Valentine’s Day

Oh, Valentine’s Day…. it can get a little predictable, can’t it? Though we’ll never say no to a big old box of chocolate and a thoughtful card, sometimes it’s fun to shake things up. When I saw that Palmer Square was hosting an Ice Sculpture festival titled “Hearts on Fire,” it sent got me thinking of fun themes for this year’s Valentine’s Day gifting. If you’re looking for a new twist on this love-filled holiday, let me light your creative fire with ideas from a quick shopping trip around Palmer Square….

Store front of Thomas Sweet Chocolates in Palmer Square Princeton

Get spicy: Instead of the bubbly, ask the staff at Princeton Corkscrew Wine Shop to point you in the direction of a spicy red. We picked up a Cab for $19 that we served with spicy noodles.

red wine being poured into a wine glass

Stop into Carter & Cavero and pick up a bottle of their spicy Chipotle Olive Oil – on sale this month! Infused with smoky pepper, this oil would be a great marinade for a home-cooked V-Day dinner. (Don’t miss the recipes on their website!)

Carter & Cavero Olive Oil's and spicy condiments

Red Hot: MAC Cosmetics are always a hit, if you ask me. Get her a gift card and let her find her perfect shade: Matte Lipstick in ‘Chili,’ perhaps?

MAC lipstock and kiss me quick lipliner infront of assorted makeup brushes and eyeshadow palettes

How about a hot date: dinner at Mediterra. They’ve got a special menu for Valentine’s Day, with specials like Oysters with Rosé Cava, Braised Shortrib with Coffee and Chilies, and a Flourless ‘Boca Negra,’ made with bourbon and raspberry. Yum.

outside in front of Mediterra, Pure Barre and Salon Pure, lamp posts are shining, sun is going down

Get Cozy: Yes, Lace Silhouettes Lingerie has the luxe lingerie that you might expect for a Valentine’s Day surprise (ooh, la la!) but don’t forget they also have ultra-cozy PJs and robes. Yes, please!

maroon laced bralette and red silk slip

And finally, when I think fire, I can’t help but picture the roaring fireplace at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room. Take your love on a date, grab a pint or a pour on the rocks, and sip together by the fire.infront of Nassau Inn fireplace, fire is burning and two glasses of red and white wine have been poured on the tableNasssau Inn burger topped with cheese, bacon, sautéed onions with a pickle aside and basket of battered fries

(By the way, if you’re looking for chocolate, flowers, or treats for the little ones, you can find all that on the Square, too!)