It's Valentine's Day weekend and if you happened to have procrastinated, you are in luck. 

 

Here in Bridgeport, we have so many great gift shops and bakeries, you are sure to find a last-minute gift that is just perfect for her. 

 

Just opened on West Main is a boutique appropriately named Market on Main. Heart-shaped clay and fringy earrings, fragrant soaps in little mesh bags, plants, pottery, wall art, signs, sweaters and more await. 

 

Across the street are About You Monograms and Almost Heaven Desserts.

 

The boutique is filled with jewelry, handbags, WVU items, novelties and unique gift items. The bakery has everything from chocolate-covered strawberries to cheescake and cookies. Even specialty macarons are available. They will not disappoint.

 

The same holds true for My Little Cupcake just across the Loyd Lang Bridge and a few doors down. Beautifully decorated cupcakes are their specialty, but the bakery also whips up other amazing confections. 

 

Here's an out-of-the box idea: Stop in at Music on Main (just across from Bridgeport Fire Department) and purchase a music lesson for the object of your affection or visit Artworks on East Main and arrange to have a nostalgic memento framed. You won't have the finished product, but you'll get plenty of brownie points for taking the initiative. While you're there, pick up something to give her on the spot: A beautiful shawl, fused glass art piece, bracelet, ultra cool gadget and so many other items are available.

 

Are you a true romantic and love surprising her with a fresh bouquet? We have Oliverio's Florist right on Main Street, Their longstanding reputation won't let you down. The fresh new business, Integrative Wellness at Charles Point, is also making beautiful little flower arrangements, available throughout the month of February. "The Well" also carries macrame plant holders and other personal little gift items. 

 

Callunas Boutique at The Square not only carries cool fashions for women of all ages, but also jewelry, lacy bralettes, a cool "Friends" gift selection and other trinkets. Or buy her a gift card ... definitely a winning idea. 

 

If eating out is your treat of choice, quality restaurants are plentiful here with truly somethiing for everyone.

 

See a full list of retailers and restaurants HERE at the Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site.

 

Whether you're showing your affection through flowers, candy or wining & dining, I have a heartfelt tip for you. 

 

And this won't costs you one red cent. 

 

Whether you're raising children or have raised them, whether you're in school or in the workforce, life is busy. It's so very busy, isn't it? We all have lots of roles to play, lots of things to do and lots of hearts to cradle and protect. 

It's easy for efforts, words and moments to get lost in the shuffle and for people to feel unnoticed or unappreciated. It seems sometimes we go more out of our way to show others more appreciation and attention than the one closest to us. 

 

So, go to your her and look her in the eyes. Hold her face in your hands and tell her what she means to you. Hold her in your arms for as long as she wants. Tell her you are there for her, that you have her back and that you cherish time with her. 

 

The flowers, chocolates, romantic dinners and gifts

are all just great. But if you want to put the icing on the cake and a smile on her face, include the personal sentiment.

 

Happy Valentine's Day to all. Love each other - and all that it entails. 

 

Pictured from top: Macarons at Almost Heaven Desserts, gift items at Market on Main, fused glass by Joy Larry, some pieces available at Artworks, gift items at About You Monograms and flower arrangement available at Integrative Wellness.