1. Red Roses - Even though you might think “Everybody gets them.”, do you want your girl to be the one who doesn’t? Include another small gift to make it extra special.

2. Chocolates - If you want to show just how much you care, know what kind of chocolate she prefers (dark, milk, or white) and if they should be filled or solid pieces. If you haven’t crossed into that “all knowing” phase, pick out something with a large selection. Hopefully, she will ask you to share!

3. Romantic Heart Pendant - Heart-shaped pendants say “I love you” and are worn close to her heart. Choose from a variety of metals and a range of prices.

4. Perfumes or Lotions - Take a little time to snoop around, she will appreciate that you know what scent she prefers.

5. Apple iPod Video 5th Generation 80GB - If she loves the latest and the greatest tech gifts, right now it’s the top-of-the-line iPod in a sleek black case with a 80 GB hard drive and the capacity to store huge quantities of video, photos, podcasts, and music.

6. Apple iTunes Gift Certificate - Give her something to play on her iPod, and let her choose her favorite songs that remind her of you. iTunes gift certificates are available from $10-$200. Just a warning though, pair this with someone a little more personal, gift cards are typically the most intimate of gifts.

7. Gemstone Earrings - Earrings with stones can really dazzle her. If your budget can’t afford diamonds, choose pearls or semi-precious stones to dress up her ears.

8. Diamond Heart Jewelry
If you want to melt a heart, there’s nothing like bestowing a jeweled one mounted with a diamond… or two… or more. Diamond jewelry sparkles in the light, reminding the wearer of the person who gave it to her each time it scintillates.

9. A Picture Frame - If you have been together for a while why not frame a picture of the two of you to show you take the relationship seriously?

10. Sexy Lingerie - A bit of a touchy gift, pun intended, be sure you generally match her style and size. If it fits you are a winner but if you buy too big or small you might not like the response.

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Concerts in the local park, art displays and picnics are wonderful, cheap date ideas, whether for you and your significant other, you and the kids, or you and a blind date. Some other ideas? How about these:

* Fill a thermos with homemade cappuccino and go parking, to ‘watch the sunset’ of course.
* Take a long, slow walk together, hand in hand.
* Have a picnic - at the beach, in a park, on the living room floor…
* Learn to slow dance, and do it, to the radio!
* Dress up and go to a free art gallery or museum.
* Pretend that you’re going to buy a car and test drive the ones you both like. (Take turns)
* Go to the bookstore and just spend hours browsing–maybe treating ourselves to a cup of coffee.
* Go out to breakfast rather than dinner. Save money and avoid the crowds.
* Visit a local historical site in your area.
* Go to a local museum, zoo or aquarium.

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Looking for a great movie to watch while spending a romantic evening at home? The following films offer a mixture of romance with a little comedy, action, or drama thrown in.

1) “Sleepless in Seattle”
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in this wonderful tale of love lost and love found. The DVD is loaded with extras including a “Love in the Movies” featurette, “When I Fall In Love” music video, and commentary from the film’s director, Nora Ephron.

2) “While You Were Sleeping”
A feel-good movie with enough light-hearted comedy to keep it from being maudlin. Sandra Bullock thinks she’s in love with a man she’s never really met, and after rescuing him from almost being run over by a train, his family mistakenly believes she’s his fiancee. While he’s in a coma, she finds true love in the form of his brother.

3) “Return to Me”
Bonnie Hunt co-wrote, directed, and co-stars in this warm-hearted romance. Billed as “a comedy straight from the heart,” “Return to Me” stars Minnie Driver and David Duchovny as strangers who meet, fall in love, and find out they have much more in common than either could possibly have guessed.

4) “Notting Hill”
Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in a unlikely romance. “Notting Hill’s” DVD earns its title of “Ultimate Edition.” There’s an incredible collection of bonus features on the DVD, including deleted scenes, two music videos, Hugh Grant’s Movie Tips, “Seasonal Walk on Portobello” featurette, and much more.

5) “Bull Durham”
You won’t find better come-on lines than in this baseball love story. Kevin Costner teams with Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins in this highly entertaining romantic film that men and women will equally enjoy.

6) “A Knight’s Tale”
This wild tale mixing jousting and classic rock songs proves to be even more entertaining on DVD than at the theater. “A Knight’s Tale” is loaded with extra features, making this DVD a great addition to any collection - and perfect for a date night spent in front of the TV (guys won’t mind the romance when it’s mixed with so much action).

7) “Ever After”
“Ever After” is a beautiful, romantic remake of the classic “Cinderella” story, starring Drew Barrymore as Danielle (aka Cinderella) and Dougray Scott as the handsome Prince who sweeps her off her feet. Not just a chick flick, “Ever After” features outstanding performances by Barrymore, Scott, and the entire cast.

8) “Roxanne”
Steve Martin stars in this classic remake of “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Martin plays a Fire Chief who helps one of his firefighters woo the woman of his dreams (played by Daryl Hannah), while he himself falls head over heels for the same woman. This film is Steve Martin at his absolute best.

9) “The Princess Bride”
“The Princess Bride” features swashbuckling action, a mighty giant, an evil prince, and everlasting love. What more could you ask for from a date movie? The Special Edition DVD includes a “Making Of” featurette and behind-the-scenes action.

10) “Shakespeare in Love”
Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) masquerades as a boy (Thomas) in order to pursue her love of the theatre. William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) admires Thomas’ acting ability while beginning to fall for Viola, unaware they are one and the same.

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Does your spouse refuse to stay at a bed and breakfast? Maybe these thoughts can help you convince them:

1. It’s generally smart to begin with the usual methods of convincing — logic and the like. If that doesn’t work, resort to the more complex (sometimes trickier) options outlined below.

2. Explain that bed and breakfasts are almost universally recognized as a more personal alternative to hotels and motels. And that you can make sure you will have a private bathroom.

3. Assure your spouse that inns are run by professionals — and stay at a larger bed and breakfast (i.e. one with more than 10 rooms) at first if that helps.

4. Appeal to other interests: “The best public golf course in the state is right next to this bed and breakfast.”

5. Cut a deal: “If we stay at a bed and breakfast, I’ll buy the present for your mother’s next birthday. And your father…”

6. Make the trip a secret, but be aware that this could backfire. If your spouse gets upset when you arrive, the whole trip could be sour.

7. Be sure to pick a top-notch bed and breakfast. Get recommendations from other friends and from online discussion groups.

8. Splurge on a nice room. Perhaps your spouse will enjoy the Jacuzzi tub and king-size bed.

9. Let the innkeepers know what’s going on. They’re likely to go out of their way to help ensure a pleasant stay.

10. Be patient. Bed and breakfasts are totally different than chain hotels and motels, so it might take some time for your spouse to warm up to the experience.

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1. Massage lotion - Make sure you really like the scent and be sure it isn’t one that will stain the sheets.

2. Silk lingerie - A bra & thong, night shirt or baby doll. Whatever your choice try to make it silk. Gives that extra special feel.

3. Bubble bath - Many rooms come with jacuzzi’s and if yours is one, bubble bath can not be used. However if you have a soaking tub, nothing spices it up like a great bubble bath.

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