Love is in the Air

Love is in the air...do do do do do...Love is in the airrrr...

Valentine's Day is a great excuse to do something or go somewhere romantic. While you are pregnant definitely take advantage of this special day of love because before you know it you will have a third wheel. A great way to make Valentines Day special is to plan a day trip to a beachside town, visit a museum or relax at a spa before dinner with your spouse. You will remember these dates as romantic times when you took good care of each other.

Newburyport on the North Shore, Hingham south of Boston or Newport in RI are great day destinations. Take a short walk on the beach, skip some stones and you will have earned the cozy booth and big bowl of chowder. Nothing is more romantic than planning for your new expanded family so take advantage of the shops in town. La Petite Maison in Hingham has a complete collection of furniture and bedding for the nursery as well as many other precious baby items. Head to the Derby St. Shoppes and pick out your baby announcements at Social Graces...they carry amazing stationery!! Then register for all the gear you will need at Magic Beans, they are very knowledgeable and can help you with all the must-haves you will need for the baby. Then drive your packages back home to sleep in the comforts of home.

Marblehead is another beautiful seaside town, stroll the quaint brick paved streets and you will find Lester Harry's a beautiful store that has all your babies needs, gorgeous bedding, unique clothing and much more (also on Newbury St. in Boston). Further down the street is Hip Baby Gear, which carries great baby gear and a modern selection of clothing. Strolling through the town makes you feel as if you have gone back in time. Stop into one of the cozy coffee shops and then take a ride down to the beautiful beach on the point...a relaxing, romantic day.

If you are a lover of museums The Peabody Essex Museum, in Salem, is just over the bridge from Marblehead. The "PEM" has an international reputation for exquisite collections from around the world as well as a remarkable maritime collection from New England. It also has programs for families and children so you do not have to be shy about a fussy baby. Afterward stroll the antique streets toward ChulaMaMa to check out their stylish maternity wear and find the newest in baby gear from European distributors.

Taking good care of yourself during your pregnancy or after is doctor's orders. Nothing is more relaxing than being pampered and no other spa cares for you more then the Edamame Spa at Destination Maternity in Natick. Spend a relaxing afternoon having a massage and facial. You need to indulge the inner goddess. Then if your heading west drop in the new Natick Collection and pick up something unique and luxurious for your new baby at Jacadi. Bellini on Rt 9 in Wellesely can inspire you to design the nursery of your dreams.

If you are going eastbound head into Wellesley for some great baby shopping at Abigail's Children's Boutique, a classic children's shop that features gorgeous layette sets, blankets and much more. For announcements that deserve to be framed, check out Papers and Presents...a one of a kind paper store. Then, head down to Linden St for coffee at Starbucks so you can rest before you hit Magic Beans and Smatterings for more baby shopping or for a special Valentines Day present for your babies already at home.

Newport in RI is another romantic town...take a scenic ride along Ocean Drive and stop in for a warm drink at Castle Hill...the view is amazing...hop into town for Chowder at the Black Pearl and then stroll the historic streets and browse through the quaint stores for some special gifts. Baby shopping at Little Bits on Spring St. is so much fun. Pick up some organic baby clothing, great wooden toys or one of their fabulous car seat covers. Jumpin Jellybeans on Bellevue Ave. has a wonderful selection of children’s shoes, and Infant Interiors off of Memorial Blvd. has beautiful things for baby’s nursery.

What ever you plan for Valentines Day make it a fond memory where taking care of yourself and your new family is part of the romance.