First off, I am so sorry about being a blog slacker- I have been playing catch up and it has taken me alot of time! Needless to say, me and my accountant are having some FUN next month! {{{HOLLA}}}}

Whew! Ok…so its that time if year where we all get all mushy, thinking about love, and hearts and red roses- and EEK! What to get that “special” person in our lives.  I know, for all you men, diamonds are a girls best friend, and a blue box NEVER hurt! But, given the economy this year, I am trying to think a little more budget friendly.  So, these are the top 5 things I would give/receive for Valentine’s Day:

Number 1- oh, come on, you knew this one!

Boudoir Photography

This is by far the number one gift topper for any man this year! All it takes is a dose of courage, and some fantastic lingerie, and voila! It really is a lot of fun! The website goes live on Valentine’s day so you will see what I have been working on for over a year! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE boudoir sessions!

** IF you are not quite brave enough for this, I hear hubby’s also love portraits of just their wives during a regular portrait session.  EEEK! None of the kids- I know its hard to believe, but think of the last time you had a portrait taken of just you, for just him??!

2) CoupleTalk

This is the MOSTEST fun game EVER! I got this for Mark for Christmas at Red Envelope and we have really enjoyed playing.  We usually do it while cooking, open a bottle of wine and just chat.  I gave to my brother and my sis-in-law fopr Christmas as well.  I think its a great gift if you are newly married, or have been married for 20+ years!  Actually, Red Envelope has oodles of great gift ideas!!

#3) Chocolates

And not just any chocolates- these babies are straight from heaven! They are called Vosges, and they are out of NYC.  They put the most decadent {and oddest} things inside- but somehow it works! Mark got these last year for me, and so I am reposting from Feb 2008.  I sure hope he repeats for ’09! Can I say YUMMY!

4) 5 Love Languages

Ok, so its a book- and I know that seems silly.  But, it is by far one of the best books Mark and I have ever read! There is actually a write up in it in this Months Southern Wedding magazine- which, for all you bride’s, is a fabulous wedding magazine!! The book, discusses the 5 love languages used to communicate how we “love” each other.  It really is eye opening if you have not read!

5) The Sappy Stuff

Ok, think outside the box here! Why not get a fabulous tree you have been wanting to plant, and make a big deal about planting it together, or with your children.  Or, buy a star in his/her name. There is  a great website that allows you to name a star after someone.  Or, for all you UF fans, you can get a brick with your anniversary date, or your children’s names, or something special for just the two of you.  They are putting the bricks outside the football stadium.  Just imagine your children starting their college career there and having a brick that commemorated their parents marriage  {{SIGH}}}!  Or flowers, and not just any flowers, but the flowers that you had in your wedding! Now, for all you men {and I know there are some of you out there} go peak at you wedding photos and take one to your favorite florist.  I guarentee that and a box of vosges chocolates will make any women swoon!

Well, thats it!!  I hope this helps somebody out there! Now get shopping and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!