As I mentioned in my previous post, guys need love too. I like buying Valentine's Day gifts because there isn't a lot of expectation and it does not have to be anything big. In most cases a homemade card or hunk of steak will do the trick for the man in your life. Or like I said before, a mix CD is always a good idea. That is, unless it's your second date.
1. This recipe is so impressive looking but wont have you slaving away all day in the kitchen. I also like the fact that you get to tell your butcher to french the bones. Ordering a butcher around really makes me feel like a lady.
2. Give him something that will invariably conjure up a "huh. that's cool looking." Which you may not know but that is the highest praise from a man. Also its a succulent, so it's hard to kill. But if he somehow finds a way, it only set you back $5!
3. Speak his language with a card that says "I fucking love you" in pretty pink letterpress. Now that's sincere.
4. Somebody went and turned the Irish car bomb into a cupcake. Guinness cake, Jameson filling, Baileys frosting- pure genius. Now, why didn't I think of that? Via Smitten Kitchen.
5. You can't go wrong with a nice bottle of wine and this one is rife with romantic connotations. It is made by a husband and wife team, and named "Trinch!" for the french term of two glasses clinking together. It has big, tannic qualities that will satisfy male taste buds, and best of all: it's ready to drink now. None of that "keep it in the cellar" nonsense.
6. These classy highballs have an elegant shape but are sturdy enough for a real drink. And who doesn't always appreciate nice glassware?
7. Why should girls be the only ones to get undergarments on V-day? Guys need them too (sometimes more so) These are printed by hand in Portland and have a funny football guy on them. The back says "its good!" Perfect for that man in your life that doesn't take himself too seriously, and let's be honest- aren't those the only ones worth keeping around?
8. I always admired a man who carries a handkerchief, though I'm beginning to think they are going the way of the teacup. Not really needed and a bit old-fashioned. I guess the idea of carrying a snot rag around in your pocket is not appealing to some anymore. But if you think about it- its very green idea. Let your dude live out his 'stache dreams with this quirky hanky. Pretty sweet.
9. As the title suggests "Love in the Afternoon" was a very risque film for its time. Though its an old romantic film, this movie does its best to entertain both sexes. For the gents: a very Bond-like character in Gary Cooper and for the gals: you have Audrey Hepburn with all of her impossibly chic Audrey-ness.
10. Barista's Beans is my favorite kind of coffee. It's fair-trade, organic and roasted fresh in small batches in beautiful Vermont.( Ok, yes, the roaster happens to be my brother, and that's my nephew above, but that is a mere coincidence.) Everyone loves a good cup of coffee and you can feel good knowing you are supporting someone other than the Starbuck's monster.
There you have it: "Flirty under $30" Valentine's day fun. And P.S.- whatever happened to the grade school days of making valentines for everyone in your class? I liked when this holidays represented love amongst friends and wasn't relegated to coupledom. So if you are living the single life, there is no shame in pouring a big glass of wine for yourself and chomping chocolates in front of the TV. In fact, I think that's how I spent last Saturday night.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 10:19PM 
