantic 1st dates to breathtaking proposals to moving ceremonies to exquisite reception - Valentine's Day can be a milestone date for many couples.  I've been very busy the last few weeks helping couples and clients get ready for the big day and it's not over yet.  I'm not sure but I'm always surprised at the number of Men (and yes, even Women) who wait to the last minute to do something for Valentine's day.  Perhaps its time or awaiting payday but here we are every year - the Valentine's Day Cycle.  Although Valentine's Day was yesterday even more people are planning on actually celebrating this weekend.  And for those of you who have "said" you will celebrate this weekend to buy some more time remember, you may still require some planning.  Here are a few quick tips that may help. 

 

Consider a home celebration - After a busy work day it can be just as romantic to have a beautifly thoughtout evening at home.  Breakfast in bed, your favorite DVD complete with popcorn and Junior Mints, a picnic blanket with picnic basket and all your special someone's favorite foods and wine front of the fireplace, or a home spa with a candlelit bathtube and massage oil. 

 

But I don't cook - I have such a love of fine food and cooking that I tend to forget that there are people out there who simply don't know how, don't have time or are just plain nervous about cooking.  Sure you can make a reservation at an elegant restaurant but if you haven't already done so the odds of you getting a reservation the weekend after Valentine's day is slim to none.  But consider this, even the most high-end establishment may take pitty on you if you call and speak to the hostess.  Another solution, explain your situation to the hostess and as if you can order a 4 course meal to go then check into a nice hotel room and decorate it with candles, flowers, etc.  Pick-up your special someone but don't tell them were you are going.  Volia, you've just pulled off a surprise get-away even if it's just a few miles from home. 

 

There is a 3rd option, some people have just choosen to hire someone like Vivid Expressions LLC to take care all of those details for them - even as late as the night before.  It's funny, a quick phone call, a few Exploratory Questions to customize a personal event to fit them exclusively and they look like a Hero and the other party is never the wiser.   Well, I'm off to work more magic for another client. 

 

Blessed wishes and Happy Valentine's Day,

Janel Keen