Valentine's Ideas from Katie Newman

Please enjoy one of our weekly articles from one of our Shop Owners -Katie of Katie Newman Gifts and Home. Thanks Katie!

"Let those love now who never loved before; Let those who always loved, now love the more." Thomas Parnell Valentine's Day is coming up on February 14th; always a favorite holiday for all of us who love the romantic lifestyle. I am going to offer a couple great date ideas, a few great gift ideas and a great Valentine's Day recipe. Some Great Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: *Flowers (especially the timeless roses) are always appreciated! *Chocolates (truffles are an especially good choice) are another classic! *Jewelry (diamonds are of course the best choice) - what gal doesn't love her bling? *A handwritten poem or letter *A special book *Bath and Body Pamper Products (scented soaps wrapped with ribbon are an inexpensive but tasteful choice) *A special photo in a beautiful frame Some great date ideas: *A picnic complete with wonderful cheeses, fine wine and chocolate covered strawberries (if you live in a warm climate find a beautiful outdoor setting or if you live in a cold climate set up a beautiful picnic complete with candlelight in your favorite room of your home or in your fabulously romantic bed.) *A night out in your best little black dress complete with a fancy dinner and dancing. *A night cuddled up at home with a romantic movie and Chinese takeout. A great Valentine Recipe: *Drinking Chocolate (makes 5 cups) 6 one ounce squares 99% unsweetened dark chocolate 4 cups heavy cream 4 tablespoons sweet ground chocolate and cocoa, such as Ghiradelli 1 ¼ cups confectioners sugar ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon grated orange zest Melt dark chocolate in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the cream, sweet ground chocolate and cocoa, confectioners sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and orange zest; continue whisking until smooth. Simmer over medium heat until mixture begins to bubble, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately. I wish all of you a very happy and romantic valentines year in 2009 and Shabby Lane Shops is the best place to find that perfect Valentine's Day gift! "Love is the blossom where there blows everything that lives or grows." Giles Fletcher