Saturday, February 13, 2010
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Letters | Opinion | Editorial | Weekend Report |
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Make it a night to remember By Raquel Pinder ~ Guardian Intern:
It's just the second day of the work week, and you're already thinking about the hectic days ahead of pick-ups and drop-offs, the impossible boss, and even more irate and impossible customers to deal with.
And don't even mention the daily bumper-to-bumper traffic, where it can take you one hour and thirty minutes just to drive two miles. Just thinking about what you're going to have to endure already has you exhausted, but you always thank God for the weekends. But this coming weekend isn't just another weekend — it's the weekend of love — and just the thought of it gives you the energy you need to get by the next few days, because you're not taking your significant other out to celebrate, you're going to be spending a romantic evening in.
Turning your home into a romantic getaway may be easier than you think. It's an inexpensive idea that may make your significant other not only feel special but also have him/her racing home night after night long after the scent of Valentine's Day has vanished.
CREATE THE MOOD Megan Sweeting of Gold Leaf Interior Designs says if you're thinking about turning your home into a romantic hot spot for Valentine's Day, the first thing you should do is begin by thinking of a place you'd like to go and seek to recreate that atmosphere in your home. Other options she said would be to recreate a special moment like your first date, the the place you shared your first kiss or first told each other those big three words — "I love you!" According to Sweeting, the key is to have things that identify with that moment, like the same music or a variation of the same meal, so as to create the wow factor for your partner. The best place in the entire house to do this she says is the bedroom, but she adds a few things need to happen so that your love nest is just that. "De-clutter — remove all visible junk like clothes baskets, excess clothing, old magazines, newspapers, and wall posters. Remove all photos and replace with more scenic photography (stay away from waterscapes as they detract from the romantic essence.) It's extremely vital to remove all electronic devices especially the television set and the computer. These items can be a distraction subconsciously. If you're using a musical device try placing it somewhere out of sight and use a remote control if adjustments must be made. Creating the right ambience is key," says Sweeting. For the evening, she encourages replacing regular light bulbs with amber, red or low voltage bulbs, which can be purchased at most local hardware stores. But if you feel for a little naughty with all the nice, a room filled with candles could be more of the flavor. She recommends aromatherapy candles in scents of vanilla, lavender and sandalwood that are mostly used to heighten and arouse the erotic senses. Flowers she says are always a romantic gesture. Handing over a bunch gallantly as your beloved steps across the threshold or having them strewn about the room is a must do. Seven to Seven Trading sells flowers at reasonable prices considering the season. Roses are $46 per dozen, carnations are $6 per dozen, lillies are $30 per dozen, daisies are $5 per dozen, tulips are $14 per dozen cymbidium orchids are $40 per stem (six flowers per stem), medium dendrobium Orchids are $12 per stem (six flowers per stem) and dendrobium orchids are $25 per bunch, and are all flowers with romantic meaning. With just a few things, Sweeting says you'd be surprised how you can turn your home into a love palace. She says if you are going to spend money, it's best to do so on new bedding, and if you replace pillows, she says always do so in pairs to keep the natural flow of the room going. THE RIGHT SOUND Teddy Pendergrass' "Turn off the Lights" is the ideal number to get the mood started, before easing into a little Percy Sledge "When a Man Loves a Woman," drizzled with a little Freddie Jackson "You are my Lady" . . . if you stick to this script, you're off to the perfect start to a night romance like you won't believe. Throw in the sultry voice of Barry White, or Lionel Ritchie's "My Love" and "Hello" or his Commodores' hits "Just to be Close to You" and "Three Times a Lady" and you'll have to start fanning yourself to cool things off even though the central air is on full blast. A little of the man himself — Mr. Luther Vandross, "If Only For One Night" and "So Amazing" are the definite toppers for the romance cake. By the time you play Brain McKnight's "Love of my Life," your evening will be in the zone. If your taste runs more along the line of frisky, then Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" and "Let's Get It On," or Maxwell's "Til' the Cops Come Knocking" or perhaps TLC's "Red Light Special" are perfect for you. Then there's Usher's "Nice and Slow," "I'll Make Love to You" by Boys II Men, "Sexy Love" by NeYo, "Bed" by J. Holiday, "Between the Sheets" by The Isley Brothers, D'Angelo's "How Does it Feel" or Joe's "Love Scene," and "Last Night" by Az Yet are all certified mood toppers. Whatever is on the music machine it's all about what tickles your fancy — but either way — music is a key ingredient to making it a magical night to remember. BRING THE SPA EXPERIENCE HOME A few nifty tricks can bring a spa-like feel and romantic flare to your quaint bathroom space, but you'll need a few simple items that are perhaps already lying around your house. A bathrobe, fresh towels, bath salts or beads, candles, body scrub and a little greenery are all little items that once arranged decoratively can give the spa feel. Incense sticks once lit can give the fragrant aroma of relaxation. The key is to keep it clean, stream-lined and simple. And you don't even have to head out to a store to purchase products, a few ingredients from out of the kitchen pantry, and you're all set. An at-home body scrub can be made with a combination of one cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of olive or almond oil. For a facial scrub use lemon juice instead of oil. Some bath gel, with a bath brush or sponge can create a personal touch to the bath experience with your partner. It's a classic "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" scenario brewing — literally. But of course if you can indulge a bit, massage oils in flavors like sweet almond, jojoba, coconut, cocoa butter or shea butter are all excellent for removing the aches and kinks. Some of these oils are available in a self-heating formula, which again amplifies the romantic meter. Like the bedroom, you should also de-clutter the bathroom as well. All visible junk like the curling iron,the electric shaver, cleaning supplies and especially personal items should be neatly stored away. Items that are not being used in the exercise will only detract from the mood you are trying to create. MAKE IT DINNER AND A MOVIE Even if you don't have a 42-inch plasma high definition television set, the mere thought of being able to put your feet up and comfortably snuggle up next to your love is enough to make dinner and a movie night at home appealing. Dinner is suggested before the movie, just in case a scene during the movie sparks a moment, you would not have slaved over a hot stove in vain. Remember to break out the good china, stemware and silverware — if this is not a special occasion then I don't know what is. It seems to be a scarcity to eat at the dinner table these days, but setting the table with candles (unscented) is just the thing to kick things of. Cooking something not necessarily traditional but familiar is recommended. This is not a good time to try something new, keep everything simple. For appetizers you could do a garden salad or your chowder of choice, with a roasted rack of lamb or stuffed chicken breast with garlic and herb potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side. For dessert — chocolate covered anything is the way to go. To make the evening that much more romantic, put the champagne on ice and have chocolate dipped strawberries, raspberries, bananas, mango slices, pineapple slices, frozen grapes. Up the ante with whipped cream or even caramel — whatever your fancy. Just because you're not going out doesn't not mean you shouldn't get dolled up. Whip out the stilettos and the slinky little dress with ruby red come hither lips. It's all about the illusion and you have to commit to it all the way. Good thing is that from the dinner table to the movie you're a 10-second walk away, somewhere in there you can ditch the heels and slip in a quick foot rub. Remember, you're at home, so before the movie it's your choice of what you deem the best seat in the house. If you choose to use the couch, a blanket will definitely increase the comfort factor. If you decided that getting down on the carpet is the best view, then ensure you have loads of pillows around for continued coziness. It's best to have the DVD queued up, that way all you'd have to do is hit play.Movie suggestions — "Pretty Woman," "The Notebook," "Dirty Dancing," "Titanic," "Atonement," "Love & Basketball," and of course a few oldies but definitely goodies "Casablanca," "The Sound of Music," "An Affair to Remember," "Gone with the Wind," "When Harry met Sally," and "Ghost."
Tuesday February 09, 2010 |
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