Friday, January 21, 2011

The Lazy Man’s Guide to Valentine’s Day:

THE EMERGENCY ROMANTIC WEEKEND PLANNER
Nothing says “I spent a fortune on this” quite like a weekend break. Travel expert and Orbitz.com senior editor Jeanenne Tornatore gives us her top destination picks.


For: The New Girlfriend
Trip: City Break
Reason: City breaks are ideal for newer couples: There’s loads going on to distract from awkward silences, and you’re unlikely to get stuck talking to a long-term couple or, God forbid, a pair of newlyweds.
Tornatore suggests: “San Francisco. It has everything: shopping, dining, nightlife, and outdoor activities, like hiking and kayaking, complete with a romantic atmosphere from both its history and its position on the coast. If that’s too far, consider Chicago. It’s also known for having plenty
of great date restaurants, and there are a lot of fun neighborhoods to explore.”


For: The Long-Term Girlfriend
Trip: Winery Tour
Reason: Winery tours are perfect for a girlfriend you’re totally comfortable with—lots of hanging out, punctuated by moments of passionate inebriation.
Tornatore suggests: “Sonoma, California. You want the smaller, less commercial family-run wineries for a romantic trip, and Sonoma has more of those than Napa. Alternatively, try the North Fork of Long Island, New York: It has nearly 30 wineries and fantastic seafood and is just 75 miles from Manhattan. If you’re farther south, Hill Country, Texas is one of the country’s fastest-growing wine destinations.”


For: The Proposal
Trip: Romantic hideaway
Reason:
You’re going to propose! Now is not the time to take her to a frat party (unless that’s what she’s into, in which case, good luck, buddy, you’ll need it!).
Tornatore suggests: “Beaver Creek, Colorado. It has a more exclusive and secluded feel than other ski resorts in the area, and there are lots of great couples activities: an ice rink, horse-drawn sleigh rides, mountain restaurants—and, of course, cozy hotel rooms with fireplaces. If you’re going to propose in winter, do it somewhere that looks good in snow!”


For: The One You Need to Impress
Trip: Surprise trip abroad
Reason:
If you need to really knock a girl’s socks off, you’re going to have to think outside the box—and the borders—and that means giving her something she definitely can’t get at home.
Tornatore suggests: “If you don’t have the dollars to get to Europe, try Québec City in Canada. It’s a romantic hidden gem, with winding cobblestone streets, excellent French restaurants and bistros, and centuries-old buildings, and in February it will
have been transformed into a winter wonderland. It’s a beautiful destination that’s perfect for couples.”


THE EMERGENCY LINGERIE-BUYING GUIDE


1. Get the size right.
“Guys normally get the cup size wrong—they always tend to exaggerate their woman’s breast size! Do your homework and sneak a peek at her lingerie while she’s in the shower to make sure you’re buying the right sizes. If your girl has big double-F boobs and you can’t find a bra that size, well, that’s a good problem! For her you can get a silk nightie with a very high slit.”

2. Buy what you want to see her in.
“It’s kind of a selfish gift, but any smart woman would want to wear what her significant other wants to see her in on Valentine’s Day: It’s steamier and sexier. For me there’s no line—it could be a maid costume, I don’t care—I think that’s pretty hot!”

3. Go all the way with it.
“Make sure you get the full ensemble. It’s not just about the bra and panties. Get the thigh-high lace stockings, and don’t hesitate to get the shoes to match. That’s the icing on the cake: You’ll be happy, and she’ll be happy. Give her options—get her three pieces and let her choose. That’s exciting!”

4. Find the right store.
“Victoria’s Secret makes things easy because there are so many good people to assist you. Agent Provocateur is more on the edgy side; it’s really sexy. And La Perla is for the more sophisticated, sexy woman: Its pieces are very delicate and flattering.”

5. Know your girlfriend.
“Get the style and color to suit your girl: You should know whether she likes hot pink as opposed to black. Red is a little cliché on Valentine’s Day, but whatever rocks your boat. I love to wear a teddy, I really do—maybe something with a little push-up, just a little something
sexy that’s understated but shows enough booty and cleavage.”


THE EMERGENCY WINE LIST
Got three hours to get your ass to a liquor store? Go, go, go! Wine Library TV host Gary Vaynerchuk shows you what to buy when you get there.


1. "Sparkling wine or champagne is very romantic and festive, and pink bubbles clearly speak to the theme of Valentine's Day, so try Brut Rosé Champagne from France. It's in the $20-$45 price range."


2. "Try a German Riesling—it has a little bit more sweetness to it. Without stereotyping, a lot of ladies like that, and since it's Valentine's Day,it's all about giving them something they like."


3. "For the lucky guys who find an awesome wine shop, try Banyuls: It's a dessert wine from the Rhône Valley, France. It's the best to have with chocolate, as it's sweet but has some acidity. It's a dream pairing."


4. "If you know your girl loves red wine, I'd go with a Portuguese red. You can get amazing quality for between $15 and $25, especially if it's from the Douro region."

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