Okay you guys … how about surprising her this Valentine’s Day with a romantic weekend getaway? Liking the idea, are ya? No clue where to start? Well, that’s where I come in...

In case you’re not sure, let me share a quick story. A few years ago my husband said we were “getting away” for my birthday weekend. All that went through my mind was – Who’s keeping the baby? What about our (then) teenager? Where are we going? What do I need to pack? Who’s taking care of the dogs? So of course I’m in the middle of voicing all of this and Scott says, “You don’t have to do a thing. Everything is already taken care of.”

That, my friends, was the best gift of all … no planning, no stressing. All I had to do was get in the car. I did, and noticed my overnight bag sitting on the back seat. After he assured me several more times that everything was arranged, I reclined my seat a bit and relaxed on the way to what would be an overnight stay at a beautiful hotel, dinner at a fancy restaurant followed by a few hours at a wonderful jazz bar. Most of all, I had 24 hours of freedom from the day-to-day craziness that I call life. I had the best time, and more than anything I will always remember that he cared enough to go through all the planning that I normally have to deal with, that is necessary for us to leave town for even one night.

Now that I have convinced you to do this, let’s get started…

First – It doesn’t have to be somewhere far away, or expensive. No airfare or tuxedo required. Pick a town within a few hours from here, and Google the area’s hotels (or choose one from my selection below). Call and make a reservation for Saturday, February 13, for one night. Make a reservation for a nearby upscale restaurant as well.

Planning ahead

Make a list of eight or ten romantic songs (include your wedding song), and burn them onto a CD. Write “(your name) & (her name)’s 2010 Valentine Weekend Tunes” on it, and slip it into the glove box. When you hit the road, ask her to open the glove box … my, my, what have we here?

Packing your bags

You know how to pack YOUR bag, but do you have any clue how to pack hers? If there is any question, it’s time to make a secret call to her best girlfriend, her sister, or like in my case, your older daughter. Have her come over and pack it for you. She’ll know what to put in there, trust me.

Pack a cooler

Many hotels offer Valentine packages for the rooms. If they do, go for it – one less thing to do. But if they don’t, or if you’re on a budget (they can be pricey), OR… if you REALLY want to earn brownie points, pack a cooler with champagne and strawberries, and a big beautiful bouquet of flowers resting on top. That ought to do it. (Put a vase in there for later, so the flowers can be on display in the hotel room.)

Pack a few extras

Bubble bath is my first suggestion. And while a dual bubble bath is romantic, I was actually thinking more along the lines of filling that hotel tub with bubbles upon arrival, and giving her the pampering time before the evening starts. (It also gives you time to set up the champagne and strawberries, put the flowers in the vase.) Suggestion #2 - Something sparkly. Again, no reason to break the bank. Scott once gave me a sterling silver band that had four birthstones across it – mine, his, and our two girls. I wear this ring every single day – it means more to me than diamonds. Another idea – a bracelet (maybe with something engraved?). Whatever it is, make sure it’s in a pretty box with a ribbon … you know the drill. Give it to her to open before you head out for the evening.

Okay gentlemen, I have given you the tools needed to WOW her on Valentine’s. It will take some effort, but the smile on her face all weekend long will be worth every bit of planning. No, no, don’t thank me. It’s what I’m here for. Ladies – if you’re reading this, my suggestion to you is: Forward this to him in an email titled, “Great Idea”. If he does it, and follows my instructions to a T, smile at the fact that he still put in all the effort, and enjoy the weekend!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

LOCATION IDEAS

An Ocean View…
Hotel Galvez, Galveston
www.wyndhamhotelgalvez.com, (409) 765-7721
This beautiful historic hotel is sure to please. Dinner idea: Fish Tales offers spectacular seafood and great views of the Gulf. (My favorite Galveston restaurant – get the Shrimp Kisses!) Don’t forget to take that romantic walk on the beach. In the morning: Hotel Galvez has a Sunday champagne brunch. Great way to wrap up the weekend! *Rooms are available as of today, but a 2-night stay is required.

Head out West…
Cibolo Creek Ranch, Marfa
www.cibolocreekranch.com, (432) 229-3737
There's a wonderful place way out in West Texas that is very secluded and romantic.
Experience the romantic old west, hidden away in the untouched beauty of the Chinati Mountains. No need to find a restaurant – Cibolo Creek Ranch has an Executive Chef. Suggestions: The Spa, or ooooh… horseback riding.

Riverwalk Romance…
Omni La Mansion Hotel del Rio, San Antonio
www.omnihotels.com, (210) 518-1000
Can’t go wrong with an evening on the Riverwalk. La Mansion is lovely, and has several Valentine’s packages that include spa and dinner.

Awe her in Austin…
Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
www.bartoncreek.com, 1-866-572-7369
This resort is offering a Valentine’s Special that includes two nights, and a Sweethearts Dinner/Dance.

Can’t manage to get out of town? Call Hilary at Wen Chic right here in Katy – www.wenchic.com, (281) 395-8600. She has Valentine specials going on – book one. Follow it up with a romantic dinner (Katy is jam-packed with restaurants to choose from). Or better yet, cook her dinner. (Talk about earning brownie points! Don’t forget to set the table with candles.)

Very important note: Music, bubble bath, champagne, strawberries, flowers, and the sparkly all still fit into this alternative plan!