For the Ladies

Alota scents

Go for a touch of the romantic. These fragrant and fun candle creations found their way into the gift shop of the Governor’s Mansion about a year ago and have caught our eye as well. Find candles in every scent from lemon grass to crme brulee. For more information, visit the shop off Old Highway 280 in Chelsea or call 678-9989.

Pleasure is all Wine

This shop in Pelham offers wines that easily tempt the tastebuds. Plus, with events scheduled throughout the month, you can treat her to a fun night out. Beat the crowds and go out Feb. 13 to Sweets for the Sweet. This chocolate and wine-pairing event will feature chocolate covered strawberries, decadent chocolate cake, dark chocolates and milk chocolates, all paired with the perfect wine. The event costs $12 per person. For more information, call 985-4760.

Beaded jewelry

What woman doesn’t desire a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry? Lora Lunsford at The Bead Biz in Helena can help you create that perfect gift. If the woman that has captured your heart is crafty herself, buy her a gift certificate so she can go by and create her own piece. Of, if neither of you feel so creative, Lunsford also has pieces for sale. For more information, visit www.thebeadbiz.com or call 621-2426.

Day at the spa

Santa Fe Day Spa provides a number of luxurious spa packages to spoil your loved one. If you really feel she deserves pampering, their Fantasy package includes a champagne and roses body scrub and wrap, a Swedish-massage, facial, lunch, French spa manicure, makeup and hairstyling. This package costs $410. If that goes beyond your budget, they also offer a $195 Dreamy package that includes the massage, facial and a chocolate mint pedicure.

Other spas around the county also offer smaller packages like the couples massage offered by the Helena Body Spa for $140 or its basic hour massage for $65.

Fantastically frilly

Ooh la la 11–piece makeup set –– $19.99.

If you are looking for the ultimate frilly gift, look no further than Royal Duchess in Montevallo. This girlie shop provides a wealth of frilly lingerie, jewelry, accessories and gift sets, including two–piece train cases for makeup at $29.99. They come in all designs including zebra or leopard print. Owner Angela Gentry is offering 20 percent off all of her accessories in February.

Art Buzz certificate

Allow your special someone to find their creative side. You can either make reservations for a fun night of wine and painting together or purchase a gift certificate for her to enjoy a night with friends. The ladies at Art Buzz provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere where even the most novice painter can leave with a work of art. For more information, visit www.artbuzzbirmingham.com.

A delicious dinner

Tempting morsels of food can be found in a variety of romantic settings here in Shelby County. Many locally–owned, fine dinning establishments can set the mood with their own personal flair. Try Bellini’s for Italian dining at its best (Hint: ask for one of the private dining tables for an extra romantic setting), Standard Bistro for the picturesque setting of Mt Laurel or Fox Valley for its mouthwatering menu items that have gained a cult following.

Just the Guys

Day at the track

It’s not every day that you can fly down a stretch of asphalt without nabbing a speeding ticket. Fulfill your man’s need for speed with a membership at the MotorSports Racing Club in Columbiana. A one–month membership is $99 and gives him a true speedster experience. Or you can send him off for a day. He can arrive and drive for $25 for a 10–minute session. For more information, call 620-3812.

Video game mecca

Vulcan Gamebox in Inverness allows your guy’s inner video game nerd a place to come out in full force. Avid gamers can play anything from PC games to Wii games. For the month of February, a $30 pass gives you unlimited gaming Monday–Thursday. For more information, visit www.vulcangamebox.com.

taking a swing

There are golf carts all over the county waiting to take your husband or boyfriend around for a day on the golf course. In fact, there are eight public courses to choose from. Timberline in Calera is even offering a four course meal for two for an average price of $85 per couple. It comes complete with a long–stemmed red rose.

Pinup beauty

Ladies, why not show off your best assets with tasteful and glamorous portraits done by Fotowerks in Montevallo. These aren’t Glamour Shots of the 1990s, but pinup–like shots you can share just with your hubby. For more information, visit www.fotowerks.net.

Night of music

Why not surprise him with a night of music under the stars? With Verizon Wireless Music Center located right inside Pelham, a long list of concerts are set for the summer. The Dave Matthews band is just one of the many big names released lately. There are even tickets left for their April 20 concert. Check out ticketmaster.com.

the great outdoors

Shelby County has an abundance of guy-friendly shops. Take a trip to Alabaster’s Camo Corner for all types of woodland-inspired gifts or visit Chelsea’s 4X4 Rockshop to find gadgets for his truck or jeep.

Goodies from Edgars

Go by and purchase a bundle of cookies or even a cake. After all, the way to any man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Edgars offers mouthwatering treats that will make anyone happy. Edgar’s now has three locations — Pelham, Patton Creek Shopping Center and the Colonade off Highway 280.