Are you thinking about how you will celebrate the one you love?

This time of year brings anxiety to lovebirds everywhere. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Valentine’s Day is about love, remember? That should be a positive thing. Not something that brings a lot of pressure and fear.

But there are a few no-nos that we all might want to heed if we want a successful Valentine’s Day. Like…

Don’t give them candy. Don’t make them a papier-mâché pig with wings and little hearts on it (unless you’re five years old). DON’T DVR their favorite show and say, “Here you go.”

Okay, that last one might have hit a little too close to home. It’s too painful. I don’t want to talk about it.

No, I’ve got a list of FIVE GIFTS BETTER THAN CANDY for you this Valentine’s Day. Sugary sweets are nice, but this holiday requires a little more thought. Are you ready?

1. Filet mignon. It’s tender – like your love. Cook it up for your sweetie and you’ll be number one in his/her heart.

2. Need something a little more “meaty?” A T-bone steak or Porterhouse steak should do the trick. Your love will be impressed with your thoughtfulness.

3. A new car. Hey, I didn’t say this list was practical. Just better than candy.

4. Good, old-fashioned flowers. I LOVE flowers so this one’s personal. They brighten my day and show me that my hubby is listening to me when I say, “I like flowers.”

5. Your time. Really pay attention to your sweetie, give a back rub, reconnect. That’s better than candy any day.

Still stumped? Just make it personalized to your special someone. Any gift that shows you KNOW them and you care enough to dig deep will be a winner.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wow, wow, wow! It’s Christmas week! Can you believe it?

How did we get here? It seems like it was just summer and now it’s holiday time. The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. But I’m so happy to have arrived at this wonderful time of year.

It kind of sneaks up on us sometimes, though. And then we head into full-on panic mode. The gifts! The preparation! The food menu! The guest accommodations!

It can get overwhelming. But let’s solve one issue at a time – gifts.

Still need items for loved ones or co-workers? You’re not alone. So many of us can’t make time for shopping until this week. And that’s okay!

Don’t sweat it. You still have a multitude of options.

If you’re looking to spend a bit more on special people or work colleagues (you know, to make a good impression) I’ve got some great ideas.

Gourmet gifts are my go-to. And there are some beautiful choices under $200. Check it out!

1. Filet Mignon. Steaks are always a treat, and these delicious and tender filets are the real deal.
2. Prime Rib. Give them something that is visually pleasing as well as absolutely tasty. Prime rib just says, “CLASS.”
3. Steak and Lobster Tails. This combo is truly elegant and makes such a great statement. I mean, it’s lobster!

And don’t forget, you can always gift them a gift card of any amount and let them choose their own gourmet gifts. That’s ALWAYS a winner.

If you wait until the VERY last minute, there’s even an e-gift certificate that you can purchase and send via e-mail immediately. See? There’s always a solution.

Check that off your list.

And now that you’ve solved that issue, I hope your holidays are spent enjoying the people you love while enjoying some delicious food.

Christmas gifts are on people’s minds. It IS next week, after all.

Time to get cracking (I’m speaking to myself, of course) and finish up those last few items on your list.

Holiday gifting can be stressful. Take it from me. I know. But it absolutely doesn’t have to be.

Here are my Top 12 Gift Tips to help you (and me) make what could be a stressful time – joyful.

1. Give Christmas steaks! It’s an easy gift that will impress your recipient and pretty much make you look like a hero. No one returns these babies.
2. Don’t agonize so much over each selection. Choose something for each person and move on. The more you waffle, the more time you waste.
3. In the same vein as #2, go with your gut. If you see something and it screams, “Uncle Joe!” – get it. Boom. Done.
4. Wrapping matters. Sometimes a beautifully packaged gift supersedes even what’s inside. And for those gifts you’re unsure about it could be the saving grace. So do it up right.
5. Purchase back ups/extras. There’s always someone we forgot.
6. Consider giving consumables – gourmet food, wine, etc. Who says your gift has to be something they can put on a shelf? Consumables are experiences to me – and that’s all the rage now.
7. Try to personalize your gifts a little. If Dorothy eats like a bird, don’t gift her a huge Porterhouse.
8. Don’t expect anything in return. You may not get anything in return. And that will be okay.
9. Remember why you’re getting together with these people to exchange gifts. It’s supposed to be peaceful and lovely. Not jerky, jealous and judgmental. (I’m not speaking from experience or anything.)
10. Don’t try to outdo everyone else. Make a gift budget and stick to it.
11. Be gracious when you receive a gift. Let the other person experience the joy of giving YOU something.
12. Focus on others. Share their joy and spread your own. ‘Tis the season!