Who,
being loved, is poor? - Oscar Wilde
February
14 - Valentine's Day. Candlelit dinners, flowers, heart-shaped candy boxes, and
images of a chubby toddler with wings and an arrow. A day dedicated to romantic
love.
Although
the actual day is devoted to couples, and we do have our share of romantic
themes, this issue of La Voce explores the many of aspects of love - including
the love of an Italian nonna, the healing power of hugs and touches, and the
special bond shared by twin brothers.
In these
challenging times, it is helpful to remember that love, in all its forms, is
what will carry us through.
Guys -
Shop Early! Each year on February 14, jewelry stores, confectioners, and
florists brace themselves for the last-minute rush. Within an hour of closing
time, men who are annually surprised that Valentine's Day actually arrives on
February 14, dash out to purchase their gifts, only to find that the florist is
sold out of red roses, the best- looking candy boxes are gone, and the only
jewelry left to buy is either amazingly expensive or in the cheap-and-nasty
category.
If you
are reading this column in early February, you still have time. Order the
flowers, check out the candy shops, and take a cruise through the jewelry store.
I realize that for most men this is counterintuitive, but it really does work.
The Hero
Moment
OK.
You've shopped early, and you've managed not to spill the beans about your gift.
How do you give it? In the jewelry industry, this is what is known as the hero
moment - the moment
when you are a hero in her eyes. Don't deprive yourself of this chance to shine.
If you are presenting her with a gift other than flowers, you might want to
take her out to some place special and present the gift to her at the table.
Women consider this to be romantic. (It also gets the guys at the other tables
who didn't do this in big trouble with their dates.)
A few
pointers:
1.
Flowers: Does she work outside the home? Send the flowers to her office. I know
Valentine's Day is on Saturday this year. Never mind. Send them (or bring them
to her) on Friday. It matters. Of course, if she can't receive them at her place
of work, you can have them delivered to her home on the day. If you do the
delivery, make sure to include a card.
2.
Candy: If you know she is on a fitness program, buy something else. Case closed.
Otherwise, you will eat the candy, and it won't seem like it is a gift for her.
3.
Jewelry: Although diamond jewelry is always appreciated, nice pieces can be
expensive. Find out her birthday or her favorite color. Colored stone jewelry
often is affordable and beautiful. And, unless you know her ring size, stick to
pendants and earrings.
4. An
evening out: Las Vegans have plenty of choices for dinners out. If your budget
runs to the romantic dinner in a plush restaurant, by all means - go for it.
Many of our advertisers can help you make this evening special. After all, no
one does romance like Italians. However, if your budget doesn't run to the big
splash out, check with your favorite restaurant to see if you can come in at the
end of the evening for dessert. Another affordable option is to take your
sweetheart out for late-night cocktails. Many hotels and casinos have quiet
lounges that are suitable (for example, check out the Petrossian Bar in the
Bellagio lobby; the Peppermill's Fireside Lounge; or Romance at the Top of the
World at the Stratosphere).
Whether
you go for the grand gesture or keep it simple - use this day to express your
love!
