I got a beautiful bouquet for V-Day. How can I keep them alive longer? –Linda

Karen Myers, owner of Apples to Zinnias, has the secrets.

With very little effort, you can have beautiful flowers to enjoy for days and days. Keeping the water in the vase clean is the number one way to keep your flowers healthy and long lasting.

Apples to Zinnias' Mint Julep Cup

There are many recommendations that have been passed around.  A few are adding a copper penny,putting in a small dose of bleach, or adding an aspirin. Those things can change the pH balance a small amount to keep the water fresh.

To clear the vase of all bacteria, hold the vase over the sink, holding the flowers in place, and pour out all the water.  Immediately, replace with water that is a medium temperature.  Flowers are sucking air and closing off their future ability to drink when they are out of water, so it needs to be done quickly.  Doing this once a day is optimal, but even every other day will make a big difference in the life of the flowers.

Giving the stems a fresh cut will enhance their life even more. The larger the stem of the flower the more important it is to give it a fresh cut every few days.

Cosabella bra, $75 (left), Mimi Holliday bra, $88, and Mimi Holliday thong, $78.



I.D. Sarrieri bra, $485, and thong, $198

Oh la la Cheri bra, $59; thong, $32; garter belt, $35
La Perla bra and panty set and one-piece sheer bodysuit, $500-$700
Honeydew ruffled shorts

Pink bra, $29 and high-waisted panty

(from left) Chantelle shorty and bra, $153; Cosa Bella chemise, $76.80; Aubade demi bra and panty, $214

Check these mommas out, all up for grabs at Intimacy in NorthPark.

photography courtesy of Foxy Paws

Like for most holidays, Willowbend’s Foxy Paws boutique is hosting a furry fiesta to benefit Dallas doggies. Bring your pooch to the mall to participate in its Valentine’s Day-themed “Smooch the Pooch PAW-TY.” Every dime you spend here will go directly to the Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas. Purchase a pet portrait (like the one you see right), and you’ll get to participate in the goody bag grab, pink champagne (count us in), truffles, and a contest to crown Mr. & Mrs. Valentines. (Not you; the dogs.) Photo packages start out as low as $20, and for the goodies, drinks, a portrait of your furry lovie, and a donation to the Dalmatian Rescue, it’s a steal of a deal. Plus, if you’re interested in taking a spotted pooch home, adoption information is available. (Apparently more than 100 dogs founds homes last year because of this event!) Check it out from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Skill level, size or age does not matter, as all movements have modification. You will leave as an expert, having created the sexiest lap dance ever that you can hold on to for a special occasion or to share this Valentine’s Day. It’s a super sensual and playful dance that is open to all ability levels with no pre-requisite.

Sydney Evan Love Script Bracelet

Isn’t it darling? Find it at Ylang23 for $660.

Update: It’s a ring, not a bracelet. Sorry, guys. :/

I’ve started putting together a list of V-Day-inspired specials happening at spas and shops. Jump for the first round.

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SPA
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The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton
Sweetheart Massage, $150 per person

Moonlight at the Oasis Couple’s Experience, $260 per person
This features a shared foot ritual, couple’s massage, side-by-side hand reflexology, champagne and margaritas for two, and a spa boutique shopping credit.

Chocolicious Embrace, $145 per person
This includes a chocolate truffle couple’s massage.

Berry Beautiful Manicure, Pedicure and Facial, $75 mani, $105 pedi, and $165 facial

Additionally, a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne will be offered to every massage guest on Mondays and Tuesdays in February.

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V Spa
Touch of Love Massage
A blend of V Spa’s signature Vino-therapy and hot stone massages using anti-oxidant properties of champagne grapeseed oil to detoxify and therapeutic warm river rocks to balance mind and spirit. Served with a glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberry. 50-min / $105 per person or $210 per couple.

Champagne and Roses Facial
A restorative and de-stressing treatment with pure organic aromatherapy to replenish and nurture from the inside out. Includes powdered pearls exfoliation, champagne grapeseed moisturizer, hot stones, anti-aging face and neck massage, Manuka Honey masque, and ultimate hydrating Champagne and Rose Butter Cream hand massage. Served with a glass of champagne. 50-min / $95

Champagne and Roses Manicure or Pedicure
Begin your serene ritual with a glass of champagne and relaxing rose-scented soak, followed by a Champagne and Rose Scrub and Butter Cream hand or foot massage. Includes a warm neck wrap and choice of polish. 50-min / $50

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ZaSpa at Hotel ZaZa Dallas
Champagne Dreams Body Treatment – $150/person
Start your ZaSpa experience off with a glass of our signature Veuve Clicquot Champagne. This 80min body treatment utilizes anti-oxidant rich grape seed extract and other certified organic botanicals. This treatment is designed to hydrate, exfoliate, and detoxify your skin, while fighting the signs of aging. Begin the treatment with a 30min scrub and finish with a relaxing 50min massage. Cheers!

ZaPerfect Date!!! – $90/person
That’s right Beautiful, you can’t beat this option for a great date idea! ZaSpa is offering two 50min Swedish massages at $90/person.

Diamond Shimmer Body Treatment – $150/person
Need to make a “stunning” entrance at your next event or date, utilize this fabulous 80-min body treatment. It incorporates the powerful mineral content of diamond dust infused into the highest quality of coconut oils, shea butter and aloe vera. Leave the treatment with a Glow! Simply Fabulous!

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The Spa at Equinox
24K Gold Facial
Equinox’s 24K Gold Collagen Mask caps off an hour of Equinox’s signature spa facial that begins with a detailed skin condition analysis from a highly trained aesthetician, followed by a customized facial and décolletage massage. Wrinkles, pigmentation problems, and dry, flaky skin will fade away along with the stress of the day.

Chocolate Facial and Massage
Equinox’s Chocolate Facial caps an hour of Equinox’s signature spa treatment that begins with a detailed skin condition analysis from a highly trained aesthetician, followed by a deep, relaxing décolletage massage. This $155 treatment will be offered beginning February 2011.

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Luxury on Lovers
“I Love You” Package $198
This luxurious package combines two of our most popular treatments; our signature HydraFacial Plus and one-hour integrated massage, into one afternoon of total rejuvenation. Skin-appropriate serums are used to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate the skin, leaving it exceptionally soft and glowing. Then, our nationally-recognized massage therapists will transport your body into a complete state of bliss with a one-hour integrated relaxation massage.
Package includes: Signature HydraFacial Plus and 60-minute Integrated massage.

Champagne & Roses Package $168
This luxurious facial will pamper you with an intoxicating blend of antioxidant multivitamin extracts distilled from champagne grapes and Bulgarian roses. It infuses the skin with lasting moisture and elasticity, and its scent delights the senses. Our special gift of body creams and lotions ensures that your skin will stay positively glowing- long after you’ve left the spa.
Package includes: Champagne and Roses facial, complimentary champagne, long-stemmed rose, and gift package of Lisa’s house blended lip balm and organic extreme body cream.

Kissy Face Package $88
Get ready for a special evening with your honey. Start you skin glowing with our Hydrafacial Express and plump up your pucker with our Microgei lip treatment.

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Spa Habitat
Peace & Love $490
This consists of a 50-minute massage, organic foot rituals, and little green facials.

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Facelogic
The Pre-Proposal Spa Treatment
Available between now and February 14th, 2011 for $69 ($119 value)
Pucker Up Lip Treatment – organic sugar granules are gently massaged into lips buffing away dead skin, then a silky moisture masque re-hydrates exfoliated lips with healing essential oils and lips are sealed with a cooling lip plumper for lasting hydration. The lasting lip plumper product is included for guests to take home.
Ring-Ready Hand Treatment – to get hands unimaginably soft, beautiful and ring-ready, hands receive a deep clean, exfoliation to buff away rough skin, a peel to soften and moisturize and a therapeutic massage.
Signature Facial – begins with a thorough skin analysis followed by a deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions (if requested), a mask and therapeutic massage.

Lovable Face Facial $49
This consists of a Signature Facial and the Pucker-Up Lip Treatment.

Aromatherapy Massage $49
This consists of a 50-minute soothing massage with massage oils and the guest’s choice of aromatherapy scent.

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SHOPPING
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Blues Jean Bar
Head to Blues Jeans Bar with your sweetie and when you buy a pair of jeans, you’ll get a second pair for your partner in crime for 20 percent off.

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The Gypsy Wagon
Feb. 9 through Feb. 14
The sweet Henderson hot spot has teamed up with Bows & Arrows to offer up darling floral designs. The in-store pop-up floral shop will have $30 mason jar arrangements up for grabs. Love that idea!