I hope that before you begin reading this blog that the love you express daily is merely a culminating factor for your plans on Valentine’s Day. If this is not the case, I am certain the strategic planning you will undergo for this very special one day of the year will not go unnoticed.  ;-) Just as society has given us so many options to live our lives with comfort, efficiency, and at your fingertips web buying power, romance also has endless possibilities.  At Designing Love, Inc., we focus on the never-ending opportunities to show love.  The spontaneous and heart fluttering moments are all based upon the energy that I receive from individuals who are my muses in this work.  The surprises and cherished moments that result from your energy enable me to see my client’s love expressed in new, fun, and creative ways.

I am not alone on my quest to be cupid.  The arrows of love that are in my arsenal would not exist without the assistance of many others.  I am often asked, how do you make the magic happen?  In the spirit of partial disclosure of some secrets of my craft, I have decided to give you some insight on amazing vendors both locally and nationally. Please feel free to utilizes their services not only on the day of love but any day of the year.  Fire up your computers and get ready to let your fingers assist you with the first steps in expressing your love language.

1.)  Relationship Coaching At Its Best- Pittsburgh’s relationship expert Jeremy Cid is the President of Always Opening Doors.  Jeremy is your go to certified relationship coach, confident, and peacemaker in the name of love.  He is Southern gentleman passionate about seeing you and your love language develop to maximize its fullest potential.  Please check his services out at www.alwaysopeningdoors.com.  He has been an objective and loving ear for yours truly on several occasions.

2.) You Have Never Met a Jewelry Designer This Cool-Mala Shah is the local Regent Square owner of Beads of Light Reiki and Reiki Infused Jewelry. All of my jewelry for my clients and myself exclusively comes from this talented artist.  Her consultations about jewelry are more than just about style.  She is very intuitive about what stones, gems, beads, etc. will tap into love and healing in your life.  You can reach Mala as well as get a more in-depth look at her work at Facebook.com/BeadsofLight.  

3.)  Top Chef Has Nothing On This Guy- To put it mildly; Shef Shaun Forsett is a culinary genius. Yes, he spells Shef with an “S”, because he is that talented.  He is a very talented personal chef right here in Forest Hills with a skill for producing five star dinning experiences with the simplest organic ingredients.  I have had the pleasure of eating at many five star restaurants, and I admit that no one comes close to Shef Shaun’s cuisine. He is available for private dinners for two or more at your home.  Check out contact info, pictures and more of Shef Shaun’s fantastic food and presentations in social media world at https://www.facebook.com/pages/SolaGratia-Private-Chef-Service/175623872848?fref=ts

4.)  Sometimes A Gift Can Be A One Stop Shop For Your Business- Mrs. Kalika Wade or as I call her “Mrs. Diva Without An attitude” is your one stop shopping for photography, music, and graphic design. As a business owner, the best gift for someone to help them maximize their time, services, and generate revenue is a new direction.  For the snazzy business professional, I could not think of a better gift than a consultation with Mrs. Kalika Wade.  There is nothing wrong with thinking about our businesses from a local perspective, but a global perspective of how your business will be perceived in the social media world and beyond is a great gift. www.kalikawade.com

5.) Fairmont Pittsburgh is an awesome property for a romantic evening to be pampered.  This hotel has an awesome concierge staff to assist you with making any romantic fantasy come to life.  http://www.fairmont.com/pittsburgh/

6.)  More So For the Man In Your Life- Check out Trunk Club for Men.  My personal stylist is Jonas Moskowitz.  Right now, Trunk Club for Men will send you a trunk for the man in your life and you keep only the clothes that you want.  They work within your budget to create an awesome look for any occasion.  As we speak, they also have women’s jewelry items for the lady in your life too.  This service is perfect for the man or woman who does not have time to go out and pick a gift of great quality. http://www.trunkclub.com

7.) Online Shopping At Its Best- Vintage Vixen, Red Envelope, and My Habit are my go to sources for luxury gifts within budget.  Take a moment to do an Internet search of these awesome businesses. 

8.) Ultimate Beauty Spa In Squirrel Hill yields the perfect ambiance to relax and unwind.  Not only do they offer spa services here for their clients, but you can also hold events at this local spa.  Leslie Askernesse is the spa owner. She is a lovely woman with a spirit that puts you at ease.  Her staff is amazing and only uses natural/organic products.  Check out the Ultimate Beauty Spa at www.theultimatebeautyspa.com

Now that my work is done, I hope you are now prepared and motivated to be the best cupid you can be on Valentine’s Day and every day. I could not list all of my secrets and all of the wonderful people who assist me each day, but I do appreciate everyone’s talents.  In the words of Vincent Van Gogh, “ Love is something eternal, the aspect may change, but not the essence.”   

For more love insight and info about creative ways to hold a fabulous romantic or celebratory intimate event, visit www.designingloveinc.com or email neal@designingloveinc.com. We are excited to have an office in Memphis, TN now. Thanks for all of your support and feedback in our expansion. Now with nursing school and a business to run, new blogs will be posted as quickly as our new schedule allows. Thanks for all of your support!