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February 3, 2015

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her Under $50

There are no rules when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts. As long as there is thought and consideration put into the gift (and you REALLY think she’ll love it), why not divert from the traditional “romantic” territory? Our list of gifts for her under $50 includes the standard cashmere, silk, jewelry, and fragrance to make her feel beautiful but also a couple of handy items for the practical gal in your life.

1. Van Gogh Print Silk Scarf (Rakuten) | $42.95
Silk is a Valentine’s Day gift staple and this piece is perfect for the high art lover. Its print recreates the famous “Café Terrace at Night” painting by Vincent Van Gogh.

2. Ninja Food and Drink Mixer (Drugstore.com) | $49.99
Help her make smoothies and purees like a boss with this high-powered mixer.

3. Bella Vita Leopard Flats (Boscov’s) | $49.99
Leopard flats are a fashion staple that go with virtually anything and will give her everyday look an instant boost.

4. Infinite Love Bracelet (Alex And Ani) | $48
Give her a fashionable piece of jewelry that literally shows your undying love and devotion. Bonus: Alex And Ani is a super-hot brand she’ll be sure to recognize.

5. Punk Love Stud Earrings (Max And Chloe) | $48
Traditional Valentine’s Day heart-shaped jewelry can be, for lack of a better word, lame. These edgy heart and arrow stud earrings are simple and youthful.

6. Cashmere Gloves (Athleta) | $41.99
Like we said, you can’t go wrong with cashmere, especially in this blustery weather.

7. Laura Mercier Honey Bath Gel (Sephora) | $45
If her idea of winding down after a long day includes a luxurious bath, lay out her robe, light the candles, and leave this delicious-smelling bath gel by the tub. She’ll thank you when she climbs down from Cloud 9.

8. Cutie Pleated Dress (Yoox.com) | $45
OK so we know buying clothes for anyone is a little scary. But take a look at your girl’s closet and we bet you can find a dress for date night she would love, like this lovely piece in cobalt.

9. ‘My Love’ Comic Book Cover Wall Art (Art.com) | $41.99
Help her liven her living space with some quirky yet romantic wall art.

10. instaCHARGE Portable Charger (HSN) | $49.95
If she’s a technofile who finds herself in constant need or a charge-up, this is literally perfect. The instaCHARGE will allow her to charge her phone or tablet on the go so she can continue taking over the world, just like she took over your heart. Aww.

Which of these items do you think would make her Valentine’s Day complete? Comment below!

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February 2, 2015

12 Romantic Valentine’s Date Ideas

Whether you are a new couple or one that has been keeping the flames burning for years, Valentine’s date night ideas can still be a total head scratcher. New couples are still learning about each other’s preferences and seasoned couples have seemingly done it all. Let us give you a little boost on your brainstorming with these 12 romantic Valentine’s date night ideas.

1. Relive your first Valentine’s Day – If your first Valentine’s Day together was years ago but feels like yesterday, press replay and go back to those old haunts to catch a glimpse of your budding love.
2. Book a couple’s massage – Unwind and rejuvenate together!
3. Be a backyard tourist – Hit the city and finally see all the sights you’ve been meaning to see. Find out how many local Scoutmob, Gilt City, and Groupon deals you can use in one magical evening.
4. Go camping – Outdoorsy couples, don’t feel the need to get fancy. Do what you love and connect with nature while you reconnect with your mate. If you can’t do a weekend camping getaway, set up your tent in the back yard for some star gazing.
5. Hit the ice skating rink – Ice skating is one of the best date ideas for winter, not to mention a cute Valentine’s Day activity.
6. Catch a burlesque show – Tantalize yourselves with a sensual yet tasteful adult performance to inspire your own post-show sparks.
7. Have a dinner picnic – Pack up a home-cooked meal and hit your favorite local park. Bundle up under a blanket and enjoy some people-watching.
8. Go to the drive-in – A tried and true favorite, drive-in movies are a step up from movie nights at home without compromising on privacy.
9. Wine tasting/Brewery tour – Discover your new favorite libations together!
10. Symphony/Opera – If you want an excuse to get gussied up, a night at the symphony or opera house is just the ticket.
11. Take a scenic drive – Scope out your local Lover’s Lane and fill the car with your favorite tunes on the way there.
12. Enjoy a night in – For couples with kids, a night in without little ones can be just as romantic as any date out on the town. Cook together, have an actual conversation, and watch your favorite movie in the comfort of your own home.

How will you be spending Valentine’s Day with your love? Let us know by commenting below!

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January 28, 2015

How to Make Valentine’s Day Special For Him

Valentine’s Day is usually catered to the woman in the relationship leaving the men just a bit stressed. Guys tend to have to plan out the date and secure the perfect gift. But we urge everyone to switch it up a bit! Make it something he’ll enjoy, not dread! We’ve come up with some cute Valentine’s Day ideas for him guaranteed to make the special man in your life feel loved this February.

Breakfast in Bed (Made Simple)
When planning a Valentine’s Day for him, breakfast in bed is the ultimate morning treat! Waking up to breakfast in bed sets the whole mood for the day, and you don’t have to get fancy with freshly-squeezed juice or handmade pastries (unless you have the time!) to make this a special surprise. We love this 1 Minute Coffee Cake in a Mug from Chocolate Covered Katie that not only looks delicious, but is also easy! Pop this mixture in the microwave, add a cup of coffee, and consider his morning made.

Subscription Boxes
Monthly subscription boxes have been becoming more popular lately and women are not the only one’s getting in on the trend. With so many types of subscription boxes, there will definitely be one out there just for him! Our favorites include NatureBox for snack food lovers, LootCrate for the geeks and gamers, and Birchbox Men. What’s great about these programs is you can buy just one box, or sign him up for a couple months!

Sweet Treats
One of the best parts about Valentine’s Day is the rich and sweet treats. From candies and cakes, to cookies and brownies, there are a lot of choices to pick from! We’ve gathered three of the tastiest (and sweetest) goodies to gift him: Ombre Nutella Cups from The Baking Robot, Sweetheart Cherry Pies from Cake Student, Marbled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies from The Novice Chef . Quick tip: Not the best at baking? Call over a girlfriend to help make the treats and split them with her (while making sure to taste some for yourselves of course!)

Romantic Homemade Dinner
Nothing spells romance like a candlelit dinner for two. Avoid the craziness of other couples this year by staying in and making food for you and your special man. This Chicken with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes and Pan Sauce from Bon Appetit tastes like something you’d find in a restaurant, dishes up beautifully, and pairs well with either rice or roasted potatoes. It looks complicated, but it’s fairly easy and very delicious! Once you plate up and sit down, you’ll both be thankful for the quiet evening in.

Cooking For Two
Make the adventure of cooking a date! Cooking together is easily one of the best ways to spend quality time with your loved one and strengthens the relationship. Find a fun recipe to cook together (we recommend this Thin Crust Skillet Pizza for Two from Pass the Sushi) and channel your inner chef. You’ll end up creating a tasty meal for the night and memories that last a lifetime.

Movie Night
Keeping it simple can definitely be better. A movie night on the couch (complete with a blanket fort) can be just what he needs when he walks in the door. Stock up on the essentials like popcorn and candy (or make this homemade Zebra Caramel Corn from Creme de la Crumb), and let him choose the movie. You’ll both enjoy cuddling up with this relaxing date idea.

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February 11, 2014

Favorite Cinematic Couples

With Valentine’s Day coming up so soon we have epic love on the mind. Nothing shows the ups and downs of love better then the cinema, but we were unable to pick a single favorite fictional couple. Our list is by no means comprehensive, but it covers a variety of fictional love:

Moonrise Kingdom told the story of first love. It was quirky, fun, and entertaining. The young couple, Sam and Suzy, decide to run away together. We find it impossible not to enjoy this young love.

Pretty in Pink. We couldn’t really make this list without including a John Hughes film. The young couple, Andi and Blane are considered an unfit match due to different social classes. Andi, played by Molly Ringwald, is from the ‘wrong side of the tracks.’

Casablanca. While our classic film knowledge is a bit limited, this love is undeniably epic. The backdrop of 1940s Casablanca, this love story unfolds dramatically, but is doomed to fail.

Romeo and Juliet. We know that this is a painfully obvious choice, but we had to include it. Whatever version suits your fancy, this love story is as old as it is timeless.

Lady and the Tramp. This animated classic makes us nostalgic for the Disney films of our childhood. Like the aforementioned Pretty in Pink, this couple endures despite the pressure of societal norms.

The Notebook. This is a modern day classic. If you haven’t seen it (c’mon, who are we kidding, everyone has seen it), stop what you are doing and watch it now. It tells the story of a love that endures a lifetime with the highest highs and lowest lows.

What films would you include on this list?

February 10, 2014

The Sweetest Romances Bloom with Gifts from FTD

It’s that time of year when romance is in the air and sweethearts everywhere are inspired to find new and original ways to tell each other, “I love you!” At FTD, we’ve been making Valentine dreams come true for more than 100 years, and for 2014, we offer an exciting array of luxurious gifts that go beyond the expected, and into the exceptional, at a range of prices.

Flowers, and especially roses, are an iconic choice. While red is a familiar favorite, consider surprising your sweetie with roses in the year’s trendiest hues – like lavender, or in a fun and vibrant mix of several bright and beautiful colors.

This year, we’re finding, more and more people are accompanying their bouquets with a sweet treat to create a loving, multi-sensory Valentine experience. Among the top choices are FTD’s new and exclusive collection of Chocolate Dip Deligh ts. Artisan chocolatiers start with big, ripe, juicy natural fruits and berries, along with scrumptious cakes and cookies, and make them even more delectable with generous hand-dipping in luxurious 100% real, premium chocolate. They’re the perfect gourmet goodie for all your sweeties, whether they’re women, men or children.

What better way to kick off a night of romance than with Chocolate Dip Delights™ Valentine Real Chocolate Covered Strawberries? Each plump, vine-ripened strawberry, specially selected for its size, sweetness and juiciness, is hand-dipped in velvety 100% real chocolate – dark, milk or white – and striped with ruby red drizzles. Yum!

Or, choose from one of these great ways to say “Be Mine!”

Belgian Chocolate Covered Oreo® Cookies… the world’s favorite cookie made more wonderful with a delightful dunk in our premium, 100% real chocolate.
Happy Valentine Cake Pops are one of the trendiest treats and an inspired way to send “hugs and kisses” to all the loves in your life.
Valentine’s Day Cupcakes hand-dipped in Chocolate Dip Delights signature 100% real Belgian chocolate−dark, milk or white−and decorated for Valentine’s Day.
S’more Hugs & Kisses reinvents the classic campfire treat with a fun and festive look just right for Valentine’s Day gifting.
And Red Hot Love Valentine’s Day Chocolate Covered Jalapenos to help you bring a delicious, exciting and spicy touch to a special relationship.

Here’s an idea! Make the love you share this Valentine’s Day, last though the year. Choose from our Chocolate Dip Delights Belgian Chocolate Covered Dessert or Fruit Club and keep the sweetness flowing for your choice of 3 months, 6 months or a full year!

Don’t forget to check out the bouquets for which FTD is world famous. You’ll find roses with stems up to 5-feet long, long-stem roses in fun, fresh and colorful mixed bouquets, and arrangements ready to display in exclusive, sparkling, heavy-glass keepsake vases they’ll cherish for years. And one of the great things about ordering roses from FTD is your assurance that no matter which bouquet you choose, the blossoms will be hand-chosen and meet our strict standards for excellent bloom formation, color and freshness.

Finally, one bit of advice we always share−order early to get the best selection and price. Order your Valentine’s Day gifts now and schedule delivery for Valentine’s Day, or better yet, have your gift delivered early that week (Valentine’s Day is on Friday), so your sweetheart can be the envy of the office from Monday through Friday.