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New York Daily News - February 12, 2006

Samanta von Sperling shows how she prepares client for Valentine's Date

Samantha von Sperling shows how she prepares client for Valentine's date.

(Photo Enid Alvarez - http://www.enidalvarez.com)

By Ethan Sacks - Daily News Staff Writer

Take heart in these tips for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just two days away and it looks like another year of the same old flowers and chocolate. It's six months too late to make a reservation at one of the city's top-end restaurants; the best greeting cards are already off the shelves.

There's still time, however, for the Daily News to play Cupid with some quirky last-minute gift ideas:

FOR HER: Divalysscious Moms is holding a Valentine's Day spa for moms and their toddlers Tuesday from 2 p.m. at Reebok Sports Club (160 Columbus Ave.). The cost is $50 for one child and a mother and $40 for each additional child - the kiddies get chocolates and music, mommy gets a makeover and champagne.

"It's a nice way to celebrate Valentine's Day for moms before they go out for an evening with their husbands," said owner Lyss Stern, who can be e-mailed at rsvp@divalyssciousmoms.com to reserve a space.

FOR HIM: Not content with one night, Scores Gentleman's Club (333 E. 60th St.) is offering a "Week of Romance," for which show girls wear lingerie, and pastry chefs concoct specialty desserts.

"There are too many men out there that need affection," says Scores spokesman Lonnie Hanover.

HIGH NOTES: Jambox Studios (352 Seventh Ave.) offers a "Gift of Song," in which aspiring vocalists can warble a tune for their loved ones for $99 for an hour or more of studio time. For $49, up to three songs from the studio's music library can be dedicated with a voice-over. Call (212) 979-8374 to book time.

Meanwhile, Tom Jones is crooning to a soldout audience at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, and The O'Jays will cause goose bumps at the Apollo Theatre for $45 to $70 a ticket. For a change of pace, alt-rocker Diamanda Galas will sing songs of "shattered love" at the Knitting Factory (74 Leonard St.). Tickets are $20.

THAT'S SWEET: Perfect for beloved medical students and goths, or just a great way to precipitate a breakup, anatomically correct, 1-pound chocolate hearts can be purchased at www.gcchocolate.com and shipped overnight for $39.95.

When just a handful of candy isn't enough, Li-Lac Chocolates (40 Eighth Ave.) offers edible chocolate boxes.

SPEND THE NIGHT: "I try to add a little elegance and a little romance to the world we live in," says Samantha von Sperling, owner and director of Polished Social Image Consultants.

For $200 an hour, Sperling can prepare a woman for a big Valentine's date, including applying makeup and styling hair and restocking the refrigerator with an assortment of "sex foods." Sperling also can prepare men for a proposal, coordinating with restaurants and picking out the ring. Call (646) 644-4300 for pricing.

FOR SINGLES: Stay home and practice for next Valentine's Day on Ubisoft's "Sprung," a dating simulator for the Nintendo DS console.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM: Love of the unconditional kind will be on display at the 130th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held tomorrow and Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. Tickets run from $30 to $95.

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