Spread the Love

by Alysa Sullivan, January 31, 2007

Either way you look at it, Valentine’s day is a mine field. Whether you have a beloved that you want to shower with gifts or you are happily unattached, February 14 brings with it a high degree of pressure. Well I say take the day back to it’s roots, celebrate the love in your life; love for yourself, your mate, your family, your friends, your planet. And for goodness sake, don’t settle for a heart-shaped box of chocolate from the drug store!

THE TRADITION: If Valentine’s Day and chocolate are indistinguishable in your mind and your beloved would be apoplectic if you showed up without the magic cocoa bean in tow, then by all means get them the very best the valley has to offer:

OLIVER KITA FINE CONFECTIONS (6815 Route 9, Astor Square, Rhinebeck) craft gorgeous handmade confections from the purest organic and fair trade chocolates. Inventive combinations of flavors and beautiful design are the hallmarks of Oliver Kita’s artisanal chocolates. Never again will you confuse a heart shaped box of bon bons from the drugstore with chocolate. Open Wednesday-Sundays, call ahead to check for business hours (845) 876-2665

THE ROMANCE: Valentine’s Day just screams lingerie for the romantics among us and Joovay (6423 Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck) carries the most luxurious intimate wear around. Whether you are looking for a delicious terry cloth robe, a satin nightie or something more, um… intimate Joovay has you covered (in a fashion).


J’ADORE MON AMOUR: Say I love you in Basic French (5 East Market St., Red Hook). This lovely shop with all things Gallic has so many items to treat yourself or your beloved.

For him, CLASSIC COTTON PAJAMAS made from the finest quality cotton with shell buttons, looking like Cary Grant in PJ’s he’ll sweep you off your feet ($125).


For her, the always classic FRAGONARD eau de toilette, the perfect blend of jasmine, lily and honeysuckle will transport you to the Cote D’Azur for a lot less than the airfare (3 oz. for $48).


Show your mother you love her by learning a new language, say mother in french with the MAMAN bracelet ($60 sterling, $100 gold-plated).


THE GREEN VALENTINE: The best way I can think to say I love you to anyone you hold near and dear might just be to make a charitable contribution in their name to the charity of your choice. Help your eco valentine offset their carbon emissions with a Terrapass (www.terrapass.com), clean up the Hudson River (riverkeeper.org) or rescue a homeless dog or cat by logging on to Howard’s Place for a listing of shelters in New York State. (http://howardsplace.net/nydogscats.html).

Happy Valentine’s Day and remember to spread the love!

Thoughts, comments, ideas? E-mail me at: The shoppingbag@hvc.rr.com.