Welcome to another week and we're pretty manic as ever here at Cloud 9 Towers, with the CHS Awards, MMA & MMA Student Awards, Fresh, IMPACT & NSpine all taking centre stage, there is not much time to think about much - especially Valentines Day which is looming. Lovely for those in love, not so groovy for the singles and loveless amongst us!
However, we did promise you some great ideas for Valentines Day so if you need some last minute inspiration, then here you go....and really, where else but Paris measures up?!
With our thanks to the Huffington Post, we couldn't have put it better ourselves!
1. Perfect the art of flânerie
The flâneur
dates from the 19th century and denotes a certain type of gentleman who
strolls around the city aimlessly, although he finds much to enrich
him: the writer Honoré de Balzac described this pastime as "gastronomy
of the eye". Indeed there's no better way to get the feel of Paris than
by exploring it on foot at a leisurely pace, hand in hand, uncovering
hidden delights along the way. Or alternatively, relax in a pavement
café and watch the world go past you.
© Robyn Lee
You can find a romantic hotel in every arrondissement, but Montmartre, with it's village-like maze of narrow streets, is located on a hill in the north of Paris so has great views of the city, especially from the steps of the Sacre-Coeur. Think of the movie Amélie for a general idea, as many scenes were filmed here.
For a more central location the Marais, on the Right Bank, is a good bet. This historic quartier has quirky narrow medieval streets and is also the trendy epicenter of the city, with hip restaurants, cafés, galleries and boutiques seemingly on every corner.
St Germain-des-Pres, once the bohemian Left Bank haunt of intellectuals, writers, artists, film-makers and actors, nowadays attracts an extremely well-heeled crowd, drawn here by upmarket boutiques, fine dining restaurants and legendary pavement cafés such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots (above). This is a good choice if you want to stay in an elegant shopping district.
3. Enjoy many romantic meals a deux © Hotel Daniel
You're
in a city famed for its cuisine, so you don't have to start, or end,
with just dinner. A lingering, lazy lunch can feel decadent and
indulgent, plus you won't be competing with hordes of other couples for
evening reservations. 
It may be thought of as a solely English
tradition, but many of the fancy hotels in Paris have an afternoon tea.
Surprise your partner with Hotel Daniel's "Traditional French tea", served in their exquisite chinoiserie-styled
dining room (above). Choose from homemade pastries, macaroons, finger
sandwiches and even scones and clotted cream, along with exotic teas or a
glass of champagne.
It may be thought of as a solely English
tradition, but many of the fancy hotels in Paris have an afternoon tea.
Surprise your partner with Hotel Daniel's "Traditional French tea", served in their exquisite chinoiserie-styled
dining room (above). Choose from homemade pastries, macaroons, finger
sandwiches and even scones and clotted cream, along with exotic teas or a
glass of champagne. For dinner, try a traditional French brasserie; the better ones serve excellent classic dishes in a grand, authentically Parisian atmosphere. Book a table for two at Bofinger, a Belle Époque bistro with a show-stopping glass domed ceiling. Oysters, fruits de Mer and foie gras are all executed perfectly.End your evening off with a nightcap - the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz would make for a memorable, if expensive, end to the night.
4. Indulge in some of the best chocolate in the world
© Juanfran Not only is Patrick Roger
one of Paris's finest chocolatiers, but the man himself has a wild
streak of creativity; he's known as the "Rodin of chocolate" due to his
ever-revolving, larger-than-life chocolate sculptures on display in his
stores (above). Make sure you stop by to see what he has in store for
Valentine's Day.
La Maison du Chocolate
began in Paris in 1977 and is now known worldwide; founder Robert Linxe
has been described as "the sorcerer of ganache". The shop holds regular
tasting sessions, in English if you book in advance - what better
activity for Valentine's Day?
5. Visit a perfumier
© popaitaly
The perfect gift for Valentine's Day is perfume, and a great place to visit is Editions du Parfums Frederic Malle.
Master perfumier Frédéric Malle approached some of the top noses in
France and offered them the opportunity to create their own fragrances,
without any restriction as to ingredients, audience or cost. The result
is a collection of 21 unique and adventurous perfumes, some for women,
some for men and some regarded as unisex. There are stockists around the
world, but nothing beats visiting in person, where the knowledgeable
staff will help you find your signature scent. 6. Tour Paris in a vintage convertible
© AlainDurand
Impress your partner by arranging a sightseeing tour
with a twist: a chauffeur who speaks your language and looks the part
of a quintessential Frenchman will take you around the city in a vintage
convertible Citroen CV2. The drivers have an encyclopedic knowledge of
Paris and can show you the hidden spots in the city, as well as take you
to landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower for lunch or for a spin down the
Champs-Elysees. Brief your driver in advance to take you
somewhere romantic and off the beaten track for extra bonus points -
perfect for if you're planning a proposal...
But if you are single this Valentines Day, do not despair...
Sure, Valentine’s Day is great if you’re in love, however, if you’re
single and miserable it can only add to the supposed winter depression
some singles face. But, wait-- what’s that saying-- misery loves
company?
Luckily, there are plenty of people who can’t stand the alleged day
of love, which some people consider to be a day fabricated by retail
stores. Maybe you’re not single and you still hate Feb. 14, the day when
men and women and boys and girls exchange gifts in the name-- or
illusion-- of love. So why not throw an anti-Valentine's Day party?
First, hosts can send out a cheeky invite. Something like “I hate
this stupid holiday” or even something simple like, “Valentine’s Day
Sucks.” Maybe you don’t want to use words at all, and just have a
picture of a heart with an “X” over it.
Next, it’s time to decorate. Hosts should take advantage of the
Valentine’s Day decorations in stores, but just add their own flair.
Maybe get some black spray-paint to draw X’s over the hearts or write
“Cupid Rhymes With Stupid.” While lovers might use red and white
candles, black candles could be appropriate for an Anti-Valentine’s Day
party.
Bakers can do a spoof on candy hearts and create candy-shaped sugar
cookies. Use pastel coloured icing to replicate the candy, but instead of
“Be Mine” and “I Love You,” phrases like “Bite Me,” “Go Away” and
“Pain” might be more appropriate. Bakers can also use a gingerbread man
cookie cutter to create faux voodoo dolls of their exes.
For music, tunes like Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Katy Perry’s “Roar” and almost every Taylor Swift song are appropriate.
So if you are all loved up, then enjoy and if not, well enjoy anyway!
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