Sunday, February 07, 2010
Life, In this Issue...

Sweet swag

A guide to saying I love you … with material possessions.

Courtesy of W Hotels

Have a magical night at the W-Atlanta Downtown.

By Alison Abbey
 

Valentine’s Day is all about showing that special someone how much you love them. Some choose to do so with a romantic poem (original or knock-off), a ribbon-clad box of chocolate candies or—that timeless classic—a bouquet of a loved one’s fave flowers. But times they are a’changin’. Gestures that were once considered romantic now pale in comparison to modern love lagniappes. A “be mine” Necco wafer doesn’t hold a scented candle to a Caribbean getaway or a trinket inside a little blue box. Best to take our amorously accurate advice and explore these Valentine’s gift offerings than to find yourself on the receiving end of a “don’t bother” candy heart.

THERE’S THE RUB

Spas around town are offering special V-Day touches to bring lovers closer to one another … and to their respective massage therapists. At Arista Spa, enjoy a 60-minute Swedish couples’ massage, a 45-minute couples’ facial and a private champagne spa lunch, finished with chocolate strawberries. Or if you’re looking for a wine-themed wind-down, 29 Spa is offering its Napa for Two package, which includes the Secret of the Vine facial and Right Off the Vine massage for two, along with an elegant set of Govino wine glasses from which you and your special someone can sip Mondavi’s Spellbound wine between treatments, and take home to enjoy for Valentine’s Days to come. Call for pricing and appointments: Arista Spa, 404-760-0960 or www.aristaspas.com. 29 Spa at the Mansion on Peachtree, 404-995-7529 or www.mansiononpeachtree.com.

BELOVED BAUBLES

These House of Harlow by Nicole Richie bangles are both timeless keepsakes and trendy accessories. Not to mention a luxe token of love to make you feel just like Nicole and that dude from Good Charlotte. 14K gold bangles with crystal and black leather or crystal and cream leather, $100 each, at Swank at Shops Around Lenox. 404-231-4114 or www.swankatlanta.com.

It’S SEXY TIME

Ladies aren’t the only ones hoping for a gift to adorn their wrists. Watch your Mr. Right’s reaction when he sees that St. Valentine has shackled him with one of these teriff timepieces by Nixon. The Player is for that smooth and sexy fella who likes a little bit of bling, while the 51-30 is for the ruggedly handsome sportsman. And since Nixon got its start by making watches for the X-Games, both have serious stud cred. The Player, $150, and the 51-30, $450, are both available at Worthmore Jewelers. 404-892-8294 (Midtown) or 404-370-3979 (Decatur). www.worthmorejewelers.com.

MY FURRY VALENTINE

Pups need a little Valentine’s Day R&R, too. (Not to mention pooch parents need some one-on-one time.) Drop your four-legged family member off at Greendog, ATL’s eco-friendly doggie daycare, for boarding on Feb. 12, 13 and/or 14 and receive a lovely rate of $30 a night ($20 for each additional dog from the same family). Plus, your pup will be bathed and bowed (the big red kind) when you return. Think it doesn’t get sweeter? Enjoy a complimentary box of Valentine’s cupcakes from Lovely Bakery when you drop off your little buddy. Greendog, 404-577-3647 or www.greendog.com.

COME ON BABY, LIGHT MY FIRE

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a Wednesday. there’s nothing like a scented candle to set an amorous mood. Aquiesse Candles come in exotic scents like “Amber Woods” and “Grenadine Hibiscus.” So go ahead: Let your love shine. Available at Muse Salon and Spa, 678-393-2214 or www.musesalonandspa.com.

SEALED WITH A KISS

Not all Hershey’s kisses come with a calorie count. This sterling silver pendent is the perfect (non-fat) sweet for your sweetie. The adjustable chain allows your lovely lady to wear the candy charm at 16 or 18 inches. And she’ll be so excited about the gift, she’s sure to kiss and tell. $79, at Worthmore Jewelers.

SIZZLING STAY-CATION

Who says you have to leave Atlanta to enjoy a romantic getaway? Valentine’s Weekend packages at the W-Atlanta Downtown will leave you and your beloved breathless. The V-Day package includes an overnight stay, a bottle of bubbly, a sweet treat and spicy movie rental and complimentary valet for $329. For an extra $150, upgrade to a seriously wow weekend with a helicopter tour for two over downtown ATL—departing directly from the W’s own helipad. After your 10-minute flight, come back down to earth for signature cocktails at Drinkshop or the Living Room. Still not lovey-dovey enough? Enjoy a romantic dinner a deux at BLT Steak with a special Blackboard menu created by Chef de Cuisine Jean-Luc Mondgodin. For hotel reservations, call 1-888-627-8187. Helicopter rides, 404-582-5789. BLT Steak reservations, 404-577-7601.

SWEET CAKES

What better treat for your love muffin than a box of cupcakes? Atlanta’s sweetest new dish, CamiCakes, is offering a Valentine’s Day Variety Box, featuring a dozen assorted crave-worthy cupcakes (Two classic, two chocolate on chocolate, two strawberries ’n’ cream, two black and white, two red velvet and two chocolate raspberry almond cream.) The sinfully scrumptious box is tied with a brown satin ribbon and topped with a Valentine’s card, all for $33. Delish! 404-748-4288 or www.camicakes.com. (Orders must be placed by Feb. 12.)

PAJAMA PARTY

Lingerie doesn’t have to be revealing to be sexy. (After all, it is the middle of winter!) Victoria’s Secret valentine pajamas are the perfect combo of sweet and sexy. The whimsical pattern allows your sweetheart to wear her heart(s) on her sleeve, but classic style allows her the ability to button or unbutton to her—and your—heart’s desire. Slumber never looked so sexy. Valentine’s pajamas, $49.50, at Victoria’s Secret. www.victoriassecret.com for locations.

FOREPLAY-STATION 3

It doesn’t matter how many coupons you give him for an in-home striptease, how many romantic candlelight dinners your prepare him or how many times you offer to jump out of a cake, you know all your guy wants is a Sony PlayStation 3. You might as well go ahead and give the fella what he wants. He’s more likely to return the favor that way. PlayStation 3 Starter Bundle, $294, at Best Buy. www.bestbuy.com for locations or to order. SP