Get your cupid on this Valentine’s Day

Ah, Valentine’s Day: the day of love, sweetness, and chocolate. While not a major holiday, per se, this special day in February can be a little gem of a celebration that brings much happiness … if you treat it as such!

It’s often thought of as a day to be set apart strictly for couple bonding, but kids can celebrate Valentine’s Day, too. I remember being thrilled when my grade-school peers would bring in little valentines, boxes of chocolate or Sweethearts candies! So, send the kids into school on the big day with little goodies for their teachers and classmates (and make sure there is enough for every kid).

You can also have the “sweetest” time at one of these two incredible chocolate stores, notorious for their unique varieties and DeLysscious treats: Jacques Torres Chocolate on Water Street near Dock Street in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood and MarieBelle on Broome Street between West Broadway and Wooster Street in SoHo. Take the kids to help pick out some chocolate for dad, a little something for themselves, and you.

For that classic, romantic V-Day meal with your love, go big and go to Daniel on East 65th Street between Madison and Park avenues in Lenox Hill. It has a quiet, romantic atmosphere that is perfect for the loving couple — and not for the kids. Being one of the only restaurants in Manhattan holding the New York Times’ coveted, four-star rating, Daniel accepts reservations up to a month in advance. So, get dialing, men!

Another beyond-perfect Valentine’s Day restaurant that’s not to be forgotten is Felice, an Italian ristorante with an eco-friendly wine list on First Avenue and East 83rd Street on the Upper East Side. Felice’s featured wineries are all sustainable, organic, and biodynamic. The restaurant’s seating is unique and comfortable and, overall, the ambiance is a perfect mix of upscale and relaxing.

Another Valentine’s Day thrill is a shopping expedition at the famous Agent Provocateur on Madison Avenue between East 62nd and East 61st streets in Lenox Hill; the lingerie collections are absolutely beautiful and a must-have for any woman to feel her sexiest on the most romantic day of the year. Agent Provocateur brings together the finest French laces and silk satins with its signature classic colors: black, cream, and — of course — scarlet and pink, perfect for V-Day!

For those couples who haven’t gotten their portrait taken since their wedding, schedule a romantic photography session. Heidi Green takes absolutely beautiful photos of couples, and her gallery is impressive. She’s also known for her portraits of children, so if you want the kids in on the shoot, that’ll work too!

Manhattan isn’t exactly like living on a beach, but we do have some gorgeous sunsets. Take the time to watch the sun set with your loved one — even if it’s on your terrace or out your window while your kids are eating dinner. It’s sure to evoke some romantic emotions appropriate for Valentine’s Day — and may just lead to a perfect Valentine’s night, even if you’re stuck at home!

If you’re fortunate enough to have the time, take a dance class! In my grandparents’ era, couples could dance fluidly and effortlessly at any occasion. Let’s bring that sweet skill back! Dancing with your husband is a sensual, bonding activity — and, even if you’re both horrible and klutzy, you’ll have fun laughing together. Dance Manhattan Dance Studios on West 19th Street, between Sixth and Fifth avenues, offers some great deals on classes and special events involving couples dance.

But if you’re both in dire need of putting your feet up, schedule a couple’s massage at the Caudalie Spa at the Plaza Hotel on West 58th Street and Fifth Avenue in Midtown. The spa offers phenomenal massages. Remember, you and your spouse deserve to relax and unwind side-by-side after the hard work you put in as parents.

I hope your Valentine’s Day is amazing, and remember ladies: Charles M. Schulz once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

Contact Heidi Green Photography at [email protected] or (212) 545–5304; www.heidigreen.com.

Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLysscious Moms (www.divamoms.com) and co-author of “If You Give A Mom A Martini … 100 Ways To Find 10 Blissful Minutes For Yourself.”

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

EBL Coaching

<div> <p>One-on-one HOME, CENTER, and ONLINE tutoring for grades preK-12 in reading, writing, math, study skills, executive functioning skills, and homework help. EBL offers specialized instruction for students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and ADHD, including tutoring using the Orton Gillingham method and other research-based, multi-sensory techniques. Under the direction of their director, Dr. Emily Levy, each student is evaluated to determine his or her specific needs and is then matched with one of EBL's highly trained learning specialists.</p> <p><strong>Individualized Learning Plan</strong></p> <div> <div> <p>An individualized learning plan using research-based, multi-sensory techniques is created for each student. Sessions can be held either at EBL's learning center or at the child's home, or online.</p> </div> <p><strong>Students build skills in:</strong></p> </div> <div> <div> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">-Decoding & Spelling<br /><br />-Sentence, Paragraph, & Essay Writing<br /><br />-Multi-sensory Math<br /><br />-Reading Comprehension<br /><br />-Study & Executive Functioning Skills<br /><br />-Test preparation<br /><br />-Time Management & Organizational Skills<br /><br />-Early Childhood Learning Skills</p> </div> <p><strong>One-on-one instructional sessions</strong></p> </div> <div> <div> <p>Students receive one-on-one instructional sessions to teach them the fundamental skills that are essential for academic success. They are initially assessed to determine their strengths and weaknesses and academic levels, and are matched with one of EBL's highly trained learning specialists. Students develop core skills in reading, writing, reading comprehension, math, study skills, organization, test taking, note taking, and other executive functioning skills. As the academic demands of school rise, these skills become increasingly essential for academic success.</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <h3>Dr. Emily Levy</h3> </div> </div> <p> </p> </div>

Family Speech Center

<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b076e719-7fff-a614-1e03-7070c8fdb6f7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Family Speech Center has been servicing children, adolescents, and adults since 2003. Our Speech-Language Pathologists are trained professionals who evaluate and diagnose adults and children to identify specific speech, language and swallowing difficulties.<br />Once the communication difficulties are assessed and identified, our Speech-Language Pathologists develop and implement a therapy plan individualized to meet a client’s needs.<br />Our staff has experience with many types of communication disorders and difficulties, including language delay and weak vocabulary skills, articulation/phonological disorders, myofunctional disorders, apraxia, language learning disabilities, auditory/language processing difficulties, fluency disorders, and pragmatic/social disorders.</p>

The Gillen Brewer School

<p dir="ltr"><strong>The Gillen Brewer School is a private special education school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, NYC, serving children ages 2.8 to 11 years old</strong>. Our mission is to educate and support students to become confident, independent, and engaged learners. </p> <p dir="ltr">Our individualized, academic-therapeutic approach to education incorporates speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups throughout each child’s daily schedule. Students are immersed in learning which is developmentally appropriate and socially engaging. </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Our teachers and therapists are cross-trained in each academic and therapeutic speciality in order to provide a holistic and integrated program. Students benefit from small class sizes, and enjoy specials such as art, music, physical education, science, and technology. </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Central to our program is the home-school partnership, in which Gillen Brewer staff work closely with families to support the whole child in achieving their goals. </p> <p><br />Our Admissions Team is here to discuss how The Gillen Brewer School can partner with your family. Contact us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> to schedule an in-person tour today!</p>