Itty Bitty Indulgence
Chocolates have been the traditional front-runner for Valentine’s Day for ages, but perhaps it’s time try something a little different. Love Bites, a.k.a Cake Bites, are bite-sized cakes that come in a variety of flavors including chocolate, marble, orange, and lemon. Chocolate, also called “chocolate bomb,” is a dense, moist devil’s food cake encased in semi-sweet chocolate that, according to For Heaven’s Cakes owner Lisa Donahue, is Quincy Jones’ favorite. Visit Lisa and enjoy her cake bit samples while lounging in her pink-walled tasting room. For Heavens Cakes, 804 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, 805.497.6111, www.ForHeavensCakes.com, call for delivery options.
Cake Bite gift sets start at $10
Textile Titillation
Make Valentine’s Day an excuse to venture outside of your usual style haven and pick up some finery worthy of your ideal romantic heroine. We suggest seeking a dress that pairs fun and flirty with a little come hither (see above). The friendly staff at Bleu in Westlake Village will show you plenty of options and help guide you toward the right dress. Bleu owner Gabrielle Zuccaro has unparalleled taste, and her store features an inspirational mélange of dresses from around the world. With Bleu currently hosting a sale (up to 50 percent off all merchandise!), Valentine’s Day couldn’t have fallen at a better time. Bleu, 960-10 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, 805.496.4578, www.BleuClothing.com.
Development by Erica Davies: $436 (black)
Graham & Spencer: Originally $328, now 50% off (pink)
Sweet Intoxication
A holiday focused on love must contain equally intoxicating beverages and tantalizing goodies. Consider the Blond de Noir sparkling wine at Weaver Wines in Ventura, or their Queen of Hearts Pinot Noir. Or, concoct your own special elixir and infuse a touch of Sense Rose Nectar, a staple at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Paris. Customize your own gift basket with the help of owner Seana-Marie Weaver and her team. The store includes a unique selection of delectable products, from Chocolate Decadence Sauce to Lavender Wine Jelly. Baskets can range from $20 to $200. Weaver Wines, 14 S. California Street, Ventura, 805.653.WINE, www.WeaverWines.com.
Gift Basket, $168
The Unmentionables
Lace and massage oils may not be necessary for day-to-day living, but on Valentine’s Day they are a requirement. Either of these tasteful yet evocatively clandestine ensembles are a good pick and coordinate deliciously with the flavorful and aromatic Raspberry Kiss Treasure Trove. The kit, inspired by sweet, vine-ripend raspberries, includes Kama Sutra Raspberry Kiss Oil of Love, Raspberry Kiss Honey Dust with feather applicator, and Raspberry Kiss Stimulating Pleasure Balm. If you have any doubt about what’s needed to create the mood, just ask Lori Stepner Battaglia, the owner of Aphrodite’s in Downtown Ventura. After 10 years in the business, she knows what will inspire love (and lust). Aphrodite’s, 805.652.0082, 477 E. Main St, Ventura, www.AphroditesOnline.com.
Claire Pettibone chemise from the Athena collection: $105
Jezebel bra and garter set: $24 for bra, $14 for garter
Raspberry Kiss Treasure Trove: $38
The Arrangement
The traditional dozen red roses is a lovely gesture, but a customized bouquet designed by your local florist makes a more cultivated statement. The stunning Valentine’s Day inspired arrangement featured here includes Ecuadorian red roses nestled amongst white hydrangea, mini calla lilies, and hanging amaranthus. Kathy Pantelas, the owner of Westlake Florists, has three simple pieces of advice for purchasing flowers: choose a trusted local florist and give them carte blanche; have flowers delivered to the workplace for maximum impact; and order two to three days in advance for on-time delivery. Our advice? Don’t go cheap—it shows! Westlake Florists, 2851 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, 805.497.9777, www.WestlakeFlowers.com (call for delivery areas)
02-01-2008
