Exotic Flowers in Boston

Are you a single guy who tends to stay home on the weekends a bit more often than he would like?  Are you cruising the match making sites with little to no luck of finding a decent date? Well, if this sounds a lot like the reality of life these days, you might want to think about stopping by your local flower shop for a bouquet of blooms to pick things up!  Why in the world would a florist be the guy or gal to hook you up? New stats show that purchasing fresh flowers for your home or office is a real turn on to women and can actually increase your shot at making a love connection. Sounds silly to some but this is truly working for a multitude of men in our city who are trading in their tough exterior for a more sensitive approach when it comes to pleasing their lady friends. By showing an appreciation for a delicate floral piece, you are sending the message that you are capable of holding a stable, long lasting relationship as well as appreciative of a simple source of beauty.  I’m not saying you need to go overboard by flooding your apartment with twelve dozen roses in every room-that might be construed as a little over the top. No, a simple vase of a variety that appeals to you can work magic by making her feel comfortable in your home while also implying you’re a person who has a creative side. So, if your Saturday slump is looking grim these days, try grabbing some flowers for that lovely lady.

What is the top gift for women on Valentines Day?  Is it a box of chocolates or a dozen red roses?  Those gifts are certainly popular but lingerie remains the top requested item for the holiday.  The reason is because lace and silk make a woman feel sexy, appealing and most importantly, wanted by her someone special.  Now this can sometimes become problematic for the shy guy unwilling to brave it alone through stores selling undergarments.  We have all seen that male customer enter Victoria Secrets with a hat pulled down over his eyes and that hilarious stutter when a sales person asks if she can help him find anything in particular.  It can be a rough task but knowing beforehand exactly what you want to purchase takes a whole lot of pressure off.  How are you supposed to know what she likes?  Research is the key and here are a few tips to get you started.

                                       photo credits on this page Adriana Lima via Victoria's Secret

Color plays a huge impact when buying bras, underwear, teddies or nightgowns.  Certain shades reflect certain personalities and role-playing so take a little time to notice what her tastes and preferences are in the bedroom.  White can be a great choice which represents more of the “play hard to get” kind of girl but black might also be the way you want to go if she’s more of an exotic or serious partner.  Red works well for women who love playing the seductress and pink pairs well with the flirtatious type.  Yellow and blue are your safety picks when you’re not quite ready to choose a bedroom personality for her yet.  If you really want to indulge in the fantasy, buy her something in purple, which stands for passion and sexuality.

Body types can determine the right style for your sweetheart so it’s another area that you need to pay close attention to.  Take notice what her best physical assets are (legs, back, use your imagination) and select outfits that show them off.  Silk slip nightgowns are really flattering on a full size woman as is a great bustier.   Bra and panty sets are perfect for a woman with height and for the slighter gal, a teddy combination with wrap is the right choice.  If she’s on the petite side, try a two-piece thong and push up bra made solely of lace.  Several lingerie companies suggest purchasing a robe to accompany the undergarments bought making this truly a romantic gift tailored specifically for your special someone. 

 So you’ve figured out a plan and now you need to know where to go.  Victorias Secret is the heavy hitter in this category and has several locations around the Boston area including Copley Place, Newbury Street, Legacy Place and Faneuil Hall.  If you want to try somewhere else, check out Intimacy, also in Copley Place, La Perla on Huntington Avenue, and Forty Winks in Cambridge.  All of these companies carry high-end , beautiful sleepwear that also promises to “wow” your girl this Valentines Day!

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year so it may not be convenient for those who have to work early the next day to dine in a restaurant.  For those of you who are night owls, this won’t present a problem but for people like me whose schedules begin at daybreak, I’m planning on celebrating at home.  It doesn’t have to be another boring evening in front of the TV if you’re in a similar situation, heck no!  There are plenty of ways to spice up a Valentine’s Day festivity with your special someone without ever leaving the house!  Believe me, there are some benefits to this strategy such as not having to deal with traffic, saving money and most importantly having the flexibility to be as creative as you want.  There are plenty of ideas you can use to ensure a saucy evening with your honey and guarantee a holiday that neither of you will ever forget.  Try these few tricks of the trade and start preparing a night of unforgettable romance within the comfort of your own abode.

photo credit via En Vogue

Set the Ambiance

Restaurants aren’t the only ones who know how to set the scene for an intimate ambiance!  Break out some votive candles and turn the lights down real low to recreate the stage in your living room, dining room or bedroom (no one’s judging you).  If you have a working fireplace, spark that baby up too because it’s a well-known fact that flames from the hearth inspire flames of the heart.

Cook a Decadent Meal

It’s pretty important that you devise a menu that will leave your lover wanting more.  Successful dishes that have been noted as aphrodisiacs are oysters, mussels, and other varieties of shellfish.  If you aren’t into these ocean treats, try red-hot chili peppers, which are said to trigger erotic hormones when ingested.  Be sure to also include a tray of fruits like bananas, strawberries and watermelon along side a bowl of melted chocolate or honey.  Let your sweetheart dip these delicious goodies in their choice of syrup and watch how quickly things heat up!

photo credit via Victorias Secret

Get All Dolled Up

Whether you’re a man or a woman reading this, don’t forget that you are the main dish that’s being served up for the evening.  What I mean is, don’t get tempted by a comfortable pair of jeans or god forbid, your favorite sweatpants as the attire for your Valentine’s Day dinner.  You have the opportunity to wear whatever sexy thing you have hanging in the closet (think lingerie, cowboy boots, boas) and you might even be able to use that imagination of yours to come up with something wild.  You’re in the sanctity of your own home so don’t be afraid to get a little crazy!

It’s one of the biggest nights of the year for seniors and probably the most exciting as well.  Everyone will be dressed in their best, sporting flashy tuxedos and ballroom gowns fit for princesses while they groove the hours away on the dance floor.  Limousines will pull up to the curb and flash photography will be illuminating the skies as dates promenade proudly wearing corsages.

Any guesses what this special event might be?

That’s right- it’s Prom Night!  This late spring gala ends the year for the triumphant graduates and allows them to celebrate their experiences in the last four years with one last evening out together.  The wardrobe, decorations, music, food and after parties make this one of the most anticipated functions of a senior’s high school career so its important to go with just the right person!  It’s no wonder it can be nerve racking when asking a special someone to accompany you so how do you do it without breaking a sweat?  There are several ways to accomplish this task, depending largely on your personality and/or the nature of the relationship to the person you’re asking.  Here are some suggestions on how to break the ice and find your perfect date for the senior prom!

You’ve Been Dating Awhile…

If this is you, than you really have nothing to worry about.  Simply saying at an opportune time, “Will you go to the Prom with me?” should do the trick.  Just make sure you ask and don’t assume they’ll agree with no formal commitment.  You wouldn’t want them showing up with someone else over a miscommunication and after all, there’s no one better to go to the prom with than your significant other!

You’ve Never Even Said Hello…

There is always that girl/guy that you’ve had your eye on that you’ve never even spoken to but are dying to ask out.  Well, here’s your opportunity and seriously at this point, what do you have to loose?  Send her/him a note in their locker or bribe one of their buddies into giving you their cell number.  Write a text or better yet, CALL THEM!  Surprise invitations from admirers have an alluring appeal so just go for it!

It’s Your Best Friend…

Valentine’s Day is all about hearts, chocolates and flowers but on the years when the holiday falls on either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday (this year the 14th is on a Sunday), Boston couples will be happy to know there are additional options available to say you “I Love You”… to make a huge impression.

Booking a romantic getaway is just the thing to spark the love in a relationship and lucky for us, there are plenty of great places that are in close proximity to the city. Without having the nuisance of traveling by plane, those wanting to escape for a couple of days can find the perfect hotel or inn that best suits you and your honey’s tastes.  Whether your interests lie in the country where you can enjoy romantic walks in the woods or a more urban approach of sipping martinis inside of a fancy nightclub, Boston has an extensive variety of places to choose from!  Many hotels will also offer package deals, which may include couple’s massages, champagne brunch or complimentary roses.  So if you’re interested in adding a bit more spice to the festivities this Valentine’s Day, visit these sensational locations to celebrate the day of love in style!

Lake Salem Inn, Derby, Vermont

Not only do the rooms have a magnificent view of Lake Champlain but visitors will also get treated for a romantic dinner for two, spa treatments and complimentary flowers. Oh, and make sure you try the Champlain chocolates-they’re delicious!

Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, Stowe, Vt.

I’ve stayed here before and boy did we have a great time appreciating the gorgeous mountain landscape as well as their indoor pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, spa, salon, restaurants and game room!  The hotel is affordable as well as an easy trip back to the city.

The Eastland Park Hotel, Portland, Maine

This is a great deal. You get breakfast in bed, truffles and a free set of pajamas for you and your sweetheart!

XV Beacon Hotel, Boston, MA

This hotel is featuring two special deals this year, which both offer an incredibly menu of romantic enticing.  Breakfast in bed, late check out times, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, rose petal bed turndowns and a warm fireplace right in the room are all a part of the inspiring possibilities for couples.   

What is the top gift for women on Valentines Day?  Is it a box of chocolates or a dozen red roses?  Those gifts are certainly popular but lingerie remains the top requested item for the holiday.  The reason is because lace and silk make a woman feel sexy, appealing and most importantly, wanted by her someone special.  Now this can sometimes become problematic for the shy guy unwilling to brave it alone through stores selling undergarments.  We have all seen that male customer enter Victoria Secrets with a hat pulled down over his eyes and that hilarious stutter when a sales person asks if she can help him find anything in particular.  It can be a rough task but knowing beforehand exactly what you want to purchase takes a whole lot of pressure off.  How are you supposed to know what she likes?  Research is the key and here are a few tips to get you started.

Color plays a huge impact when buying bras, underwear, teddies or nightgowns.  Certain shades reflect certain personalities and role-playing so take a little time to notice what her tastes and preferences are in the bedroom.  White can be a great choice which represents more of the “play hard to get” kind of girl but black might also be the way you want to go if she’s more of an exotic or serious partner.  Red works well for women who love playing the seductress and pink pairs well with the flirtatious type.  Yellow and blue are your safety picks when you’re not quite ready to choose a bedroom personality for her yet.  If you really want to indulge in the fantasy, buy her something in purple, which stands for passion and sexuality.

Body types can determine the right style for your sweetheart so it’s another area that you need to pay close attention to.  Take notice what her best physical assets are (legs, back, use your imagination) and select outfits that show them off.  Silk slip nightgowns are really flattering on a full size woman as is a great bustier.   Bra and panty sets are perfect for a woman with height and for the slighter gal, a teddy combination with wrap is the right choice.  If she’s on the petite side, try a two-piece thong and push up bra made solely of lace.  Several lingerie companies suggest purchasing a robe to accompany the undergarments bought making this truly a romantic gift tailored specifically for your special someone. 

 So you’ve figured out a plan and now you need to know where to go.  Victoria Secret is the heavy hitter in this category and has several locations around the Boston area including Copley Place, Newbury Street, Legacy Place and Faneuil Hall.  If you want to try somewhere else, check out Intimacy, also in Copley Place, La Perla on Huntington Avenue, and Forty Winks in Cambridge.  All of these companies carry high-end , beautiful sleepwear that also promises to “wow” your girl this Valentines Day!

 Suzie and Rick Canale, Chestnut Hill MA January 2015

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year which means that Bostonians will be vamping up their plans to extend over an entire romantic weekend!  While couples scurry about trying to make their ideal holiday itinerary, some are at their wits ends as to where and what they should do?  Should we stay in the city or venture out towards other New England hot spots?  Should we book a fancy urban hotel sweet or take a drive to one of Massachusetts more secluded locales?  It’s a lot to decide since we all know whats riding on our decisions.  One bad move and we can seriously affect the romantic outcomes of Valentine’s Day so be careful.  Bostonians are lucky though to have so many options at their disposal.  Whether you’re interested in having a beachy, glitzy, snowy or laid back theme to your special weekend, this region has something to offer every sweetheart couple.

Ocean Getaway

Just because it’s cold outside, it doesn’t mean that we have to completely omit any ideas of visiting the beach.  New England has some of the most beautiful oceanfront property in the country and believe it or not, can still provide the perfect vacation venue year round, even during the winter.  North Shore destinations include several Gloucester and Rockport inns and hotels including Bass Rocks Ocean Inn and the Vista Motel which both provide breathtaking views of the Atlantic at affordable prices.  If you are traveling south, check out Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in Chatham or Seacrest Beach resort of North Falmouth, Cape Cod.  You won’t be disappointed in these luxurious getaway spots and will still be conveniently close to home!

Housebound Romance

Who says you have to leave the house to have a truly romantic weekend alone with your honey?  Forget about making the beds, washing the dishes and doing the laundry.  Just make a pact that you, as a couple, will spend the entire weekend at home with no one and nothing to take care of but each other.  Stock up on romantic movies, candles from anthropology or terrain and grab a whole bunch of local take out menus to order from.  Make sure you swap the everyday sheets for new silk blankets and stop by your florist for a fresh bouquet of flowers to add to the ambiance.  Pop the cork on a good bottle of wine and your good to go!

Ski Bunny Stay

The slopes may be calling you this Valentine’s Day and since we’re lucky to live in one of the greatest places in the country for skiing, you’re in luck!  Not only are our winter resorts home to stunning white powdered covered landscapes but also provide quite a spread for couples looking for a romantic retreat.  Sitting by stone fireplaces, sipping hot chocolate and even indulging in many of their five star spa packages are definitely things to put on your to-do lists.  Suggested ski resorts for Bostonians are Mt Washington in Bretton Woods, NH (great spa, buffet, pool and game room) and Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe, Vermont (great accommodations and lots of fun things to do in town). 

Suzie and Rick Canale, Westwood MA

Suzie and Rick will be spending a romantic evening at their Westwood home on Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day brings out the largest played genre of music, love songs of course!  The best crooners of all time are played over the loud speakers, adding to the romanticism of the holiday celebrations.  Music is essential for a successful Valentine’s Day and may be so important in fact, that it may be useful to scout out your preferred selections prior to the big day!  For some, easy listening is the way to go and for others, a soulful ballad is a better fit.  Whatever your tastes may be, keep in mind there are love songs that have stood the test of time and have become classics for Valentine’s Day.  Here are the most played tunes for the month of February:

“Still Into You” by Paramore                          “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles

“Little Things” by One Direction                    “Baby Love” by The Supremes

“A Thousand Years” by Christna Perri          “Love Story” By Taylor Swift

“I See the Light” Tangled Soundtrack           “Part-Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder

“To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele        “Don’t Let Go” by En Vogue

If you’re a florist and looking for a Valentine’s Day/Flower themed love song, check out the lyrics to Jim Reeves’ “One Dozen Roses” that shares a sweet tune about placing his heart within a dozen roses for his sweetheart.  The words are beautiful and directly reflect the sentiment that most florists aim to please when making their Valentine’s Day arrangements for clients.  Check out these lyrics and see if it might be the perfect track to play in your stores this holiday!

Give me one dozen roses
, Put my heart in beside them
, Send them to the one I love.

She'll be glad to receive them, 
And I know she'll believe them
, There's something we've been talking of.

There may be orange blossoms later, 
I think that there will
, She's done something to me, 
And my heart won't keep still.

Give me one dozen roses, 
Put my heart in beside them
, Send them to the one I love.

There may be orange blossoms later, 
I think that there will, 
'Cos she's done something to me
, And my heart just won't keep still.

Give me one dozen roses
, Put my heart in beside them, 
Send them to the one I love
, Send them to the one I
, Send them to the one I love.

Suzie and Rick Canale,Westwood, MA

Although Suzie's husband Rick will be working late on Valentines Day, they will celebrate Valentines Day the following weel at the Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill.