“Skidamarink a dink a dink, skidamarink a doo, I love you.”
Sing that kiddie ditty to your little one and give him or her a book and/or a stuffed animal for flowers for valentines day, and you’re bound to get a “Skidamarink a dink ... I love you,” refrain right back at you. Sweet!
Ah, if only the older loves in our lives were so easy to please and buy for.
Don’t fret. Rockford Woman to the rescue.
We have a few suggestions from local retailers, including one that’s sure to knock the shoes and socks off your longtime hubby. Think Punta Cana vacation.
Not that far along in your romantic relationship? How about a partially cooked dinner for you and your new boyfriend that you pick up and take to his place to finish cooking, with a bottle of wine included.
Add massage oils, chocolates and flowers to the list for your other flowers for valentines day.
1. For your new boyfriend
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And if that’s the case, Five Forks Market, 6565 Lexus Drive, Rockford, has a Valentine’s Day-to-go dinner sure to satisfy his hunger.
And you make it hot, hot, hot by finishing the partially cooked meal at his place or yours. You pick up at Five Forks the filet steak, stuffed chicken breast or chicken-and-steak dinner that comes with potato risotto or twice-baked potato, vegetable, dessert (could be a Flourless Chocolate Cake by Daniel or a chocolate cheesecake), with a bottle of wine. And you get cooking instructions. Cost is $65. Orders must be placed in advance. 815-229-5500, fiveforksmarket.com.
2. For your girlfriend/mother
Next to diamonds, flowers could be a girlfriend/mother’s best friend for Valentine’s Day.
Stems Floral Design, 4001 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park, offers arrangements that include a $90 one in a vase with green hydrangea, bells of Ireland, orange celosia, leucadendron and curly willow. For more information, call 815-633-5100 or visit stems123.com.
Among the arrangements offered by O’Fallon’s Fine Flowers, 1605 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, is a candlelit one with orchids, hydrangea, tulips, roses and stock (shown on the cover of the magazine), although flowers may vary for your Valentine’s Day purchase. Cost is $65 in a vase that’s about 12 inches tall. For more information, call 815-395-8320
3. For any chocolate-lover
A chocolate in the mouth is worth two on the plate. Anything is good and useful if it’s made of chocolate. We could go on and on extolling the virtues of chocolate, especially for giving (and receiving) on Valentine’s Day. A taste of chocolate heaven is close by at Chocolat by Daniel, 211 E. State St., Rockford, where photos for this story were taken.
Chocolat by Daniel features chocolates that are ever-changing. Here, the sliced piece is a truffle torte. Others are Intrigue, with olive oil and sea salt; Suitor, with port wine and mulling spices; Monique, with raisins in brandy; Rugged Adventurer, with silky 72% Venezuelan bittersweet; the classic French truffle rolled in cocoa powder; and Dream, with anise coriander and cardamom.
The selection changes often, so the pieces shown may not be available on any given day.
Daniel’s chocolates are made fresh in small batches from raw Belgian, French, Swiss, Columbian and Venezuelan chocolate and contain no wax, preservatives, artificial flavors, corn syrup or added sugar. A wide and ever-changing selection of chocolates are available for $2.25 a piece or six for $13 plus tax, as well as chocolate creations in shapes, such as slippers and violins. For more information, call 815-969-7990
4. For your new husband
Get a couple’s massage. “We offer a cozy, romantic experience,” says Megan Kelley, dayspa director at WM Day Spa Salon, 6555 Lexus Drive, Rockford
“It’s a great way to introduce a partner who has never gotten a massage before in a way that makes them feel more comfortable the first time. Some men are apprehensive about getting a massage because of the nudity involved. To have their wife or girlfriend there is reassuring.” Cost for the both of you: $80 to $100 for 30 minutes to $180 to $200 for 90 minutes.
Another option: Sing “Come on, come on, come on now, touch me, baby” from the Doors “Touch Me” while you apply massage oils to each other.
Aveda massage oils at WM Day Spa Salon include:
Calming Composition features “clarified jojoba oil and a tranquil blend of rose and other pure flower and plant essences.” Use as a body massage, add to running water for a soothing bath. $21.
Active Composition features wintergreen oil and menthol, and its “exhilarating blend of essences helps soothe tired, sore muscles with a combination of cooling and heating sensations.” It carries an invigorating aroma, is good for deep-penetrating massages, and awakens and refreshes senses. $21.
5. For your longtime husband
“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment.” We second that anonymous writer’s quote and give you a few details about a vacation at one of the most happening places: Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
It is known for endless stretches of beaches. All of the resorts are spread out on large tracts of beach. No overcrowding here. No resort is taller than the highest palm tree. Average temperature is 86 degrees.
Cost is $1,750 a person for seven nights, from Rockford at the Iberostar Resort, and includes airfare, transfer, hotels, all food and drinks.
Closer to home, try taking in any of the art, science, history museums, theaters and restaurants, and then spend the night at the Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The Escape Romance Package Deluxe includes a room with a king bed and a view from the 10th to the 46th floors, where you can see much of the city’s lights. A bottle of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries are included. Cost is $264 to $404.
Make arrangements through Lindstrom Travel, 5970 Guilford Road, Rockford, 815-398-8888,
6. For your child
This Valentine’s Day, cuddle with your little one, a book and a stuffed animal, cute or not.
Wonderland Books & Toys in Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1625 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, offers lots of choices, including: “My Heart is Like a Zoo” ($16.99) and “Ladybug Girl Loves” ($5.99). A fox ($39.99) and panda ($19.99) are part of a hot plush line called “Squishables.” Basheeshee ($19.99) is the newest Ugly Doll. Ugly Dolls have been favorites of Wonderland staff for years, showing that “ugly” means “unique” and “special.” For more information, call 815-394-1633
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