Trends for February 11, 2002

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Feb. 11, 2002 | 8:32 a.m.

Flower power

Love is in the air as though you couldn't tell by all of the heart-shaped boxes, red frilly items and chubby Cupids that are taking up space in stores everywhere.

In honor of Valentine's Day, the folks at online florist FTD.com are offering a little assistance for the gift-giving challenged among us in other words, some sizeable hints, via the results of the company's recent survey.

Listen up, guys: 69 percent of women contend they want flowers for Valentine's Day. (Quite a newsflash coming from a florist, huh?)

Good thing, since 47 percent of men say chances are they'll be giving flowers to their sweetie, as opposed to chocolate, champagne, gift certificates, perfume and lingerie.

On the flip side, 12 percent of men say they'd like to be on the receiving end of a Valentine's bouquet this year. (Go figure.)

Sense of romance

Maybe you're planning a quiet evening at home for your honey. You've got the seductive sweets, the fancy gifts and the sexy underwear ready and waiting.

The Better Sleep Council reminds you not to forget about the bedroom. (As though that's possible isn't that the reason for all the fuss, anyhow?)

In any case, the council has a few suggestions for turning the boudoir into a veritable love nest, by relying on little more than the five senses.

Tackle touch with luxurious bedsheets, plush pillows and, of course, a comfy mattress.

Oversee the sight angle with soft lighting and bulbs with a soft-pink hue. And don't forget the candles (but, for safety's sake, don't leave them lit while unattended).

A bit of perfumed oil gently wiped on the light bulbs can help with smell; the heat from the bulbs sends the scent wafting through the room.

Romantic music will just about cover the sound portion of the evening. If not, hang thick curtains over windows to muffle noise entering from outdoors.

Finally, cover taste by hauling in a tray of whipped cream and strawberries, and, naturally, champagne.

Let's hope there's not much sleep going on after all that effort.

Achy, breaky hearts

If there's one thing you'll want to avoid on Valentine's Day it's breaking someone's heart. But if you're bent on doing that anyway (where's your holiday spirit?), the romantic devils at Netflix, an online DVD rental source, have compiled a list of movies featuring the all-time best cinematic breakups.

Among the losers ... er, winners are:

For a complete list of flicks to part by, visit netflix.com and click on its "Press Room" link. And good luck to you, spoil sport.