Valentine's Day: Romantic enough for a woman, but, made for a man

Do you dread this time of year? Do you find yourself downplaying Valentine's Day? Always making excuses for the lack of planning or creativity on your significant other's behalf? OK, not all men are incompetent and completely clueless when it comes to being romantic. But, some of us definitely belong in this category and deservedly so.

My grandmother used to say, "if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself." This year, Valentine's Day may fall in that category. Or, perhaps, last year, your man overdid himself and this year you want to return the favor. If you are of the female gender and are in charge of being Cupid this year, here are few tips that the both of you will really enjoy. It's time to say "goodbye" to the typical reservations, chocolates and candles. These should have your guy bragging about your "Cupidness" Monday morning at the water cooler, as well as, to his buddies on the golf course or at the gym.

1. Rock Climbing: Talk about killing two birds with one stone. Whether you choose outdoor or indoor, this date will get you two going with a great workout. If you opt for indoor, you can be assured that this is the perfect "sporty" date for the beginner to the experienced. Want to make it more competitive? Race to the top and whoever loses...gives the first massage.

2. Winery/Brewery: Many towns now have wineries, breweries or microbreweries. This is a date that both men and women will enjoy. If you do have a brewery or winery near, make sure you go on the tour to learn the process. Learning something new is always fun to include in a date. Afterwards, a wine or beer tasting is equally fun to end on.

3. Bed & Breakfast (Man style): Often, when you use the word "bed and breakfast," the picture of French Country or doilies might pop into your head. A night away is not only fun for Valentine's Day, but, all throughout the year. To not exclude the more masculine tastes, some "B&B's" are built like log cabins. Another option is a stay at a ranch. Some ranches have rustic housing and activities that will be a blast for you two. One in my area offers up a "Cowboy for a Day" excursion that includes learning to ride, rope and wrangle cattle.

4. Cook Dinner: Two of my least favorite days to eat out are Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve. Many times, the restaurants are far too busy and understaffed. The food is not always the best and prices can be inflated since it's a special day. Take Valentine's Day this year to try out that new recipe. Or, perhaps, try out your kitchen for the first time. Even better, cook as a couple. The internet is saturated with very easy meals to the most complex. My suggestion: Do a search for "easy romantic meals." See where that leads you.

5. Manicure/Pedicure: I know what you my be thinking. "A mani/pedi for a guy's Valentine's Day???" Trust me on this one. And, this may be one you don't tell him where you are going first. But, this is so fun to do as a couple. It's also very relaxing and the perfect "mood setter" for the rest of the evening. Speaking of "mood setter," have you ever wondered why a foot massage is often referred to as "better than sex" or "orgasmic?" Apparently, the part of the brain that is connected to the feet lies right next to the part of the brain that is connected to the reproductive organs. I'm just sayin'...

Of course, it's not always the girl's job to plan everything. Especially, a romantic day like Valentine's Day. Perhaps, the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself" applies here. By creating this amazing Valentine's Day, you might be setting the tone for future ones to come. And, by including yourself in the festivities, you are guaranteeing a great Valentine's. No matter who plans it. Enjoy!

Michael Bloomberg, a marriage proposal, dating and romance consultant, is better known as "The Romance CEO" (www.TheRomanceCEO.com) and author of the Romance Rocks! monthly newsletter. Bloomberg has been seen on The Learning Channel, might have been photographed with a Supermodel and definitely writes a weekly column, Date Night, for the Fort Worth Business Press. @TheRomanceCEO is where you can follow him on Twitter.

Fort Worth Date Night: I Got You Babe! (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

July 23, 2009

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If you are single or, when you were single, what is the one date you could always fall back on? Dinner and a movie, right? It might be a little boring and predictable, but, it’s safe. Obviously, there are pros and cons. The upside is that it is a reliable date. While monotonous, you don’t have to be creative and the decision to go can be made at the last minute. The major downside is, if you are watching a movie, you are not talking. However, some things are better left unsaid. You can always do a little hand holding or a gentle touch to let her know how you are feeling. Also, a movie may be so good, you guys can talk about it after. This week’s Date Night will give you two something to talk about for days.

We are going to take a little road trip. It’s not far and just a short drive to the northeast. Every summer, the town of Frisco hosts “Movies in the Square.” What a cool concept! The movies are projected on a giant, 26’ x 13’ inflatable movie screen located on Simpson Plaza in Frisco Square and admission is free. Live, pre-show entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m. on most movies nights. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and refreshments to enjoy the outdoor movies in comfort. Popcorn will be available for a nominal fee.

The movie this week is the 1995 classic, Babe. This Friday, July 24, check out this flick about a pig beautifully set in Australia. Babe was nominated for six Academy Awards and won one for visual effects. Jeff Shannon perfectly described this movie when he wrote, “Babe is all about the title character, a heroic little pig who's been taken in by the friendly farmer Hoggett (Oscar nominee James Cromwell), who senses that he and the pig share “a common destiny.” Babe, a popular mischief-maker on the Australian farm, is adopted by the resident border collie and raised as a puppy, befriended by Ferdinand the duck (who thinks he's a rooster), and saves the day as a champion "sheep-pig."

Between here and Frisco, there are a ton of great restaurant choices where you can “pig” out. Just don’t eat too much. No one wants to hear you “squeal” during the movie. Of course, it is a public place, so, be careful about the “swine” flu. I know; I know…stop with the bad pig puns! Well, start planning your Date Night for this weekend. In other words, get shakin’, “Bacon!”

For complete information on Movies in the Square, please visit Frisco Square’s official site: www.friscosquare.com