Valentine's Day Tips Pt.2

For the Non-Traditional Couple ~ For the non-traditional couple, presents of fine jewelry ( hey, women really won't let that one slide) handmade cards preferably on recycled paper, a delicious homemade dinner that doesn't involve pasta in cans  and poetry that is unique~ Search for something from Gibran, unless you are going for laughs. In which case, Mr. Silverstein has the best silly rhymes!

1.Both of you enjoy a more unique spin on life, so instead of stressing about making reservations, you should be planning the perfect meal.Just because you are making it at home, doesn't mean it has to be simple. Hunt down a great recipe, and look at the local meat or seafood markets for fresh, gourmet options. I love the Milwaukee Public Market when I am craving fresh seafood, locally produced cheeses and high-quality chocolates. If you really don't feel like cooking, then opt for some take-out. One of my favorites is Sushi-A-Go-Go and if you call ahead (Warning guys: a bit of planning is involved) you can order a giant sushi platter and then swing by Thief Wine, a value-oriented boutique wine store and wine bar, situated in the Public Market for an easy, one-stop shopping trip for a fabulous Valentine's Day Dinner sure to make an impression!

Sushi-a-Go-Go at the Public Market

2.You want to really impress her with poetry but need some great ideas for inspiration.The old classic, 'Roses are Red' just won't cut it with your gal? If you visit your public library or second hand bookstore, look for some of these authors as excellent sources of romantic inspiration: Rabindranath Tagore, E.E. Cummings, Langston Hughes or Pablo Neruda. Included here are some great examples from two amazing poets that I love~ Perhaps they will inspire you to write your own poetry this Valentine's Day!

Love Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda

I do not love you as if you were a salt rose, or topaz

or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,

in secret, between the shadow and the soul.


I love you as the plant that never blooms

but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;

thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,

risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.



I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

So I love you because I know no other way



than this: where I does not exist, nor you,

so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,

so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep. 

Juke Box Love Song by Langston Hughes

I could take the Harlem night

and wrap around you,

Take the neon lights and make a crown,

Take the Lenox Avenue busses,

Taxis, subways,

And for your love song tone their rumble down.

Take Harlem's heartbeat,

Make a drumbeat,

Put it on a record, let it whirl,

And while we listen to it play,

Dance with you till day--

Dance with you, my sweet brown Harlem girl.

  

 3.Last but not least, the jewelry! Do you intend to pop the question this Valentine's Day but you are stuck, wondering what a non-traditional girl would love? I can help with that! Something that will be unique, perhaps a vintage inspired ring or possibly incorporating a twisted band that will give her eco-friendly jewelry a customized look~ Diamond Nexus has a huge selection of inexpensive engagement rings and here are a couple of romantic suggestions that I would suggest:

Sapphire Royale Engagement Ring            Rialto Engagement Ring