If you missed yesterday’s post, be sure to check it out. We shared the first 25 suggestions on our list of 50 Ways to Woo Your Lover this Valentine’s Day in Barrington.
Today, we’re following up with the second half of our list. Well, almost. We’re saving #50 for tomorrow. But if you didn’t find the perfect gift idea yesterday, read on…
26. LOVING CUP – They’re showing a little love this Valentine’s Day at Cook Street Coffee. Drop by with your sweetheart for a hot and steamy cup of coffee and one of their most popular pastries, the “Raspberry Crumble”. You can also take home a bag of whole bean coffee for 25% off! 847-387-3768 – 100 E. Station Street – CookStreetCoffee.com
***Number 26 just inspired me to insert a little mood music for your reading pleasure. You have two options. The first might not be the most romantic song in the world, but it’s one of my all-time favorites. If you’re not a big fan of the Rolling Stones and you’d prefer a more mellow vibe, I’ve included a second, more sensual option. ***
27. NOW PLAYING AT GOLD CLASS CINEMAS – One of the coolest things to do with a date is check out a movie at Gold Class Cinemas at The Arboretum of South Barrington. If you’ve never been to the theater before, think swanky city bar and fireside lounge for pre and post-movie drinks followed by first class seating and dinner service during the show in the dine-in theater. My husband and I just checked out The King’s Speech at Gold Class Friday night and had an awesome time. We sampled several delicious items from their menu during the show. They have a special fixed price menu with movie prepared just for Valentine’s Day. For $139, the couple’s package includes two movie tickets, three shared plates (appetizer, entrée, and dessert) and two drinks per person (draft beer, house wine, and well spirits) The individual price for that same package is $70. Click HERE for a full list of showtimes and call ahead if you’d like to reserve special seating. 224-293-1001 – 100 W. Higgins Road – South Barrington, IL – GoldClassCinemas.com
28. ZAZA VOOM – Zaza’s Tavola Italiana in Lake Barrington provides intimate dining with lighting that sets a romantic mood for a delicious dinner out. Their Valentine’s Day menu includes Surf ‘n Turf, Lobster Risotto, Fire Grilled Walleye, Ravioli Bolognese and Lasagna. 847-381-1333 – 5047 Shoreline Road – Lake Barrington, IL – ZazasLB.com
29. LOVE ON A BUDGET – Spend a couple hours together writing romantic ideas on separate slips of paper. After you get a total of 100 romantic ideas on 100 pieces of paper, then fill a jar with them. Every Sunday, from this day on, alternate who picks one and has to implement it by the following Sunday — at which point the other partner will pick a new romantic idea and have a week to follow through with it.
30. PAMPER YOUR POOCH – Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show a little love to your favorite pets! Why not drop by Cody and Carl’s Pet Boutique at the Foundry of Barrington. They have a great selection of doggie bon bons, donuts, pretzels, cannolis and eclairs in their dog bakery. They also offer dog cookies in all shapes and sizes, including hearts! Plus, they’re offering 15% off of all of their in-stock luxury dog beds through the month of February. If you want to give Fifi a few cookies and new place to cuddle up at home, visit Cody and Carl’s Boulevard at 756 W. Northwest Highway – 847-304-7140 – CodyandCarlsBlvd.com
31. ROMANCING THE HOME – Want to grab a quick gift that’ll make your Valentine smell and feel beautiful? Why not drop by Angelina in downtown Barrington and check out their collection of Lollia scented candles, soaps, lotions and bath products. The romantic fragrances are a great way put your lady in the mood for love. Plus – they have the best selection of Valentine’s Day cards so you can leave the shop with the complete package to bring home to your baby! 847-382-6802 – 200 S. Cook Street – ShopAngelina.com
32. LOVE AT 111 GRILLE – How would you like a Chocolate Kiss? You can have one in a martini glass at Chessies 111 Grill in the Ice House Mall. That’s the name of their special Valentine’s Day drink. They’re also serving a special Raspberry Banana Martini just for the holiday. Their special lovers’ menu includes Stuffed Mushroom, Firecracker Shrimp and Oysters Rockefeller appetizers and their special entrees for the holiday are Grilled Sea Scallops, 8-oz Prime Rib, Whitefish Oscar and a Medallion Filet and Shrimp Combo. 847-382-5020 – 200 Applebee Street – Barrington, Illinois
33. COUNT THE WAYS – Make a list of the top 10 reasons you love him/her.
34. MUSICAL MEMENTOS – Consolidated Music in Barrington hosts their biggest sale of the year each Valentine’s week. They’re offering special prices on their electric guitars and other instruments this week. You can even sign your little loved ones up for private lessons on almost all instruments for $22 per half hour. The store owner says it’s just one way they like to show their love for their customers. • 847-381-0164 • 125 Barrington Commons • ConsolidatedMusic.net
35. MY VINYL VALENTINE – Dig out your records of yesteryear, unearth that old record player, turn the lights down low and let the turntable work its magic. You might find that those oldies are just what the love doctor ordered.
36. SEND AN ECARD – If you don’t have time to put it in writing, it’s easy to say “I love you” or “Be Mine” with an email Valentine. Visit AmericanGreetings.com for a list of eCards that you can email to your main squeeze, including cards called “Smooth Hamster Valentine“, “Because of You” and “Cutie Cupid” where you can add your own personal voice message. For a full selection of Ecard valentines, visit AmericanGreetings.com.
37. KISSER FACE – They’re offering a sweet couples package for Valentine’s Day at FaceLogic Spa in South Barrington. It’s an “Upgraded” Elite Facial for two priced at $165. The treatment lasts 75 minutes and includes a facial plus an upgrade which could be a hot stone massage, therapeutic mask, Microderm abrasion, lip, eye or hand treatment. 847-844-3223 – 100 W. Higgins Road – South Barrington, IL – FaceLogicSpa.com/SouthBarrington
38. LOVE ALARM – Here’s a trick that’ll scare the pants off of your partner, in a loving way. Pick up a battery powered alarm clock, attach a love note, set the alarm for a special yet strategic time and plant it in a secret spot in your lover’s car, office or briefcase. If you take time to make time, you’ll end up with one surprise that he or she will never forget…and will hopefully forgive you for later.
39. PASSIONATE PROSE – Swap your keyboard for a calligraphy pen & send your sweetie a hand-written love note. For a surprise twist, pack it with their lunch, tuck it into their coat pocket, hide it in their hat, let her find it in the freezer, in his favorite box of cereal or plant it on their car seat. If writers block strikes when you sit down with pen and paper, click HERE for a few tips on how to write a love letter.
40. COME ON BABY LIGHT MY FIRE – Turn up the heat and create a little ambiance with a fireside picnic at home. Set the stage with a few candles, spread out a blanket and pillows and spark up the fireplace – just like they do in the movies. You might get a laugh because it’s JUST THAT CHEEZY. But it’s also easy, cheap and it’s the thought that counts.
41. DEEP TISSUE DIVA – They’re offering a sweet deal on Deep Tissue and Swedish Massages at Mia Sorella Salon and Boutique in downtown Barrington. The cost of a 60 minute massage is just $40 through March 31st. They also have great specials going on right now for manicures and pedicures. Plus, the salon has a great selection of stylish clothing and jewelry lines for women so your lady can walk into the salon, get a full makeover and walk out with a whole new look. Now that’s special treatment! 847-842-5009 – 104 S. Cook Street Ste. A – Barrington – Mia-Sorella.com
42. KEEP IT GREEN – If your lover prefers ferns to flowers, why not drop by Pasquesi Home and Gardens. They’re offering 25% off all indoor plants right now and they have shelves stocked with other great gift ideas for your lady’s home, garden or bath. 990 W. Northwest Highway – Barrington, Illinois – 847-381-5511 – Pasquesi.com
43. ROSY FACE & FEET – Avalon Salon and Day Spa is offering a special Valentine’s Facial using a secret ingredient at their Deer Park Town Center location. What’s the secret? Oh, OK, I’ll tell you. It’s rose water and it helps increase the hydration level and reduces redness in the skin. The 75 minute holiday facial comes with a complimentary brow maintenance and only costs $135, compared to the regular cost of $187. They’re offering the Rose Facial for the whole month of February. The pedicure of the month at Avalon is also an hour-long “Rose Pedicure” which includes a paraffin dip on the feet for $65. All services during the month of February come with a complimentary flute of Champagne and chocolate! – 847-726-8855 – 20530 N. Rand Road Suite 346 – Deer Park, IL – AvalonDeerPark.com
44. PUPPY LOVE – February is National Dental Pet Care Month. Give you pooch a little lovin’ this Valentine’s day with a trip to the Doggie Dentist. Barrington Animal Hospital is offering $40 off your dog’s dental cleaning in February plus a free toothbrush & a sample of poultry or beef flavored toothpaste – YUM. Call 847-381-8100 for more info.
45. PLANT A BALLOON – Purchase an “I Love You” helium balloon from a local party store, then drive to his work and attach the balloon to the handle of his car door or windshield wiper. WARNING: This one’s a little risky and could backfire…especially if your dude doesn’t like looking like a dork.
46. PHOTO FINESSE – Spend the day just photographing each other… outdoors (at a local park, walking downtown, at the beach, on the playground), as well as indoors. Make sure you get someone to take some photos of the two of you together. Take some candids, and some posed. Then frame one!
47. FAVORITE FRAGRANCE – Pick up a new signature scent for your sweetheart at Spa Bleu at The Arboretum of South Barrington. If you purchase a $75 gift card, the salon will give you a complimentary bottle of one of their popular Aveda home and body fragrances. The quantity is .5 fluid ounces, a $25 value. 847-783-0703 – 100 W. Higgins Road – Spa Bleu
48. A SWEET OFFER – Spend $350 in a 24 hour period at The Arboretum of South Barrington and you’ll receive a $50 gift certificate for your next shopping spree between now and March 31st at the Arboretum. It’s a limited-time offer designed especially for Valentine’s Day and you’ll find more details by clicking HERE. 847-426-6200 – Route 59 & Higgins Road – ShopTheArboretumSB.com
49. SURPRISE ATTIRE – According to one of my all-time favorite song lyrics, “Hey, hobo man. Hey, Dapper Dan. You’ve both got your style, but brother, you’re never fully dressed without a smile!” The orphans in Annie sang it best…”Who cares what you’re wearing from Main Street to Savile Row. It’s what you wear from ear to ear and not from head to toe (that matters)” Well if a smile is all it takes, then why not have a little fun with your wardrobe? But we’ll leave this one to your own imagination ;).
I’ll be back tomorrow to reveal NUMBER 50 on our list of ways to woo your lover (in Barrington). But for now, Dapper Dan, I’ll leave you with a quick musical walk down memory lane…
This is a great list, Liz–very clever and I’m enjoying the YouTube clips! Now, if I can only decide which way(s) to try….
Marti