feb 2015

VALENTINE’S DAY
A ROMANTIC
VALENTINE’S DAY
DOESN’T HAVE
TO BE COSTLY
Tips on affordable
gifts and settings
By Martin Lenkowsky
For Boynton Beach resident Terri Prenner, a perfect Valentine’s
Day need not be something lavish. “A picnic dinner (at the beach),
a bottle of wine, and the sound of the ocean,” she says, “are all I
need to celebrate the most romantic evening of the year. Plus a big
blanket; I’m not a huge fan of the sand.”
Most of us enjoy spending February 14 with the one we love the
most. That goes without saying. Yet, in these days of our endlessly
challenged economy, finding a fun, romantic
and not too costly way to show affection
is oftentimes not an easy task.
If you are even lucky enough to get a reservation
at your restaurant of choice, forget
those ‘early bird’ prices. In fact, in most
cases you can forget even its regular dinner
prices. Sorry Charlie, you’re not going to
find them tonight. What you can expect are
menu specials with inflated price tags. Add
to this romantic setting your sweetheart’s
favorite bottle of wine, and it might have
been cheaper had you flown to France, Italy or Napa Valley and
bought it yourself. (Airfare being included, of course.)
Newlywed Elissa Jane McCleary believes there are other joyful –
and romantic – ways to celebrate Cupid’s favorite day of the year,
without spending a fortune on food, drinks and gifts. “Roses, a box
of chocolates and Valentine’s Day cards are all reasonably priced,”
she claims.
Of course, nothing beats making a home-cooked meal for one’s
honey. All it takes is a simple trip to your supermarket – and perhaps
liquor store – of choice. All you need to know is what that
special person in your life loves to eat and drink. Let’s face it, the
old English proverb, “The way to a man’s (and probably a woman’s)
heart is through his stomach.” is likely more truth than fiction.
How about stashing a
love letter in that special
person’s shoe the night
before, so they’ll find it
when they get dressed
for work Valentine’s Day
morning?
One cannot deny living here in South Florida does offer both
distinct advantages and disadvantages to residing up north
in February, nature’s most cold, snowy and downright miserable
month. Let’s go back to that cozy, moonlit Valentine’s Day
beach picnic. Just try doing that in places like New York, Boston
or Chicago. That’s not a happening thing, brother. However, our
family members and friends in colder climes have some things
we don’t. They get to cuddle up by the fireplace for an inexpensive
night of romance, hopefully oblivious to the
sleet falling outside.
Another valentine idea that won’t necessarily
break your piggy bank or inflate
your March Visa bill too much is to skip
the expensive restaurant meal altogether
and just go out for a few drinks before or
after you have dinner at home. Some bars
and restaurants might even offer live music
should a romantic dance or two be on your
evening’s agenda. While sharing a storebought
bottle of wine at home would be less a strain on your wallet
than ordering a few drinks at a bar, some of us do enjoy the thrill
of just getting out of the house and wearing one’s sexiest (hopefully
red) outfit for the occasion.
Sometimes simple, creative ideas are even more romantic and
better ways to show our love than spending too many hard-earned
dollars. How about stashing a love letter in that special person’s
shoe the night before, so they’ll find it when they get dressed for
work Valentine’s Day morning? Or maybe just stay home and
watch an old-fashioned, feel-good romantic movie?
Valentine’s Day needn’t be just about going out and blowing half
of one’s paycheck on dinner. “Bingo. We rely on the wallet far too
much, neglecting to be creative or romantic,” adds Prenner. P
the PARKLANDER 17