V is for V-Day

It was late January, one Saturday morning, I found myself flipping distractedly through rows of unsuitable birthday cards, and before I could scream 'not-another-corny-hallmark-card,' I literally fell backwards into two towering stands of pink and crimson, and yes, those unmistakable shimmery satin hearts edged in lace.  It was the formidable 'V is for Valentine's Day' stock.  And, that dear friends is when I realised that somehow we were already between New Years, and Easter.  Now, I'm a self-confessed romantic writerly type who's in the midst of revising a love story and I don't have St. Valentines day tattooed in scarlet on my calendar.  For shame?  I don't think so, it's one of those holidays I never took seriously, however, six days and counting, I'm starting to feel the love in this great city, and I've compiled eight of my all time favourite Valentine gifts, -especially for writers.  

1.  Notebooks - who can resist a lovely blank page to fill with your latest ideas?  Perfect for travel, airport, trains, cafes -or at home, on the chaise lounge, in the garden, bathtub, or your bed stand, within reach of those 'eureka' moments.  Symthson's have the best colours to die, I mean, write for!  

2.  A Fine Pen.  Fountain pens aren't just for elderly Aunts.  Ballpoint, pencils, -whatever your fancy.  Pick a nice one because good ideas roll off your mind onto the page with flourishing style, right?  That's what I thought.

3. A Poem for your beloved.  'How much do I love thee?  Let me count the ways' - Some of you lovely souls, may already know my thoughts on strange men who recite Shakespeare in bars, -you should hastily exit the bar, or pull out a novel and avoid all conversation.  On the other hand -a poem from your lover, has to be one of the cherished gifts you will ever receive.  Trust me, it'll win anyone over.

4. Truffles...

Dear Cacao tree,

Have I told you how much I adore the fruits, ahem, nuts of your swaying, er, -palm?

I do, really, truly deeply.

xox

5.  Your Favourite Scent.  Ladies, and Gents, allow me to demonstrate:  "Oh Honey!  Look, -my favourite perfume in its glorious bottle, and it's just run out..."  *bat-eyelids-pout-to-down-turned-lips-sniff-lightly*  What a pity, and just before the romantic Valentines date!  Get hinting.

6.  Candles.  I have no excuses here.  Just buy one -a great big spicy-floral-fresh-clean-scents-of-the-world type candle.

7.  Fab Bags. Now, we need to put our lovely booty into something worthy.  Take your pick from the Candy Carousel, pictured below.  This one is currently revolving at the Maison Louis Vuitton on Bond St, London.  A very nice candy store, indeed.

8.  Blooming Flowers.  'He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me...'  Oh wait, that's for daisy chains, how many times did my girlfriends and I chant that sitting cross-legged on a field?  Good grief, we were only 8 years old and already wistfully chanting away.  Flowers, personally are a favourite for me.  How about you?  What's your favourite Valentine date-gift-card, like, ever?

Maison Louis Vuitton,
London

Photocredits courtesy yours truly

A/N: If you're a hopeless romantic, you probably don't need any of the above...well except the poem.  Cuddle up, gaze lovingly into each others eyes, thats what Valentines Day is all about - feeling the love. Oh, and if you need a few martinis to help you along the way, well -so be it!