How to Have a Non-Valentiney Valentine’s Day

How to Have a None-Valentiney Valentine's Day

It was barely Dec. 26, and all the stores put out their frilly pink and lacey red Valentine’s Day displays. But you’re not the frilly pink and lacey red type.

That’s OK. You can still celebrate the day in your own dark and cloudy way, and earn Cash Back at Ebates while you’re at it. Single or coupled up, here’s how those counting down the minutes until Feb. 15 (that’s when the chocolate goes on sale!) can have a non-Valentiney Valentine’s Day.

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Dress up in all black.

But don’t throw on a plain ol’ T-shirt and call it a day. While everyone around you is splurging on designer red outfits, get yourself something fancy. Maybe something cashmere.

Skip the sweet rom-coms and go for something with a little more … oomph.

Ditch the boy-meets-girl fare and choose a movie in which the narrative goes a little more like this: Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl … because girl thinks boy is a serial killer. “Scream” isn’t just for Halloween, but if you’re looking to stay on theme, the remake of “My Bloody Valentine is buckets of gory fun.  

Work out!

No, really. Put your efforts into hitting a new exercise milestone. Hit the gym or work out at home. Or, you know, raise your remote several times to change the channel. It has to burn some calories.

Get crafty.

Embrace your creative side and spend the night involved in a craft project. But knitting a hat just won’t do for the black-clad, horror-movie-watching folks on Valentine’s Day — so make your own little zombie pal instead. Then sit back and admire your buddy.

Savor some delicious wine.

OK, drinking wine may be a traditional Valentine’s Day thing to do. But wine is also delicious. So kick back with a glass of wine — but not just any wine. Pick something that’s extra dark — just like you.

 

Related Links:
Valentine’s Day Deals
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You’ve Graduated From Two-Buck Chuck. Now What?

You’ve Graduated from Two-Buck Chuck. Now What?

Congratulations! The days of stocking your cart with cheapo wine are over, and you’re ready to take the next step in adulthood: learning how to pick wine. You’re no longer as worried about getting the most bang for your buck (well, two bucks); now you’re concerned with things like taste and value and choosing quality over quantity. It can be intimidating to face the world of wine, but you’re not in it alone. Here is a little wine for beginners guide to help you take the leap. Use these wine tips to select Two-Buck Chuck alternatives from Wine.com and Gold Medal Wine Club that won’t set you back much more, especially with that hard-earned Cash Back you’ll get at Ebates:

Instead of the Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon:

Stone Cap Cabernet Sauvignon

The StoneCap Cabernet Sauvignon is a good transition to the wide world of red wine. It’s easy to drink but has plenty of maturity and robust flavors, and a bit more spice than the super-discount cab you’re tired of. You’ll mostly love that you won’t have to spend time at your next dinner party secretly pouring glasses in the kitchen to keep your friends from seeing the label.

Instead of the Charles Shaw Merlot:

Santa Ema Merlot

The intensity of fruit in this Santa Ema Reserve Merlot is showcased best by its deep ruby color, which will mesmerize you even before you take your first sip. The spicy plum aroma (distinctly worth more than two bucks) will best complement your cheese course. Now all you have to do is figure out how to put together a killer cheese course.

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Instead of the Charles Shaw Chardonnay:

Madrona Chardonnay

You’re going to want a soft Chardonnay after graduating from the harsh grassiness of Two-Buck Chuck. This Madroña 2013 Chardonnay has notes of white peach and honey, combining mellow and bright aromas for a nicely balanced white wine. It hails from El Dorado in the Sierra Foothills, which is a much more in-the-know response than, “Somewhere in California, I think.”

Instead of the Charles Shaw White Zinfandel:

Understanding that the grape is actually called Zinfandel, and not White Zinfandel, comes with time and maturity. Now that you’re there, you’re ready to put down the sugary pink stuff and pick up the real deal. Try this Four Vines Lodi Old Vine Zin to get some of the best of California’s rich and fruity treasure. Bring this bottle to your next barbecue to truly impress.

Whispering Angel Rosé
I know what you’re thinking: but regular Zinfandel isn’t pink! If you’re not too keen to give up the rosy hue that you love in the $2 version (but you’ve outgrown its sweetness), you’re probably ready for a true rosé from Provence. This Whispering Angel Rosé from Chateau d’Esclans is refreshing and bright with just enough tart fruit to turn you on to dry rosés — and may you never go back.

Related Links:

Wine & Bar Savings Guide
Wine Insiders Coupons
WineBasket.com Promo Codes
Wine Country Gift Basket Coupons
Plonk Wine Club Promo Codes