We've always been a fan of chocolatier and pastry chef, Francois Payard, and let's face it--it's hard not to be. But when the chocolatiest holiday of the year comes around, you know you are in for something special. Francois Payard shops are stocking up on delicious goodies for this decadent holiday and we couldn't be more thrilled. Francois has created great new desserts and flavors just for the occassion, so if you still need to pick up something sweet for your sweetie, now you know where to go.

Well known for his famous macarons, Payard is not just letting you purchase all his usual and seasonal flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and chestnut, but he has added four new flavors to the menu, which you can present to your beau in a heart-shaped box. Indulge in caramel coriander, strawberry basil, lemon thyme and mint chocolate in addition to all the classics ($48 for 17, $35 for 12). Looking for something super traditional? Scoop up a box of V-Day chocolates ($28 for 12, $55 for 30), comprised of specially made flavors such as mint chocolate, mango passion fruit & citrus zest, lemon thyme, and caramel coriander. Presented in a beautiful box, this will have anybody swooning.

With V-Day sneaking upon us it's only right that we share with you all our romancing secrets. The key to anyone's heart is through their belly and Kathleen King, founder and owner of Tate's Bake Shop, is sharing with us a great recipe from her latest cookbook, Baking for Friends. These Linzer Heart Cookies not only look the part, but taste the part, as well. Additionally, Tate's in celebrating Valentine's Day by offering 50% off a Valentine's Cookie Cube & Cookbook combo, along with 20% off any web store purchase with the code BLOG213.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and you need to narrow down your last-minute gift options. Whether you are looking for something simple 'n' swe et, something to accompany you on vacation, or something that screams committment, we've got a bunch of options to choose from. You can't go wrong with anything from our V-day list!

For the Simple Gifter: Guys, give your girl something hot to wear on your night out, like this flirty Dexter Dress ($260) in vibrant red by Rae Francis. Not up to the challenge? Give your gal something she can snuggle up to you in, like this popular Christopher Fischer Fox Intarsia sweater ($298), seen on plenty of celebs. You can pick one up at any Christopher Fischer retail locations, listed here.

Valentine's Day is the most romantic holiday of the year, so why not spice up your night with some fancy cocktails? Impress your special someone by whipping up one (or all) of these flirty libations...just wait till they take effect!

My Sassy Valentine (Courtesy of Pucker Vodka)
1 ½ oz. Pucker Vodka Sour Apple Sass
1 strawberry
1 raspberry
Dash cherry bitters
1 oz. soda
2 oz. cranberry-pomegranate juice
Add ice to the cocktail shaker. Muddle the strawberry and raspberry in cocktail shaker; add cherry bitters. Add in all remaining ingredients to cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a collins glass.

Valentine's Day. You either love it or hate it. Whether you are spending the day with a lover or wincing at all things pink with a friend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. We've got the best of the best activities going on in New York City for this romantic holiday. From the best prix fixe menus in town to fun ways to sultry cruises on the Hudson, we've got you covered.

Fall in Love Again at The Sanctuary Hotel: What better way to spend lovers' day than with a romantic getaway at this luxuury boutique hotel? The hotel's Fall in Love Again Package includes romantic dinner for two at Haven Rooftop, rose petals where it matters most (wink), melt in your mouth chocolate truffles, Mile High Tease Intimacy Kit, and a bottle of champagne upon arrival. Rates begin at $329 and the package is valid from February 10th- 17th.

Whether you've got a lover or a friend you can take a romantic getaway or staycay to celebrate your love. From New York City to California and all the way to the Caribbean, we've got eight naughty 'n' nice options for you to choose from. Enjoy!

Hotel El Convento: Located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, this small luxury hotel is offering a Romantic Memories Package starting at $250 a night. The package includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary reception serving daily wine and hors d'oeuvres at La Veranda Terrace, a signature tote bag, bottle of champagne, rose petal turndown, and chocolate covered strawberries. Do with them what you will.

Tuesday morning at Alice Tully Hall, Tory Burch unveiled her fall '12 collection of beautifully put together feminine dresses and separates. With it being Valentine's Day, it was a curious coincidence (or perhaps not?) the theme of her line was "a story of the right girl falling for the wrong man and the affect he has on her wardrobe after being together, and then breaking up." She stated in an interview that this is a common trend amongst women and when heartbreak happens, they sometimes need to recreate themselves and with that, comes a sexier look- even those who started out so prim and proper to begin with.

From cruises, to beers, and all the way to Puerto Rico, we've got plenty of options for you to try out this Valentine's Day! Nothing here strike your fancy? Check out our V-Day options for every personality here.

World Yacht is offering up two special packages for the romantic couple. Their Sweetheart Package ($90/person or $180/couple) includes a three-course dinner as well as choice of dessert, along with DJ entertainment and a rose for all couples. Step it up a notch with their Romance Package ($125/person or $250/couple), which includes a three-course dinner, a chef's sampling of dessert, a live band, champagne toast, a single rose and a complimentary souvenir photo. The cruise sets sail Feb. 11th, 12th, and 14th from 6-10pm from Pier 81. Purchase your tickets here.

Blink and you may have missed it! Yesterday, Victoria’s Secret debuted their newest project, available exclusively online and in handful of brick-and-mortar stores, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Victoria’s Secret Designer Collection marks the company’s first foray into the high-end lingerie market under the Victoria’s Secret brand, and now stands to compete against the likes of Agent Provocateur, La Perla, Cosabella and more. Previously, Victoria’s Secret has dipped their toes in the market so to speak, by featuring other high-end brands on their floors (and of course, who can forget their famous million dollar bras!), but as President and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek states, the decision was made to “[bring] it in-house because we have a design team that has such passion for lingerie and they differentiate Victoria’s Secret from any other brand.” The line ranges from $38 for garters to about $300 for merry widows and other negligees.

It can be hard to plan the perfect Valentine's Day for your significant other, but luckily, we've narrowed down your search. Choose the best option from the list before for you and your dude/gal (or just you) and hurry to book your reservation! Best of all, most options don't go too late so you have plenty of time to go home and, er, celebrate, this special day.

For the hard to please...

Spice Market's executive chef Anthony Ricco has prepared a special prix fixe menu for you and your special someone, exclusively for V-Day. Perfect for those who like the best of the best, this $66 (per person) menu features high-end dishes such as steamed lobster, spice chicken samosas, shaved tuna with chili tapioca, and of course a scrumptious dessert to follow. Call 212.675.2322 to book your reservation.