Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Him and Her

If you haven't already, it's time to start thinking about a Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart. Here are some creative ideas that can be bought at shops in Evanston

It's better late than never when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. Here are some ideas for presents you can pick up in Evanston today. 1. SOMETHING TO WARM UP THOSE COLD WINTER NIGHTS... Consider a fine sipping liquor for your gentleman. Someone at Few Spirits, WineStyles, Vinic Wine Company or The Wine Goddess can probably recommend the perfect beverage. 2. CARS If you're not sure what your guy would like, a nice gift certificate to one of Evanston's local auto stores could work, too. 3. THE WAY TO A MANS HEART… Why bother cooking? Take the easy route and reserve your spot for a gourmet dinner at one of Evanston's many restaurants. For something extra special, consider Davis Street Fishmarket, Pete Miller's Seafood & Prime Steak, Quince …

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Valentine's Day Tips From An Evanston Florist

Kim Lesher, co-owner of Bloom 3 on Chicago Avenue, shares cost-saving tips and some suggestions for alternatives to the traditional red roses.

Spending On Valentine's Day Gifts Goes Up. What Will You Be Buying?

The average person will fork out $130.97 on Valentine's Day gifts, according to a national survey. That's up slightly from last year. How much do you plan to spend on your Valentine?

Love — and money — are in the air this time of year. Americans are expected to spend $18.6 billion on Valentine's Day gifts this year, according to the National Retail Federation, citing a survey by BIGinsight. That comes out to $130.97 per person, which is up from $126.03 last year.  Perhaps not surprisingly, men will outspend women, with an average of $175.61 each compared to $88.78, according to the survey. While most of that spending is going toward significant others, 20 percent of people plan to buy a Valentine's Day gift for their pet. Yet there's hope for those who place a premium on quality time together instead of gifts. According to a study by Discover Financial Services, a majority of couples prefer to spend time together than …

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No Babysitter for Valentine's Day? No Problem!

Simple ways to put the kids to work and still have a Romantic evening at home

No babysitter for Valentine’s Day this year? Don't worry about it! You can still have a fun and romantic evening at home, even with the kids. When our kids were young, we could never get a babysitter for Valentine’s Day. But we recovered by putting the kids to work. That’s right. Putting the kids to work. I asked my kids if they could help put together a romantic evening for Daddy and I. Even though they were 7 and 9 years old, they took it on as a challenge and were quite creative. Here's how it worked. 1. Decide whether you are going to cook a romantic meal or order in from one of your favorite restaurants. We enjoy cooking but if you don’t, treat yourself and get carry out. Fancy food, not a big mess to clean-up, and a much less …

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John Ness

10:57 am on Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Awesome.   more ›

Patch Picks: Valentine's Day

Evanston restaurant recommendations for Valentine's Day.

Welcome back to Patch Picks, our weekly feature highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.  You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. Today we're featuring a list on Valentine's Day. Want to suggest a list? Submit your idea in the comment box. Patch Picks: Valentine's Day Union Pizzeria Union Pizzeria’s rustic atmosphere is perfect for Valentine’s Day. The restaurant is dimly lit with cozy seating for couples.  …

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The Great Escape: Wine Tasting Specials

Looking for something to do without the kids? Check out a wine and chocolate event at WineStyles.

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it.  Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. Today comes a Valentine’s Day offer from WineStyles.  They're hosting a Wine and Chocolate Tasting Event Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.  The event costs $10 admission for Wine Club members and $15 admission for non-members.  WineStyles is requesting cash only.  “Wine chocolate is a huge event,” said Maggie Noonan, Winestyles storeowner. “We do it a couple of …

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