But first, please understand this. For the woman who loves truly loves you, it’s never a matter of what you spend. What most of us are looking for is pretty simple – something that comes straight from the heart, something that says “You’re special, I adore you even if I don’t always like you and boy do I believe my life’s better with you than without you.” In fact, a few words tucked in with a gift can go a long way. Tell her what about her makes you smile, offer a short list of what you really appreciate about your relationship and maybe a list of a few love songs that still hit home when you hear them and why. Whether you’ve got it to spend or not, remember it’s often the quiet, unexpected ways you say, “I love you” that ring louder and truer than the ratcheting of a cash register.
For instance, while most of us won’t say it once we’ve been presented with them (come on who really wants to hurt anyone else’s feelings?), frankly, a lot of women aren’t that impressed by a hastily picked up bouquet of roses wrapped up with airy wads of baby’s breath. Even though women are supposed to like receiving flowers, getting them like this is just too predictable. Now if you really want us to melt with appreciation…Google the language of flowers (e.g. yellow tulips symbolize hopeless love) and have a florist like Barb & Dick’s Wildflower create a beautiful bouquet with a message. (12326 W. Watertown Plank Rd. (454-0222)
Another hint – clothing is tricky, no matter how expensive –you probably haven’t a clue as to what we really like or what size we really wear and if you give us something for Valentine’s day – well, we’re pretty much stuck with it even if we don’t care for or it doesn’t fit. I mean, where’s the loving feeling in that? And while a gift certificate to a favorite store might seem like a good solution, you know us, we’d probably end up feeling you didn’t care enough to make the effort to actually look for something. Think you can’t win? If you’re determined to express your passion with fashion, chances are you could score big by suggesting a Saturday shopping spree to the shops in Cedarburg or Delafield to pick out that special something together –especially if you act like you’re really enjoying yourself when the big day rolls around.
If you’ve linked up with a woman who has to be wowed by a significant piece of jewelry, hopefully you have deep pockets. But rather than go for the same predictable ring or pendent, check out the expressive artist-made jewelry at 3rd Ward Jewelry (241 N Broadway 289-0886), Magpie Jewelry and Metals Studio, (7613 W. Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, 414-771-8021) and Atypic Gallery, (333 W. Brown Deer Rd. 414-351-0333)
There’s nothing wrong with thinking of your own jewels when picking out a V-day gift but try not to think with them. If you want to go intimate, stop in at A Woman’s Touch for some novel ideas to celebrate both your passions. (200 N. Jefferson St 414-221-0400)
Or how about taking care of your bodies as well as your heart and work up a little romance with a candlelight Valentine Partner Yoga Class at Bodywork where stretching is accompanied by soft music and chocolates. (1502 Underwood Avenue Wauwatosa,774-3031)
Speaking of chocolates, take a pass on the standard heart-shaped ruffled box and head instead to Macy’s to have a 6 oz. Frango chocolate heart (filled with your choice of mint, peanut butter, double chocolate or caramel) finished off with a personalized and hopefully poetic message of love, affection and appreciation. Available February 3, 9,10, 11, 12, 13 & 14. (2500 N Mayfair Road 414-471-3700)
Also at Macy’s, Philosophy’s limited edition of Frango Mint flavored shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath is perfect for lathering up a night of love. The recipe for a luxurious soup of yummy scented suds is simple – just add a few candles to a bottle of champagne and a little romance. (I once knew a guy who’d personally whip up bath bubbles with an old fashioned hand mixer just to get them to the right extra bubbly consistency – now that’s romantic!) Seal the deal by kissing her toes one by one before wrapping her up in a dream of a plush fleece robe from Pine Cone Hill available at juxt home-baby (504 Underwood Avenue; 414-257-1710)
All this talk about shopping reminds me about a show opening at Bay View’s Paper Boat Boutique & Gallery. Besides carrying cool, clever and fun gift items for artists and artisans, the store with its focus on creativity, sponsors the Art vs. Craft art show and has an on-site gallery. Given my focus on shopping, I’m particularly intrigued by their new show “Obsessive Consumption: “Thanks for Shopping” which runs through March 12. Showcasing artist Kate Bingaman’s love/hate relationship with money, shopping, branding and credit cards the show includes a series of hand drawn credit card statements and drawings of her purchases. In a world where shopping is second nature, her personal journey is bound to give a shopper pause. While supplies last, customers coming to the store February 9th for the show’s opening from 7 – 10 p.m. will receive a free gift bag filled with goodies with a purchase of $10 and more. (2375 S. Howell Ave.; 483-8462)
