Take a chance this Valentine's Day @ The Weekly Review

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Take a chance this Valentine's Day

2.41PM 1-2-2012

Dhav Naidu

HEMERA / THINKSTOCK

No one really knows how St Valentine’s Day morphed into the saccharine-sweet day of romantic love that we all love to celebrate these days.

The day, honouring one of Christendom’s early martyrs, began in 496AD and was deleted from the Catholic calendar in 1969.

Why St Valentine’s Day was first celebrated is lost in history. What we do know is that the day first became associated with all things romantic in the cliquish and influential circle of Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English literature, where courtly tête-à-têtes were all the rage in the Middle Ages.

Chaucer was the first to make the association in his poem The Parliament of Fowls: “For this was St Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”

It was not until the 19th century that the sending of printed cards with pictures of cupids, doves and roses grew popular. The tradition, helped along by commercialism, has morphed into a behemoth day of retail sales following closely after Christmas and Mother’s Day.

Whatever people associate it with these days, it’s nice to know there is a day when you can proclaim your feelings for your love and shower him or her with gifts. Who doesn’t like the odd special surprise gift? Nothing like a good positive gesture to perk up the spirits. And if you didn’t get it right during the festive season, this is a second chance.

Fragrance is my choice as the gift of love – it is only for that special somebody to enjoy. It can’t be any closer to them and thus you stay close to them in thought. Fragrance evokes pleasures, memories and experiences that no one can touch or see except the person wearing it.

But buying a fragrance is not that simple, as you must know your partner well enough to gauge what will tickle their fancy. The fragrance should challenge, excite, titillate and arouse their senses and in turn put you in the good books long into the future.

I have carefully selected four pairs of fragrances that are like the yin and yang in any relationship. They’re complementary, but can also stand alone.

Instead of the ordinary, I have thrown the gauntlet down with this selection of fragrances to motivate and encourage you to expect the unexpected this Valentine’s Day.

L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport (eau de toilette, 50ml, $97) &
Bulgari BLV (eau de parfum, 40ml, $99)

Both fragrances are rich in bergamot, but each complements the
other with a different spice – nutmeg in the Issey and ginger with
the Bulgari – which gives these scents a really invigorating and refreshing quality: great for energetic couples.

Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme (eau de toilette, 75ml, $89) &
Jimmy Choo Eau de Toilette (60ml, $79)

These power brands always demand to be noticed and the fragrances give you the impression that there is something more to them. The new Jimmy Choo is quieter but still screams quality and sophistication – its crisp notes of ginger, tea rose and cedarwood complement perfectly Dolce & Gabbana’s 1994 classic citrus concoction that’s full of green herbs and exotic woods – ideal for couples who should be noticed

Bulgari Pour Homme Soir (eau de toilette 50 ml, $104) &
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Lys Carmin (eau de parfum, 75 ml, $199)

These scents remind me of a line from the 1989 Batman movie – “ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?” Don’t ask me why, it just does. This coupling is mysterious, provocative and downright sexy, but in the same breath elegant and refined. Lys Carmin has notes of lily, ylang ylang, vanilla, sandalwood and peppercorns – heady, spicy and absolutely sensuous. Homme Soir mixes citrus, tea, honey and guaiac wood to present a restrained scent of sheer of sophistication – definitely for the proponents of quiet luxury.

Agent Provocateur L’Agent (eau de parfum, 50ml, $128) &
Narciso Rodriguez for Him Musc (eau de parfum, 100ml, $110)

If you want to challenge the norm, these are the scents for you. Both fragrances push commercial limits and share a strong, sexy heart of musk. All musk used in perfumes these days is synthetic but the beauty of this ingredient is that it reacts and smells differently on everyone. Wearing a perfume created with musk is artistry at its best as it is said to heighten one’s own pheromones. These masterfully crafted scents do just that. They are not for everyone though – only for those who wish to take a chance and win.

A touch of frivolity

You can’t beat tradition and not go with something pink, red or berry hued for Valentine’s Day.

Orly Professional Nail Care I Heart Nails collection is a dazzling collection of sugar and spice ($18.95 each) &

Stila NEW Limited Edition Love At First Blush Palette ($25)

The most adorable palette embossed with hearts. Any girl will fall in love with this flattering shade instantly.

Natio’s Antioxidant Lip Shine in Love ($11.95) &

I Love … Raspberry and Blackberry bodywash and body lotion ($11.95)

The perfect addition to any couple’s dwelling.

Swatch Lovely Mine and Catch My Heart
($80 each)

Two quirky but totally cute watches on sale for Valentine’s Day.

WIN

To win one of three of my lover’s picks combos worth $350 each, post a comment below describing your best Valentine’s Day experience. The best three to put a smile on my face will win this special prize.

Stockists Agent Provocateur, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Issey Miyake, Jimmy Choo Myer & David Jones \ I Love Myer, David Jones & Target \ Natio www.natio.com.au \ Orly www.orlybeauty.com.au \ Stila www.meccacosmetica.com.au \ Swatch Myer, David Jones & Swatch Stores \ Van Cleef & Arpels Selected David Jones only

Take a Chance Competition Winners

I had a blast reading each and every one of your post, it made me laugh, cry and swoon. I wish I could give each and everyone of you this valentines day gift but alas I only have three. Have a glorious day, however you spend it and thank you very much for sharing. - Dhav

Posted by fay:

When we were about 18 my then boyfriend and I were separated about 500 miles due to work. He was not and is not romantic but I did get a Valentine that year which I still have and he wrote: In my bed I lie and write your valentine on this cold night, an empty bed without you near without your breath upon my ear, without your love I hold so high, without your love I think I'd die, without your touch upon my face, without your lips as soft as lace, without your head upon my chest, without the softness of your breast, without the smoothness of your thighs, without the love of your brown eyes, eyes that light a room when dark, eyes I love so dearly, they dance like children in the park, they dance so fine and clearly. In my bed I lie and write your valentine on this cold night and you will forever be the nearest, sweetest girl to me. We have now been married 32 years.

Posted by Matt Dalton

I proposed to my "now wife" 16 years ago on Valentine's Day. It wasn't the normal "soppy romantic Hollywood dinner I love you moment" - it was a tad different. I suggested a picnic and walk in the Dandenongs - for those that know me its not exactly my favourite pastime in the world ! Whereas my girlfriend at the time loves walking, either by the ocean or in green pastures. We had been walking for 20 minutes and I complained I was hot - so i asked my girlfriend to help me take off my jumper. I pretended my arms were tied up and asked her to assist. She did so and it revealed my printed tshirt underneath. It read "just say the word.......Yes" (which at the time was a well known Optus advertising slogan)..........at first my wife was unsure of the meaning until I turned around to show her the front of my t shirt........"will you be change your surname and be my wife forever after?" It worked..........and here we are now with 2 beautiful and gifted kids! One of them recently discovered the T shirt - in the shoe shine box! Little did I know how much that T shirt would eventually cost me !!

Posted by Belinda

26 years together, never married (neither wanted to) 5 children together and the love of my life surprises me last Valentines day with a ''together forever ring'' made with a sapphire he hand dug himself! I often stare at the ring - it reminds me that I may not be wealthy, my life's very rich and I'm blessed!

Each of these three have won my lover’s picks combos worth $350 each.

Comments

Posted by Shilp Singh at 10.58PM 12-2-2012

Both me and my partner were not too big a fan of how the way the V-day has been commercialized and hence had decided long back not to do the whole red flowers - dinner routine. However to break the monotony we did plan out the last years V-day. Last minute it was though. So, i made the booking for a romantic candle light dinner, in the city. Turns out that she is summoned by work and has to go to Charlton for a day to collect samples (she is an environmental scientist). Tried hard, but she couldn't manage to take the day off. Well, she left early morning. I had organised half a day off at my work place. So, i came back in the afternoon and was feeling quite bad on how the events had turned out to be. There in midst of feeling bad, i decided to surprise her by driving to Charlton ( about 3 hours from Melbourne). Off, i went without letting her know about my plans. It turns out that i was not the only one thinking on those lines! She managed to finish off the work early and decided to surprise me by driving back to Melbourne! I still swear by the fact that i saw her on the way, but thought my mind is playing tricks on me. I reach the sleepy township of Charlton to the motel where her team of other scientists were booked in, only to find out that she is waiting for me back home in Melbourne. I drove back, with that heavy, simply overpowering feeling of being with her. To this day i remember that drive back, the whole way thinking of how we take feelings for granted at times. Managed to reach just half an hour - ish before the clock struck 12.00. Did end up lighting a candle and sharing a bowl of ice cream.......Can never ever forget that day, see myself telling my grand kids that story over and over again......

Posted by Linda Steabben at 9.41PM 12-2-2012

There was a real spark between us and being the risk takers we are we took a LEAP in faith, .... from the garage roof in our home-made superhero capes. - Hey, we WERE only 5! :)

Posted by Liz at 9.41PM 12-2-2012

My husband and I are going out to our local french bistro which oozes romantic charm and we will stare endlessly into each others eyes and revel in our love that is just as strong now as when we were married 20 years ago. Plus the kids are now old enough to leave at home and let them get their own dinner. We have lead a very blessed life! Valentine's Day is the perfect celebration of our wonderful life!

Posted by Fiona at 8.26PM 12-2-2012

We went by taxi to a fabled Chinese restaurant in the Jewellrey Quarter and had a magical time and the best meal of our lives. We've never been able to find that restaurant again!

Posted by mavrick5 at 7.12PM 12-2-2012

My wife's birthday is just before Valentine's Day. On this particular year, Valentine's Day fell on a Friday. Now this little surprise took some organising. I told her sister and parents what my plans were and told them to just play along. So, I told my wife we were going to her sister's house for dinner on Valentine's Day to celebrate her and her sisters birthdays (only a few days and 2 years apart). So, after we got home from work on the Friday night, we jumped in my car and drove off to her sister's house. However, I didn't pull into her driveway at all, but kept going and drove all the way to Echuca. I had secretly packed some bags the previous night and had them in the boot. The entire time, she thought we were going to her sisters for their birthday I had secretly booked a romantic weekend away to celebrate Valentine's Day. It is still the best secret I have kept from my wife.

Posted by Vija at 11.26AM 12-2-2012

I had an operation on the 14th February, a few years back now. A flower lover, I got the most flowers I had ever received and, my pain was relieved forever. It was a win-win, as it had long standing benefits.

Posted by Anne-Marie at 1.04AM 12-2-2012

My Hubby remembering that February 14th, is our 25th Wedding Anniversary!

Posted by Polly at 10.11PM 11-2-2012

For Valentine's day many years ago, my husband dressed me in a beautiful blue silk dress with a big sash around the waist. he took me into the desert at night upon a black horse, and we rode slowly in silence with my head resting against his shoulder. I could hear his heartbeat and his lungs breathing. After a long time we stopped and I saw he had brought me to his spaceship, wherein he lifted me like a child. When his kissed me, a great burst of light and sound pushed us up into the sky, into the universe, and there he took off his mask and I saw he was the Moon.

Posted by Monique at 8.27PM 11-2-2012

Just the simple things make Valentine's Day special. A home cooked meal, great wine, peace and quiet meaning the most important thing is a reliable babysitter! :)

Posted by Anne at 7.45PM 11-2-2012

To make Valentine's Day special and a bit less commercial, my partner set us a challenge last year and instead of going out for dinner he prepared a picnic which we took to the Botanical Gardens. The challenge was not the picnic but the fact that we weren't allowed to speak, only communicate by gestures and by looking at each other. Now I normally LOVE to talk and it wasn't easy but SO much fun!! I knew that he should have been a comedian but really that day goes down in our little history as one of the best. We were laughing so hard we couldn't really eat much of the picnic, to top it off he had picked some rather strange foods for a picnic, amongst them couscous (we had no fork or spoon), yoghurt (again, no spoon!) and honey. It topped an expensive dinner by miles and I really did love him even more than before after that. Happy Valentine's Day this year, I can't wait to see what he's got in store :-)

Posted by fay at 6.19PM 11-2-2012

When we were about 18 my then boyfriend and I were seperated about 500 miles due to work. He was not and is not romantic but I did get a Valentine that year which I still have and he wrote: In my bed I lie and write your valentine on this cold night, an empty bed without you near without your breath upon my ear, without your love I hold so high, without your love I think I'd die, without your touch upon my face, without your lips as soft as lace, without your head upon my chest, without the softness of your breast, without the smoothness of your thighs, without the love of your brown eyes, eyes that light a room when dark, eyes I love so dearly, they dance like children in the park, they dance so fine and clearly. In my bed I lie and write your valentine on this cold night and you will forever be the nearest, sweetest girl to me. We have now been married 32 years.

Posted by Leonor at 10.21PM 10-2-2012

Neither my husband or myself ever believed in Valentine's Day before we started seeing each other however, the year we started going out, and on Valentine's Day he came to my home with groceries to cook dinner for me and my two year old daughter. When he left his place his mate mentioned something about it being Valentine's Day and as soon as he arrived at my place he quickly mentioned that he wasn't celebrating Valentine's Day, and that cooking dinner was just something he wanted to do for us. Nevertheless it was a great dinner, he still cooks and we remember that evening with a lot of humour. And we are still very much in love.

Posted by Veruschka Usenko at 5.29PM 10-2-2012

That's easy! Valentine's Day has never meant so much as my Wedding Day in Paris! My (now exhusband) partner and I decided to marry in the City Of Light in 1986 on Valentine's Day! We had a magical day in the company of Gough & Margaret Whitlam, at the Australian Embassy for the ceremony, then served champagne in their sumptuous apartment overlooking the Seine. How could you top THAT for a wedding?

Posted by Matt Dalton at 5.25PM 10-2-2012

Posted by Allison at 1.56PM 9-2-2012

I was out for Valentine's Day Dinner when our waiter approached. He was warm and friendly and totally gorgoeus. Ironically my 'Date' knew him and introduced us and later enthusiastically told me what a lovely person he (the waiter) was. Ironically, one year later, I was out to dinner for Valentines Day Dinner at the very same reataurant. This time, however, my 'Date' was the waiter who had previously served us. Thirty years on, we are still happily married! (He did, after all, come highly recommended!)

Posted by Franca at 12.52PM 9-2-2012

Our Wedding Day was my best Valentine's experience. And this year will be our 14th Wedding Anniversary. We get to celebrate twice on St V's Day...........lucky me :)

Posted by Renee Annison at 11.57AM 9-2-2012

my first memorable valentines day was when i received a white gold necklace with mummy on it from my 1 week old son. it will be something i treasure for ever xxx

Posted by natasha marchev at 8.44PM 8-2-2012

My answer will be short and sweet: my best St Valentine's Day is still to come in the near future: as it comes with the next moment of my life that I choose live better than the one that just have passed… With age and experience, especially if you had a big loss in the past you start to value and cherish every moment you live together with your Love. You treat your every day as a Valentine's Day, as this is the last day you live, as they are the last tender words you said to him; as it was the last caring glance you looked at him, as it was the last gentle kiss you left on his lips...

Posted by B Worthington at 10.28AM 8-2-2012

My partner and I have always thought that Valentine's Day was totally over commercialized and hence agreed to not fall into the flowers-present-dinner trap. The first few years we played it very low key by spending time together at home. Then one year, out of the blue, I thought I would give her the biggest Valentine's Day surprise (more like weekend) of her life. I told her we were going to visit friends in Sydney but in actual fact had planned a cascade of surprises to keep her stunned for days! I arranged a private seaplane flight to Whale Beach where Jonah's restaurant it. There we checked in for the weekend, had long lunches and dinners over-looking the cliff-top views, full body pampering for her as it is her thing, fresh flowers and chocolates brought to the room daily. She always complains that I never do the "little things", so I hid notes all over the place for her to find. On the seaplane back to Sydney, I sealed the weekend with an antique gold-heart locket, one she saw weeks ago. You guys might ask why I did it. I guess I just wanted to go all out and get it out of our systems so that we can laugh about it and have fond memories at every Valentine's Day from now on!

Posted by Ceara at 8.15AM 8-2-2012

Living in Japan me and my now husband where driving down a busy road on Valentine's Day. I was not in the best mood as due to a tight budget we decided not to celebrate that year. Suddenly a small dog runs on to the road in front of us. I scream 'Stop the car!' and I jump out and rescue it. We then went to the local police station. They made a report, the officer showed me photos of his dogs all dressed up in red ribbons for valentine's day. Then he said "Ok, unless you want to keep this dog I'm going to take it out the back and shoot it." I was shocked! My then boyfriend handed me the dog and said "Happy Valentine's Day."

Posted by Belinda at 9.27PM 7-2-2012

My best experience was when my boyfriend posted me a card filled with tiny hearts and a CD that I really wanted when he was living in NSW and I was in SA. He wrote sweet things in the card and I still love it to this day.

Posted by Diana at 6.11PM 7-2-2012

A few years ago, he surprised me with an awesome big flat screen TV & I him with an Xbox 360 a a few games - and it was game on, with good wine, all Valentines night. This grown pair had a lot of childish fun.

Posted by Belinda at 1.28PM 7-2-2012

Posted by Chloe Hill at 12.31PM 7-2-2012

After our first date on Valentines Day some 5 years ago, it means that my boy and I have to share our special day with every other couple. Each year we try to enjoy the night and reflect on our romance, and so a few years back we went to one of the 2 cities of love - The big Apple! Walking the chilly streets hand in hand, enjoying all that New York had to offer, taking to the top of the empire state building, and enjoying a fabulous meal, TRUE ROMANCE!

Posted by Sonia Olden at 12.47AM 7-2-2012

A Limo ride with Champagne to a local airport then amystery flight over Melbourne followed by a late romantic supper at home! My Husband never fails to amaze me on Valentines Day!

Posted by Lyndel Rowe at 12.18AM 7-2-2012

My boyfriend once bought me a very expensive box of chocolates, wrapped each one in a piece of red silk and on each one he’d written a reason he loved me, so thoughtful and beautiful!

Posted by Angela at 9.58PM 6-2-2012

8 years ago while holidaying in Byron Bay, my (now) husband swam up to me as we frolicked in the water at "The Pass" and asked me to be the mother of his children..It was Valentines Day. As people who were young at the time and definitely not participants in the whole Valentines "thing" I was completely taken aback. We then swam up to the shoreline, and as we looked up, a bride and groom were coming our way to get married next to the water where Steve had just proposed! Of course I had to say yes....it was a sign..and the rest is history..

Posted by B Jackson at 8.43PM 6-2-2012

Well, my boyfriend didn't believe in Valentine's Day, or Birthday's or even the joy of Christmas so guess what...he's not my boyfriend any more! I'd love to win a gift as I know I won't be receiving a gift (again) this year.

Posted by Cheryl Moulton at 7.40PM 6-2-2012

nobody has ever done anything nice for me, but I always sent a red rose to my (now ex) hubby

Posted by jenny at 3.59PM 6-2-2012

Just have dinner with my single friends.

Posted by tiera haugen at 1.01PM 6-2-2012

Not having alot of money, my partner and I decided to be a bit creative for Valentines Day. Where could we go that didnt cost alot and we would get some peace and quiet. Being quite warm and no chance of rain we decided we would have a picnic under the stars. The catch was we were going on top of our roof, no interuptions , no phones, no kids . It was the most romantic Valentines of my life, and I will never forget whilst looking up at the stars and sipping our champagne, having a bit of a kiss, that some tiles started falling off!! Which, I tell you, only added to the excitement of romance?

Posted by Sofia at 12.47PM 6-2-2012

He cooks. That is all.

Posted by kirsty at 12.17PM 6-2-2012

Snowy Prague 2005. My boyfriend (now husband) bought me a lovely ring of deep red garnet from a quaint little jewellery store in the old town. Then we went to the lovely art nouveau Cafe Imperial where until a few years ago you were you were allowed to throw stale doughnuts at your fellow customers. It was a rare event, but I was so happy that day that I wouldn't have minded a sugary cinnamon missile to the back of the head. :)

Posted by Charmaine Campbell at 11.44AM 6-2-2012

We have never really celebrated Valentine's Day (husband is too tight). Valentine's Day last year I gave my hubby a card, mostly because he was just about to have major surgery to remove his left lung due to Melanoma cancer. I was worried about losing him and imagining that he might not be here for another Valentine's Day so decided to say it with a card. His response was "we don't do Valentine's Day." Anyway, he is still here, but the future is uncertain for us as he now has cancer in his other lung, so I plan on making this year our best Valentine's Day ever! Might even embarrass him by sending him flowers at work!

Posted by Trish at 10.10AM 6-2-2012

My most memorable Valentines Day was a few years ago when my boyfriend decided he would take me on a romantic picnic in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. He brought a picnic basket and rug, set up near a lake and we toasted with champagne while overlooking the magnificent view of the lake with hordes of pretty swans and ducks swimming peacefully. We were lazing around when a cute duck walked nearby and my boyfriend threw it a hunk of bread. All of a sudden we heard some noises coming from the lake. We looked down and saw a moving wall of no less than 80 swans and ducks charging up the hill towards us, honking and screeching and trying to beat each other in the race for a piece of bread. It was a terrifying sight. We screamed and dumped our food into the picnic basket, running up the hill with a procession of screeching birds behind us, much to the delight of other canoodling couples.

Posted by Rosanna Li at 12.36AM 6-2-2012

It was just an unspoken expectation that we would spend time together and put everything else on the shelf for that day- low key, unforced, and space together. I think we even played Scrabble as we usually do, went out to get some nice food and cooked together. For this Valentine's day too, there's no guarantees, so whatever happens will be a nice surprise. In contrast, a set Valentine's day special deal at the Crown sitting side by side other couples was one of the most contrived, mortifying experiences of my life, LOL;)

Posted by Aggie Ryan at 11.13PM 5-2-2012

It was memorable for me but probably moreso for my husband ... about 19 years ago, my hubby had to go to Paris for work and was away for a week! (And being fairly new as a wedded couple, a week was 7 days too long, as far as I was concerned ... ahem!) Anyhoo, not very versed in time difference and jet-lag, he arrived back early one morning, stepping off the plane, and greeting me with "Oh, I've missed you ... Happy Valentine's Day my love!" Unfortunately, Valentine's was the day before ... I piled him in our little car (first home buyer's back in the early 90's yielded little in extra cash with interest rates at 18%!) ... and I told him we were to be at a Gold Coast resort in over an hour for our appointed tee off time for a game of golf! (Hubby had a huge grin on his face!) We arrive in time, valet speeding off in our little 4WD and we proceed to the 1st tee ... husband still awake ... and still with a huge smile on his face! A gorgeous day followed by a wonderful dinner ... hubby still awake ... slurring a tad ... but still enjoying the moment! Anywaaaay .... head back to room full of food and wine ... I go to change into something more comfortable ... whilst hubby said that he'd test the bed!!! I appear a bit later ..... and find husband snoring soundly ... on top of the bed ... still fully clothed! I hop into bed, and hubby rolls over and murmour's, "Thanks for a wonderful Valentine's day ... sorry I arrived a day late! Zzzzzz!" Anyway, not so bad considering that this February 14th will be our 23rd Valentine's Day!

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