The Daily Valet. - 1/31/20, Valentine's Day 1
✔️ What You Need to Prep for Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day Edition
I don’t take V-Day so seriously, but a reminder to celebrate love isn’t so bad, really.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Your Pre-Date Grooming Checklist
From the guy who makes A-list dudes look sharp
When it comes to dating, there's a whole lot that's out of your control. One thing you can control though is how you look before a date.
Good grooming will give you confidence and peace of mind, so we dialed up Jason Schneidman, a celebrity hairstylist and groomer who helps guys like Hugh Jackman, Mark Ronson and James Corden look their best.
He provided a simple rundown on what guys should be doing before a big night like Valentine's Day.
↦ Look Sharp: From skin and hair to finishing touches, here's what Jason recommends.
Romantic Gestures Guaranteed to Please
How to be a better boyfriend or husband
Like so often in life, when it comes to being romantic, it's the little things that matter. You don't need to concoct these epic overtures to make your partner feel appreciated or adored.
"Many guys are afraid to do romantic things because they think it will be lame or they'll get laughed at, or it won't go over as well as they had hoped" says relationship coach Jordan Gray. "And so they don't even try, which is a shame."
Because even the smallest actions—writing a note or giving a back rub—will have a lasting impact because they're genuine and more importantly, unexpected. Surprise, according to Gray, is absolutely essential in your romantic gesture.
Don't ask yourself "What could I do that would seem romantic?" Instead, think about simple ways to show your appreciation and thoughtfulness. And to get you started, we've pulled together some simple ideas that are all but guaranteed to please.
↦ Read: Six simple gestures you could do on the big day that will make your partner feel the love.
Special Promotion
Get Yourself Ready
We're big fans of a sheet mask—they’re what the pros and leading men use to look their best before a big event. And you should too. Within seconds of applying Port Products’ bio-cellulose mask, you can feel the proprietary blend of ocean-derived botanicals working. It's a refreshing tingle—minty and cooling. And after 15 minutes, your skin is noticeably brighter, smoother and the darkness under your eyes is diminished. It’s just want you need to show up for your Valentine’s Day date looking and feeling like your best self.
↦ Get It $44 (for a four-pack) by Port Products
Make a Meal That Will Impress
Don’t go out ... cook for them
Going out on Valentine's Day is always a let down. The restaurants are overcrowded and they usually force an overpriced pre-fixe menu on you. Then there's the slightly inappropriate couple displaying way too much public affection for the dining room.
Your better option is to stay home and cook for your Valentine. "There are two sure-fire ways to impress someone these days," says chef Sam Talbot. "One is a handwritten note and the other is a good home-cooked meal."
We asked Sam for a game plan. He provided some tips for making three dishes. You could prepare each on their own or make them together as a larger, three-course dinner. Your call.
↦ Your Game plan: How to cook three simple but satisfying dishes for an impressive at-home meal.
Ready to Win Valentine’s Day?
A few gift suggestions for men and women that will prove you’re the best significant other ever
Cloud loom robe,$148 / $119.98 by Coyuchi
Solar signet ring,$165 by Miansai
Clean sex gel,$20 by Nécessaire
Salami bouquet,$50 by Olympia Provisions
Cashmere rib beanie,$65 by Everlane
Eau Capitale Parisian perfume, $180 by Diptyque
OneStep 2 instant camera, $99.99 / $74.99 by Polaroid
⋆ Sexy yet comfortable enough to lounge in
Tulle-trimmed playsuit,$95 by Eberjey
⋆ Profits go toward LGBTQ+ equality
“Burning Love” candle,$48 by The Motley
“The Couple's Cookbook,”$17.99 by Ten Speed Press
↦ Shop: All of our gift picks
Special Promotion
Meet the Coffee Matchmaker
You know the difference between a great cup of coffee and one that's just okay. This Valentine's Day, gift the coffee lover in your life a subscription to Trade, which asks how you take your coffee and then makes smart suggestions based on your taste. They've pulled together over 400 incredible coffees from local roasters across the nation and allow you to discover new and comforting coffees as often as you like. It's as easy as it sounds and right now, you can score 30% off your first bag and free shipping when you start a subscription using code VALET
↦ Learn More: Coffee subscription gifts from Trade
A Good Place to Start ...
Ethiopia Duromina Cooperative, $22.10 by City of Saints
LSD Blend, $20 by Passion House
Blue Orchid Blend, $18.85 $16 by Huckleberry
Guatemala El Injerto Natural, $24.75 by Equator
Agaro, $19.20 by Passenger
Ethiopia, $14.75 by Necessary
↦ Learn More: Coffee subscription gifts from Trade
Give a Good Back Massage
It’s a skill every man should master ...
Honestly, the ability to give a good massage is an underrated but essential skill that every man should master. It can come in handy in a multitude of situations and will certainly set the mood for an occasion like Valentine's Day.
But you want to know what you're doing. While most of us think we can give a pretty good massage, the difference between a good and a really great massage makes a big difference.
So we sought out internationally trained massage therapist Amy Jokinen of the posh Beverly Wilshire Hotel Spa, for some expert tips. And it turns out, you don't need to master a bunch of different techniques. But you will want to stay clear of unnecessary, misused moves like those silly and not-very-sexy karate chops.
↦ Magic Hands: Here's how to give a rub down to remember.
Good luck out there...
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