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Heart To Please

Valentine's Day can be the most exciting and romantic day of the year. Obviously, the anticipation and process of being "romance ready" is half the fun. On the other hand, not having a reason to get ready can be terribly depressing. The good news is that with age, and what I like to think of as maturity, you can have a good time on Valentine's Day without a Significant Other.

But what if you do have someone to celebrate with? How can you prepare for the big date without looking too prepared? I was talking with my publicist Leigh and she was bubbling over with enthusiasm planning a romantic Valentine's weekend with her new beau. I asked her to tell me everything she was doing to get ready. Little did I know how involved it would be. Here's what she said to say:.

Manicure and pedicure as close to the date as possible, or in my amazing case, just before the weekend.

Wax ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE. It's essential to do this a couple of days before your date. You never want to take the chance of having your skin look red or irritated.

Depending how long you will be with your man friend, have your hair done the day before or the morning of his arrival. Do not look as if you went to a salon--even if it's LOUIS LICARI--to have your hair done. Your hair should look soft, natural, and begging to be touched. It should never be frozen in place. And do not change your color or your style. If he wants to spend Valentine's with you, he obviously already likes the way you look.

Put your favorite romance essentials in key spots around your apartment or home. I always place mints in a dish on the table at the side of my bed so I'll have fresh minty breath. Lip gloss in clear or a hint of color goes in my night table. The ABSOLUTE BEST gloss, and I swear by this product, is MINT KISS by Enid O'. Trust me! I love this product so much that I asked Enid if it comes in a bigger tube. Hopefully you will wake before him and dab the tiniest amount on your lips. Then close your eyes and go back to sleep. He will be amazed at your natural beauty. I guarantee this works like a charm!

I always pre-pick outfits for any occasion. If your date turns into a weekend, you want to have daytime clothes picked out for anything you might do. This includes under garments as well. You should never seem as though you took too long to muster up an outfit. Your SO (significant other) will be impressed that you can get it together in under 15 minutes.

Always have small arrangements of fresh flowers in the bathroom, living room, and bedroom. Cut the stems short, so the flowers look like a bedside or desk arrangement. Nothing should look like overkill.

These tips from Leigh should get you through your Valentine date. Relax and enjoy your time together. Before you know it, you'll be planning another romantic weekend!

I have often had dinner parties for Valentines without Valentines. These dinners are hugely successful and a lot of fun. Single people--and there are many out there--really appreciate an alternative solution to a romantic date on Valentine's Day. Sitting home with conditioner on your hair and watching your favorite old romantic movie as you do your nails is a definitely no. This is a recipe for disaster. Look your best and make plans to meet your single friends for a drink. Who knows how the night will unfold. You might even meet your prince!

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