Just Being Nice is Romantic

I just got off the phone with a really nice woman from San Francisco. She is traveling here to have a romantic getaway with her boyfriend who she rarely gets to see. She was such a pleasant person to speak with and it struck me that just being nice can be romantic. Listening to your spouse or boyfriend/girfriend can make them feel important. A lot of studies out there say that the feeling of importance is our number one need in life. A feeling that you matter -- that you belong.

So the next time you are feeling overwhelmed and don't have time to converse with your special someone, stop and take a moment to listen. You might be surprised by what you hear. And when it comes to finding a gift for your next anniversary or their birthday, you might actually get it right.

What Women Think About Men

There was a movie that came out years ago with Mel Gibson called "What Women Want." His character had the ability to listen in to what women were really thinking. Wouldn't that help resolve a lot of questions!

Of course all men are different and all women are different. I asked someone who has been married for over 50 years what was most important to her about her husband. "Character", she said. "Without a doubt, it's all about who he is and not what he looks like."

Back in college I seem to remember a lot of girls who were more interested in a guys looks or if he was associated with popular people on campus. I think as we all get older, our needs change. The importance of looks and status are often replaced with a need for companionship and similar ideals.

What do you think? Send in your comments.

Making Christmas Romantic

When it comes to a romantic holiday, the first time of year people think of is Valentines Day. However, Christmas is one of the most popular times to give a special gift to that special someone you love. Christmas Eve is also a day when many couples get engaged.

There is just something magical about the Christmas season. It signals the end of the current year and the start of another. It's a time when you show appreciation for others. It's a time of reflection on the past and looking forward to the future.

Many years before starting this company, I used to give some really bad gifts to my girlfriend (although she still became my wife). One year, it was a curling iron. Another year it was a hairdryer and the first year it was a sweater. Even though these were things that she mentioned she really wanted, it wasn't really my place to give them to her (better her mom or brother or grandmother gift them to her).

Try to give something with a personal touch. If you are short on funds, it could be an invitation to a home cooked candlelight dinner at home or a picnic for two in a beautiful secluded setting. If you make it personal, it's hard to go wrong.

In leaving a local business today, the clerk mentioned that she was a bit down about Christmas this year. People had already started to rush through her store like there was no tomorrow so that they could scratch another name off of their Christmas list. Don't be someone who rushes through the holidays buying a gift just for the sake of having to make that purchase. Put in some time and effort (and creativity) and it will be one of the best Holiday Seasons.

The Summer of Love

There is something about summer that brings out the best in a relationship. Perhaps it is the warmer weather and longer daylight hours that makes people a little more relaxed and willing to take a chance on love. Of course, life does not stand still and you still have responsibilites to take care of (unless your a student without a summer job) so you have to make the effort to plan out "date nights." With the change of seasons, some great things to do include a sunset picnic in the park, bonfire on the beach, and outdoor candlelight dining (restaurant or at home). If you have an old fashioned drive-in theater nearby you can make a unique evening of dinner and a late night movie.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day can be one of the most romantic times of the year. Even though some people might view it as just a "Hallmark created holiday," it is still important to show that someone you love that you appreciate them on February 14th. Better yet, use some creativity and thought to make your gift stand out.

If your a good cook, you can decorate a table in your home and serve a romantic, candlelight dinner. Using some of our products, you can decorate your bedroom at home (or a nearby hotel) and surprise them with an ultra-romantic evening. If you give a card, try something more unique such as purchasing a beautiful handmade card, opening it up and writing some beautiful poetry and framing it. With our new Message In A Bottle, your message (parchment paper scroll) is enclosed in a thick glass bottle with dried rose petals and packaged in an elegant velvet bag with "Key To My Heart" attached around the rim.

Coming to Monterey for Valentine's Day? Give us a call and we will help you plan a fantastic Valentine's Day getaway.