Whether or not you celebrate the national day of hearts and flowers, February is always a good time to show some self love – so indulge in a few gift ideas for your significant other or yourself. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is opening along with the Tony award nominated Violet – a real treat. It’s always time for a closet refresh, here’s a good opportunity to do so – a huge inventory sale at concept store Le Point. Sending loads of love to all my tomato pals!

Valentine’s Day

Heart candy boxes have been lining the shelves of stores for a month now and the day of Hallmark hearts and flowers is next week. It’s February – often a rainy and dreary time – so why not treat yourself or your honey to a unique adventure or experience in place of a more traditional gift. Loyal readers will know that I am all about creating a tailored event instead of a store-bought gift. I also love pairing a store bought something with an experience. For a wide range of experiences, once more I urge you to head to ifonly.com.

For the artistic, you could gift a set of charcoals and drawing pad then select an afternoon of drawing with local artist Susannah Emerson (just did that for Mr. Tomato and our son and it was fantastic). You can go to China Live for a dumpling making class, or make your own custom cocktail at ALX (not new culinary spot). Caffeine lovers might enjoy specialty beans, a new mug and a private coffee education and brewing session. Want to learn the Tango – yup you can do that too.

More ideas include making ramen from scratch, learning to juggle or even a fire eating experience. The folks at ifonly have curated literally any experience you can think of. Treat yourself, your gal pals or your main squeeze to an adventure you can capture with your phone and your heart. Ifonly.com

Theatre Openings

Cat on A Hot Tin Roof

Remember that 1958 favorite “Cat on a hot tin roof”? Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman sizzled. Now is your chance to see this play produced by the award winning Theatre Company, San Jose Stage Company. Masterfully performed, you will enjoy exploring Tennessee Williams’ powerful themes – sexuality, greed, relationships and social mores, to name a few. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play takes us on a steamy jaunt — filled with rich southern humor — through bourbon-soaked lies on a search for the truth. On a steamy night on the Mississippi Delta the Pollitt Plantation swarms with angst as the family gathers to celebrate the 65th birthday of their hot-tempered patriarch, Big Daddy.

The heat begins to rise as the Southern family is thrust into crisis when Big Daddy announces he must choose one of his sons to inherit his estate. As Brick, his favorite son, and Brick’s wife Maggie struggle to guard their demons the rest of the family claws at any opportunity to topple their dynasty. With the future of the family in peril– accusations swirl, ulterior motives are exposed and mendacity reigns. Whew, I break out in a sweat just thinking about it!
www.thestage.org

Violet

The extraordinary musical, Violet, received rave reviews on Broadway in 2014. Now Bay Area Musicals brings it to life for us from February 16 – March 17. The multi-award-winning musical follows a scarred woman as she embarks on a cross-country bus trip to be healed by a minister and discovers the true meaning of beauty along the way. The themes of strength, love, awareness, and growth will resonate with so many.

As a girl, a wayward axe blade struck Violet when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved she’s traveling across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. Her powerful story is told through show-stopping anthems (ranging from American-roots to folk and gospel). Highly entertaining and tear jerking at the same time. http://www.bamsf.org

Le Point Inventory Sale

The ever-adorable concept store Le Point is having an enormous 75% off sale this weekend. Apparel, accessories, jewelry and shoes will be there for your shopping pleasure. Contemporary brands from the US and Europe are specially curated. Owner Pauline Montupet loves her clients, her designers and her store, and it is evident from the moment you step inside. Familiar and new designer’s items greet you in this warm inviting space.

Brands on sale this weekend include Ganni, Opening Ceremony, Staud, Tibi and other archive pieces. Two days only, Le Point on Valencia St. at the corner of 14th street. Find more info and let them know you are coming.