Some Valentine's red cards looking good style

Origin of Valentines's Day

People have been in love from time immemorial. It would be unjust to ascribe any particular history and origin to love and the feelings that come with it. But Valentine's Day, the day which celebrates love worldwide, sure has a history and origin of its own. February is historically chosen to be the month of love and romance and the month to celebrate Valentine's Day. Can you possibly overlook the deluge of love-drenched feelings, the slushy outbreak of 'being in love' and the pervasion of the color red all around when the calendar turns to the month of February? No. None of us can! For, the one thing that's inextricably linked to the month of February is Valentine's Day--the most coveted celebration after Christmas and a day kept aside to let love rule everywhere. Come what may, the hype and hoopla surrounding Valentine's Day never goes unnoticed, no matter which part of the world you are placed in! And Valentine's Day incidentally is the 2nd largest card-sending occasion, after Christmas.

Valentine's Day has shadows of both the Christian and Roman traditions. Celebrated famously on February 14 every year, some believe that Valentine's Day has its history and origin in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. The latter was an annual feasting and celebration by the Romans to keep fearful wolves at bay from damaging their crops. Lupercalia was celebrated on February 15 with the young men striking the women because it was believed that these blows would make them more fertile. This association of Lupercalia with fertility is probably one reason why Valentine's Day is linked to this ancient Roman festival. Also, on the eve of Lupercalia, which is on February 14, it was quite popular for young women to find their partners for the festival. The romantic origin of Valentine's Day can even be traced to this practice.

No matter what the history and origin of Valentine's Day includes, it sure includes this patron saint named St. Valentine. Now history even has it that there has been more than one legend related to St. Valentine. Summing two legends, we now know that there were two saints (of the same name Valentine) belonging to the early Christian church. One legend holds that when the Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade young men to marry to make better soldiers out of single men, a priest named Valentine defied the orders and secretly married young couples. Consequently he was beheaded on February 14 for his 'crime'. Some even hold that Valentine was killed for trying to help Christians escape the atrocities prevailing in the Roman prisons. But whatever the facts, ever since, February 14 came to be celebrated as Valentine's Day commemorating this great patron of people in love worldwide. The other story talks of another Valentine who was a children's favorite but was despised by the Romans for his religious defiance. The Romans had him behind the bars but the children still managed to send fond messages to their favorite Valentine. The current custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day might have roots to this age-old tale.

Yet another legend holds that when Valentine was in prison, he fell in love with the prison guard's daughter. And history states that before his death, he wrote a letter to his beloved signing off as 'From your Valentine'. It's not known to which extent these Valentine's Day legends related to its origin are true, but this expression 'From your Valentine' sure caught hold like wildfire. And people still send gifts and cards on Valentine's Day with this tag hanging from them--'From your Valentine'! So you keep the tradition going too.

Probably, the Americans began exchanging handmade Valentine's Day cards in the early years of the eighteenth century. And around 1840, a person called Esther A. Howland began selling the first big production of Valentine's Day greetings in America. Now, apart from all the facts and figures of Valentine's Day history and origin, one thing that's for sure is the choice of February as the month for celebrating love. In ancient Rome, February was the official kick-off month for the season of spring and was a time to feel happy all over again. Then in the Middle Ages, it was quite a popular belief in France and England that February was the birds' mating season. All these and many more taken together contributed to the consolidation of mid-February as the time for Valentines.

Finally, around 498 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/400704

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Foods of Love For Valentine's Day in 2012

So you've swapped soppy cards, exchanged Valentines presents, and chosen a mushy movie. If you're in the mood for a bit of lovin', turning down the lights and putting on some soft music will work fine. But did you know that various foods can also help you improve the mood for a night of passion and excitement with that special someone?

This Valentine's Day in 2012, set your senses in motion, fuel your libido and turn up the heat - and we're not just talking about in the kitchen. Prepare yourself and your partner for a long, loving night in! All you need are the below aphrodisiac foods on February 14th...

Sweet Basil. Don't underestimate the libido-lifting power of basil... Known to stimulate sexual desire in males and females, both the scent and taste of sweet basil makes the perfect addition to poultry, fish or pasta.

Garlic. Sure, you'll both reek. But so long as you both enjoy it together, you'll experience a desirability boost and turn into a couple of (garlic-smelling!) magnets. There'll be no chance of any repelling; instead, you just won't be able to keep away from each other!

Fish. Fish is one of the best Valentines gifts you can give your sweetheart. I'm not suggesting you present your partner with a kipper, a frozen piece of cod or a raw lump of salmon on V-Day. I'm suggesting you both eat it. Thanks to its high dopamine count, fish will make both of you feel very sexy. It's also good for your heart. Just for the record, definitely, definitely don't give your partner a fish as a Valentine's gift. You'd well and truly be in the doghouse.

Honey. Because honey contains several B vitamins and is brimming with boron, it'll set off both your libidos, no question. So why not complement your meal with a side dish soaked in honey? Mmmm.

Dark chocolate. Ever heard of phenylethylamine? No? Well, this magic ingredient, found in chocolate, is a stimulant. It gives you a sense of happiness, which is pretty similar to the natural high endorphins give us. And, durrhhh, it's delicious too! Why not melt some dark chocolate over ice cream? Or relish a chocolate sponge cake filled with warm, rich dark chocolate? Yum. Just make sure there are two spoons so you can share it with your partner.

Oysters. Salty, slimy, ruffly frills that tremor when you brush your tongue across them... Raw oysters are an excellent source of zinc, just the thing to kick your libido into action.

Figs. If you think figs are just health foods, packed full of fiber and antioxidants, think again. This age-old fruit also has a rich aphrodisiac history - the fig, for many a year, has been associated with fertility and love. Simply "figlicious."

Strawberries. Delectable, sweet, and heart-shaped, strawberries make delicious appetisers and desserts for both aesthetic appeal and for exciting the sexual senses. Ooh la la.

So as well as expressing your love with Valentines Day gifts, sweeten and spice up February 14th with the above aphrodisiacs to ignite and sustain some desire, passion, energy and love. Go on; get the heartbeat racing this year!


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I love you valentines : some beautiful cards

Lot of love for all of you

14 Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for 2012


Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and with that comes getting creative with gift ideas for your loved one. Whether you're more of a traditionalist and prefer to give flowers and candy, or are looking for an alternative unique way to show your lover you care, we have a list of the 14 top Valentine's Day gift ideas for 2012.

Gift Idea #1: Flowers

Ah, flowers. What woman doesn't love to be surprised with a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers? Although this might be the most traditional and classic of all Valentine's Day gifts, it certainly doesn't have to be boring. Hint: Flowers are the perfect add-on to almost any gift and are an awesome way to take your gift giving efforts the extra mile and score some points. And if you're really looking to make her feel special, surprise her a few days before Valentine's Day by having the bouquet delivered to her work place. We recommend avoiding cliche bouquets like a dozen red roses or floral arrangements with stuffed animals attached to them (unless you know she loves this). An exotic bouquet of orchids makes a beautiful Valentine's Day gift and is a unique change from more traditional floral arrangements. A colorful mixed bouquet full of popular flowers such as pink or purple roses, lilies, and hydrangeas is another beautiful way to show her you care this Valentine's Day.

Gift Idea #2: Sweets

Along with flowers, sweets such as chocolate and candy are also considered classic Valentine's Day gifts, but again this definitely doesn't have to be a cliche gift. An awesome sweet treat that makes a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift are personalized M&M's. Have fun on the M&M's site choosing your colors, messages, or even photos to add to your loved one's M&M's. Have the personalized M&M's delivered in a Romance gift box, or take it up a notch and go for the classic dispenser. If you'd rather give your Valentine something delicious to sink their teeth into, try ordering them half a dozen delicious cupcakes. These trendy little cakes can be decorated to suit your lover's taste and are as fun to look at as they are to eat!

Gift Idea #3: Couples Massage

A completely romantic and thoughtful gift that's perfect for Valentine's Day! The only thing better than receiving a massage at the spa, is being able to share a couples massage with the one you love. WaySpa.com allows anyone, anywhere to search by location for a list of spas in their area. Booking appointments can be done online, or gift certificates can be purchased for more flexibility. If you're not completely fond of the whole spa thing, this is still a great gift to pamper and indulge your partner in a day of quiet relaxation.

Gift Idea #4: Tickets to a Concert or Event

Experience gifts are becoming more popular than ever. They're a practical way to spend some quality time together while doing something you know they'll enjoy. This gift is awesome because it can be completely tailored to your partner's interests. Whether they'd enjoy tickets to a live band or concert, a theatre production, or tickets to see their favourite sports team play, the possibilities are endless.

Gift Idea #5: Photographs

There's no easier way to treasure special memories you guys share together than with a digital frame. Make this gift extra romantic and thoughtful by pre-loading your favourite images of each other as an extra special surprise. Or capture new memories instantly and have fun while doing it with the classic Polaroid camera.

Gift Idea #6: Rose Gold Jewelry

This popular blush-hued jewelry has recently become the hottest must-have for women, and makes a beautiful Valentine's Day gift. From gorgeous rose gold rings (link here) to a stunning rose gold key pendant (link here), choosing jewelry in this ultra feminine color is sure to surprise and delight her this Valentine's Day.

Gift Idea #7: Kindle Fire eReader

Maybe not the most romantic of all Valentine's Day gifts, but certainly one of the most practical. The Kindle Fire eReader will not only transform how your partner reads books, but change the way they use digital media such as surfing the web, watching movies and TV shows, not to mention the ability to download apps and games with the touch of a finger.

Gift Idea #8: Sensual Experience

Take advantage of the day of love by indulging your partner with a sexy and sensual experience that you can share together. Products such as Lush's massage bars, massage candles, and flavoured oil kits can enhance the massage experience and add an extra bit of indulgence. Warm her up before the massage - literally, with a romantic bath filled with rose petals or bubbles. Go all out by dimming the lights, popping some champagne, lighting some candles and even playing some sensual music (just don't get cheesy, i.e. no Barry White).

Gift Idea #9: Lingerie

Probably the most controversial of all Valentine's Day gifts; buying lingerie for your lady doesn't have to be a terrifying experience. It's all about doing your homework and using common sense before you start shopping. The single most important thing with lingerie is the sizing. This is easy to determine simply by rooting through her undie drawer. You'll need her bra size (i.e.. 34C) and her panty size (typically S, M, L, etc.). It's also essential to consider her taste and personality when choosing colors, fabrics, and styles. The red lace crotchless thong might be hot in your mind, but will it actually be something she'll love and be comfortable in? Keep the lingerie she currently wears in mind while you're shopping, and when in doubt, black works for everyone and is universally sexy. Lingerie quality and price points vary considerably so it's important to make sure you're buying her a quality set that will fit well, and be comfortable. If you want to really wow her, luxurious french lingerie from Agent Provocateur is an amazing way to surprise her this Valentine's Day.

Gift Idea #10: Weekend Getaway

What's more romantic than curling up next to a fire place in a cozy cabin or bed and breakfast? A weekend getaway is an economical alternative to a vacation and still allows you some time away to enjoy each other's company in a relaxing setting this Valentine's Day. Whether you take the time and plan your weekend together, or get creative planning it all on your own to surprise your partner, this is a fantastic way to customize some alone time for the two of you.

Gift Idea #11: Fragrance

For those of you who love the sexy scent of perfumes and colognes on your partner, this makes a wonderful Valentine's Day gift, and the best part of all is that they'll be reminded of you whenever they wear it. Our favourite fragrances for women are the best-selling Euphoria from Calvin Klein, known for its romantic, floral scent, as well as Light Blue Perfume by Dolce & Gabbana. If you'd love to give your man a sexy scent this Valentine's Day then look no further than the best-selling Acqua Di Gio Cologne, by Giorgio Armani or for a fresh crisp fragrance that's as versatile as it is sexy, try Cool Water Cologne by Davidoff.

Gift Idea #12: Men's Watches

While the primary function of men's watches has gradually shifted into more of an accessory than a functional timepiece due to cell phones and mobile devices, most men still love a great watch. This Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to treat him to a great new watch that will have him thinking of you whenever he checks the time.

Gift Idea #13: Experience Gifts

Whether you give the gift of an exciting experience such as a helicopter tour or race car driving or choose a more romantic experience such as wine tours or dinner cruises that can be shared between the two of you, Cloud 9 Living has amazing Valentine's Day options for everyone - from cooking classes, to hot air balloon rides, and dinner cruises, the possibilities are endless.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6817603

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Looking For A Unique Valentines Gift? Try The Cell Phone Stun Gun

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching and that means millions of Americans will once again dash out to the local Hallmark store or order flowers online or perhaps buy a box of chocolates with a little teddy bear with a little heart on its chest. Their way of saying 'I love you' to their significant other or at the very least "I like you enough to buy what every other jerk is buying their significant other today'. So if you like your significant other just enough to get them something that lacks any imagination whatsoever please feel free to get them a box of chocolates, or roses or just some mass produced Hallmark card that is exactly like the one that thousands of others are getting their boyfriend or girlfriend, that way they will know you care just enough.

However, if you really want to get your significant something completely and utterly unique and thoughtful, a gift that says 'I care about you and your well-being and I would hate for anything to happen to you' you may want to consider getting that significant other of yours a cell phone stun gun. I know what you are probably saying to yourself and that is 'how in the heck am I supposed to give a stun gun to my girlfriend or boyfriend on the most romantic of all holidays?'. Well let's think about it shall we? What is really romantic about a card or box of candy? What is getting a box of candy saying to your significant other, I hope you get fat so here's some candy? What can possibly be more romantic than protecting your significant other from potential attack? Nothing in my opinion. When you give the gift of a cell phone stun gun you give an entirely unique gift which automatically shows you're not just some mindless drone that gets their valentine the same dang thing that every other mindless drone has been classically conditioned to give like one of Pavlov's dogs.

Your valentine might at first assume you have given him or her a cell phone as even on the closest of inspection this device appears to be just that, a cell phone. Once he or she realizes that it is in fact a 4.5 million volt weapon of thoughtful, humane, non-lethal, and extremely effective self-defense they will no doubt know that they have the greatest, most thoughtful valentine around, they will also most likely wish they had gotten you something besides a crummy card. Happy Valentine's Day!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6813693

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The 7 Best Flowers for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is known to be the day of love. On this day, lovers and friends express their feeling with different sorts of gifts. One of the most popular gifts given on Valentine's Day is flowers. On Valentine's Day, the sales of flowers are at their peak. If you also want to give your friend or significant other flowers for Valentine's Day, following are a few suggestions for you.

Roses

Their lovely fragrance and beauty make roses the most popular among valentine's flowers. The red rose is the symbol of love and a bouquet of red roses is a perfect gift for Valentine's Day. You can also give roses of other colors such as pink, white or yellow on this day. You can also add pink roses to your bouquet of red roses to add their symbolization of "perfect happiness".

Lilies

Among valentine's flowers, the popularity of lilies sometimes rival that of roses. This popularity is due to their scent and beauty. Lilies are available in a variety of colors and sizes. You can choose the color according to the preference of your friend or significant other or according to the meaning attached to it as different colors of lilies have different meanings. You can look up the exact meaning of various colors on the internet.

Orchids

Another flower commonly given on Valentine's Day is Orchid. Their shape and color make them very popular. Moreover, giving them as a gift shows that giver put some thought into the gift. Orchids are also found in different shapes and sizes. So like the lilies, you can choose them according to your significant other's color preferences.

Tulips

Tulips are also very popular among Valentine's flowers. They symbolize the "perfect lover". It comes in red, purple, pink and yellow, which are all appropriate colors for this day. Red tulips can be given as an alternative to red roses to declare one's love. You can combine different colors of tulips for a bouquet based on the recipient's favorite color.

Daisies

Symbolizing loyal love, daisies are sure to bring a smile on the recipient's face. This flower is a member of the sunshine family and is available in white, pink, yellow, purple and pale blue.

Violets

If you are short of cash on Valentine's Day or the recipient is a modest person who does not like extravagant things, then violets may be the perfect flowers for Valentine's Day. These delicate flowers with a delicate scent symbolize affection and faithfulness.

Carnations

Carnations are also quite inexpensive and are a choice if you do not have enough money to spend on the more expensive flowers. Moreover, these beautiful flowers have a delicate fragrance and last for a long time. Also, different colors of carnations convey different messages so if you want to express a particular feeling do it with the appropriate color of carnation.

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Top 5 Valentine's Chocolates

The act of giving chocolate to your loved one on Valentines Day is a relatively new phenomenon, the origins of which started as recently as the early 1950s. Nowadays it has developed into a majorly big industry with more than US$1 billion spent around the world ever year on chocolate gifts in the lead up to February 14th.

If you are thinking of buying chocolate for Valentines Day below is a list of my Top 5 Valentines Chocolates that you might wish to consider sharing with your someone special over a romantic meal. If you are really feeling indulgent you might even like to try all five!

5. Hershey Kisses

Not only do they look great with their teardrop shape and their iconic silver foil but they also taste great too. A popular choice of bomboniere for modern weddings Hershey Kisses make an attractive table decoration if placed in a wine glass or in a box on the side plate. They are also perfectly sized for providing a light chocolate nibble after a particularly rich or heavy meal.

4. Belgian Chocolate

A good solid gift. You really can't go too far wrong with a quality couverture box of Belgian Chocolates especially if it contains an assorted mix of milk, dark and white chocolate truffles and ganache centres. If they are heart shaped then all the better. A sure fire option that will always be well received.

3. Lindt

Everybody loves Switzerland's finest and for Valentines Day Lindt's range of luxury chocolates are a sure fire winner. Whether it be as a gift, table decoration or simply to be eaten after your meal a handful of Lindor Balls or a block of their sensational chocolate can really make your Valentines Day sweet.

2. Choc Covered Strawberries

For a truly indulgent chocolate experience this Valentines Day there is nothing quite like dipping a platter of strawberries, marshmallows or even your favourite gummy lollies into a bowl of delicious melted chocolate. Personally I prefer to use blocks of English Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate or Lindt Mint or Orange Intense, but any chocolate would suffice. Creating the platter is a lot of fun and when brought to the table after dinner looks absolutely great!

1. Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate

What could be better than cuddling up on the sofa after a nice feed with a good movie and a big bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate?

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Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another "Hallmark" holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine's Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you". Chocolate can be given as a way of saying "congratulations", "I am sorry" or "get well soon". On Valentine's Day chocolate clearly says "I LOVE YOU!" Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote "Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy ... chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy." What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means "food of the gods".

Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is "... the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food." From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality.

Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as "runners high" is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to "falling in love". One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes.

Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don't know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate.

Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be.

Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love?

David Eisen is owner of Euphoric Chocolate,

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