This document summarizes ways to save money on Valentine's Day flowers while still pleasing your significant other. It suggests considering alternative flowers to roses that may be cheaper or last longer. It also recommends delivering flowers yourself for a personal touch or having them delivered a day early for a better price. Picking up flowers without a vase and buying the vase separately can also save money. The document emphasizes that managing finances involves responding flexibly to events like Valentine's Day in a savvy way.

1. FEBRUARY9,2014
BlackYellowMagentaCyan
Since everyone has led or been
led at some point in their life, it
is safe to say that management is
a ubiquitous phenomenon. Even
though it’s universal, I doubt that
any two people think of leadership
in the same way. In my opinion,
management is mostly about
dealing with variation. While a
supervisor is responsible for the
day to day, the much more impor-
tant part of the job is effectively
responding to varying situations.
After all, if conditions were
exactly the same every day, would
we really need a boss?
Like managing, properly han-
dling your finances also involves
responding to events in a savvy
way. Consider Valentine’s Day.
Even though you can’t control
when it comes, there are many
ways you can please your signifi-
cant other and still achieve signifi-
cant savings:
For many, it wouldn't be Valen-
tine's Day without flowers. That
being said, here are some thoughts
that can help you get a bouquet of
savings:
Since the flower's bloom is what
we really look at, I've never under-
stood the fuss over long-stem roses.
Unless the lengthy variety is really
important to that special someone,
stick with the standard length and
save the money.
Although roses are the tradition
during this occasion, many women
like other breeds more. For exam-
ple, my wife's favorite flowers are
daisies. By thinking outside of the
rose-colored box, you can achieve
a more personal touch at a lower
price. If the old standby remains
nonnegotiable, consider adding
other breeds or even mixing up the
kind of roses you use. Historically,
the ivory vendela rose is not only
less expensive but keeps longer as
well.
Aside from being less expensive,
delivering a bouquet yourself adds
a personal touch and gives you the
pleasure of seeing her face when
she gets them. Why should women
have all the fun? Barring that, hav-
ing your flowers delivered the day
before Valentine's Day can get you
a better price.
Pick up your flowers without the
vase. If you must have a vase, buy-
ing it yourself can save as much as
50 percent.
SEE SAVVY, page D2
SEAN
FIELDS
SAVVY SHOPPER
WILLIAM
KERNS
MY VIEW
So,whereto?
LifeFEBRUARY 9, 2014
lubbockonline.comLUBBOCKAVALANCHE-JOURNAL
SUNDAY
D
Make Valentine’s Day special, but don’t break the bank
InLifeWednesday: Lubbock native David Gaschen will be
in town for a Valentine’s Day concert. OnTheWeb: For all your news updates, check out The A-J
on Twitter, Facebook and lubbockonline.com. InsideLife: A former Beatle’s sister remembers the
band’s first American show. Page D3
Each year, Cinemark, Inc.
adds more specialty attrac-
tions, in effect luring area
viewers to events that few
have an opportunity, or the
necessary resources, to travel
and see.
I am not just referring to
full-length productions from
the Metropolitan Opera House
in New York City, although
those are spectacular.
Filmed productions from
the Met literally offer the
best seat in the house, with
such bonuses as backstage
interviews at intermission.
Multiple cameras capture not
only the story sung by gifted
performers, but also glorious
sets.
This is a wonderful intro-
duction to opera for all ages,
capturing all the color and
grandeur and personality of
each production.
Cinemark also began bring-
ing back the favorite movies of
many in what it calls its Reel
Classics series. Each group of
six films, with recognizable
titles, attracts movie fans on
Sundays and Wednesdays,
with wiser and more frugal
moviegoers taking advantage
of the early “series ticket:” $30
for all six films.
That is a money saver, even if
not every picture can be seen.
Fathom Events, the organi-
zation that made Cinemark
partners with the Met, also
provides a variety of attrac-
tions ranging from concerts
and sporting events to plays
originating on Broadway in
New York City or the West End
in London.
All of the events mentioned
in today’s column will be
shown at Cinemark’s Movies
16 — and tickets for most are
on sale now.
Just a few of the many con-
firmed specialty attractions
include:
n “Romeo and Juliet,” from
Broadway’s Richard Rodgers
Theatre, Thursday-Friday
and Feb. 16 — Just in time for
Valentine’s Day.
This production, which was
staged Aug. 24, 2013, through
Dec. 8, 2013, stars Orlando
Bloom as Romeo and Condola
Rashad as Juliet. The cast of
25 also includes Tony Award
winners Brent Carver, Chuck
Cooper, Jayne Houdyshell and
Christian Camargo.
I was privileged to see
Carver star in Broadway’s
“Kiss of the Spider Woman;”
here, he plays Friar Laurence.
Camargo appears as Mercutio.
Direction is by five-time
Tony nominee David Leveaux.
His modern adaptation of
Shakespeare’s tragedy casts
the Capulets with black
actors the Montagues with
whites, and finds Bloom, in his
Broadway debut, making his
entrance on a motorcycle.
SEE KERNS, page D2
Cinemark
can offer
more than
just movies
It’s that time of year again, when couples fill the streets in honor of
Saint Valentine. Lubbock is full of local spots to enjoy this romantic
holiday, but these are the top five, as chosen by A-J Media readers.
By R.S. Douglas A-J Media
La Diosa Cellars
Three generations of winemaking combine
to make this winery Lubbock’s first choice for
Valentine’s Day. From the romantic atmo-
sphere to the local wine, La Diosa will offer a
unique experience for couples on Friday,
Feb. 14. A five-course meal will be
available for $75 a person to those
who reserve a table early, while a
limited menu will be available to those
without a reservation.
Located in Downtown Lubbock, La
Diosa owner Sylvia McPherson recommends
reserving a table early because it’s likely to be
full house as lovers celebrate Valentine’s Day.
“The atmosphere is so different. It is so un-
like anything else here in Lubbock, it’s warm
and inviting,” McPherson said. “You feel like
you’ve traveled somewhere else. It’s eclectic
in a sophisticated, elegant way.”
50-Yard Line
After undergoing full renovations, 50-
Yard Line is Lubbock’s second choice
to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Offering
meal and drink specials, the steak
house will solidify its holiday
plans later this week, but re-
serving a table early is the only
way to ensure a seat in what
will likely be a full dining room.
Located on South Loop 289
near University, the restaurant will not
require reservations on Valentine’s Day,
but prepare to wait in line without one.
“Our servers are really invested in the
tables they have and the food is really
great,” said manager Eric Montanez.
“The renovations and the atmosphere
come together to feel romantic.”
Stephen spillman  A-j media
A glass of Bella Rosa wine and The Fruitata plate will be part of the special
Valentine’sDaymenuatLaDiosaCellars,90117thSt.,alsoseenabove.
1
Stephen spillman  A-j media
Themaindiningroomof50-YardLineSteakHouseat2549SLoop289.
2
WantMore? Seemorephotosfromyourtopfivelocalrestaurantsatlubbockonline.comorA-JoniPad.
SEE valentine’s day, page D2