Popping the Question on V-Day

Yes, a lot of people think it's cliche to pop the question on Valentine's Day. But you know what? They still do it. Why? Because it works. And that way you won't forget the day you proposed. So there's a bonus. If you're looking for another bonus, how about a free meal? Nicola's is offering a free dinner if you propose over V-Day dinner. The Valentine's Day deal includes dinner for two for $89, then you get to come back and relive the magic with a free dinner later. You weren't going to actually propose over a free meal, were you? Here are all the deets from the Nicola's PR people:


It’s a day of love poems, romance and surprise engagements: Valentine’s Day. This February 14th, Ristorante Nicola, located at 8111 Preston Road in Dallas, invites guys (and ladies) to take a bended knee in an elegant atmosphere with exquisite food that will not be soon forgotten. Every couple who “pops the question” during the evening’s meal will receive a complimentary dinner*. To make the event extra special, the staff at Ristorante Nicola will even work with suitors on a one-on-one basis before the big day to determine a perfect surprise presentation. Imagine a loved one’s expression when the tiramisu arrives topped with an engagement ring!

The evening’s three-course San Valentino (Valentine’s Day) menu, for those getting engaged or just enjoying a dinner together, is $89 per couple plus tax and gratuity. It will be available on Tuesday, February 14 from 5 to 10 p.m. The restaurant’s most treasured items from the regular menu of house-made pastas and other delicacies will also be available during this time. Reservations can be made by calling (214) 379-1111 or by visiting www.nicoladallas.com. 

And no, Sig-O, we're not going there for Valentine's Day dinner, so you can stop the panic now.

Learn Origami to Hold Chocolate

This sounds like a fun class where you can make a present for V-Day that won't force you to say, "It's the thought that counts, right?"

In this class, you will pick your favorite color of cardstock and fold a perfect square box, just the size to hold one of CocoAndre Chocolatier’s fine chocolates. Apply a square of patterned paper to the top of the box, tie a neat bow, and you have a gorgeous handmade gift. The final touch is a nifty double heart gift tag made using paper cutouts and a luggage tag.

SPREAD THE LOVE!!!!!! A portion of proceeds from this class will go to Genesis Women's Shelter. Click here for all the deets.

Great Date Deal for the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Here's a great idea if you're looking to plan a great date for Valentine's Day or really any day. From the Cut & Paste via Travelzoo Division:

It's "all too easy to while away an entire afternoon" at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, according to Frommer's. With this exclusive Local Deal, subscribers can spend a day touring 109 acres of native and exotic plants and enjoy lunch at the Gardens Restaurant for $16, regularly $29.

Highlights of the grounds and the 2,500 species on display include the Rose Garden -- modeled after Italy’s renowned Villa Lante -- and the Texas Native Forest Boardwalk. Admission to the seven-acre Japanese Garden, which Frommer's calls "serene," as well as fish food for the koi ponds, are also included with this deal.< Lunch at The Gardens Restaurant consists of:

• Any appetizer, like the roasted bell pepper hummus with feta, olives and pita bread (up to $7)
• Any entree, like the bistro shrimp pasta with fresh mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes (up to $12)
• Any nonalcoholic beverage, like soft drinks, iced or hot tea, or coffee (up to $2.50); in addition, bottles of wine are 20% off with this deal

Or for $30, purchase an annual membership valid for two people and enjoy the gardens as often as you'd like all year long. To see the full benefits of membership, including reciprocity at gardens nationwide and restaurant discounts, click here. And click here to get this deal now.

V-Day Getaway Package at The Belmont Hotel

Red Hot Love - Valentine's Special

Whether your love meter is registering cool, warm, or hot we're here to help you take it up a notch on the heat meter. Grab your lover, book the Red Hot Love package, and the Belmont Hotel will do the rest. This package for 2 includes: ♥ Flowers from the petal wizards at Dirt... to set the scene ♥ Chocolates from the sugary scientists at Dude Sweet Chocolate... to sweeten the pallete ♥ A bottle of Champagne... to fan the flames ♥ Special seating for 2 on the BarBelmont patio... the perfect panorama for romance This package takes a while to heat up so please allow 48 hours notice. Rates: Standard $169/Deluxe $189/Jr Suite $239/Suite $279

Galveston Moody Gardens Hotel Getaway for Less!

Snagged this one and sharing it with you thanks to the Cut & Paste via LivingSocial Division:

You feel thankful for the good things in life—especially for getaways to the Gulf Coast of Texas for half the price. Escape to the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Centerand experience a lush, vibrant oasis where you can completely unwind and have a yam-tastic time.

Get into the holiday spirit (and forgo the Black Friday frenzy) with a two-day Escape for two in a king or queen room between November 24 and November 26, including VIP passes for the Holiday Gift Show, tickets for the Festival of Lights, and a holiday welcome amenity upon arrival ($245).

Gobble up all the holiday sparkle you can handle and watch more than one million lights twinkle as you twirl around the area's only outdoor ice rink. Find a cornucopia of snacks and beverages in the VIP lounge, before snuggling up with your sweetie to watch a holiday flick in the MG 3D, 4D Special FX, or Ridefilm theater.

If you can't ditch the in-laws on Turkey Day, opt for a two-night stay for two in November, December, or January and receive two-day attraction passes ($265). You'll also receive fruit, wine, and cheese upon arrival. Feast your eyes on the exhibits in the Rainforest Pyramid or watch the penguins and seals play at theAquarium Pyramid, followed by a cruise around Offatts Bayou on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.

Get this one now!

Your Getaway Golf and Spa Deal on Texoma

You're dreaming of a day at the spa, while your other half prefers a day on the golf course. Compromise is unnecessary. You can have that blissed-out feeling of hitting a stellar tee-shot, as well as a massage that will leave you rubber-legged, with this week's Escape to Texomaland.

Spend one night at Tanglewood Resort & Conference Center, nestled in a quiet cove on the Texas side of Lake Texoma. The country's 12th largest inland lake, straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border, is surrounded by the scenic rolling hills of state parks and wildlife refuges—the perfect setting for a round of golf.

After checking in to your king or queen lake-view room ($166), head to the Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole championship Tanglewood Golf Course, where you and your partner will get a bucket of range balls and a round of golf for two, cart included.

After a day on the course, unwind with 25 percent off any spa service atTranquility Spa & Salon. Pamper yourself from head to toe with the most popular massage package, which includes a massage, facial, and pedicure. Or choose from an à la carte menu of hair, massage, and body treatments.

End the day using your $25 gift card for dinner at the resort. Spend it on a Chicago-style meal at Barnacles Sports Bar and Pizzeria with a Chicago-style pizza, and catch the game on the big screen.

Or put it toward a romantic dinner in The Commodore Room, boasting a refined menu of made-from-scratch dishes. Spice up the night with the chef's signature pepper steak, or channel romance with Chateaubriand for two.

Escape to the peace and quiet of Lake Texoma by March 31—just before spring-breakers take over. Click here to get this great deal.

Your Next B&B Vacation Staycation - Hattie May Inn for only $89!

From the Cut & Paste via Living Social Division: 

This week's Escape starts at the romantic Hattie May Inn, a Fort Worth bed and breakfast bedecked in antiques and intricate Victorian details.

You and a guest will get one night at this registered Texas landmark, plus a country breakfast for two and the ever-romantic trio of wine, chocolates, and flowers upon arrival ($89).

What makes the Hattie May a landmark property? Maybe it's the open turret, the upstairs parlor filled with games, or the wraparound porch.

Or maybe it's the inn's place in Texas history. More specifically, the history of the Wild West. The inn is also known as the Maxwell-Liston House, site of a 1917 heist that claimed the life of its saloon-owning resident, James Liston—and the bullet holes remain to prove it.

This deal is the perfect opportunity to get a mini-vacation at the price of a staycation. Enjoy!

Lobster, Fondue. Half Price, Oh My!

You’re a membership warehouse fiend, priding yourself on your ability to save oodles on everything from toilet paper and cereal, to Italian wines. But when you want to impress a hot date or tantalize your taste buds, that $6 bottle of Pinot and frozen lasagna won’t make the cut. Maintain your thrifty dignity and enjoy a decadent dining experience with today’s deal: $62 gets you a four-course Lobster Extravaganza dinner for two at Simply Fondue’s Greenville Avenue location ($124 value). This is a date night that is sure to impress. Click here to snag your certificate now. BTW, Sig-O and I hit Simply Fondue a month or two ago and it was wonderful. The service was friendly, the food was fun and it was such a nice date night. I think this certificate may be the perfect excuse to revist.

Dinner Date with Free Wine

Dallas is a fickle restaurant town, so while I love to visit the hot new spots, I'm also a big fan of the oldies but goodies. That's why I was so happy when the email from St. Martin's Wine Bistro hit my inbox. During their Spring Wine and Dine you'll get a fantastic 3-course meal from a restaurant hailed as one of the best French Restaurants in town by the Dallas Morning News for only $35. Wait! There's more! You'll also receive a free bottle of wine per couple!

This deal runs through April 30. Here are all the details: http://www.stmartinswinebistro.com/2011springwinedinner.html Great food, free wine and romantic setting? What are you waiting for?