All the Single Ladies!

Image source Someecards.com

It is not that I hate Valentine’s Day, I simply wish it didn’t exist. Between the pressure to find a date and the overwhelming amount of chocolate hearts that consume the aisles of CVS, sometimes it’s just too much to take.

With that being said, I’ve been searching for ways to successfully avoid the holiday, without looking bitter or pathetic. And I think I’ve found some solutions:

Absolutely do not:

• Go out to dinner. Even seeing the most miserable looking couple sharing a meal together might tug at the wrong heart strings.

• Wear pink or red or black. Pink and red make it seem that you’re supporting the holiday. Whereas wearing black gives the illusion that you’re mourning your singleness (which you probably are but shhhh!). Wear a neutral color like blue or green. This reflects the “Oh, it’s Valentine’s Day? I’ve just been so busy being my fabulous, single self I didn’t even have time to notice!” image.

• Buy the heart shaped candy. It’ll taste the same in its everyday form.

Absolutely Do:

• Host a dinner for your girlfriends! There is nothing more fun than researching new dishes to prepare from Pinterest, dressing up a little and playing hostess. And be sure to pop some bubbly – it is a party after all!

• Buzzed from the bubbly? Perfect! Go out! Celebrate your singleness by going to your favorite bar. You’ll have a guaranteed good time and be surrounded by your closest friends. Sound perfect to me!

• Take a moment to appreciate your independence. It is a beautiful thing.

•  Play Beyonce. On repeat. I recommend “Who Run the World” and “Single Ladies.”

Posted by Laura

Melt My Heart

I went to the Melting Pot on a date recently and, I must say, there’s something to be said about fondue shared between two folks! It’s fun to talk about the menu and compromise on your selection and then laugh/chat about the process of dipping your food into melted cheese or chocolate. It immediately relaxes the atmosphere a bit and can make for an enjoyable evening. Obviously, a great date partner is the #1 reason for a date to go well but when I think back on some of my less-than-stellar dates I wonder that maybe if a pot of melted chocolate was sitting in between me and Mr. Not-So-Right, I may have had a little more fun!

For those of you that do not have a fondue restaurant near you, check out this standard cheese fondue recipe you can create at home with a set you can buy at Crate and Barrel, courtesy of Martha Stewart magazine.

Cheese Fondue Serves 6
Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 4 ounces aged Emmental cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 1 1/3 cups medium-bodied white wine, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry brandy)
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups), for serving
• Assorted vegetables, cut into pieces, for serving

Directions:

1. Toss cheeses in a medium bowl with flour, cayenne pepper, and white pepper to coat, and set aside. Heat wine in a fondue pot over medium-low heat until it starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in cheese mixture, a little at a time. Stir in kirsch. Continue to cook, stirring, until cheese has melted, up to 20 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. The mixture should be smooth and almost bubbling. Transfer pot to its stand set over a burner. Serve immediately with bread and vegetables.

Posted by Brianne

m.onday deal — Moore Massage

Coming up with the perfect V day gift is never easy. Chocolate? That’ll only result in more questions as to whether her ass looks big. Gloves? Practical, but not at all romantic. Flowers? Romantic, but once they die actually kind of depressing. What about something that’ll make anyone feel good…maybe even get them in the mood for love? No…we’re not talking about a plate of oysters followed by a chaser of green m&ms, silly. We’re talking full-down body rub, good for male, female or anything in between!

And for the best rubdown in town, there’s only one spot: Moore Massage. To celebrate the opening of their new Newbury Street location, they’re offering a m.onday deal of a one hour massage for only $50.00—that’s a savings of $50.00 off of the standard price of $100.00. As far as Valentine’s go, there are few things sweeter. Well, at least what we can write about here!

FINE PRINT

• One appointment per person please
• Offer open to everyone; former clients welcome to participate
• Appointments must be booked by midnight on Monday, February 8, 2010

TO REDEEM

• To book your appointment online, enter marlo in the promo code box or simply mention to the receptionist when you call 617.424.4000 to make an appointment.

m.onday deal — The Body Deli

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day go hand-in-hand. Ironic, isn’t it, that the holiday comes right on the heel of New Years, just when our resolve is starting to fade. Enter a big heart-shaped box of chocolates and all bets are off! This year, treat your S.O. to something just as decadent, just as chocolate-y, but with absolutely none of the guilt! The Body Deli is offering buy one, get one free of their Dark Chocolate Truffle Botanical Butter Scrub. This product retails for $32.00, so instead of paying $64.00 for two, you’ll get them for just $32.00.

Whether its his and her scrubs or a gift for some of your BFFs, whatever you do, don’t miss out on this calorie-free chocolate treat!

FINE PRINT

• Buy one, get one limited to four (4) per order
• Offer available Monday February 1 – Friday February 7, 2010
• Shipping not included

TO REDEEM

• Enter “Marlo” in the COMMENT section during check-out at The Body Deli