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Special Edition: What To Get Her for Valentine’s Day

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013
Cufflinksman Speaks…

 

What to get her for Valentine’s Day?

 

Well that depends on what kind of “girl” you have and definitely what kind of relationship you have together. Let’s break down a few of the possibilities:
Just friends, well, kind of…
-Go back to Kindergarten. What exactly does that mean? Think short notes, small flowers, a speck of candy, and maybe a mini monkey bear thing. It just shows “you’re a sweetheart in my book” and “I’ll save extra carrots for you during snack time.”
Teddy Bear Cufflinks

 

She doesn’t know how much you really care, but you actually really do
-Surprise her with a gift card to something you know she loves (like Starbucks?), get her a copy of your favorite book (so she’ll think of you while reading), or burn her a CD of your favorite tunes (same concept here). Tie each with a red ribbon and then go out for a drink with tapas. (It says ‘casual’). Buy her at least two glasses of wine, and then see where the night takes you…

 

You think she’s awesome, but maybe not the “one” you’re going to end up with in the end
-First, please refer to “Friends with Extra Benefits” section. Next mix options “Just friends, kind of” and “Dating for 3+ months.” There you have a perfect match, vis a vie gift anyway…

 

You are hopelessly in love with her
-This is the most complicated category of this entire blog. What to do, what to do…I would normally say, refer to number ____, but that doesn’t mean much. So, it’s time to get real. What does your lady love? Is it the ocean? Is it silence? Is it Wordsworth’s poetry? Is it the 1860s? Perhaps she loves Taye Diggs? Pick at least three of “These are a few of my favorite things…” and come up with something creative. Then slowly incorporate the following examples/scenerios from Dating 3 + Months and more into the mix to make it extra special.

 

Friends with extra benefits
-Something kinky. If you like her, maybe love her, and maybe/maybe not want to blow her brains out, get her something sexy. That doesn’t always constitute lingerie persay, but…it could. Think about your favorite sexcapades: what is normally involved? Hot oil massages? Sex toys? Certain genre of music? Sexual play things? Nothing says, “I love what you do to me,” better than a great sex kit. Try filling a basket with some lub, condoms, sex toys, and something really sexually exotic that neither of you have ever tried. (Stumped for ideas? We can’t write them all here, but we can direct you to your local sex shop/Ricky’s, assuming of course you’re in NYC). Then see where the night takes you. But get really wild/adventurous.

 

Dating for 3+ months
-Think back over the past three months. What have the two of you done together? Think of the most special, cool, romantic, quirky moments and pick an object that stands out from one of those moments. Did you share laughs about some guy’s mustache while ice skating? (Get her a mustache mug, with matching “Ron Swanson” mustaches for the two of you to wear over dinner). Did you tease her while she cried during an episode of Game of Thrones? (Get her the DVD set and a figurine of Jamie Lanister, or whatever his name is). Did you guys experience a ‘moment’ whilst driving and a particular song came on? (Make her a mix tape with tat song and others like it…)

 

Dating for  1 year
-Please refer to “Dating for 3+ Months.” In addition to these ideas, something more substantially materialistic is appropriate too. What is her weakness/superficial loves: bags, shoes, makeup, body care, clothes, scents, accessories, or jewelry? Pick one of these and find her favorites. If she loves bags, find that perfect knapsack you know she’s been eyeing. If she’s a beauty regime type, take a trip to Sephora and pick out a skin care/makeup gift set. If she’s a necklace lover, find a local artisan and have something simple made for her. If she’s a shoe person, go to Bloomingdales and ask a sales rep for help. But if you follow any of these things, also, again, refer to “Dating for 3+ months” for those sentimental kicks too.

 

Dating longer than 2 years/Engaged
-Synthesize advice from “Dating for 3+ Months” and “Dating for 1 year.” Couple that with a momento of your relationsip: a photo gift book (collages of your history together), mix tape of your favorite songs, poetry (what, what?), and/or some other romantic set-up that showcases your time together.

 

Newly Weds
-Again, going along with the previous three models, pick something from there, and then get a memento of your courtship. A series of professional pictures, a beauty session together, a travel package (even to your local hotel/bed and breakfast), and set it up with small mementos of your inner personal relationship.

 

Old school couple/partners
Get her something that you know she’s been wanting, and no, that doesn’t include a new toaster. If you know she loves a particular scent, get her a nice perfume that exemplifies that. If you know she loves turquoise, get her a brooch or local-artisan ring featuring a turquoise stone. If she’s religious, buy her a nice rosary made from blessed stones, a Quran from a local bookshop, homemade oils from the local Pagan lady, etc. Or let’s say she has some wacky love/fetish/taste in something that no one else does: get her that. Find it! Get her an array of things that she wouldn’t normally buy for herself, just to show how well you really know her.

Spring Tips: Fashion, Money, & Sex

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Things to try this season: Fashion Stripes with something not striped (i.e. a striped blue and white shirt with solid bright pants/capris, or with another type of print that stands out.) No socks and loafers. Green Wayfarers

Why not try a pair of green funky glasses for spring?

Funky sunglasses. Let’s face it, you can always take them off. That’s one of the best things about subglasses as a spring fashion accessory. It’s cool to look cool for a bit, and then switch to the “normal” you in a matter of seconds. Why not try a new color/shape/style? If aviators are your norm, try a pair of larger plastic frames, maybe in a light shade of green.   Love Experiment, but not too much. Dating tip for men: dinner/coffee/cocktail/anything on the water is good for a date.

CELEBRATION CHAMPAGNE SET CUFFLINKS Champagne Cufflinks

Money It’s okay to splurge a little on new clothes and accessories at the beginning of every season. Just make sure you keep it basic. You have the rest of the season to get the more expensive, ultra-trendy stuff—so for now just keep it simple: plain tees, light fabrics, basic colors, shorts, sandals/loafers/spring shoes.   Sex Hands are important. They don’t get enough credit in the romance world. Touch is one of the five senses, so don’t forget to use it every way.

SILVER FROG PRINCE CUFFLINKS

Are you a Prince or a Frog? Kiss him and find out.

Hand painted frog cufflinks

  If it’s not in the kiss, it won’t be anywhere else either. That’s all.   To Do Go running on a spring day. If your not a big runner, just try it. You may get to really like it, especially if you have a river close by.

Running Shoes CufflinksRunning Shoes Cufflinks

Get gelato. Like tomorrow for lunch, maybe. Pay for the person behind you in line. At a drive thru? Pay for the person behind you’s meal. Make it a pay it forward kind of day. Make a smoothie for breakfast. It’s yummy, you can carry it on the go, and it will make you happy. end of story.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CUFFLINKS

How about a strawberry and banana smoothie?

What To Remember When Going Out On NYE

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

 

 

1. Make Reservations. This can be for a table at a restaurant, bar, night club, or a roof top. Just make sure you put your name or names down on a list somewhere so you don’t have to wait in extra lines, you can avoid the tourists traps, and getting a seat and waiter will be ten times easier.

Las Vegas CufflinksLas Vegas Cufflinks

2. Pick a drink (or a type of alcohol) and stick with it for the whole night. If you’re craving a martini, try to stick with vodka the whole night, be it cosmos, citrus vodka with ginger ale, vanilla vodka and coca cola–you get the point. If it’s Whiskey or Gin, stick with that. The only exception is beer, wine or champagne in the early night. You can always mix with those!

Champagne CufflinksChampagne Cufflinks

3. Decide who you’re going out with beforehand. It makes it so much easier on your stress and partying levels if you decide your “crew” beforehand. Then you won’t be wasting time texting and calling people trying to see what “everyone’s” doing.

Oil Derrick Cufflinks

Oil Derrick Cufflinks

4. Make dinner plans or plan a dinner party. Put together a group list, set up a festive NYE menu filled with lots of champagne, (have everyone bring a bottle too), pick up some streamers and party hats like you’re back in grade school, and have a nice grown up dinner. Then get a cab together and go wild on the streets.U Of California Bears Cufflinks And Money Clip Gift SetCalifornia Bears Cufflinks

5. Be firm about plans. Others will follow. Everyone waits until the last minute to decide what they’re going to do on the “First Day of the Year.” Make it worth it.

Star Drops Handmade Lampwork Glass CufflinksStar Drops Handmade Lampwork Glass Cufflinks

6. Plan your outfit. There’s nothing worse than someone inviting you somewhere ultra exclusive on NYE only to realize two hours before that 1. you have nothing to wear 2. you have nothing clean to wear. Ladies, splurge a little with your Christmas bonuses and buy yourself a shiny cocktail dress. Men, get some festive new cufflinks to go with a classy top hat. You won’t regret looking the best at the party.

Skyline of Blue Mother of Pearl CufflinksSkyline of Blue Mother of Pearl Cufflinks

7. Pocket sound/noise makers. Mini pots and pans. Wooden sticks. You get the picture.Cherry Dot Paisley Cufflinks

Cherry Dot Paiseley Cufflinks

Quick and Simple Thanksgiving Ideas for Men

Monday, November 21st, 2011

 

 

Times are a’ changing. Thanksgiving is not just about the women in the kitchen, slaving over the stove, while the men enjoy football and a six pack. (Well it can be like that, but we’re recommending you do your part too. That’s where we come in to help.) It’s time to step up and help gentlemen! Even if that means just whipping up quick appetizers for your guests and looking good while doing it, you’re in the “I-Helped-On-Thanksgiving-So-Give-Me-A-Break-Zone.” If you’re not comfortable cooking a turkey and peeling potatoes, we have some inventive appetizers to share with you. Don’t worry, we’ve got a few tips, easy recipes, and ideas to make the day enjoyable for all and keep you looking extra “turkey fly fresh,”* giving you extra time to enjoy the afternoon game. Time to break out the Easy Bake Oven!

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This recipe is super easy and only takes 15 minutes! Plus it will be a great appetizer for pre-game/pre-dinner festivities. Half of the “cooking” takes place in the microwave! Courtesy of Food Network:

Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Ingredients

1 cup thawed, chopped frozen spinach
11/2 cups thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts
6 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Baby Blue 100% Italian Silk Bow Ties Pocket Squares

Baby Blue 100% Italian Silk Bow Ties Pocket Squares

Don’t forget your napkin and handkerchief for this recipe! Who mixes food with fashion? WE DO.

Directions

Boil spinach and artichokes in 1 cup of water until tender and drain. Discard liquid. Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. Stir in rest of ingredients and serve hot.

Easy Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients
For the shrimp:

Top it off with your Salt and Pepper Cufflinks:

Salt and Pepper Shaker Cufflinks

Salt and Pepper Shaker Cufflinks

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup chili sauce (recommended: Heinz)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Peel and de-vein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread them in 1 layer. Roast for 8 to10 minutes, just until pink and firm and cooked through. Set aside to cool.

For the sauce, combine ingredients and serve as dip!

Brie with Apricot Topping Recipe

Brie with Apricot Topping Recipe

Brie with Apricot Topping Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • Dash salt
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 round Brie cheese (8 ounces)
  • Assorted crackers
  • **TIP** Add some Champagne Cufflinks to your sleeve to make this dish even more festive!

Directions

  • In a small saucepan, combine the apricots, brown sugar, water, vinegar and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in rosemary.
  • Remove rind from top of cheese. Place in an ungreased ovenproof serving dish. Spread apricot mixture over cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is softened. Serve with crackers. Yield: 6-8 servings.
  • Serve with Champagne!

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Photo and Recipe Courtesy of Martha Stewart.com

Ingredients

  • 6 water chestnuts, peeled and halved
  • 6 slices bacon, halved crosswise

Directions

  1. Preheat broiler. Place 12 toothpicks in a shallow dish and cover with water; let stand 10 minutes.
  2. Wrap each piece of bacon around each water chestnut half; secure with a toothpick. Place on a baking sheet and transfer to oven. Broil, turning once, until bacon is crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer bacon-wrapped water chestnuts to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain before transferring to a serving platter.

**Yes, we made up the phrase Turkey Fly Fresh. If you wish to use in general conversation, please be sure to cite and quote CufflinksMan for the innovative phrase. Happy Holidays.