'Show Me Love'

Many will say it with flowers, or chocolates and a card. Others might say it with dinner at a favorite restaurant, or some takeout and a movie rental.

In this rough-and-tumble economy, a night in might be the only option when it comes to saying those ‘three words’ this St. Valentine’s Day. But before you do, get yourself ready by setting the ambiance and appealing to senses with:

1. Candles – Sight and Smell

In orange, beige or ivory swirl, this scented Shanti vanilla mint candle set ($24.99) creates instant relaxation. The five-candle can be spread evenly across a room to let its scent fully take over, or placed altogether in a corner to let its aroma linger.

By keeping the lights dim and using aromatherapy, you are unconsciously alerting the senses of sight and smell that you are now in a place that is romantic.

2. A Glass of Wine with a Quirky Wine Stopper - Taste

Now that you’ve set the stage for romance, it’s time to do some entertaining. Grab that favorite bottle of wine – whether it be a Chianti, Bordeaux or Pinot Noir. Tip: There is nothing as crisp, smooth and satisfying as a great wine paired with some dark chocolate!

Don’t forget to cork the bottle with these gift globe wine stoppers after pouring. The modern two-piece set ($19.99) is made of art glass, hand-blown using the Old World technique. The decoupage effect of the two globe-shaped ends reflects colors like gold leaf, midnight blue, purple and sky blue.

1. Cozy Up with a Furry Blanket - Touch

Wine glass in hand, the scent of vanilla mint wafting… on the cusp of comfort, but not quite there yet. A furry blanket for two will do the trick for a special Valentine’s Day-in.

Cuddle up with your loved one on the couch with a mink thermal throw (available in a small 58”x60” or a large 60”x86”). The faux fur blanket comes in three classic colors: chocolate brown, glossy black and lustrous white. The underside is the best part of this ‘blanket for two’ – with a matching, micro plush lining that is carefully sewn into the faux fur.

However you decide to spend this Valentine’s Day with your loved one, make it a Valentine’s Day that awakens the heart, body and soul.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation.com

'What Faux Fur Animal Are You, cont.?'

Looking for a faux fur throw, but still can’t decide between which one?

Invoke the animal spirit of the faux fur rug of your choosing by matching the throw in your home to your best personality.

In the previous post, I covered the distinct characteristics and mythical qualities of the coyote and the lynx. Ever wanted to know what makes the raccoon and the jaguar so popular?

The Raccoon

Dexterity, disguise and transformation are several traits closely linked to the raccoon. In ancient rituals, this masked creature was believed to be the bearer of change, healing and transformation. It was only by wearing a mask, especially during these rituals and ceremonies, that the human spirit could acquire knowledge hidden from our conscious selves.

A set of nimble ‘hands’ allow the raccoon to gather food, catch fish and open crawfish. But its ability to use its hands to satisfy its curious and dexterous nature is one that also gets the raccoon into trouble. Wily and cunning, the raccoon is a talented and mischievous animal.

Raccoon Faux Fur Throw

The Jaguar

Unlike the leopard, the jaguar has a more muscular, stocky build and shorter limbs. It is the third largest cat with the ability to crush the skulls of its prey with its strong jaw.

If you are anything like the jaguar, then you are an excellent swimmer and tree climber.

A solitary animal, the jaguar only socializes during the mating season. It prefers the nighttime, and is rarely seen active during the day. Because of these traits, the jaguar is believed to practice its magic at night and to use the moon to set its course of action.

Strong, sensitive and powerful, the jaguar is the chosen ‘power animal’ of many shamans.

Jaguar Faux Fur Throw

What will it be? Raccoon or jaguar?

-S. Gonzalez

'What Faux Fur Animal Are You?

Feisty, fun and fearless.

Warm, cozy and luxurious.

The faux fur trend has captured your attention for all its fierce qualities, and now, you have to decide which furry animal spirit you would like to take home: Should I pick the resilient polar bear faux rug, or the wily coyote faux throw?

Find out which animal spirit best matches your personality and let it guide your next faux fur purchase:

The Lynx

Sure-footed, patient, cunning and powerful eyesight make the lynx a formidable member of the cat family. It has a short body with long legs, a bobbed tails and puffs of hair that sprout from each ear. This solitary creature can withstand the cold winds and snow of its natural habitat, and is known to patiently wait for long periods in order to hunt its prey.

The ancient Greeks believed that the eyes of the lynx had hypnotic powers of seduction.

But if you closely resemble the lynx, it is because you are the following: territorial, independent, a silent observer and a cautious decision maker. The lynx likes to take in its entire environment, watching for intruders and prey, and always weighing its possibilities before striking.

Lynx Faux Fur Throw

The Coyote

Known as the trickster in most folklore, the clever coyote has for centuries survived despite the attempts of humankind to shoot, poison and trap it. Both cunning and foolish, the coyote mirrors humans in our ability to exhibit both cleverness and stupidity.

They live their entire lives as mates, living with its litter in a dwelling carved out of the side of the hill or an underground den. For the coyote, the family unit is extremely important.

If you are a coyote, chances are that you are a teacher – showing us our foolish ways and allowing us to see our ways out of a problematic situation.

Coyote Faux Fur Throw

Are you the linx or the coyote?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of jasperjournal.com; decorinnovation.com and sdsnake.com