The couples’ checklist

Lolita Harper

* EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a series of stories we will do

on Valentine’s Day activities for our readers. Each day will outline

an itinerary for a different kind of couple -- the romantics, the

active, those on a budget and those who don’t fit into the mold. One

plan will offer an alternative to celebrating the day at all.

We hope it will be fun and informative -- and who knows, it may

help spark a fire in someone’s relationship.

For those starry-eyed duos who “count the ways” they adore the

other, Valentine’s Day poses the perfect opportunity to execute those

picturesque moments of tenderness that dance in their heads the other

days of the year.

Newport-Mesa is filled with great activities that will bring

couples closer, remind them of true love and make sure they have a

pleasurable Valentine’s Day. From chocolates, to flowers, to “setting

the mood,” this community not only has the resources but the experts

to lay out a guide for romance.

Maureen Nolen at Helen Grace Chocolates in Newport Beach warns men

(and women) not to wait until the last minute to buy that special

selection of candied aphrodisiacs. Whether it be the fluffy, lovable

teddy, holding a heart full of truffles or the half-dozen chocolate

roses, please, please, plan ahead.

“Men run in here frantically, looking for pounds and pounds of

candy, knowing they can’t go home without chocolate,” colleague

Gloria Van Horn added.

Keeping in mind the last-minute rush to the florist should also

help valentines to prepare for a shortage of red roses, the most

common -- and predictable -- flower arrangement one can give, said

florist Vettina Miller, owner of Every Bloomin’ Thing in Costa Mesa.

“I try to convince the guys to get away from the traditional dozen

red roses and go with something more creative, more fun and more

original,” she said. “Women actually prefer the more colorful

arrangements -- they are so much more fun.”

Miller’s advice is as practical as it is romantic, as she warns

men (and women) that there are only so many red roses to go around --

at least, roses that are of a high enough quality to be in her shop.

Oftentimes, roses look good when they are buds but open to lackluster

blooms, she said. She only carries two types of red roses, she said,

and when they are gone, they’re gone.

“Wait until the last minute and you’ll end up with colorful roses

by default,” Miller said.

What would a romantic night be without the right ambience?

The experts at Condom Revolution in Costa Mesa said it was “all

about setting the mood.” Depending on the couple’s preferences,

Revolution offers a wide variety of products to create an atmosphere

of love. From fragrant candles and incense to lotions, oils,

body-painting kits and bubble bath, they have the goods to make the

night memorable.

“It all has to come from the heart,” clerk Alden Sagucio said.

“Not one thing works for every couple,” Angel Brambila added.

* LOLITA HARPER is the community forum editor. She also writes

columns Wednesdays and Fridays. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275

or by e-mail at [email protected].