Cupid’s arrows fill his targets with as much fear as love when it gets close to Valentine’s Day. While some enjoy the grand gestures and declarations associated with the romantic holiday, others are humbled by the possibility of being unable to live up to the day’s expectations.
Then there are those, like Manti Te’o, who simply don’t know enough about the nature of their relationship — Are we together? Does she love me? Is she real? — to make a call.
Add in the noncoupled, and the reality, according to Statistic Brain, is that 40 percent of consumers don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Even if you’re confused about your relationship status, you may not want to risk doing nothing — 53 percent of women say they would end their relationship if they don’t get something for Valentine’s Day.
For those short on ideas, it might be helpful to know that tradition and simplicity rule. MillionaireCorner.com reports that those who do mark the occasion typically go out to dinner (38 percent), while 15 percent buy flowers, 10 percent buy chocolates, 6 percent plan a weekend getaway and 2 percent plan to give a gift of jewelry.
While 73 percent of flowers are purchased by men on Valentine’s Day, 14 percent of women send themselves flowers that day, so singletons shouldn’t feel alone in treating themselves to something nice. Here are a few ideas.
Alas, after 32 years, Mellow Antiques will close its Davies Pacific Center store, 841 Bishop St., at the end of the month. On the bright side, its merchandise will still be available at www.mellowantiques.com, and a retirement sale with discounts of up to 50 percent off is under way, making this the perfect time to pick up a piece of antique and collectible jewelry that will become part of your own love story and legacy. Call 533-6333.
Hilo Hattie is launching an exclusive collection of Touch in Sol cosmeticsfrom Korea on Valentine’s Day. Included are "I’ll Get You" lip stain/lip balm duos ($12.99 each) in Real Ohia, Pink Plumeria and Peach Hibiscus colors, Flush lip glosses ($15.99) and Perfect Complexion lip tints ($12.99) for kissable perfection. The first 100 to purchase on Saturday at the Nimitz or Ala Moana stores will receive a free gift.
Think pink at Tory Burch, where everything from lipstick cases to wallets wears the color of romance, as well as the spring season. A Robinson Tiny Jewelry Case ($85) is just the thing to pair with a small gift of jewelry. For the vanity, the multiple-compartment Robinson Rectangle Jewelry Case ($395) will hold your gifts for years to come.
Give yourself a spa treatment at home with a basket of tropical fruit- and floral-scented body washes, lotions, body butters and handmade soap bars from Lanikai Bath and Body in Kailua. A miniature lotion and body wash set presented in a woven bag starts at $15.50. The Island Tropical Spa Set with six items for body and hair is $92.50. The store is at 600 Kailua Road; call 262-3260. Follow Lanikai Bath and Body on Facebook to win one of 14 Valentine’s Day prizes valued from $22 to $250.
Paiko is a new kind of florist at 675 Auahi St. in the Kakaako SALT project, dedicated to a modern-rustic aesthetic. For Valentine’s Day, Tamara Rigney and Courtney Monahan are offering a Love Terrarium ($58), a 10-inch apothecary jar planted with woodland plants and mosses that can be enjoyed for years instead of just days. Also available are a Fishtail Palm Rose Cube arrangement ($135 red roses/$120 pink roses) and Mason jar arrangements from $32 to $90. Call 988-2165.
Enjoy star-filled night of romance at museum
Bishop Museum offers a unique take on a romantic night under the stars with a Valentine’s Day planetarium show featuring a three-course dinner and entertainment by Kupaoa.
The evening will start at 6 p.m. with sunset on the observation deck while enjoying nonalcoholic beverages and appetizers (bring your own wine).
A 20-minute planetarium show begins at 6:30 p.m., focusing on such romantic sky legends as the Tanabata story, a Japanese tale of two sky lovers divided by the heavenly river of the Milky Way — except for one night a year.
Dinner in the cafe will open with arugula salad, followed by a choice of braised beef with bordelaise sauce or oven-roasted chicken with roasted tomato relish, and a dessert of double-chocolate loafs.
Seating is limited. Tickets are $85 per person. Call 848-4137 or email judy@kahalacaterers.com for reservations.
Pizza and roses pair up for Valentine’s deal
Profess your love with pizza and roses from Papa Johnʼs Pizza Hawaii and Watanabe Floral.
The two businesses have teamed up again to offer a one-topping, heart-shaped pizza, Cinnapie dessert and red roses on Valentine’s Day for $75 for a dozen or $20.99 for a single rose.
Papa John’s says the heart-shaped pizza and roses promotion has become its largest sale day of the year, surpassing Super Bowl Sunday and Halloween. The deal is available on delivery or carry-out orders.
Orders must be placed by today. Call 979-PAPA (979-7272) or email info@papajohnshawaii. com. The special offer can be ordered online using the promo code 2099HS.
