GETAWAY PLACES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2020

Sure, Valentine’s Day is much more about capitalism than love, let’s be honest. The “romantic” holiday makes the least sense of them all. After all, we ought to celebrate love every day, right?

But things are as they are, and you can decide to skip the day and just have a blockbuster marathon.

If, however, you are still in the mood for trying something new, check out our suggestions. In the list that follows, we tried to include some really cool things you can try this doomed Valentine’s Day. Furthermore, we will encompass the best getaway destinations for you – or you and your partner.

Whether you’ll be alone or not, it’s always a good time to try things out. Alright, let’s dig in!

On a side note, we made sure to include locations for everyone’s wallet.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Wherever you are in the world, Eastern Europe is the most affordable travel destination all year around. The developing countries will wholeheartedly welcome tourists pretty much anytime. If you’re looking for a cheap getaway destination, the capital of Bulgaria is the perfect way to go.

Flight tickets are typically low-cost and a great number of airlines are selling them.

If you end up visiting Sofia with your significant other, you’ll have many attractions to check out. Art lovers should certainly pay a visit to the National Literature Museum. Additionally, should you be interested in learning more about the country’s history, check out the Museum of Socialist Art.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Contrary to popular belief, not all metropolises are expensive to visit. Let’s take Buenos Aires as an example, the world’s eighth-biggest country’s capital. The visit to this place will surely not break the bank.

The best way to spend your time as a couple in this hot city is to feel the nightlife. Buenos Aires is alive at night, perhaps even more so than during the day. The city is swarmed with nightclubs and pubs. You’ll have your dreams come true if you’re a clubber. Buenos Aires has a truly serious house and techno devoted venues.

Furthermore, if you’re really into unveiling the secrets of the night, check out the city’s thriving underground scene. Just go to Nicky NY Sushi and ask to see the wine cellar. You’ll be surprised.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Now let’s move on to someplace a bit more extravagant. If you want to take the edge off this Valentine’s Day, go to Atlantic City. The city oozes with luxury and it’s a definite must-see in the American state. To live your childhood memories, go to the Steel Pier amusement park. There you can ride the Ferris wheel or you can try the trademark slingshot. Another option is the Disko, an adrenaline-charged ride that will spin both your guts and your brains out. Not literally.

The ultimate adult entertainment that you can experience in Atlantic City is gambling. Hard Rock Café Atlantic City is the place to go to feel opulence and hedonism. Treat yourself and your S.O. to a game of slot machines or Roulette. And when you get tired, head back to your lavish hotel room and play real money slots online. These games are the ideal alternative to in-person casinos.

Dominican Republic

Exotic countries, are we right? The Dominican Republic has some of the finest, most beautiful beaches in the world. If you’re tired of the cold February weather, consider migrating briefly to the Caribbean.

There are few sweeter ways to celebrate the weekend of love. Plunge into the hot ocean and feel the air breeze on your skin. Dry on the golden, sun-drenched strands as you sip a cocktail.

To avoid sunstroke, keep the necessary gear on. When you need to relax your muscles from all the swimming, visit Los Haitises National Park. As you approach the island, you’ll float over the turquoise waters. The view is simply stunning. Then the area itself is packed with gorgeous greenery and rich wildlife.

Galway, Ireland

We will wrap up the list with a classic. And no, it is not Paris. Have you considered going to Ireland anytime soon? Well, you should, because there’s so much to see. Perhaps a single weekend won’t do it justice, but you can try!

Since you don’t have much time, we would not recommend going to the big cities. Instead, head straight to quaint, rural Galway. Everything is way cheaper than in the urban areas anyway, especially Guinness. Have it for almost half the price in Galway. And what better way to experience the tradition than going to the countryside anyway?

If you want to take a piece of history with you back home, drop by John F. Kennedy Park (Eyre Square). The square is the perfect place to observe locals and their daily routines. You can also have a stroll down the 600-acre valley and have the best of both worlds.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

DATING, INTIMACY + TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF: WOMEN CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY THEIR WAY

Summer’s Eve shares a few stats that they obtained in terms of how women put the “V” in V'-Day. Here we get the inside scoop on how women feel about this day in terms of celebrating this holiday.

Tradition Still Wins the Day

· 71 percent of respondents still say that a romantic night out with their plus one is the ideal way to spend V-Day. And 45 percent of women want the traditional fanfare (dinner, movie and flowers).

· Still nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents would rather celebrate Valentine’s Day unconventionally – from going on a group date to opting to spend the day with friends.

The Perfect Valentine’s Day?

· These are the top things respondents said they’d most like included in their Valentine’s Day plans.

o A romantic dinner: 67 percent

o Having sex: 49 percent

o Being intimate: 47 percent

o Receiving flowers: 47 percent

o Receiving chocolates: 43 percent

Solo, Coupled Up or Group

· There are many different ways to celebrate V-Day, and although 71 percent of women still prefer to have a romantic night out, more than a quarter still opt to spend the night alone, while 22 percent think spending the day with friends is the way to go.

Self-Care is the Best Care

· 67 percent of respondents believe self-care is especially important around Valentine’s Day. And what part of their body are they pampering the most? That would be the vagina with 22 percent of the vote, beating out the face for the most self-cared for body part!

The Internal Struggle is Real …

· More than half (57%) of women surveyed said Valentine’s Day is overrated.

· But still, 56 percent say they do feel heavy pressure to have a date for Valentine’s Day!

Finding a Plus One

· When it comes to coupling up for the big day, women take many measures to find a V-Day plus one!

o 24 percent have found someone in a bar or club to spend Valentine’s Day with and 23 percent have found someone on a dating app.

o A quarter of those surveyed have even gone back to an ex to ensure they don’t spend the holiday alone!

Let’s Get Physical

· When it comes to V-Day, intimacy is still high on the agenda for most women, with more than 53 percent saying it’s important to be intimate on the holiday of love.

· Taking it one step further, 29 percent said they planned to try something sexually new and adventurous in honor of V-Day!

Uncuffing Season?

· Three in 10 women have had a relationship end (either been broken up with/broke up with someone) right before or on Valentine's Day.

· No date, no problem! And when looking at older millennials, 66 percent say the reason for the breakup was to get out of making plans or buying a gift.

Indecent Proposal

· Get up off that knee! A quarter of that same millennial audience cited being proposed to as one of the tackiest things that could happen to them on Valentine’s Day.

Love It or Hate It?

· At the end of the day, 66 percent of women agree that they actually like Valentine’s Day. Cue the roses!

Date Night Essentials

· What items are “clutch” in any date night bag? Women said they carry the following when out on a date:

o Cash: 61 percent

o Lip balm: 53 percent

o Makeup: 45 percent

o Perfume: 44 percent

o Gum: 42 percent

o Phone charger: 38 percent

o Feminine care products (tampons, pads, etc.): 32 percent

o Hair tie/bobby pins: 31 percent

o Feminine cleansing cloths: 27 percent

o Toothbrush: 24 percent

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

GIFTING YOURSELF WITH SEXUAL STAMINA THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

Every year the average American spends $136.57 on Valentine’s Day according to the National Retail Federation. Valentine’s Day has somehow managed to creep up on us once again and while bestowing gifts such as flowers, jewelry, and candle-lit dinners on your partner is perceived to be very romantic, there is something else you can do that will truly blow their mind: improve your stamina between the sheets. While sexual performance is often a sensitive topic among men, it is one that undoubtedly deserves your attention. Unless you have a serious underlying condition that is putting a damper on your libido, a few basic tips and tricks are all you need to take your lovemaking to the next level this Valentine’s Day.

Practice makes perfect

Sex, like most things in life, requires a lot of practice if you want to perfect it. As a sexual libido trainee, you might want to consider investing in some tools that will help you increase your stamina in the sack. There are a number of very innovative sex toys on the market, such as the fleshlight, that will help you retain an erection for longer when you need it most. There are, in fact, a very large variety of rings, sleeves, and even creams that you can use to fine-tune your functioning in bed. You can also experiment with various masturbation techniques that will allow you to prolong your performance and give your partner, and yourself, the best Valentine’s gift ever.

Eat ‘in-the-mood’ food

If you find your stamina lacking, you can turn to some good food to get your blood flowing again. There seems to be some truth in the age-old saying that nuts make us feel frisky. Due to their high magnesium content, they have been proven to boost energy levels and endurance, both in and out of bed. Bananas are rich in potassium and can help stabilize your blood pressure which can boot your sexual performance significantly. Even nitrate-rich beetroot, whether whole or in juice form, will give your stamina a healthy boost. Other ‘in-the-mood’ foods that are well worth a try include dark chocolate, steak, pine nuts, and watermelon (which is often referred to as nature’s Viagra).

Reduce your stress

Stress is known to affect all aspects of your life, including your libido. If you want to give your partner some prolonged loving this Valentine’s, Psychology Today suggests you eliminate some of the everyday stressors from your life. Stress has the ability to increase both your heart rate and your blood pressure which can, in turn, have a negative effect on your libido. Your anxiety and stress can increase your cortisol production which can also prevent you from getting an erection and even having an orgasm. Try engaging in relaxing activities that you enjoy such as exercise, reading, watching TV, or even just spending time with friends. The more you relax outside of bed, the more intense your performance will be inside of it.

Being able to improve your stamina in bed is without a doubt one of the best gifts you can give yourself (and you’re your partner). Don’t think of it has a chore but rather envision yourself actively training for the next Olympic Games, improving your performance in leaps and bounds with every effort made.

Read the latest from Athleisure Mag.

6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE SINGLEHOOD THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

These days, more and more women are referring to Valentine’s Day as “Single Awareness Day.” Gone are the days of moping around lonely and longing for a relationship. Many women who are fulfilling career ambitions, focusing on meeting financial goals, traveling and having fun with friends and family are perfectly fine with their singleness. When Valentine’s Day rolls around, more single women want to treat it as an excuse to have some fun. To keep the positive momentum going, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty at Columbia University, shares 6 positive ways to celebrate singlehood this Valentine’s Day.

1. Plan a trip.

While everyone else is out getting overpriced meals and mediocre service, declare a date-night with yourself setting the goal to plan a solo trip to see friends or family or explore another city. Many single women make the mistake of forgoing travel because they want a boyfriend to travel with. They end up burning themselves out with too much work and no play. “Planning a trip is a fun forward-thinking activity that inspires creativity, imagination, and optimism. When you are single you have the freedom to travel the way you want. You don’t need to consider anyone else.” explains Dr. Hafeez.

2. Spruce up your surroundings.

When we get into nesting mode, we honor ourselves and our single status. Tidying up and simply adding new throw pillows to a sofa, a new bedspread, a new shower curtain, and some candles can add new energy to your space. “Another great way to celebrate your singlehood on Valentine’s Day is to decorate as you see fit. When we feel great in our living space, we are more productive. Many single women find they enjoy being able to redecorate without having anyone else offering their opinion.” Dr. Hafeez adds.

3. Host a party.

Celebrating Singlehood on Valentine’s Day can be a blast when you invite other singles over for a fun pot luck dinner or cocktail party. Share funny dating stories, play some great music and enjoy some quality time with friends. “When people enter relationships, they have less time for their friends. Single people who have a solid group of friends always have something fun going on. What is interesting is the more a person loves their single life, is confident and happy on their own, the more attractive they become to others,” explains Dr.Hafeez.

4. Pamper yourself.

Schedule your hair cut, facial, massage and declare a day of self-pampering. Many salons and spas offer Valentine’s Day specials and packages so take advantage. Some even offer after work treatments so you can go straight from work and indulge. “Treating yourself to a day of beauty is a great way to tend to yourself. Single women have the time to focus on their beauty routines without anyone asking how much they spend on eyebrow waxing, facials, highlights, blow-outs and anything else you choose to do,” Dr.Hafeez reminds us.

5. Go shopping… online.

Be your own Valentine and buy yourself a present or several presents for that matter? Perhaps there’s a nice dress, handbag, shoes or fragrance that you’ve been wanting to treat yourself to. Celebrate your awesomeness with a splurge. “When we shop, we get a dopamine hit, hence the term retail therapy. The key is not to let it get out of control. Set a budget and the intention to enjoy yourself. Buy yourself something that a man typically would such as jewelry. There’s something very empowering about a woman buying herself a beautiful and symbolic piece of jewelry, suggests Dr.Hafeez.

6. Eat the candy.

Who doesn’t love chocolate? You’re your own greatest Valentine! Grab yourself your favorite Valentine’s Day candy box and allow a sweet treat. “Want an endorphin boost? Eat some chocolate. Endorphins are stress minimizers and help boost our immune systems,” says Dr.Hafeez. Ladies who revel in their singlehood have no problem treating themselves to some chocolate covered berries and champagne.

Cheers to you and cheers to being single.

Check out the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

5 REASONS WHY MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE SAYING ‘NO WAY’ TO VALENTINE'S DAY

Dr Sanam Hafeez shares 5 reasons why more and more people are saying no way to Valentine's Day.

Whether you’re in a couple or rolling solo, Valentine’s Day comes with expectation and pressure. With #CoupleGoals as a consistently trending hashtag, countless pictures of couples on social media, the obsession of celebrity break ups and make ups and TV shows like the Bachelor and Bachelorette serving up contrived romance sprinkled with drama, the way we think of love and romance has changed. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York Board Certified Neuropsychologist explains why so many people say ‘no way’ to Valentine’s Day and offers some alternatives that shift this negative mindset.

1. “Valentine’s Day is a ‘Hallmark Holiday’ and I’m still broke from Christmas.”

When money is tight many people may want to cut back on spending especially for things they feel are frivolous. “Financial stress is a common thing and when people are made to feel pressured to spend, they get resentful and want to claim their power,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Instead of boycotting all romance, put a $20 maximum on gifts and you’ll see how sweet, thoughtful and creative you can get.

2. “Every restaurant is crowded and the service is terrible.”

Nothing kills romance faster than crowds and a bad experience dining out. Since everyone goes out to eat on Valentine’s Day there will be a lapse in service. “One way for couples to celebrate is to call their favorite restaurant in advance and have a meal prepared they can pick up and heat up at home,” suggests Dr. Hafeez. “You can either break out the fancy dishes and dress up or you can put on sweats and eat while watching a movie, the important thing is that you enjoy yourselves and aren’t stressed,” she adds.

3. “We’ve been together for ages. Every day is Valentine’s Day! Do we really need to celebrate?”

“Celebrations and traditions are important in a relationship and when they fall away it’s usually a sign of trouble and disconnection. While you may not feel the need to do anything extravagant use the day to appreciate the love you have and life you’ve created, even if it’s in a small way,” Hafeez advises.

4. “I’m single so what’s the point?”

Rolling solo on Valentine’s Day again, all the more reason to turn it into a Self Love Day. Being single on Valentine’s Day can be tough for people, especially those still healing from a break up or divorce. “You want to really be kind and caring to yourself. Booking a massage, getting a haircut, or arranging a single ladies night with your single friends could be just what’s needed. Focus on creating your own happiness,” says Dr. Hafeez who often sees a link between break up depression and anxiety over holidays.

5. “I’m just to busy for love and romance and all that stuff.”

Some people are just focused on other things that are top priority in their lives. There are plenty of women who are turned on more by generating income for their businesses than concerning themselves with outside approval or validation. There has been a rise in female entrepreneurship with more millenials and Gen X’ers preferring to build empires than romantic relationships. For them it’s just February 14th the midway point to a short month. “There’s nothing wrong with women wanting to focus on their professional lives. They often feel to focus on business, romance, which may cause them to lose focus, has to be shelved for a while, this is more common these days,” Dr. Hafeez shares.

While many say ‘no way’ to Valentine’s Day there are millions saying I DO.

According to a 2017 survey of 1000 people done by James Allen, an online diamond and bridal jewelry retailer, 43 percent of millennials say Valentines Day is their top pick for proposal day. November – February is considered proposal season.

Some other mind-blowing stats that clearly show Cupid isn’t going away anytime soon are.

In 2017, the National Retail Federation put the estimated total spending at over $18.2 billion. That's an average of $136.57 per person.

Jewelry is the most popular gift with 20 percent of consumers expected to buy jewelry, with a total of $4.3 billion on bling, the NRF said.

$2 billion will be spent on flowers, with roses being most popular. 250 million roses are produced for the holiday, the Society of American Florists said.

The American Greeting Card Association puts that industries pay out at 1 BILLION… yes folks $1 … for paper.

WHAT WOMEN REALLY WANT | VALENTINE'S DAY CONFESSIONS

Think about how you spend your Valentine's Day and what you would really want to. There are a number of options out there and Summer's Eve released results on "How Ladies Do V-Day" to show how women today are redefining the holiday to modernize it for their needs. Participants are women from across the country and we have a few of the results below - enjoy. 

Make sure to check out Summer's Eve and their micro-site which allows you to find out about a fun series of experiences that you can enjoy when you purchase two items.

Who Will Be Mine?:

• While women’s views of Valentine’s Day have changed over the years, the excitement around being with their lover on the special day has remained the same - yet the lack of a date hasn’t deterred them from finding ways to celebrate the day. Survey results found that 61% of women spend Valentine’s Day with a date or significant other, 30% fly solo by spending it alone and 9% pal up with their friends.

#Binge&Chill:

• When it comes to the great debate of going out or staying in, a majority of women (58%) would rather skip the crowds and spend Valentine’s Day at home chilling out rather than on an extravagant date.

A Date with Intimacy:

• What’s on the to-do list this Valentine’s Day? Survey results found that 62% of women view getting intimate as a priority on Valentine’s Day. Millennials (74%), are especially eager to get under the covers, compared to older generations. 

Cuddling Up Won’t Cut It:

• Survey results found that the pressure is on when it comes to getting it on! More than half of women (58%) agree that Valentine’s Day is the best time to try new things in the bedroom! In fact, that number is even higher among moms (67%) and ladies who are married or in a relationship (65%).  

Passion Prep:

• With all the time set aside for bedroom antics, women will be engaging in extensive beauty routines this Valentine’s Day – even prioritizing feminine care over getting a hot outfit! The top ways women plan to get ready this February 14th are:
• Shaving or waxing (63%)
• Picking the perfect scent (50%)
• Selecting special lingerie (43%)
• Using feminine hygiene products (36%)
• Buying a new outfit (35%)
• Women are taking their sweet time to get ready for Valentine’s Day! Nearly half (47%) of women who ever go out on Valentine’s Day estimate they’ll spend at least an hour preparing for their V-Day date.Millennials will be starting their routine earlier than their older counterparts, requiring an average of 60 minutes, compared to a slightly speedier 47 minutes for Boomers.

For The Love Of Money:

• Looking good for Valentine’s Day is not only time-consuming, but it’s also breaking the bank. On average, women spend about 30% more getting ready for a Valentine’s Day date than they do for a regular date. Millennials are the biggest spenders when it comes to dolling themselves up for love, with more than a third (34%) estimating they spend 50% or more on their Valentine’s date prep than a regular date, while only 19% of Baby Boomers said the same.

I’ll Be There For You:

• For some women, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating bonds with their best buds. Given the choice between a few famous duos to spend the holiday with, more than 1 in 3 (38%) of women picked best Friends Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox as favorites.
• This was followed by 26% who would choose funny women Amy Poehler and Tiny Fey, 19% would want to chill with pop princesses Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez and 12% with early morning favorites Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. In last place – catwalk superstars Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid with only 5% of women wanting to hang out with the trending models.

Reel Love:

• Get ready to que up the cliché romances on your streaming service this Valentine’s Day. The Ryan Gosling tearjerker “The Notebook” is the most popular choice of women (27%) for V-Day date watching, followed by the ’90s classic “Pretty Woman” and the risqué “Fifty Shades of Grey,” with 24% of women choosing each.
• With the “Fifty Shades Freed” film’s release on Valentine’s Day, most women are viewing it as foreplay for the night. Indeed, 52% would prefer to watch it with a date to “set the mood,” versus48% who would opt to take it in with friends as conversation fodder.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | SAKE

Around our offices, we've been fans of sake for years and we enjoy it beyond our sushi lunches and dinners. As we always have some on hand and have had a number of Sake in a Cups while we were in Tokyo, we wanted to know more about how this drink can be paired with a number of celebratory situations that you would typically do with wine or champagne. We chatted with Timothy Sullivan, Sake Expert and an ambassador to Hakkaisan to find out more about this rice wine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you became an expert on Sake and what is it about this particular category that sets it apart from spirits and wines.

TIMOTHY SULLIVAN: I discovered premium sake about 12 years ago while having a sushi dinner in Manhattan. On a whim, I decided to splurge and order a high end sake to pair with the sushi.
I was blown away with the pairing and fell in love with sake on the spot. I started a sake website a few months later, UrbanSake.com, to record my experiences and misadventures learning my way around the sake world. From that point on, I studied and learned all that I could and tasted as much sake as possible to train my palate. In 2007, I had my first trip to Japan and visited my first sake brewery, and in 2010, I left my previous day job and began working full time in the sake industry. Sake education has become my passion and my career!

Sake is unique. It's complex production method is not used to make any other kind of alcohol. Premium Sake is gluten free, vegan, free of sulfites, and tannins and has a much lower acidity
than wine. In addition, sake is much richer in amino acids than wine or beer, allowing "umami" flavors to come out in many sakes.

AM: What is your role with Hakkaisan as an ambassador?

TS: My role as Brand Ambassador for Hakkaisan is to travel around the US and internationally and introduce not only Hakkaisan sake, but to teach about sake in general as many places as I can. To achieve this, I hold events for consumers such as sake tastings or pairing dinners, but I also work with restaurants and wine shops to do staff trainings. I work hard to clear up as many misconceptions about sake and I am so lucky to be able to meet with people all over the world and talk sake!

AM: You do a number of Sake talks here in NYC - what is your purpose in doing them?

TS: Yes, as a matter of fact, my next talk is coming up Feb 7th 2018 at the Japan Society. I'll be giving a lecture and slideshow about my recent experience of living and working for one year
as a sake brewer at Hakkaisan in Niigata, Japan. I hold lectures as often as I can to get people interested in sake. As sake becomes more and more popular with the mainstream consumer, I feel that education is of vital importance.

AM: Are the rules of pairing red and white wine with various meats and meals applicable to sake as well?

TS: Sake is quite different from wine, so most of the rules you may have heard about wine pairing (red wine with meat etc) do not apply to sake. However, I have heard one rule for wine pairing that totally fits for sake as well. Matching the weight and intensity of the wine and dish is a good rule of thumb. The same general guideline goes for sake. If you are eating a dense and spicy Japanese curry, a light and silky daiginjo sake may not be the best bet. Reach for a more full bodied, rice-driven junmai sake instead. The body and weight will stand up to the
curry much better!

That being said, it is an open secret in the sake world that sake is generally much more forgiving than wine when it comes to food pairing. This is because of the lower acidity and comparatively milder flavors. I encourage my students to experiment when it comes to food and sake pairing. It's fun and you never know what you'll discover.

AM: With Valentine's Day around the corner, many want an alternative to popping champagne - what is a great sparkling sake that should be considered?

TS: The Japanese sake industry is upping their game when it comes to sparkling sake. Years ago, sparking sake was not taken seriously and viewed as something very low alcohol, cotton
candy sweet and marketed to women in frosted pink bottles. Times have changed and many really good sparkling sakes are coming onto the market. Hakkaisan also makes sparkling sake. In the US market now, we sell our Hakkaisan Sparkling Nigori sake. This is a cloudy type of sparkling sake with a full 14% alcohol. It has a hint of sweetness up front, but overall has great balance and a bright acidity on the finish to cleanse the palate. This is the perfect champagne alternative for those who want to offer their guests something unique.

AM: When friends are coming over what is the perfect sake to pair with a charcuterie and cheese platter?

TS: When I hear "charcuterie and cheese platter" my mind immediately jumps to warm sake. Now, I am not talking about cheap, scalding hot, mass market sake you may have tried as a shot in college. I mean a gently warmed premium sake. When the serving temperature of some styles of high-quality sake is slowly raised, the texture becomes a touch richer and the umami and savory characteristics in the sake really come forward. This is a magic pairing with the meaty flavors you can find in charcuterie and the salty/creamy flavors of the best cheeses. I personally recommend Hakkaisan Tokubetsu Honjozo as a great example of a versatile type of premium sake that is great served either chilled or warm. When chilled, the Honjozo tastes dry and crisp, when warmed, it becomes ricer and more savory. Try warming your sakes to around 115˚F for maximum flavor.

AM: When you're bingeing on Netflix shows, what's the perfect sake to unwind with while enjoying solo?

TS: I have a special sake to recommend for this one. That fateful night back in 2005, when I ordered that premium sake at the sushi restaurant, the sake I tried was actually Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo. And 12 years later I represent the brand! I can honestly say this sake changed my life. Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo is the perfect sake for sipping with Netflix. The taste is a textbook
example of the regional style of Niigata, where Hakkaisan brewery is located. It is smooth, lightly dry and super clean with a crisp, refreshing finish.

This type of sake is easy drinking and does not tire out your palate. Some people describe the taste as being as crisp as a mountain stream, but I go one better - my nickname for this sake is "magic water". Pour it into a wine glass, start binge watching 'The Crown' and enjoy.

AM: Sake is for more then just sushi - what would you suggest for Taco Tuesday?

TS: I couldn't agree more! Sake pairs with so much more than sushi. Tacos can have some spice to them, so I love to recommend a bit of a bolder style sake to stand up to that. The type of
sake we call "nama" fits the bill perfectly! Our Shiboritate Nama Genshu is an unpasteurized sake giving it a fresh and vibrant edge. This sake is also undiluted with water, so the ABV is a full 19%! This Nama Genshu sake is as close as you can get to drinking unprocessed sake right from right from our press. It's bold and rich while still being fresh and balanced. The perfect
foil for Mexican fare!

Read more from the Jan Issue and see Something You Should Know | Sake in mag.

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER | STERLING FOREVER Gold Solid X Layered Ring | ISOLA Rose & Vanilla Cream Perfume Body Oil Set | RALPH LAUREN FRAGRANCE GIFT SET Ralph Lauren Romance Fragrance + Dylan's Chocolate Gift | DEEPA BY DEEPA GURNANI Chantel | LATIGO Kick | COLDWATER CREEK Scarf |

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM | LULU DHARMA Argyle Weekender | HUCKLEBERRY 18K Satin Brushed Yellow Gold Black Diamond "Lucky You" Horseshoe Ring | THE BODY SHOP Maca Root Rescue Kit | DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB Subscription Kit |

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THEM | GOOP Fragrance Edition 01, Winter l | ILUMINAGE  Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask | PIKOLINOS Bolsos MHA | TULLIANI Desire Sunglasses | AMARTE Max2 |

Read more from the Jan Issue here.

VALENTINE'S DAY | SUITE MOMENTS AT THE FAIRMONT HOTEL IN DC

When it comes to Valentine's Day, it's the perfect day to be extra loving to one another (not to say that you don't always show your love). Take dinner and a movie to the next level by making your way to Fairmont Washington, D.C., in Georgetown. This hotel recently completed a $27 million renovation to their property for their guest rooms, suites, lobby and courtyard. Our Co-Founder and Style Director, Kimmie has been a fan of this hotel for a number of years - this past weekend she spent 24 Hours in Washington D.C. and of course stayed at this hotel which you can read more about here. There is nothing like coming to this historic city and being tucked away in the neighborhood of Georgetown. 

Find out how our Style Director spent 24 Hours In Georgetown at the Fairmont D.C.

SUITE MOMENTS PACKAGE

This Valentine's Weekend, this hotel is offering their Suite Moments Package which includes breakfast for two and a complimentary Fairmont Classic Perfect Cocktail in the stunning lobby lounge - which is classically romantic! Your suite will receive 10% off of the daily rate starting at $368 per night. For reservations, call 202.429.2400 (or toll free at 866.540.4505)

VALENTINE'S ROMANCE PACKAGE IN THE Lobby Bar & Lounge:

Whether you're staying at the hotel or not, you can enjoy this romance package for two which is $135++

• 1 Btl. Of Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne
• 1 dz. Oysters
• Platter of Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Truffles

VALENTINE'S OFFERINGS IN THE LOBBY BAR & LOUNGE:

The perfect cocktails are those that you can share with your significant other. Fairmont D.C., has a His & Her Valentine's Day cocktail that is $15 each. For her, Cupid's Arrow has Grey Goose Le Citron, Tuaca, Fresh Raspberries, and Fresh Lemon. For him, the Gentleman's Elixir has Gentleman Jack, Honey Syrup, Fresh Lemon, Angostura Bitters, and Orange Peel. 

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The newly renovated lobby at the Fairmont Washington D.C., in Georgetown

FAIRMONT WASHINGTON, D.C., GEORGETOWN

2401 M Street, NW

Washington, D.C., 20037

Read more the Jan issue here.