SIX LOVELY VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS

Fall in love with these Valentine's Day gift ideas. 

Cupid Soap: This intricately designed handcrafted soap from local luxury brand Made By Elizabeth comes in six different scents: lilac (shown), white lily, jasmine, white peach, lavender and vintage gardenia. $4.25, plus shipping and handling. Usually ships within 7 days. www.handmadesoaps.co.

Whitten Studs: Named one of Oprah Winfrey's favorite things of the year, these gorgeous earrings are a lovely addition's to any woman's jewelry collection. The hot pink quartz and the ruby varieties look especially right for the holiday, but these studs are also available in lemon topaz, blue turquoise, amethyst, emerald, aqua, moonstone, labradorite, sapphire, ruby and white. $72. www.addisonweeks.com. 

Valentino Valentina Poudre Eau de Parfum: Exclusive to Nordstrom, it's soft, sensuous and romantic. Just the beautiful bottle alone makes hearts flutter. $120. www.nordstrom.com.  

Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette: A candy coated confection filled with 16 matte and shimmer shades infused with antioxidant rich cocoa powder. $49. www.ulta.com. 

Slices of Love Chocolate Gift Box: Each piece is inspired by decadent desserts from around the world $16. Godiva store at SouthPark mall or www.godiva.com. 

Heart-Flape Stripe Bag: This whimsical bag is adorable any day of the year. Also available in navy stripe. $119. Talbot's stores or online at www.talbots.com. 

SOPHISTICATED SUPER BOWL PARTY TIPS

Steal any of these seven sophisticated tips for hosting a Super Bowl party and you may win a trophy from your guests. 

Hosting a Super Bowl party Feb. 5 when the Atlanta Falcons battle the New England Patriots? If you want a trophy from your guests, consider taking one or more of these elegant ideas from famous Charlotte-based event designer Sikky Rogers and running with them. 

"The key to any great party is for the host to have as much fun as the guests," Sikky says. Here's her sophisticated party game plan: 

1. Hire a caterer and bartender. 

2. Food ideas include fresh baked soft pretzels with different dipping sauces; serving chicken and dumplings or chili in mugs so guests can walk around with their food while they watch the game; having a bacon bar with different types of bacon and bacon wrapped treats; and instead of regular paper napkins, using larger disposable guest towels (they look like high end napkins). 

3. Have enough beer and wine for your guests, but also consider adding a full bar, bourbon bar or coffee bar. Whatever you serve, be sure to have plenty of nonalcoholic drinks. 

4. For maximum impact, place flowers on your main food station where guest are guaranteed to see them. Keep the arrangement simple by using one color or one type of flower. 

5. Make sure there is ample seating in the TV viewing areas. Arrange some pillows on the floor in each room with a television.

6. If your space is large enough, use multiple small tables to create mini food stations so guests are encouraged to move throughout the room.

7. Have someone from a local cigar store bring in cigars, cutters and lighters for a cigar bar set up outside. Include some good brandy and brandy snifters.