February is the official month when love is in the air, and sweethearts everywhere are publicly and privately declaring their love for one other and showering their special “someones” with tokens of their affection. And so on and so forth, you all know the deal. At Strictly Business, we believe that the best gifts are personal and unique…and found at local businesses! If you are stuck this year, look no further for inspiration as we have included some ideas to get you moving in the right direction!
Whether you are looking for a gift for a loved one or trying to find the perfect outfit for a hot date, Nouvelle Eve provides a variety of clothing and accessories that you can’t find anywhere else in town. Nouvelle Eve offers plenty of Valentine’s Day gift ideas, from beautiful Capri Blue mercury glass candles that come in heavenly scents to several jewelry lines including Dogeared, B.U., Sarah Mcquire, and so many more. Each jewelry line is unique in sentiment and design, and is sure to please! When asked about her recommendations for the best way to treat someone on Valentine’s Day, owner Susie Keuck advises, “Remember it’s not about how much you monetarily invest in yourself or your loved ones; it’s about making special moments and memories that last for years to come.” She adds, “We invite Valentine’s Day shoppers to stop in for sincere recommendations in order to make February 14, 2014 memorable.”
Valentine’s Day can be fun for everyone, young and old, couples or singles, and so on. All That! Boutique and Gifts offers plenty of unique merchandise that make great gifts, fun decorations and clothing for all ages who intend to celebrate the holiday in style. Krista Dickey of All That! Boutique and Gifts says, “We have tons of great items from local vendors specially made for Valentine’s Day. This includes painted canvases with hearts and valentine’s messages, fun door hangers, custom made jewelry and accessories, and much more. Our Valentine’s Day clothing and accessories for little girls are very popular and so cute! We would be happy to help you find the perfect gift or some cute decorations, and we also offer gift packaging to complete your special Valentine.”
If your plans include both a gift and a date, which is pretty standard, you can knock both out with a visit to The Corky Canvas. They are offering Valentine’s Date Nights on February 14th and 15th for couples who want to try something new. Angie Lewis, owner of The Corky Canvas, explains, “At these special classes, you will each paint a canvas that is part of one painting. Once each side is painted, you can hang them on the wall together, which makes for a great memory! The two couples paintings that we are offering are titled ‘Hand in Hand’ and ‘Love in the Rain’, and the cost for the classes are $35 per person. Reservations can be made at corkycanvas.com, just click on the calendar tab and get signed up!” She adds, “For the single ladies out there, we invite you to come paint during our Mimosa Morning class on February 15th. We will be offering a really cute ‘First Comes Love’ painting! Or if you prefer to stay in for Valentine’s Day or do something more traditional, then consider giving your loved one a gift card to The Corky Canvas. Gift cards can be conveniently purchased on our website—just purchase, print and give! The best part is that all Valentine’s Day gift cards include a FREE drink! I hope to paint and sip with you soon!”
Another great idea for a Valentine’s Day date is the 4th annual “Erotic Hypnotic” event hosted at Millard Plaza Ballroom. Dee Hankins of Millard Plaza Ballroom says, “This event is the perfect alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day celebration. Along with a fun and highly entertaining hypnotic show, a prime rib buffet, a chocolate buffet, AND a champagne buffet are all included. It is important to note that as the name of the event implies, the hypnotic show contains adult humor and is X-rated at times. In other words, this is definitely not your momma’s Valentine’s Day event! The hypnotist, Anthony Potmesil, is an Omaha native who also performs at Funny Bone Comedy Clubs nationwide. There will also be a complimentary photo booth and a DJ. Guests are welcome to stay after the show and enjoy a night of dancing and celebrating.” She adds, “This show is a unique concept that we created to provide people with the opportunity to forgo the traditional options available on Valentine’s Day. This event is tons of fun, and guests are able to enjoy a great meal in a romantic environment and to share lots of laughs. What I personally love about this show is that it is not uncommon or uncomfortable for groups of single friends, several couples, family members, etc. to attend together. This makes it easy for everyone to get out and celebrate!”
This time of year, our minds turn toward the relationships that are most important to us. Devan Martin, Life Coach and Founder of Nebraska Change Works, says, “Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for celebrating our love for others, but as we celebrate these relationships, it is also important to go inward and notice how we relate to ourselves. In my coaching work, I often ask people ‘If your body were someone you were in a relationship with, how would you describe this relationship?’ Is it a relationship based on love, respect, and kindness? Do you know yourself based on attentive listening to your own inner needs, wants, and desires? When you know how to do these things for yourself, it becomes easier and more natural to allow them for others. The three centers of intelligence–the body or belly center, the heart center, and the brain or thinking center–are always trying to communicate with us. It is up to us to take the time to STOP and listen. A positive relationship to our inner-self is the fundamental key to a fabulous relationship with others. Then, take the time to offer this kind of listening to the ones you love. Ask, ‘What does your heart want, right now?’ It is a small thing to offer but can make a huge difference in your loved ones day. Love holds so many different aspects of heart qualities; appreciation, gratitude, respect, sincerity, joy, and trust. Each of these essential aspects of love are important to sustaining a loving relationship with another no matter if it is a husband/wife, child or friend. On this day that is meant to remind us to be kind and loving; be generous with small, sweet acts that feed the heart and make life special. Even a small act like sending a text during the day to say ‘you are in my heart’ creates a loving connection with another. In heated moments acts of generosity are most important for creating love and trust, and allow us to be vulnerable. Things like, not having to be ‘smarter’ or not always having to ‘win.’ In the end, the most important thing (even more important than being right) is being happy and in love. Offering three things that you are grateful for regarding the one you love can also make a difference in the way they feel about themselves. In my years of being a life coach and working with couples, I have seen that focusing on each other is an opportunity to find new ways to reconnect in a loving and caring way while learning something fresh and new about each other, which in turn reignites the passion and romance that was there in the beginning. In this month wherein a whole day is dedicated to LOVE, my hope for you is to discover a most amazing and loving relationship with yourself and your beloved.”
As far as Valentine’s Day goes, you really can’t miss with nice things, items you can use on a regular basis, a special treat, or services that make you look and feel great. However, it is also important that your gift is also thoughtful, meaningful and shows love and appreciation. So this year, let local businesses assist you with making sure your loved ones feel as special as they are to you!