By Carolyn Barbre
Whatever Lindsay isn't, what it for sure is, is a great place to shop for your Valentine. The local flower shops, jewelry stores and balloon boutiques supply every romantic token one could wish for.
M&V Balloons
This year the newest store, M&V Balloons at 115 N. Elmwood Ave. has come up with a great idea, "I Love You Lindsay Week." Proprietor Vanessa Perezchica said they have offered all the businesses cut-rates on balloon bouquets in celebration of this first romantic rite of spring, which the business can hang outside to decorate the whole downtown They are also selling raffle tickets at $2 each for a chance on a gift basket valued at $80.
"We are going to have fresh flowers, roses and carnations and other flowers for Valentine's Day on both the 13th and 14th." Perezchica said they will deliver. Their phone number is 562-9822.
Ingoldsby Nursery and Floral
"Flowers! Any kind of flowers," said Kirk Ingoldsby who operates the city's oldest flower shop and nursery that has been serving Lindsay since 1919. He said flowers are what Valentine's Day is about for his business. "Of course red roses are the biggest item for us, but other colors are also appropriate." They also have a very large selection of mylar balloons. "We sell more balloons on Valentine's Day than the rest of the year put together," he said. Ingoldsby's is at 419 W. Hermosa St. and the phone number is 562-5949.
Cabrera's Jewelry
Guys can't go wrong buying jewelry for their true love and Lindsay has a great selection. Cabrera's Jewelry on the corner of Honolulu Street and Elmwood Avenue is having a 30-50 percent off sale.
"The big item is bracelets with chains and hearts that say I love you," said Myra Cabrera. Her dad owns the shop. She said gold hearts with diamonds are also big. "Anything with hearts."
Joyeria La Mexicana
Not to be outdone Joyeria La Mexicana down the block at 144 E. Honolulu St. is having a 30-50-60 percent off sale. "Feliz Dia de San Valentine" it says on the sign. "I told my customers this year nobody can forget because they can't afford to buy," said proprietor Gabriella Roque. She said she has rings with little hearts that go for $19 and up. They also carry a darling little gift package with a stuffed bear and some sweet perfume.
Joyeria Rodriguez
A third jewelry store is in the heart of downtown, Joyeria Rodriguez at 154 E. Honolulu St. "We're selling everything; rings, pendants, earrings, everything," said proprietor Manuel Rodriguez. He said men buy more jewelry for women than women do for men. "Women want gold more," he declared.
Lindsay Floral
And we don't want to miss Lindsay Floral at 310 S. Mirage Ave. which has been in business for 35 years. "We specialize in unique stuffed animals," said Tee Thomas who is the floral designer for the shop. "Our balloon bouquets are the prettiest in town."
We wouldn't want to take sides on that issue, but it was sweet that Thomas didn't blow her own floral designing horn. Jessy Oakley is the proprietor. Their phone number is 562-4145.
We also talked with street dancing councilman Danny Salinas about setting up a Sweethearts' Ball for next Valentine's Day, maybe after a romantic dinner at one of Lindsay's fine restaurants.
"I Love You Lindsay Week" sounds like a natural.
