Appreciate it or hate it, the “love” marketers’ dream day is on the horizon. Yes, another Valentine’s Day is upon us… the day Cupid’s arrow intends to lavish copious amounts of luscious amour upon patrons both suspecting and not. From diamonds to chocolate, abundant flowers to delicious dinners, Americans spend billions of dollars trying to make love work on this single day of the year. With all this effort, instead of following someone else’s traditional Valentine ideas, why not do something uniquely you? Here are a couple thoughts to get you started…
Make Memories Memorable
This first suggestion may have you chuckling (okay, well, maybe guffawing—but we’re talking out of the box here, so open your mind!). I chuckled too until I saw them in person and viewed the many possibilities with my own eyes. Ready for it? Snow globes. You read correctly—snow globes. Except these locally created beauties can be personalized with your photo, a sentiment etched on the base, and even floating hearts instead of snow. Ahhhhh, now I gotcha! Denver-based Snow Globe Central has made custom globes for the likes of Tivo, The CBS television show: CSI, and even clients from its number one competitor—China. As the only snow globe maker in the U.S., Snow Globe Central goes above and beyond by making custom globes for all occasions. They’ve gotten their process down to a science so that the price is easy on the wallet for as few as one globe at a time. Put your sweetheart’s photo inside, and your wedding photo on the reverse… replace the “snow” with a plethora of insert choices… Design to your heart’s content and create a lasting memory your sweethearts will cherish. $35 and up.
Travel back in time
Here’s a blast back to the past from whence Valentine’s Day began: Parasols originally were used to protect against the sun’s scorching rays (“para” meaning stop; “sol” or sun) – over time, however, it became as much of a status symbol and fashion accessory as it was a utilitarian item. In the 1800s – the days of chaperones and monitored dates — a “language” was developed, where how you used, carried and moved your parasol translated into subtle messages – think of it as the text language of yesteryear. Carried elevated in the left hand, a parasol conveyed the user “desired acquaintance;” while closed in the left hand meant “meet me on the first crossing.” Closing your parasol meant “I wish to speak to you,” and dropping it—well, none other than “I love you.” These days, whether attached or single, a parasol presents a stylish, flirty way to dress up an outfit, play up your confidence and femininity, or just shield yourself from the sun. $189 at penelopeparasols.com
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Ever get all nuzzly and snuggly just seeing a warm, soft, cozy looking blanket? Max Daniel Designs practically took that safe, cocooning feeling and infused it into its line of fashion forward blankets. These out-of-the-box designs take animal prints to a whole new level with a twist on Giraffe, Cheetah, leopard and zebra by putting them in fashion forward colors as well as traditional motifs. Available for children of all ages (ahem, this means you), the popular blankets create a chic room accent, or provide that soft, cared for feeling that screams, “love.” $18-240 at Maxdaniel.com
Get Kissably Soft
How could we discuss Valentine’s and love with out a little bit of smooch talk? Smooth lips, smooth legs, smooth skin all over—that’s the goal of Eos skin care. With a tagline like “evolution of smooth,” I expect quite a bit—and this line lives up to its moniker. From shave cream and lotion to the irresistibly ergonomic lip balm spheres, these uniquely packaged body products present an affordable way to add head to toe smooth to your style. $3-4 at a drugstore near you or Evolutionofsmooth.com
Speaking of packaging, Vaseline petroleum jelly steps it up a notch to create a one-of-a-kind bottle this Valentine’s. Generic brands already can’t compete with the delicate whipped texture it brings to the table—ensuring your skin, lips and hands don’t have that greasy “after-feel.” And for a new twist on an old favorite – get this – Vaseline’s created a limited edition Swarovski Crystal bejeweled jar. What?! First of all, Vaseline is a go-to essential to seal in moisture without breaking the bank. For lips, it’s especially great for a natural look, or to mix with lipstick for a little color. But this bejeweled, portable, uber-recognizable blue capped bottle with red crystal lips on top to commemorate love’s day? Adorable. Only 100 jars are available through a giveaway at VaselineLipTherapy.com on February 14, 2012. But you can still get the original lip therapy at your local discount store for less than two dollars.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog:
