It approaches. The DAY. Valentine’s Day is actually named after two early Christian martyrs named Valentine. It’s celebration dates as far back as the middle ages. The tradition of sending cards and gifts spread to the states in 1847 when a woman in Massachusetts launched the first pre-printed valentine cards. Up to that point the notes were handwritten. The Greeting Card Association estimates nearly 1 billion valentines are sent each year. That’s a lot of declarations of love.
Now you can do something normal for your lover like go to the Long’s on the corner and buy a pre-printed, mass-produced card and whatever teddy bear Gund is shoving down your throat or you be imaginative. Think out of the box. Do something extraordinary for the one you adore. I suggest you do what I’m doing for my men (yeah I said men). I’m going to pair a romantic lyric from a song with a gift. Then I burn a CD tailor made for that lover.
Here’s 5 of the most romantic songs ever with a gift tailored to each. Without further flourish, here are my suggestion for a happy Valentine’s Day:
For the faraway lover: Call Me – Aretha FranklinAretha Franklin says she was inspired to write this song upon seeing 2 lovers saying goodbye at the airport.
My dearest, my dearest of all darling
I know, I know, I know, I know we’ve got to part
It really doesn’t hurt me that bad yeah
Because you’re takin’ me with you
And I’m keepin’ you right here in my heartArmand Diradourian Travel Pillow – It comes in a variety of colors, is 100% cashmere, comes with an eyemask and both are lined in silk. No one wants to use the blanket and pillow given on the plane. This is a super luxe, super chic alternative. And as your love’s neck and cheek nuzzles the soft cashmere and is engulfed in it’s warmth they can’t help but think of being in your arms.
To seduce:
Me & U – Cassie
It’s the night and you are gonna get it on. It’s just the 2 of you. Set the scene.You’ve been waiting so long
I’m here to answer your call
I know that I shouldn’t have had you waiting at all
I’ve been so busy, but I’ve been thinking about what I wanna do with you
Dom Perignon Champagne & Godiva Truffles – What could possibly be sexier? Dim the lights, take out a chilled bottle of champagne and feed your love the most decadent truffles on Earth. The way the truffles compliment the champagne is culinary magic. When two greats get together magic is made. Wine.com ships a vintage bottle of Dom and an 18 piece Godiva signature truffle box to you. At $199 it’s an elegant steal.
The introduction:
Crush – Jennifer Paige
Sometimes you have to introduce yourself. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to tell that guy you’re eying, it’s so on.See ya blowin’ me a kiss
It doesn’t take a scientist
To understand what’s going on baby
If you see something in my eye
Let’s not over analyze
Don’t go too deep with it baby
Navy Bamboo Rings Flat Card by Boatman Geller – Everyone should have monogrammed note cards. They reek of class and sophistication. They are also practical. Use them as a Thank You card, calling card or just to send a friend a hello. In this case use it as a valentine’s card. Find a romantic quote or song lyric and ask your object of desire “Will you be mine?” 50 for $96 at Lemontreepaperie.com.
Charlie Brown Valentine Be Mine Stationary – Be a big kid. No cartoon character is more romantic (or so gay) than Charlie Brown. Yeah he “pined” away for the the Little Red Haired Girl but you know he grew up and moved to NY with Schroder. Schroder plays for the NY Philharmonic and Chuck (as he goes by now) is a DM for Abercrombie & Fitch. Tell your crush you dig ’em with this adorable printable stationary. It’s free at i-love-cartoons.com . Don’t say I never gave you anything!
The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson
This is such a cute funny lil love song.If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
Your head is aching, I’ll make it better.
Cuz I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.
I’d buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair.
Sew on patches to all you tear.
Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise.
Kent Dualdrive Tandem – It seems silly but this is adorable. Yes it’s made for two but this bike looks modern and ultra-cool. It’s packed with features, including a low step-over frame for easy mounting and dismounting, a 21-speed Shimano drive train and alloy wheels. If you think the bicycle made for two is too kitschy/hokey then try matching cruisers. Schwinn makes several at a wide range of prices. You can find the Kent Tandem on-line for under $300.
At Last – Beyonce
When you found the one nothing is more romantic that a Valentine’s Day marriage proposal.At last my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a songOhh yeah yeah
At last the skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you.Garrard Half Eternity Band & 3 Stone Diamond & Platinum Ring – Established in 1735 Garrard is the oldest jewelery house in the world. It is home to the Crown Jeweler. If you want to make a statement go seriously old-school. Forget Tiffany’s. Harry Winston? Eh… That’s for Hollywood trash. I want to start a new trend; huge diamonds on men. And that Half Eternity Band? That’s 5.19 carats.
Price available upon request.
Don’t worry readers I’m not buying anyone a ring. I’m still playing the field. Still desperately searching for the one. But when I find him I’m ready! I know what boys want. And for Valentine’s Day boys (and girls) want a quirky, fun, thoughtful gift. If you wanna be my valentine, drop me a note at marcellas@marcellasreynolds.com . Happy Valentine’s Day!