Who doesn’t need an expression of love right now? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, shopkeepers in the CWE have come up with some imaginative ideas to help show the one(s) you love how special they are. And that goes for you too – be sure to treat yourself to something love-ly as well.
Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive Street, has a wide selection of imaginative ideas for getting in the Valentine’s spirit. Above, LOVE garland, $14.
Other suggestions include from top left: meri meri cupcake kits, $14; a heart fern, $8, in cachepot, $14: roll of heart stickers, $8; assorted Washi tape (in basket) $6.50; heart-shaped Hoya succulent, $6.50; front, assorted cards $5-$8; “Be Mine” clutches, $14; far right, paper cups decorated with hearts, $6.
Left: Tiny cyclamen, $4.50. Right: Assorted cards, $5-$5.50; roll of stickers, $8; love sticker sheets, 10 for $6. On Tuesday, February 14, Bowood Farms is hosting Silvia Dadian-Smith of Snapdragon Studio who is bringing an array of beautiful blooms to stock a Valentine’s Bouquet Bar. Stop by anytime between 12-2 p.m. to create your own hand-tied bouquet, $25.
At The Vino Gallery, 4701 McPherson Ave., proprietor Alex Head suggests a bottle of Flor Rose Prosecco, $18, in a St. Louis-themed fleur de lis bottle.
The Vino Gallery has expanded its menu adding a selection of appetizers to enjoy in house with a glass of wine. These include a butcher’s plate, $13, Mediterranean olive medley, $4, hummus & pita, $6, and grissinis (prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks), $7. In addition the space is available for parties, fundraisers and/or corporate events. Email [email protected] for details.
From Cassie’s, 318 N. Euclid.
From left: Root Rose Petal candle, $19.95; Papyrus Valentine card, $8.95; gift bag, $5.95; Thymes Kimono Rose perfume, $40; front, Smoochies soap, $7.50.
At Candle Fusion, 4742 McPherson: Set of 4 Romance candles scented with rose petals, dark chocolate, champagne, & whipped cream, $25. Candle Fusion is hosting a couples Valentine event, $55, includes candle-making, drinks, chocolates and live music on February 11, 14 & 18. Visit the website for more information.
At Left Bank Books: Thanks to LBB staffer Shane Mullen for the love notes he put in each book for me, which I’ve put in quotations. Lower left, Thich Nhat Hanh’s How to Love, “a classic mediation on love,” $9.95. From top: Edna O’Brien’s The Love Object, “familial & romantic love from one of the masters,” $17.99; Emily Robbins A Word for Love, “W.U. Alum on how to experience love, set in Syria,” $27. (Robbins has an upcoming book signing and discussion at LBB on 2/22 with local author Kea Wilson). “A hush hush historical love story” Eleanor and Hick, the love story that shaped a First Lady, by Susan Quinn, $30; “open your heart” with local poet Cheeraz Gorman’s In the Midst of Loving, $16; “Stranger Things meets The Rosie Project,” Jason Rekulak’s The Impossible Fortress (just out and highly regarded), $24; “St. Louis most famous doctors explain secrets of bedroom,” Masters of Sex by Thomas Maier, $16.99; “love in 2 languages,” 100 Love Sonnets/Cien Sonetos de Amor by Pablo Neruda, $19.95; Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance, $17, “not just a humorous book but really in-depth view of how we love”; Romeo and/or Juliet, $20, a chooseable-path adventure by Ryan North “no explanation needed.”
From top: “because friends are as good as lovers,” Cooking for Friends by Terry Edwards & George Craig, $35; “St. Louis author” Christina Lane, Dessert for Two Sweet & Simple, $27.95 (she’s on instagram too). LBB staffer Sarah Holt helped with the children’s titles: “Just because it’s so cute,” When an Elephant Falls in Love, $14.99, by Davide Cale & Alice Lotti; Heart 2 Heart by Lois Ehlert, $9.99, “she’s a classic, good for all ages.”
At The Cup, 28 Maryland Plaza, standard cupcakes such as Confetti, Red Velvet & Double Chocolate are $2.95 each; premium flavors, Ruby & Maple Bacon, are $3.45.
More suggestions coming up next.