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Happy Valentine's Day 2009
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U.S. and World News Weekly
Multicultural Magazine of the Times and Diverse People Promoting
Cultural and International Diversity
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Gift Of Love Glass Bear In Valentine's Day Box
38229 Snuggled in his glimmering fabric "cloud", a tiny glass angel
bear peeks shyly from beneath the heart-shaped lid of this ruby-red
velvet box. A sweetly charming reminder of your devotion!
Velvet-covered box with glass figurine. 3" x 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" high.
37103
Your loved one will know just how you feel when they're presented
with this fluffy little fellow! Adorably decked in red-and-white;
between his paws he holds a heart "bear"-ing an unmistakable
message. So cute! Polyester fiber. Ages 3 and up. 7 1/2"
x 6". [More
Teddy Bears]
 Shopping
Food and
Gift Baskets
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Perfectly Pink Valentine's Day Kitchen Sets
39741 Rev up the romance in the kitchen with this fancy trio, all
dressed up in a delicious hot-pink shade! Ribbon and lace trim
sweeten a shapely apron and matching pair of pot holders. The
perfect at-home fashion statement for any domestic diva! 100%
Cotton. Machine wash warm; tumble dry low. Apron: 24" x 31" long;
Pot holders: each 8" x 8" high. Set of 3
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February 14, 2009 is Valentine's
Day - Don't Forget!
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In this issue . . .
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The Book Of Love - Valentine's Day
30271
This novel sculpture brings words of love to life with a beautiful
red rose and enchanting serenade.
Alabastrite. 8 1/4" x 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" high.
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DAILY NEWS BYTES
[click here for updated
daily news/ articles]
Candy
Gift Ideas For Him
and Her
Jewelry
Love Shack Birdhouses
29634
The heart-shaped door gives it away: This is a little “Love Shack!”
Amusing asymmetrical architecture is trimmed with forest treasures.
Wood. 6 1/2" x 8" high.
Love’s Messenger Valentine's Day Cupid Figurines
39532
Cupid’s little sister brings you a romantic message in her own
gentle style; rather than a bow and arrow, she comes bearing flowers
and a heart-sealed love letter.
Sweet stone-look figurine is a tiny reminder of the wonderful little
joys that true love brings! Polystone. 2 3/4" diameter x 6 5/8"
high.
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Rose Iron Candleholders
37871
Twining satin-silver stems form a stylish base of botanical beauty. When
its ruby glass heart-shaped cups are lit from within, this divine
vine-design candleholder is utterly aglow with romance!
Metal with glass accents. Tealights not included. 10" x 5" x 15" high.
Wedding Photo Tote Bags
36736
Carry around the memories of the best day of your life—along with a lot
of other stuff! A roomy tote bag features space for plenty of your 4" x
6" wedding photos. 100% polyester for strength, with 20" handles. 13" x
3 1/2" x 13" high. [Accessories
| Bridal | Photo
Frames | February 2006 New
Arrivals]
Pewter Pink Hearts Frames
36297
Frame fond memories in this gorgeous pewter frame lined with crystalline
pink hearts.
Holds
one 3" x 3" photo. Pewter and glass. 4" square x 1 1/2" thick.
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Special Delivery Care Packages
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Sweets 4 Your Sweethearts
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5 Fabulous Valentine Gift Ideas for Her
by Adriana Copaceanu
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and you have no idea
how to show your love for your special girl. Don’t worry:
here are several ideas you can use now, and be a hero.
1. Roses! I know what you are thinking: boring, thoughtless,
not good enough, etc. Well, here is a way to make giving roses
very special: buy her a dozen roses and place a pearl inside
each rose bud. As the rose buds open, the pearls will be revealed
as an extra surprise. Once she finds all your pearls, take them
to the jewelry store and have them strung into a necklace - something
your true love will be able to hold onto once the roses are gone.
[continue]
Love You Frog Prince Figurines
38445 Pucker up! This perky prince has a romantic red rose and a
special message just for you. A playful reminder of tender
affection that's guaranteed to brighten the day!
Polyresin and metal. 6 1/2" x 4 1/4" x 6 3/4"
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**Advertising Opportunites**
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Heart Pendant Link Bracelets
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31493
Stylish and unique sterling silver link bracelet with a 5mm toggle
clasp features a fine- polished 18mm pendant to make your lover’s
heart skip a beat.
7 1/4" long. |
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I Love U Cube Candle Sets
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Rose Bath Sets in Heart Box
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Wedding Photo Tote Bags
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Pink Jar Candles - Heart Pendants
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| 36744
Cube candles send the message to your latest flame! The 46-hour
burn time ensures many romatic, candlelit memories. 100% parafin
wax. 7" x 2 1/2" x 2 3/4" high. [More
Hearts] |
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36383
Luxurious bath products decorated in lavendar blossoms arrive
in a heart-shaped box for a personal gift that leaves you smelling
like a rose. Includes 280ml gel, lotion, scrub and much more!
9" x 7 1/4" x 9 3/8" high. |
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36736
Carry around the memories of the best day of your life—along with a lot of
other stuff! A roomy tote bag features space for plenty of your 4" x 6"
wedding photos. 100% polyester for strength, with 20" handles. 13" x 3 1/2"
x 13" high. [Accessories
| Bridal | Photo
Frames | February 2006 New
Arrivals] |
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36746
Love burns eternal, and this jar candle pays homage to love's
enduring strength while bathing the room in a delicious lotus
blossom scent. 70 hours burn time. 60% palm oil; 40% parafin
wax. 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" high. [More
Hearts] |
Plaques
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"Love" |
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"Mother" |
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"Friends" |
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3 Pc Red / Black Heart Satin Boxes
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| 33108 Three heart-shaped
nesting boxes crafted in red satin. Wonderful to display, even
better to hold a gift that comes straight from your heart. Largest:
9" x 8" x 6 1/4" high. Set of 3. |
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Glass Love Swans Candleholders
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| 34122 Two luminous, frosted swans rest
before a red plaque inscribed with "Love." A candle
holder at the back adds a romantic glow. Crafted entirely in
glass. Tealights only. 5" x 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" high. |
4 Pc Red Rose / Heart Candles Set
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| 33083 An alluring
set of floating candles to evoke love and passion. Two red roses
and two red hearts--perfect for Valentine's Day! Each 2 1/2"
diameter x 1" high. Set of 4. |
Valentine's Gifts for Sweethearts
Gift Baskets
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Honey Vanilla Bath Set / Chest
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| 34187 Sturdy wicker
basket with bath gel, soap, lotion, and salts ("Pure Pleasure
Honey Vanilla" scent), massage tool and sponge. 11 7/8"
x 7 5/8" x 11 3/8" high. Set. |
MORE BATH AND BODY
GIFTS
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Alabastrite Red Rose Photo Frames
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| 31158 A very unique
item, this clear acrylic photo frame rests on a hand-painted
polyresin rose and holds a 5" x 7" photo. La Collection
Romantique. 8" x 5" x 7" high. |
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Alabastrite Rose Bud Vases
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| 30272 A glass bud
vase, entwined by alabastrite roses and leaves and adorned by
a pastel ribbon, is the perfect setting for a flawless blossom
from your cutting garden. La Collection Romantique. 2 3/4"
diamet4er x 9 3/4" high. |
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Satin Rose Bouquet / Glass Vases
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| 33190 Six red roses,
crafted from satin and nestled into a square glass vase, are
joined with baby's breath to make up a bouquet that will always
be in bloom. 21" high. |
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Husbands | Boyfriends | Dads | Brothers | Uncles
| Grandpas | Fathers in Law | Sons
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Checkers & Cheese Board Gift Sets
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| (G0117). Gourmet/specialty
gift set with flavors: wheat, old hickory, Camembert, tomato,
basil, and smoky. Designer packaging in black, red, gold, and
tan. Not Kosher. Uniform, not assorted. Unit weight: 3 lbs. SHIPPING
INFO: This product is shipped Priority Mail. Allow 3 to 4 days.
OVERNIGHT RUSH shipping available. |
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Wives | Girlfriends | Moms | Sisters | Aunts | Grandmas
| Mothers in Law | Daughters
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Grandma Heart Tealight Holders
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| 33743 A plaque
/ candle holder for Grandma, with a touching tribute she'll treasure
always. Shaped like a heart and outlined in soft pink, it's also
a lovely decorative item. Glass. Tealights only. 5 1/2"
x 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" high. |
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Mother's Day Satin Roses / Vases
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| 33191 This satin
bouquet creates an everlasting display to be enjoyed for years.
A glass vase is filled with four peach roses and baby's breath.
Colors may vary slightly. 21" high. |
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Gift ideas for Friends
& Co-workers
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NEWSLETTER
- VALENTINE'S DAY
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Table of Contents by Author
Adriana Copaceanu
Heather Diodati
Susan Dunn
Michelle Gonzalez
Arlene Kaptur
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Sheryl Kurland
Kimberly Lainson
Nancy Twigg
Glenda M. Thomas
Michael Webb
T.W. Winslow
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Passing
Thoughts: Fear and Loathing on Valentine's Day
by T.W. Winslow
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and for many of
us men this is one holiday we could do without. Not because we're
against romance necessarily, we just aren't very good at it.
Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but for most of
us men Valentine's Day is like a car wreck - something which
we'd rather avoid. But like our annual tax bill, Valentine's
Day comes once a year whether we like it or not.
Don't get me wrong, if we men were more capable in matters
of the heart, I'm sure this would be a day we'd look forward
to. But sadly, this usually isn't the case. Think of it this
way; a man giving a Valentine's Day gift is much like him trying
to hammer a nail blindfolded. Occasionally he'll hit the mark,
but most often it will result in an unpleasant experience.
Each year we men struggle to come up with what we believe
to be the perfect Valentine's Day gift. And more often than not,
each year these offerings of love are met with less than wild
enthusiasm from our partners. How were we to know such things
as a new iron, blender, toaster, vacuum or dishwasher were not
the ideal Valentine's Day gift? Or giving such things as a treadmill,
aerobics video, or jogging outfit would not be interpreted as
our saying "I love you" but rather, "Honey, your
thighs look like cottage cheese." Maybe the women in our
lives, rather than getting irritated and upset by our feeble
attempts at romance, should simply take pity on us.
Perhaps we men have some strange genetic defect that hasn't
yet been recognized by medical science. Or it might be Cupid's
fault. Perhaps when he shoots his arrows of love at a couple
he hits the woman's heart, but inflicts some sort of massive
head trauma to the male involved. There must be some rational
explanation for our lack of romantic flair. Why else would we
men think the only purpose for candles is emergency lighting
during power outages? That ambiance is some kind of bottled water?
Or that loves notes are what we leave for our partners to let
them know we are out of beer?
Men deserve sympathy, compassion, mercy and understanding,
for when it comes to the fine art of romance, we men are sitting
in our boxer shorts finger painting with our toes. So this year
when you receive oven-mitts adorned with little red hearts or
lingerie even a street walker wouldn't wear, don't get mad at
the man in your life, understand he did the best he could...
all things considered.
About The Author:
T.W. Winslow lives in the Pacific Northwest - USA. He is
a writer and co-creator of United in God http://www.unitedingod.org
10
Creative Ways to Give from the Heart, Not the Pocketbook
by Nancy Twigg
Meaningful gift giving doesn’t have to be expensive.
In fact, some of the most precious gifts are the ones that cost
very little, but mean a great deal because of the time and effort
the giver took in giving the gift. Below you will find a list
of gift ideas that are low-cost but high value. Rather than a
large chunk of change, these gift ideas require you to invest
your creativity and time with only a little of your hard-earned
cash.
* Make a scrapbook of the history of your relationship with
the recipient. Fill it with pictures, mementos and memories from
the past. Include your own heartfelt note thanking the recipient
for the value and warmth she adds to your life.
* Put your artistic abilities to work and create a piece of
art in honor of the recipient. Write a personalized song, do
a painting or sketch, or write a poem.
* Use your computer to make a family cookbook with a variety
of recipes contributed by different family members. Or make a
cookbook of all of your own special recipes to share with the
recipient.
* If you have artistic flair, purchase blank note cards with
envelopes. Decorate the cards with your own drawings to make
personalized note cards for your loved one.
* If you can knit or crochet, make the honoree a new scarf,
hat, afghan or pair of mittens. If you sew, create a new apron,
fleece throw or keepsake pillow.
* Make an “I Love You because...” or “You’re
Special because...” jar. On individual slips of paper, write
something you love and appreciate about the honoree. Place the
slips of paper in a decorative jar. You can also make an “I
Love You” book by writing each thought on a different page
of a blank journal.
* Use a desktop publishing program or your calligraphy skills
to create a wall-hanging featuring a inspirational quote or Bible
verse that is particularly meaningful. If you are handy with
a needle and embroidery floss, do the same thing using your needlework
skills. Display the finished product in an inexpensive, yet attractive
frame.
* For the chocolate lover on your list, fill a gift basket
with several varieties of homemade chocolate cookies, candy,
and brownies. If the recipient loves sweets but is concerned
about weight gain, use recipes for goodies that are low in fat
and calories.
* Make a keepsake video containing something that would be
special to the recipient: her children singing songs, friends
telling why they love her, or you recounting funny stories of
times you’ve shared together.
* Do a week or month’s worth of cooking for the recipient.
Fill her freezer with homemade meals that she can easily heat
and serve rather than having to cook.
Excerpt from Nancy’s book, Celebrate Simply: Your
Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions.
Just in time for holiday gift giving -- Use this special link
to get free shipping: http://www.celebratesimply.com/offerNov2003.htm
Nancy Twigg may be contacted at http://www.countingthecost.com
nancy@countingthecost.com. Nancy Twigg is the editor of Counting
the Cost, a free email newsletter about simple and frugal living.
She is also the author of the new book, Celebrate Simply: Your
Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions.
To learn more about living simply or celebrating simply, visit
Nancy online at www.countingthecost.com
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18
Great Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day if You Aren't a "Couple"
by Susan Dunn
When we think of Valentine’s Day, we tend to think of
a man and a woman celebrating together. If you aren’t paired
at this time, here are 18 great ways to celebrate Valentine’s
Day YOUR way.
1. Celebrate with a child!
If you don’t have one, borrow one! Invite your niece
over for an afternoon of tea with tiaras and tutus, making Valentines,
and reading Valentine’s books. Got a boy in your life? How
about some slap-jack or Pente, video games and a candle-lit dinner
with fondue – to keep those hands busy! Nice red catsup
is good enough for the sauce!
2. Give a party at a children’s shelter.
The Volunteer Director is trained to help you! Simple refreshments,
favors, plan a game, tie-dye t-shirts, crafts, play the piano
and sing. It’s the thought and the companionship that count.
Games? Play musical chairs, tying big red bows to the front of
the chairs. Pin the Lips on Ms. Valentine – draw “her”
on posterboard – use moving eyes, false eyelashes and pipe
cleaners for hair. Put each kid’s name on a pair of red
lips cut out of construction paper with tape on back. Blindfold
them with Valentine scarf and proceed! Valentine Bingo –
make bingo cards with Valentine items instead of numbers to call.
Use February theme to increase number of items – groundhogs,
Presidents Lincoln and Washington, candy, hearts, doves, lovers,
Valentines, etc. Serve “Love Potion” for the beverage.
3. Make it a special day for someone in a retirement or nursing
home.
Put on that bright red sweater and your Valentine tie - $12
and it’s perfect, red with white hearts; or Taz in love
and red braces available here and head on over! One friend of
mine takes something he bakes called Terribly Naughty. I believe
it has pecans, peanut butter, chocolate morsels, marshmallows,
butterscotch pieces, pure butter, at least a pound of sugar,
and brandy in it. He's very popular!
4. Have friends over for a Valentine's Party.
Sing love songs, watch a video, make an outrageously beautiful
buffet spread. Have everyone bring a grab bag gift. Have a poetry
contest. Romantic songs list here.
5. Call up your son and daughter-in-law and tell them you're
coming for the weekend to take care of the kids so they can go
celebrate.
Bake Valentine’s cookies with the kids and have a red
dinner – red jello hearts, heart-shaped pasta with tomato
sauce or heart-shaped pizza, Hawaiian punch and cinnamon hearts
in hot cocoa. “Willie Wonka” video, everyone gets in
the big bed with Nana, snuggle-time, dogs included. Woo hoo!
6. Celebrate with your animal companion.
There's no more reliable source of love in our lives.
7. Bake some homemade dog biscuits.
Recipes here. Take your dog for a special outing, and on the
way, drop off your treats at the local animal shelter.
8. Take your animal companion with you to a nursing home or
convalescent center.
Many facilities are making this opportunity available for
their guests. You can deck your dog, cat, ferret or rabbit in
a festive Valentine scarf for the occasion. Red vest, tie, bows,
boas! and click here for other festive wear for your small furry
friend.
9. Enjoy the day helping others.
A local place of worship might be building a house for Habitat
or going Valentine caroling at a housing project. If not, why
not? If not you, who?
10. Book a Valentine cruise on the Costa cruise line and dance
the nights away.
Be a gentleman host, or dance with one! Gentlemen dance hosts
"work" from 8 pm to 1 am every night, visiting with
and dancing with women cruise guests. Great vacation for singles!
Gentleman, don’t forget your red cummerbund and bowtie.
Wait til the last minute when the rates go down really low.
11. Have friends over for a Valentine Day Brunch.
Make pancakes and fried eggs shaped like hearts, serve with
strawberry syrup, fresh strawberries, some nice crisp bacon,
strawberry daiquiris and nice hot tea. Yum! Set a terminally
romantic buffet table and fill the DR ceiling with pink and/or
red helium balloons.
12. Check for special events in your town.
A special Valentine pops concert perhaps?
13. Get away for the weekend and see some great art.
Bath House Center in Dallas, Texas has an annual February
exhibit called "El Corazon," "the heart."
14. Organize something with your civic group.
If the New York Giants can do it, so can you. Last year they
visited patients in Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian
on Valentine's Day.
15. Call your favorite aunt or your bratty little brother
and head for “New York in Love.” The Museum of the
City of NY is featuring an exhibit of 19th Century Valentines.
16. Try something zany. The Embassy Suites, Richmond, Va.
Offers the King’s Dominion Package – 2-room suite,
breakfast, reception, indoor pool and Jacuzzi and 2 adult tickets
to go ride that roller coaster! There’s more than one way
to ‘lose your heart’ on Valentine’s Day.
17. The Winter-storm adventure! Ancient Cedars Spa, Vancouver
Island at the Wickannish Inn, situated on a rocky promontory
at the westernmost point of Chesterman Beach, at the gateway
to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Enjoy the spectacle of
20’ waves pounding the coast from your room with ocean view,
deep soaker tub, and fireplace for optimum viewing. All spa amenities,
epicurean dining and “the storm-watching experience”.
Slickers provided. Bring along some friends, your pet, and/or
a good book!
18. Feed your heart! Curl up with a good book. “A General
Theory of Love,” of course, by Amini, Lewis and Lannon.
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach™
. Coaching resources, tools and support for your personal and
professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach training and certification.
Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including "How to
Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence," "Depression,"
and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the 14th Step." She
is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for
WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise
lines. She offers home study programs through her distance learning
school.
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History
and Traditions of St. Valentine's Day
by Michelle Gonzalez
Part of the mystery of St. Valentine's Day is the Saint himself.
There are numerous legends about St. Valentine, who is thought
to have died, or been buried, as a martyr on February 14th, around
270 A.D.
Legend tells us that St. Valentine was a priest who served
in third century Rome. Roman Emperor Caludius II wanted to maintain
a great army, and decided that more men would be willing to join,
fight and die for Rome if they did not have to worry about leaving
wives and children behind - so he outlawed marriage. Valentine
defied the Emperor by performing marriages in secret, thus bringing
young couples in love together.
When his traitorous actions were discovered, he was imprisoned,
and eventually put to death. He was subsequently declared a Saint
by the Catholic church.
It is thought that while in prison, Valentine began the tradition
of sending "valentine's". According to one legend,
Valentine fell in love with a young woman, who may have been
the daughter of his jailer, who visited him during his imprisonment.
He wrote his new beloved a letter, which he signed "From
your Valentine", an expression commonly used in Valentine's
greeting today.
Another legend holds that he was so popular with children,
that they passed cards to him through the bars of his cell, and
continued to leave notes even after his death.
Pope Gelasius declared February 14th Saint Valentine's Day
around 498 A.D.
Valentine's Day Traditions-
Valentine's Day cards have been exchanged in the United States
since the early 1700's. The tradition of exchanging heart shaped
gifts symbolizes the giving of one's whole heart and emotions
to the one they love.
The red rose, a year round symbol of love, is often given
on Valentine's day. The International Cut Flower Growers Association
estimates that 100 million roses will be sold for Valentine's
Day this year, generally going for between $60-$65 per dozen.
The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" takes
its origin from the Middle ages when young men and women would
draw names from a wooden bowl to discover the identity of their
valentine. They would were the name they chose on their sleeve
for a week.
It is common for many bird breeders to use Valentine's Day
as the beginning of the annual breeding season. On February 14th,
male and female birds are brought back together after months
of separation.
Valentine's Day is also celebrated in Mexico, Canada, the
United Kingdom, Australia and France.
So...
This year, instead of giving simply a box of chocolates or
dozen roses, why not write a poem to your love? It will most
definitely last longer, and is guaranteed to be cherished...as
long as you don't begin with "Roses are...".
Happy Valentine's Day!
Michelle Gonzalez may be contacted at http://www.inspiredparent.com
michelle@inspiredparent.com.
Michelle Gonzalez is the editor of both www.youthweekly.com
and www.inspiredparent.com.
A mother of three, she enjoys writing articles as well as poems
and stories in her spare time. Her passions around childrens
literacy and good parenting led her to create her two successful
ezines.
15 Valentine's
Day Ideas for Under $15
by Glenda M Thomas
HOUSTON, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year advertisers attempt
to convince consumers that the only way to prove their love is
to spend an exorbitant amount of money on February 14th. Yet
most women would agree that real romance comes from the heart
and not the wallet. To that end, Money Management International
(MMI) offers 15 ways to say "I love you" that cost
less than $15.
1. Make your loved one a macaroni necklace and present it
in a jewelry box. Enclose a note that says, "When I am with
you, I feel like a kid again." Then head out together to
do something little kids do for fun -- roller skating, bike riding,
swinging as high as you can on the swing set, go to the zoo,
etc.
2. Head down to your local hardware store and have a key made
with your initials engraved in it; then present the "key
to your heart" to your loved one.
3. Make a list of 101 reasons you love him/her and have it
framed.
4. Collect/make a special photo album of your most cherished
times together with notes on each page as to why that moment
was important to you.
5. Have a mousepad made with a picture of you and your loved
one.
6. Create a scavenger hunt for your loved one that requires
him/her to stop at special places the two of you have in common.
7. Leave a trail of post-it notes directing your loved one
throughout the house to find little treasure (chocolate kisses,
single flowers, etc.) with a short expression of love on each
one ("your kisses are as sweet" or "throughout
the years our love has blossomed and unfolded like the most delicate
flower") leading them to home cooked dinner.
8. Create a homemade coupon book for gifts such as one free
uninterrupted afternoon of golf/football or one evening away
from the kids. Free gift certificates can be found at www.moneymanagement.org/gift
.
9. Splurge on food at the grocery store instead of a restaurant.
Buy fresh lobster, or something that you would not normally buy
and cook it together. Have the dinner consist of foods that are
all either red or white.
10. Make a handmade card using pictures of you and your significant
other and find quotes about love online. (www.toinspire.com )
11. Have just a glass of champagne or dessert at a fancy restaurant
or hotel.
12. Write a poem (or if you are grammatically challenged,
find an existing one) and print it out on nice paper. You can
then mail it to your loved one at work. Or, if you have a frame
with outdated pictures, you can use it to frame your poem and
wrap it as a gift.
13. Tour a free local art exhibit and then have a picnic under
the stars.
14. Purchase a box of children's valentines and hide them
all around the house starting a week before Valentine's Day.
15. Learn to say "I love you" in several languages.
Money Management International reminds all consumers that
they don't have to go into debt to prove their love. "It
is important to keep your head when shopping for your heart,"
explains Rudy Cavazos, director of corporate and media relations
for MMI. "Periodic expenses are the adversary of good financial
planning. Valentine's Day is a perfect example of an event that
typically is not budgeted for." Cavazos advises that consumers
should use cash whenever possible. If a credit card must be used
for Valentine's Day expenses, don't charge anything that cannot
be paid off in three months or less.
About Money Management International
Money Management International (MMI) is the nation's largest
non-profit, full-service credit counseling agency, providing
confidential financial guidance, counseling and debt management
assistance to consumers for over 44 years. MMI helps consumers
trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts.
Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and
24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English
or Spanish. To learn more, call 800-762-2271 or visit their website
at www.moneymanagement.org .
Contact: Courtney Carter or Kim O'Quinn Pierpont Communications
713-627-2223
Glenda M Thomas may be contacted at http://yours.at/sister2sister
sis2sis@earthlink.net. Glenda Thomas has been married for 28
years and is the mother of 3 young adult children, and grandmother
to one grandson (age 2). Glenda is the editor of Sister 2 Sister
Newsletter. She also is a dynamic public speaker.
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Alone
This Valentine's Day?
by Susan Dunn
Valentine's Day can range from annoying to dreadful when you
aren't paired, so let's put a new spin on this!
You probably feel sorry for yourself because you're the Only
One who's alone, but if you're alone you're NOT alone. According
to the American Association for Single people, 82 million men
and women in the United States are unmarried.
If you define adults as those over 18, 44% of US adults are
single. By 2010, it should be 47.2%. That's getting very close
to half. What will we do then? Rename the holiday? Abolish it?
Or will those of us who are single rise up and demand our OWN
holiday? An UNValentine's Day??
Holidays DO disappear, you know. When I was young, we celebrated
May Day. Honestly, you bought Hallmark paper basket kits, you
assembled them, you filled them with fresh flowers and placed
them on your neighbors' doorsteps.
I am not making this up.
But I am digressing.
Back to my point. A LOT of us are single, so you AREN'T alone
if you're alone on Valentine 's Day. If that doesn't make you
feel better, try these things, which will be just a little tongue
in cheek, because I want to ramp you out of your position of
feeling sorry for yourself.
I've tried most of these, BTW, having been single longer than
some of you have been alive, and they work!
This is the old - if you can't change IT, change your FEELINGS
toward it.
FREUD!!!
How could we not mention F-R-E-U-D on the national "romantic"holiday?
Remember Freud's "defense mechanisms"? A common misconception
is that they're all "bad," but actually we need our
defense mechanisms. They're helpful! We need our defense mechanisms
to:
1. Minimize anxiety 2. Protect the ego 3. Maintain repression
a. It prevents discomfort b. It leads to some economy of time
and effort
I'm sure you're with me now that if you plan to, um, GET THROUGH
VALENTINE'S DAY AS A SINGLE, a defense mechanism or 10 might
come in handy.
So here we go.
DEFENSE, DEFINITION & APPLICATION
1. Affiliation: Dealing with emotional conflict and
stressors (hereinafter referred to as "it") by turning
to others for help or support. Valentine Application (VA): This
is a great defense! Call your coach! Commiserate with friends.
Talk to your sweet Mom.
2. Aim Inhibition: Limiting ^instinctual demands^,
accepting partial fulfillment. VA: Invite a platonic boyfriend
out for Valentine's Day and pretend it's all you really wanted.
Who needs mad, passionate sex when you can talk about QuikBooks
for three hours at Chili's, right?
3. Altruism: Deal with it by meeting the needs of others.
VA: Do as I've done. Choose someone to shower with your affection
- a grand-daughter works! Go out and buy all the things you'd
want yourself - perfume, flowers, fluffy pink sweater, do it
up big! Wrap 'em up, carry them over there, take her out and
wine and dine her and savor! Feels great!
4. Anticipation: Deal with it by experiencing emotional
reactions in advance of possible future events and considering
realistic alternative responses or solutions. VA: Well, that's
what we're doing here. We're circumventing a lousy Valentine's
Day, and making our plans otherwise. How cool is that?
5. Avoidance: Deal with it by refusal to encounter
situations because they represent "unconscious sexual or
aggressive impulses". VA: Well, that would be Valentine's
Day. You could cancel your own personal one.
6. Compensation: Encountering failure in one sphere
of activity (like love life?), you over-emphasize another. VA:
Let's do a clean-the-house marathon, or workout for 5 hours after
work Friday.
7. Self-assertion: Expressing feelings and thoughts
directly, non-manipulatively. VA: Go for it! Ask that cute new
HR director out.
8. Sublimation: Attenuating the force of an "nstinctual
drive" by using the energy in other, constructive activities.
VA: So, we work late Valentine's Day, finishing up a primo project,
or go home and write poetry or paint. Good idea?
9. Intellectualization: Deal with it by excessive use
of abstract thinking or making generalizations to minimize disturbing
feelings. VA: We could talk about how nearly half the other adults
in the US are also single, and it ain't so bad. Anyway it's not
bothering ME. How about that?
LET'S AVOID THESE ONES:
1. Conversion: Turn it into a physical symptom "involving
portions of the body innervated by sensory or motor nerves."
VA: No getting of paralyzed arms because you'd really like to
sock your ex.
2. Deflection: Redirecting attention to someone else.
VA: Don't need to talk about "Loser-boy Tom." We can
deal with our own stuff!
3. Identification: Unconscious modeling of one's self
upon another person. VA: Sandra's got a great husband and she's
going to Quebec for Valentine's weekend, but that doesn't mean
we have to dress and talk like her all week without "being
aware of it"
4. Displacement: Change in the object by which the
"nstinctual drive" is to be satisfied. VA: Having been
abandoned by your boyfriend, resist all urges to vent your anger
on your room-mate! Keep your people and your emotions straight,
ok? (EQ course available.)
5. Help-Rejecting Complaining: Requesting help and
then rejecting it. VA: (I think that's whining, and playing the
victim, don't you?)
6. Acting Out: Dealing with it by actions rather than
reflections of feelings. VA: Don't get crabby and kick the dog,
or go out and get drunk.
7. Projection: Attributing one's thoughts or impulses
to another person. VA: No, your mother isn't mad at YOU, YOU'RE
mad at your GIRLFRIEND. Keeping people and feelings straight
again.
8. Regression: Suffering the loss of some of the development
already attained and reverting to lower level of adaptation and
expression. VA: None of that!
9. Autistic Fantasy: Deal with it by excessive daydreaming
as a substitute for human relationships, more effective action,
or problem solving. VA: This is why we all hate Freud!!
Defense mechanism definitions from: http://www.coldbacon.com
P.S. Work in an office? Send yourSELF flowers. Like half those
other girls aren't doing that?
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach™
. Coaching resources, tools and support for your personal and
professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach training and certification.
Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including "How to
Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence," "Depression,"
and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the 14th Step." She
is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for
WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise
lines. She offers home study programs through her distance learning
school.
Matters
of Hearts
by Arleen Kaptur
As soon as February rolls around, everyone is thinking "hearts."
Hearts are the universal symbol for love, affection, and caring.
There are heart-shaped candy boxes, cookies, flower arrangements,
gift boxes, and charms. Children send Valentine's day cards to
classmates and friends and adults show their feelings with notes,
gifts, and special events. Mealtime can also be an opportunity
to use hearts in our table decor. Heart-shaped ice cubes add
just that touch of romance to wine or champagne. Use enough cassis
for color to insure firm cubes. Using your favorite heart-shaped
cookie cutters, place "hearts" of cheese, such as mozzarella,
cheddar, or pepperjack on appetizer platters, or to accent a
meat dish, vegetables, or whatever you choose. For a Valentine
dipping bowl, cut a heart shape around a squash stem and remove
the contents. Fill with your favorite dip and surround with your
choice of dippers. Heart-shaped cutters can be used to make sandwiches,
cookies, bread slices, and cucumber slices. Heart-shaped pancakes,
and heart-shaped cut outs on the crust of your favorite fruit
pies add delight when that special day rolls around.
If you don't have heart-shaped pans, fill paper or foil lined
muffin cups half full of batter. Tuck a 1/2" foil ball or
marble between the liner and the cup to form a heart shape. Bake
your cupcakes as usual. When mealtime rolls around set your table
with red, pink, and white table covers, and napkins. Tie red/white,
or red/pink yarn around silverware held in colorful napkins.
Place a candy kiss or heart-saying candy on each plate or pass
a bowl around and let everyone pick a candy note. In paper-bag
lunches, slip in a message, or a special treat. Visit a special
person and make them feel loved and cared for.
However you celebrate Valentine's Day, don't let the feeling
pass with the day. Carry a pocket-full of "hearts"
and share them with everyone. ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 January
Arleen Kaptur may be contacted at http://www.arleenssite.com
akaptur@centurytel.net. Author of books and articles on living
a simple, rustic lifestyle - and getting the most from each and
every day.
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Excerpt
from "How to Choose the Perfect Gift for the Woman You Love"
by Susan Dunn
“Excerpt from the new eBook Released Just in the 'Nick'
of Time: How to Choose the Perfect Gift for the Woman You Love’,”
The flareup was immediate. "I'm writing a book called 'How
to Choose the Perfect Gift for the Woman You Love,' I told my
friend Sam, and he replied immediately, "If any woman doesn’t
like what I get her then…” and his voice trailed off
in… what was it? Anger? No I think it was more eternal frustration.
I could tell he’d been bloodied, and he was, in fact, married
to his second wife.
Now I've been single many years, so I've spent many Christmases
in the homes of others, married couples included, and I've seen
a lot of the same old thing -- waring blenders and vacuum cleaners
bringing tears, stonewalling, or profanity. NO WOMAN WANTS AN
APPLIANCE.
Uh uh, it's not that easy. My ex mother-in-law preferred potted
plants over fresh flowers ("too wasteful") and asked
for, received, and was thrilled with various things made of steel
and wire that whizzed, banged and whirred.
Your goal, you see, is to understand not “women,”
but YOUR womAn. Maybe that’s a relief, maybe it isn’t.
Now I'll share a secret with you. I was having a chat with
a friend of mine the other day who said, "I just don’t
understand men." She was in a relationship I couldn’t
comprehend, and about to do something career-wise that made even
less sense. In point of fact, I did not "understand women."
At least I didn't understand the one drinking coffee with me.
So how do you get to "understand" that one special
lady?
Rule No. 1: You PAY ATTENTION.
"Okay," you're probably saying. "That's easy
enough."
No, it is not. This is what I mean when I say PAY ATTENTION.
You listen to her like you would if your lawyer were telling
you you were being sued for $1,000,000.
You focus like you would if your teenage son were telling
you his new Hummer was now at the bottom of Lake Michigan.
You watch her like you watch the quarterback sneak when you’ve
bet $500 on the Cowboys, it’s the last quarter and they’re
down 13-6.
You hang on her every word as you do when your CFO is telling
you you’re not going to make the quarterly projection again.
You tune in like you would when the Chairman of the Board
asked you to explain the last point.
That's what I mean when I say "pay attention and listen
to her."
Now that concept’s clear, in the next chapter we’ll
address just exactly what it is you’re watching and listening
for, and it isn’t the way her long blond hair swings from
side-to-side as she walks through the room, or the way her silk
nightie drops beneath her knees.
What we'll be aiming for is this. When she says, "That
dog's going to have to go. It won't do what I say," you
stop and think before you speak. You use your Emotional Intelligence
because, after reading the next chapter you're going to be getting
the cues that this is a very important conversation you're about
to enter into that has little to do with the dog, other than
the fact that you may be sleeping with him that night, not her.
Carry on until next time!
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc. Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc,
The EQ Coach™ . Coaching resources, tools and support for
your personal and professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach
training and certification. Susan is the author of numerous ebooks,
including "How to Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence,"
"Depression," and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the
14th Step." She is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated
columnist for WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker
for cruise lines. She offers home study programs through her
distance learning school.
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Extend Your Love this Valentine's Day : Gifts
for Your Animal Companion
by Susan Dunn
Valentine's Day is the day we celebrate love, and who gives
you the most consistent unconditional love in your life? This
Valentine's Day, extend the love.
THE HEART BOND
There's an Indian myth. When the world was created and all
the people and animals were present, suddenly there was an earthquake.
It started to rend the world in half, splitting the people from
the animals. Just before the split became too great to navigate,
the dog jumped over to be with man.
We feel intuitively that we have a special bond with dogs,
cats and other mammals. There's a scientific basis for this as
well, and it's called a "limbic connection." Read more
about this in "A General Theory of Love" by Amini et
al.
HOW THIS WORKS
Our brain is really three brains: the reptilian brain, the
limbic brain, and the neocortex. Automatic instinctive processes
are controlled by the reptilian brain, also known as the brain
stem, such as breathing, and heart beat. We think, as only human's
can, with our neocortex.
The limbic brain is the seat of our emotions and we share
this with mammals. We share a limbic connection with them - we
send emotional signals back and forth. We need this connection
to thrive.
Our intuition that life is better with a dog or cat, ferret
or rabbit in the house is backed by scientific study after scientific
study. People heal more quickly from heart attacks if there is
a dog in the home, moreso than if there's another human in the
home. Being with a pet lowers our blood pressure, and pets are
egalitarian: The mere presence of a dog will lower the blood
pressure of an ailing senior, a healthy college student, or a
child reading a book alone in a room.
THE HEALING CONNECTION
We're recognizing this bond and its mutual healing power through
the growing fields of Animal-assisted Therapy, and Animal Communicators.
The Pacific Animal Therapy Society offers an active animal
therapy program, bringing pets to hospitals, retirement homes
and other facilities where residents benefit from interaction
with animal companions.
Dog-Play.com also offers animal assisted therapy. An animal
visit offers entertainment, distraction from pains and infirmity,
and comfort.
"People often talk to dogs, and share with them their
thoughts and feelings and memories," they say. A visiting
animal companion provides something to look forward to, and makes
conversation easier between two strangers, giving a common interest
and a focus for conversation.
The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta offers the "PAWS
in the Classroom" program, an animal-facilitated learning
experience for special junior high students, where students learn
about human and animal relationships, including intra and inter-species
attachments and bonding, the benefits and responsibilities of
involvement with pets, and behavior development principals.
THE HEART-TO-HEART CONNECTION: ANIMAL COMMUNICATORS
Mammals are equipped to communicate with us, though the means
are non-verbal. How does this work?
We communicate with each other all the time by intuitive and
nonverbal means. We sense how someone else is feeling, or 'know'
our boss is sick, or detect a sad tone beneath the cheerful words
of our spouse, or get a chill down our spine when someone enters
the room. Extending this more intentionally to our animal companions
can be joyful and healing for all concerned, and this is what
Animal Communicators do. This growing field helps pet owners
make a stronger connection with their animal companions.
Valentine's day is a celebration of love, and who gives us
the most steady and unconditional love in our lives?
Here are some suggestions if you want to celebrate your love
for your animal companion. Great ideas to give to the animal-lovers
on your list, too. Remember the old saying, "Love me love
my dog"?
GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
1. Gift your special someone with a deeper connection with
their beloved animal companion. Animal communicators such as
Georgina Cyr, and Jacquelin Smith, offer consultations in pet
communication and healing.
2. How about a great heart-shaped dog or cat bed?
3. This gifts packs a double wollop - a Valentine toile and
chenille dog bed by Companion Road. A portion from the sale of
all Companion Road items is donated to charities to assist local
animal shelters.
4. How about a sharp red doggy or ferret t-shirt with Xs and
Os all over it?
5. PetCo offers a whole Valentine's store for pets - heart-shaped
catnip, bone buddies and more!
6. Give them a gift membership to the Divine Prayer Line for
Animals.
7. All Natural Dogs offers vitamins, supplements, holistic
products, homeopathic remedies, and natural food for dogs.
8. Need something for a ferret or rabbit?
9. Try the high-flying Crackler Moth for the cat-lover, from
Blue Pet Co., UK.
10. Get a carrier pet-pocket for their small cat, dog, ferret
or rabbit here.
11. Love Bites! Heart-shaped doggy biscuits.
12. Valentine's scarves for for dogs or cats.
13. Bake some homemade dog biscuits.
14. Canine Sweet Hearts(tm) available here - red-colored,
heart-shaped corn and wheat-free vanilla or Carob flavored treats.
15. Make a donation to the Humane Society in the name of your
loved-one or their animal companion or yours.
This Valentine's Day, extend your concept of love! We need
to give, receive and express all the love we can.
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach™
. Coaching resources, tools and support for your personal and
professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach training and certification.
Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including "How to
Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence," "Depression,"
and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the 14th Step." She
is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for
WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise
lines. She offers home study programs through her distance learning
school.
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Unique
Ideas to Celebrate Valentines Day this Year
by Heather Diodati
Want to celebrate Valentine's Day in a different way? We've
collected a bunch of unique ideas - special ways to show how
much you care about your spouse, family members and friends you
cherish.
Heart-Felt Valentine's Meal
Make up a batch of heart-shaped pancakes for a yummy Valentine's
breakfast or brunch. Just pour the batter in the frying pan in
a free-form heart shape and serve with strawberries and whipped
cream.
Balloon Goodies
Insert candy surprises into balloons before inflating them
- add a folded-up Valentine's message then inflate each balloon.
Tie with a red ribbon and attach to your loved one's chair for
them to find Valentine's morning.
Family Affair
Have the children help you prepare red Jello with cinnamon
hearts mixed in, mashed potatoes colored with pink food coloring,
heart- shaped cookies and any other creative ways to present
your Valentine's Day meal.
The Gift of Time
Give a hand-made coupon for some work you can do to free-up
some time for your spouse or parent. For example, a coupon good
for cleaning Dad's garage or for a full-house vacuuming for your
wife. How about a coupon for your best friend - you can walk
her dog or baby sit one evening.
Coupon Day
Each of you can create individual notes, say 4 or 6 each,
to describe a special surprise - a back rub, a bubble bath, kisses
from head to toe, a special meal - fold up the notes and toss
them into a jar. You can take turns having fun plucking a coupon
from the jar and doing what it says.
Scavenger Hunt
You can prepare this one for your spouse or for your children
to enjoy. Write up little notes about how you feel and what they
mean to you and place them around the house along with a candy
heart or other treat. Add a riddle at the end of each note about
where to find the next note. At the last note, have something
special waiting there. For example, you can be waiting for your
hubby in a candle-lit bubble bath with two glasses of wine. For
your children, then can find a teddy bear or other toy or treat.
Less Fortunate
Visit a hospital or chronic care home to pass out small Valentine
surprises to the residents. They will enjoy the care and attention
from something so unexpected.
Alone?
No one special to share Valentine's Day with? Sure you have!
You! Why not pamper yourself with a candlelit bubble bath, then
prepare your favorite gourmet meal and rent the latest comedy
video. Or treat yourself to a day at the spa, or a day at the
gym with a step or aerobics class. Plan for Valentine's Day at
least a week in advance - you'll find yourself looking forward
to your special treats and your quality time with yourself, by
choice.
Picnic Fun
Place a blanket on the floor near the lit fireplace with candles
on the mantle and have your Valentine's meal as a candle-lit
picnic with a bottle of your favorite bubbly.
Italian Romance
Some soft Italian love songs on the CD player, a luscious
Fettucini Alfredo with a bottle of your favorite Italian vino,
then some fresh canoli from the pastry shop and cups of amaretto-
flavored coffee for a taste sensation - top it off with a sensuous
scented bubble bath for two
A Cereal Surprise
Sneak in love notes and chocolate kisses in your sweetheart's
or children's cereal
Notables
Little notes in their lunch boxes, on the bathroom mirror,
in his briefcase, stuck on the car windshields, in his underwear
drawer
I'm fortunate to have you!
Mix up a batch of fortune cookies (see http://www.whimsies-online.com/valentine.htm
for recipe!) and add your own little words of love
Messy but Marvelous
Make sure you wear old clothes for this one and plan this
escapade where cleanup will be easy (no carpets, please!) Make
up a batch of chocolate pudding. Feed each other and wind up
having a food fight! Ideally, this is more fun in your birthday
suits, then the pudding won't go to waste where it lands! Guaranteed
for loads of giggles between the two of you - take a shower-for-two
after this one and wash each other's chocolate-flavored hair!
Take a Letter
Take turns writing a love letter or love poem to each other.
Read them out loud
Valentine Sharing
Plan some community work - help out at the local shelter,
volunteer at your local church, work with other volunteers to
spread some caring amongst your community.
All in the Family
Spend some quality fun time with your niece or nephew or other
child in your family.
Long-Distance Caring
Call your favorite aunt whom you haven't seen since she moved
far away, or your best friend who transferred to another country
- let them know you're thinking of them this Valentine's Day
Just For You
Have you wanted that delicate pair of earrings for awhile
but kept putting off the purchase? Give yourself a special Valentine's
Day gift
Poetry In Motion
Write him or her a poem - can't write? Try out the poem generator
on http://www.whimsies-online.com/valentine.htm for fun! Print
out your creation and place it on your loved-one's night table
for when they awake!
Heather Diodati may be contacted at http://www.whimsies-online.com
info@whimsies-online.com. Heather Diodati, owner of DDesign,
is the creator/distributor of the Pet Computer Virus, a novelty
designed for the computer user;cas well as other unique computer
novelties; and Whimsies! Personalized Cartoon Designs for all
occasions. Sign up for our free ezine, On A Whim, for your free
Memory Jogger System; and if you looooove ballroom dancing be
sure to subscribe to Dancing On Air ezine, for your free gift,
The Dancer's Notebook! http://www.whimsies-online.com
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Helping the Family with a Deployed Member During
the Holidays
by Susan Dunn
If you know a family with one of the partners deployed, you're
probably wondering what you can do for them during the holidays,
and perhaps eager to include them in your celebration.
Let's use for example if the husband is in Iraq. Most military
wifes have been prepared for "something like this"
-- it goes with the territory. Chances are they're very self-sufficient,
know how to cope, and have good support. But if you'd like to
include them during the holidays, here are some suggestions.
Offer to watch the kids for a day, or half-day, so the wife
can have some time to do some holiday shopping for the kids.
A lot of babysitter hours get logged, which is also expensive.
Remember the serviceperson! They appreciate getting mail (generally
takes up to two weeks) and gift boxes. Send fun things and "toys,"
baked goods, something 'of the season,' something you'd like
to receive if far from home. CDs are also a good idea, and the
hometown newspaper.
These days most servicepeople can keep in touch with family
by email, so when the family arrives at your home, you can ask
the children, "What do you hear from your Dad?" or
"Has your Dad told you what it's like?" or "Has
you Dad sent you anything?"
Digital photos are possible now, and the children may want
to tell you about that. Ask them to print some photos out and
bring them when they come! Most of the time they're very aware
of what their dad is doing.
Experienced friends know not to ask, "Do you know when
he's coming home yet?" If it were known, they'd be shouting
it from the rooftop!
And, as a long-time holiday guest in the homes of others (joint
custody), there are two things that are especially neat.
One is to be given a little packet of leftovers to take home.
It's so nice to be able to have a turkey sandwich that night,
or even a whole little meal -- the one thing you miss when you
don't do the meal yourself!
And the other is when someone asks me over because they want
me, not because they think I need the invitation!
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach™
. Coaching resources, tools and support for your personal and
professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach training and certification.
Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including "How to
Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence," "Depression,"
and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the 14th Step." She
is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for
WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise
lines. She offers home study programs through her distance learning
school.
How
to Have an Emotionally Intelligent Valentine's Day
by Susan Dunn
Every time Valentine’s Day comes along, I think of the
day before Valentine’s Day a couple of years when, as I
was leaving the card and gift shop where I’d selected some
Valentines, while cursing the materialism dictated to us by Madison
Avenue that demanded the expression of feelings with store-bought
cards and boxes of candy, mourned the fact that I had no “honey”
at the time, thought of the cards I should and should not have
received on past Valentine’s Days, and worried if I was
spending too much or too little ...... the shop owner called
out, “Be careful driving, Susan. There are a lot of angry
lovers out there on the road today.”
It’s coming again, Valentine's Day, and with it a lot
of emotions. It’s also a day you can organize, if you sit
down and think about it, using both your IQ and your EQ.
INTENTIONALITY
How do you intend your Valentine’s Day to be? Intentionality
means saying what you mean and meaning what you say, and it also
means being responsible and accountable for your motives as well
as your actions.
If your intention is to express your love to someone in a
meaningful way, this might include thinking about what means
love to them. It could be a toaster oven would be greatly appreciated,
a poem you’ve written, a kiss on the cheek, an addition
to their collection, a power tool, something very gushy or not
very gushy, a night of dancing, or not spending any money because
you’re both over budget.
At the same time, how to you intend to manage your emotions?
If you take an honest look at the situation, here are some
intentions you might have:
- Do you plan to be upset over what happens?
- If you’re single, do you intend to “let it get
to you?”
- Do you intend to be disappointed in what your lover gives
you, as nothing is good enough?
- Do you intend to keep your expectations in line with reality-testing?
- Do you intend to express your needs, as no one can read your
mind, no matter how much they love you?
- Do you intend to spend more than you can afford to and then
feel guilty?
- Do you intend to compare yourself, or the gift you receive
to others’?
- Do you intend to agree to choose your boss’ gift for
his wife even though this causes negative emotions for you?
- Do you intend to let someone else “do” Valentine’s
for you, or do you plan to be personally involved in your gift
choices?
- Do you intend to be a perfectionist and feel that whatever
you buy is wrong, and whatever you do isn’t right?
You could intend to love yourself and enjoy your day!
Intentionality is tough stuff and it means business.
ACCOUNTABILITY
On the more pragmatic level, there are things that need doing.
If you intend to observe the day by remembering various people:
· Write out your budget · Make a list of people
you wish to remember · Start writing down ideas for each
person · Remember there’s a whole slew of merchants
out there willing to make this easy for you – use the Internet
and the telephone · Start early to avoid pressure ·
Plan ahead how you will resist all the last-minutes “specials”
coming your way that you know you can’t afford
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year. That’s
something you need to know. This means you can send last-minute
floral arrangements, and it means that restaurants are going
to be absolutely packed on that night, and that babysitters may
be hard to come by. Plan accordingly!
Planning is the key to experiencing the joy of Valentine’s
Day. It’s your day and you can have it your way!
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach™
. Coaching resources, tools and support for your personal and
professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach training and certification.
Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including "How to
Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence," "Depression,"
and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the 14th Step." She
is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for
WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise
lines. She offers home study programs through her distance learning
school.
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How to Plan a Valentine's Party
by Susan Dunn
First decision: date and time. Your best shot for getting
lots of guests is to pick a not-prime time. Try something the
Saturday before Valentine’s Day, for instance, or Sunday,
the day after. Also an off-time, such as brunch of lunch instead
of cocktail or evening party. Check to make sure “key players”
can come. Also a time when you’ll have the week before to
do the work.
Guest List
Write down whom you want to invite and take a count. This
determines everything from cost to venue to refreshments.
Where will you have it?
Your home? A romantic outdoor patio restaurant? A restaurant
with a fireplace and strolling violinist? The rec room at your
apartment complex? If you’re going to rent, call ahead and
find out how many people they can accommodate, if the place is
available that day, how much it will cost, what’s included
in the rental fee, and what other services are available. If
you’re renting a place, go there and talk to the catering
decorator, walk around and take a tour. Questions will occur
to you that might not otherwise:
Can you bring your own food and drinks?
What about decorating?
Are there separate fees for room rental, security, maintenance,
waiters, insurance, etc.?
How’s the parking and public transportation. This can make
a big difference in your guests desire to come, for instance
on a rainy night.
What’s the theme? Well, Valentine’s, but romantic?
Light-hearted? Formal? Casual? Choose your theme and then plan
your tablecloths, tableware and dishes, glasses, decorations,
invitations, party favors, music.
Schedule of Party “Events”
Plan a time for mingling, with drinks and hors d’oeuvres
before a dinner – that’s how people “warm up”
If you’re having honorary speeches or some such (20 minutes
is plenty of time to allot for this), allow time afterwards,
because the conversation will be primed
Provide music for background according to the tone of your
event – rock band, romantic piano, harp, etc.
Now coordinate what you’ve decided on so far Make sure
time, place, theme, and cost all gel. Here are some adjustments
you can make
Hard liquor, mixed drinks are expensive. If you’re having
lots of people, switch to beer and wine, or make an alcoholic
punch.
To cut costs, try something thematic like a bottle of Valentine
wine, that is, from the Valentine Vineyards, in Southern Mendocino
County. The labels on the wine are cool for a Valentine’s
Party!
You can buy party trays at Sam’s or at Local Fancy Catering
Boutique or you make them. Making them is probably going to cost
more than Sam’s, but it has it’s virtues, Caterers
can be very pricey, but then there’s no work for you to
do.
Ordering a beautifully decorated cake is a good way to handle
dessert for a crowd. It brings everyone around, is festive, and
easy to manage.
Music can be live (more expensive) or your radio or CDs (no
cost).
Will you want a maid? The day before to clean? The day of
the party to help serve and clean up? Or both? (Be sure and check
out her uniform. You could provide a cute Valentine’s apron
for her.)
Need a bartender? Also check on his uniform. You don’t
want any surprises.
Arrange for photography – stills, candids, videos, a
professional photographer?
Decorations – floral arrangements are probably the most
expensive, but they can sure dress up a table.
You can go to a party store and look around according to your
theme, if you’re going with paper goods.
If you have your own china, crystal, etc. start planning how
to get it clean and shining and ready to go.
If you want to purchase permanent tableware, visit a store
like Tuesday Morning and see what they have. (Tip: Shop right
after Valentine’s this year and see what they put on sale!
Then you’ll be ready for next year.)
Elegant doesn’t have to be more expensive People instinctively
cut back when the goods are pricey, i.e., f you serve Beluga
Prime from Caviarteria in New York (price $750/lb.), your guests
won’t be expecting to make a meal of it, and who can eat
more than a dab of caviar anyway? If you’re providing Krug
Clos du Menil from Sherry-Lehmann in New York ($1,400 a case),
no one’s going to be chugalugging it. Tell them it’s
Kobe beef (up to $500/lb.) and they’ll be too horrified
to ask for seconds. Make Julia’s Child classic chocolate
cake, all of 1” high, and one small sliver suffices even
the piggiest eater. It’s richer even than a Starbuck’s
brownie. These things titillate your senses other than raw hunger
and so are very satisfying in another sort of way. Have a classic
piano in the background, and people naturally move into refined
slow-motion.
However, if you’ve got bins of queso dip and tortilla
chips, everyone will have that belly-up-to-the-car approach to
the buffet table. If JC and the Sunshine Bang are cranking it
out, well all impulses are on “go” and all inhibitions
are on "low".
Brunches are quite economical! Call those pancakes crepes
– no, really, it’s a separate recipe and divine, but
nonetheless basically flour and water. Serve a light fruit punch
or Bloody Mary’s, some bacon and sausage, a light salad
- green or fruit … won’t cost much at all. I recommend
Julia Child’s crepe recipe, and definitely the flaming orange
crepes. They nearly put your tongue to sleep, and again, these
things are so “rich,” no one wants more than a taste.
A little trick thrifty hostesses learn!
Entertainment Live entertainment adds a really special note
to a home party. Local talent is probably available that isn’t
expensive. Check with universities, colleges, high schools, and
churches – the choral directors, the music or dance department.
Check the yellow pages. There may be several children’s
dance groups, and they are always charming, because children
can do no wrong, entertainment wise. Check the ballet and tap
schools and see if you have a boys’ choir.
Make decisions and book it. Also get a babysitter for the
kids – or send them all over to your sister’s with
a sitter over there. Book your hair and nails. Send out the invitations.
(Want to do something cute online? Try here: www.evite.com .)
Put all your “details” in a notebook. Add notes afterwards
with tips for your next party. That's how we learn!
Start cleaning, cooking ahead and freezing, getting glasses
out, and cleaning the farther corners of the house.
The little touches These you tinker with as time and money
allow. It's for fun. Look on the Internet for things like Valentine’s
candles and Valentine’s soaps for your guest room, a Valentine’s
wreath for your door, maybe a heart-shaped doormat. These are
little touches you CAN add, not things you MUST have.
If it’s in your home, always have something hot to serve
that’s in the oven as the guests arrive and smells divine.
Tip: Always use candlelight if you can. It hides a multitude
of “sins,” i.e., dust bunnies and carpet stains, and
sets a gentle ambience. Even the most white-glovey diva is disarmed
in soft lighting.
If you want a good turnout, do your PR work. Talk up the party
with friends as you see them, or give them a call to see if they
got their invitation. Drop a hint about the Clos du Menil, or
the Big Band. Tell them you've got a group sitter for the kids.
Ask them for suggestions. Get them involved and committed.
That should get you started.
P.S. This is the year you're going to be good to yourself.
Wouldn't that dog be happier in the kennel overnight?
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc. Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc,
The EQ Coach™ . Coaching resources, tools and support for
your personal and professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach
training and certification. Susan is the author of numerous ebooks,
including "How to Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence,"
"Depression," and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the
14th Step." She is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated
columnist for WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker
for cruise lines. She offers home study programs through her
distance learning school.
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Taking Care of Your Heart
by Arleen Kaptur
On Valentine's Day, we are proud to wear our hearts on our
sleeves, on notebooks, gifts, and anywhere we want to add a touch
of how we feel. Love is the word for the day and even children
join in the fun with heart-shaped cards, candies with catchy
phrases and boxes (heart-shaped, of course) that hold chocolates
to give to mom, dad, grandparents, and everyone they love and
care for.
Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to show our feelings,
our hopes for the future, and our fond memories of the past.
It should also be a day that we show our love for who we are,
where we came from, and where we intend to go. Wait a minute
- loving yourself can go to extremes. We can lavish great luxuries
on ourselves, much to the boredom of friends and those close
to us, or we can feel guilty about caring about ourselves. There
is a happy medium - a point that we can touch on that will let
our heart know we care about the person it is beating for, and
let our family and friends know that if we care about ourselves,
we are well equipped to care about them.
How do you show that you care about yourself without become
pompous and have an attitude? Well, reaching out to others expands
the circle of people you know, bending a little to help others
gives our rigid standards a bit of elasticity so we can appreciate
the feelings of others, and stooping to help those who are down
for the count actually makes us taller and our own outlooks brighter.
Opening our hearts to those around us just gives strength to
that "ole ticker" and letting even a stranger know
that there is room in this world for each and every one of them,
gives your space a bit more dimension. You see, whatever you
do to and for others will rebound. This, however, is not a health
hazard. It will make your life better, your hopes richer, and,
not to mention, like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, that size
5 heart will stretch and expand to size 10, 20, and really there
is no boundary. This, however, is not a health hazard. Your heart
will be healthier, stronger, bigger, lighter, and capable of
loving more with each endeavor. The more you give of it, the
more you get back. If you were in the business of finance, that
is a solid ground to build a future on.
Whatever you do this Valentines Day, or the day before or
the hundreds of days after, be good to your heart, and reap the
rewards of loving and living in a world where there is room for
everyone, and we can each have our own "space." The
fountain of love never goes dry, and the mine of diamonds and
gold never runs out of precious metals, and even outer space
is not the limit to what people can do once they get started.
Love yourself enough to love others and ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 January
Arleen Kaptur may be contacted at http://www.arleenssite.com
akaptur@centurytel.net. Author of books and articles on living
a simple, rustic lifestyle - and getting the most from each and
every day. Websites: http://www.arleenssite.com
Valentine's
That Are Sure to Impress
by Michael Webb
If you are going to celebrate Valentine's Day, I suggest you
do it with a little forethought. I cringe every time I go to
the grocery on February 13 or 14 and see dozens of men crowding
around the greeting cards to buy one at the last possible moment.
Buy your card now and mail it out to Loveland, Colorado for
extra special treatment. Your card will be postmarked LOVEland,
Colorado and it will also be hand-stamped with a unique four
line poem.
The Loveland Chamber of Commerce organizes this yearly romance
project with cards going to all 50 states and over 100 foreign
countries annually.
It's simple. Just enclose your pre-addressed, pre-stamped
Valentine's card in a larger envelope and mail to: Postmaster,
Attn: Valentines, Loveland CO 80537.
Go ahead. Do it now.
Here are some more ''romantic'' cities.
Kissimmee, Florida 32741
Valentine, Texas 79854 (more details in the Romantic Resources
section at the back of the book)
Valentine, Nebraska 69201
Loving, New Mexico 88256
Bridal Veil, Oregon 97010
Romance, Arkansas 72136
Michael Webb may be contacted at http://www.TheRomantic.com
romantc@aol.com. Michael Webb is widely regarded as the nation's
top romantic ideas expert. He is the best-selling author of The
RoMANtic's Guide: Hundreds of Creative Tips for a Lifetime of
Love, writes The RoMANtic Syndicated Column and The RoMANtic
Tip of the Week e-zine. Michael makes hundreds of TV and radio
appearances yearly promoting romance from the heart.
Michael Webb is author of The RoMANtic's Guide: Hundreds of
Creative Tips for a Lifetime of Love. You can order at Amazon.com
or for more of Michael's FREE tips, visit www.TheRomantic.com
The
Only Valentine's List You'll Ever Need
by Susan Dunn
1. List of romantic songs … if “I Can’t Help
Falling in Love with You” by the King won’t do.
2. List of romantic movies to rent - “Casablanca,”
“Princess Bride,” “Ghost” …
3. The heart-shaped griddle or frying pan ring for your Valentine’s
pancakes and fried eggs, just $5.49. Add a few drops of red food
coloring to the pancake dough.
4. “Love Ya” Little Guys Lunch: heart-shaped sandwich
in the lunch box, strawberry jam and cream cheese. Put “Love
Potion” in the thermos – Hawaiian punch, but tape on
a new label! Pop in some Hershey’s kisses and candy hearts
for dessert.
5. Family Valentine dinner – put that meatloaf in a heart-shaped
pan. (Stainless steel heart-shaped baking form.) When its done,
frost it with mashed potatoes and put some Xs and Os on it with
squeeze-bottle catsup. Alternate version: Slice potatoes thin
and parboil. Mix with raw hamburger and tomato soup and put in
individual heart-shaped ramekins. When cooked, pipe mashed potatoes
around edge and sprinkle with cayenne or paprika.
6. Serve a “red” dinner for the kids – heart-shaped
pasta with tomato sauce, make pizzas shaped like hearts, red
kool aid, cinnamon hearts in hot cocoa and of course red jello
hearts!
7. How to set the mood for your Valentine’s dinner for
two.
8. Two fabulously romantic menus with recipes.
9. How about the “Arise My Love” cocktail? Or a
dry martini shaken to waltz time? Go here.
10. Food alleged to be aphrodisiacs?
11. How to make a simple Origami heart to place on someone’s
pillow.
12. Slip an origami note-pocket heart in your honey’s
lunch box or suit pocket.
13. How to make the “goblet fan fold” napkin for
your table – yes, it’s the one you want to use!
14. Valentine’s neck ties, socks and braces for the guys.
15. And don’t forget the bright red cummerbund and bowtie.
16. Need some finery for your furry friend – rabbit,
small dog, cat, or ferret. Scarves, ties, vests, bows and boas!.
17. “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…”
and other great Romantic poetry.
18. Want to have an emotionally intelligent Valentine’s
Day? Take The EQ Course.
19. On the other hand, would you rather rant and rave and
carry on? Zinos.com would love to hear from you, and probably
a lot of other people would too! And ivillage has just the quiz
for you to let it all hang out.
20. Not in a partnership this year and looking for great ideas
for celebrating Valentine’s Day?
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach™
. Coaching resources, tools and support for your personal and
professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach training and certification.
Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including "How to
Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence," "Depression,"
and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the 14th Step." She
is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for
WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise
lines. She offers home study programs through her distance learning
school.
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The Best Gifts
by Arleen Kaptur
Malls are everywhere-in every town, city, village and nook.
They house thousands of storefronts and assorted units. The products
they stock are numerous and the array is mind-boggling. There
are items for the home, clothing, jewelry, plants, furniture,
and gift assortments to pick and choose from. All these offerings
lack one very special component - a personal touch. There is
absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a ready-made item -
we are not all carpenters, gardeners, and artists. All people
are not gifted with the same talents and abilities. We are unique,
and what we produce or create is a shadow of ourselves. But mass-produced
items are nameless, and machines will never add that very "special"
touch that makes a gift item or home decor piece something that
reflects the person who bought it, the person it is intended
for, or the lifestyle it is to be a part of.
The key to all this - the best option, of course, is to make
an item for someone else yourself. If you sew, quilt, write,
or draw you have the potential of dispersing treasures that are
not duplicated, but are a memory in the making. With time restraints
and family and joy commitments, many times making "things"
yourself is out of the question, or basically impractical. So
what does a person do then - simple, add a "touch"
to whatever you buy whether for yourself or someone else. Look
at your purchase as a base, a canvas that is incomplete, and
needs a little "help" in becoming a beautiful gift
or addition to your home. Just adding a ribbon, an ornamental
"pick" that matches the Holiday Season or a touch of
nature, such as a dried flower or leaf arrangement will allow
your purchase to cross over to "special."
There is a coldness to just buying something, wrapping it
up and handing it to someone. Take the time, just a moment or
two, and write a short verse, a favorite saying, sign a book
with a date and the occasion, etc. A simple, affectionate "touch"
that will add so much value to whatever it is you are giving
or placing in your home. A quick tuck here or there, a touch
of glitter, or sparkle, and you have a "work of art",
a symbol of friendship, or a token to hold near to the heart.
You are blessed with imagination and creativity. It is your
own special style - it is an outward gesture of who you are and
what you want to convey. Use this precious endowment - otherwise,
even imagination will tarnish and lose its shine. It is, however,
very easy to bring it back, to instill new life in creativity,
and to put your personal "stamp" on everything that
crosses your path. Holidays are especially great times to start
a journey back to taking a "cookie cutter" environment
and placing feeling, friendship, and love in all you do for yourself,
family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.
This Holiday Season give a little of yourself in gift items,
decorating selections, and simple touches that show that you
cared enough to take the time to personalize, or add "love"
to everything. Even mealtimes are potential moments to show how
blessed you are to have a family member, a friend, or someone
you care about. A simple garnish or a colorful napkin and it
is no longer a "time to eat" - it is a moment to share
food, fun, and laughter. ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 October
Arleen Kaptur may be contacted at http://www.arleenssite.com
akaptur@centurytel.net. Click here to view more of their articles.
Author of books and articles on living a simple, rustic lifestyle
- and getting the most from each and every day. Websites: http://www.arleenssite.com
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Valentine's
Day is Coming The Pressure is On
Are You Ready?
by Susan Dunn
It’s heating up … lingerie, perfume and flower ads
are flooding your email. The radio pumps out dining specials
at various restaurants.
In San Antonio, where I live, it shares airtime with the rodeo,
and my thoughts wander … I’ll take my lover to the
rodeo and kill two birds with one stone! Goodness, I think, do
you “kill two birds with one stone” for a love holiday?
And the rodeo isn’t very romantic. This is becoming a bit
of a chore. Anyway, why am I thinking of this? It’s the
man’s job, isn’t it?
I want to send my daughter-in-law flowers … red roses?
No, that’s romantic. Can’t send her perfume ; my son
is allergic to perfume. What will it be? Yellow roses? That always
seems like too strong a “not” message. I think of the
time a man I was dating sent me yellow roses. I read “These
are NOT red roses. GET IT. He does NOT love you.”
I feel sorry for men at this time, because the pressure is
on.
In my ezine, I’m doing a series about love. One of my
clients says, “Valentine’s Day is really big for you,
isn’t it?” Well, yes, how could it not be? It’s
everywhere and it’s pulling emotions around as it goes.
I receive an email from a client in response to an article
I’ve written. “Thanks,” she says. “Do you
have any idea what its like to walk into an office and be the
only one who hasn’t gotten flowers?” (Yes I do, that’s
why I wrote the article.)
Valentine’s Day can be very emotional, and a good time
to practice our emotional intelligence skills.
MANAGEMENT
The goal in emotional intelligence is management of emotions,
experiencing them and putting them to good use, not controlling
them. Remember that 2 of our 3 brains “don’t take orders,”
which means you’ll have feelings – some you like, some
you don’t; some you want, some you don’t want. Remember,
they’re “just” feelings and let them float around
and go their way. Choose carefully which ones you act on, and
remember they need to be experienced, but not necessarily expressed.
If expressed, be appropriate. Need to brush up on your EQ skills?
The EQ Course©, on the Internet, is very helpful.
RESILIENCE
Resilience means how you bounce back after setbacks and disappointments,
and there may be some for you this Valentine’s Day. Maybe
you’re un-partnered on a day when all the world seems to
be matched-up. Maybe your lover unwraps your gift and his or
her face falls instead of lighting up. Maybe things are not the
way you would prefer they be. Draw on past experiences—that’s
how we gain resilience. Good or bad, it will pass!
INTENTIONALITY
Intentionality means saying what you mean and meaning what
you say, and staying focused long enough to make it happen.
Ask yourself as The Day approaches how you intend to experience
it . Are you going to be in a bad mood because you don’t
have a honey this year? Are you going to refuse to be pleased
by whatever your lover gets you? Are you going to chastise yourself
when you feel jealousy or envy judging them “petty”
emotions and telling yourself you “should know better”?
Or are you going to plan to enjoy your holiday for whatever
it brings your way? Do you intend to overspend and feel guilty,
or do you plan to establish your budget ahead of time and stick
with it? Do you plan to indulge in impulse buys, or to plan ahead?
To be miserable or to be happy are two alternatives. What
would an emotionally intelligent person do? He or she would experience
all the emotions as they come and go—pain, joy, sorrow,
delight—and having a Valentine’s Day. Not all emotions
need to be expressed, but they do need to be experienced.
RESERVES
Reserves apply to all areas of life—rest, health, money,
people. And chaos applies to your best-laid plans. Expect the
unexpected, and be surprised if things go right. You may miss
the mark on the gift you choose. You may not get reservations
at the place you’d prefer. You might even forget someone
important, or even break up right before. Approach this holiday
as you do them all—with reserves and resilience.
PERFECTIONISM
Perfectionism is a prescription for misery because we can’t
be pleased with ourselves or others. Remind yourself that your
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be perfect, just “good
enough.”
If you can’t find fresh raspberries for the special flambé,
well move on to something else. Get some canned cherries and
make Cherries Jubilee!
RELENTLESSLY & ADAMANTLY SELF-FORGIVING
One thing that is hard for perfectionists, and probably for
all of us, is that sense of personal failure. If you’d shopped
sooner maybe you’d have had time to drive all over town
and find some fresh raspberries. But what would your emotional
intelligence coach tell you? To be self-forgiving.
FLEXIBILITY & CREATIVITY
The hour has approached, you’re ready to set the table
and the red tablecloth is nowhere to be found. It’s time
to improvise. Make a flash run to the grocery for some pretty
paper goods, or use no tablecloth at all. Turn down the lights,
light the candles, and who will really notice? It’s the
people, not the tablecloth, that make the event.
STAYING CENTERED
Valentine's doesn't carry the load of Christmas, for instance,
but it's a busy time - things to do, things to feel. Remember
to stay in the present.
Breathe.
Use present-tense affirmations. Be joyful for its own sake:
"I choose to enjoy this holiday, whatever it brings."
Gently remind yourself to return to the present.
Check in on your feelings. See, hear, feel, smell, taste,
touch.
Keep Valentine's Day in perspective.
Talk it out with your coach to clear your brain. Everyone
else will have their own issues.
Most importantly, love yourself on this Valentine's Day.
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc. Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc,
The EQ Coach™ . Coaching resources, tools and support for
your personal and professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach
training and certification. Susan is the author of numerous ebooks,
including "How to Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence,"
"Depression," and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the
14th Step." She is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated
columnist for WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker
for cruise lines. She offers home study programs through her
distance learning school.
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Candlelight Romance
by Kimberly Lainson
For an evening, make the world revolve only around a candlelit
table for two. This special dinner is an intimate easy celebration
for whirlwind lives -- this menu has elegance that treats your
loved one well, and its ease of preparation will suit you well,
too.
Menu
Tossed Green Salad
Garlic Toast
Poached Salmon with Four Cheese Sauce
Rich Chocolate Mocha Mousse with Chocolate Zigzags
Garlic Toast
A quick and tasty recipe: Combine 2 tablespoons softened butter,
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese and 1 finely chopped clove
garlic in a small bowl. Spread onto six French baguette slices.
Broil for about 1 minute or until golden brown.
Poached Salmon with Four Cheese Sauce
(photo at http://www.thepartyworks.com/holiday/valentines/candlelight-romance.htm)
Simple yet elegant, poached salmon is a dish which may be
repared for any sophisticated occasion. Try poaching twice the
amount of fish and serving it the next day over mixed lettuce
for a cold salmon salad.
Ingredients:
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated Contadina Linguine, cooked,
drained and kept warm
1 cup (10-ounce container) refrigerated Contadina Four Cheese
Sauce, warmed
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (6 ounces each) salmon fillets or steaks
2 tablespoons finely grated carrot (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Dill weed sprigs (optional)
Directions:
Combine water, wine, salt and pepper in large skillet. Bring
to a boil; add salmon. Reduce heat to low; cook, covered, for
8 to 10 minutes or until thickest part of salmon flakes easily
when tested with fork.
Toss pasta with carrot and parsley; divide onto plates. Top
with salmon. Spoon sauce over each serving; garnish with dill
weed.
Makes 2 servings.
Rich Chocolate Mocha Mousse with Chocolate ZigZags
(photo at http://www.thepartyworks.com/holiday/valentines/candlelight-romance.htm)
Unlike ordinary mousse, this dessert is especially rich and dense
-- the ultimate for chocolate lovers. Serve topped with whipped
cream and piped chocolate ZigZags. You'll detect a hint of coffee
in the rich, creamy, so-easy-to-make mousse.
Ingredients
1 cup (6 ounces) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet
Chocolate Morsels
3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces (we recommend LAND O LAKES®
Butter)
2 teaspoons TASTER’S CHOICE 100% Pure Instant Coffee
1 tablespoon hot water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions: MICROWAVE morsels and butter in medium, microwave-safe
bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional
10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dissolve coffee
granules in hot water; stir into chocolate. Stir in vanilla extract;
cool to room temperature. WHIP cream in small mixer bowl on high
speed until stiff peaks form; fold into chocolate mixture. Spoon
into tall glasses; chill for 1 hour or until set. Garnish as
desired.
Directions for the ZigZags:
Place approximately 1/4 cup Nestle' Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power
for about 30 seconds; knead until smooth. Cut tiny corner from
bag; squeeze a zigzag design onto waxed paper. Chill until firm.
Use as garnish.
Makes 2 servings
Compliments of Nestle's www.VeryBestBaking.com
For photos and this article - visit http://www.thepartyworks.com/holiday/valentines/candlelight-romance.htm
Kimberly Lainson may be contacted at http://www.thepartyworks.com
MaryAnn-n-Kimberly@thepartyworks.com. Mary Ann & Kimberly,
a mother and daughter team have created their sites http://www.thepartyworks.com
and http://www.cakeworkscentral.com to provide a treasure trove
of free kids birthday parties, baby showers and cake decorating
ideas. They are here to help and will become your celebration
destination! http://www.thepartyworks.com and Enhancing Everyday
Celebrations... http://www.cakeworkscentral.com. Their dream
is to help parents and grandparents create lasting celebration
memories and not be afraid to have 10 children running around
in their living room. They have expanded these ideas to also
help people have great baby and bridal showers, holiday parties
too! Lots of FREE ideas, games, party plans and help if you need
it.
|
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Valentine's Day Heart Party
by Kimberly Lainson
Submitted: 22-Jan-02
article
Public - MUST ASK PERMISSION BEFORE USING.
Click here TO Ask author for permission to use.
Category: Home:Holidays
More Details at: http://www.thepartyworks.com/holiday/valentines/heartparty.htm
Decorations and a Game:
Use a small tree (branch type used for Easter and other holidays).
Make small hearts to hang on them with ribbon. On the back of
each heart right the type of heart it will represent and color,
make it up accordingly:
Rough heart - sandpaper
Broken heart - torn or cracked
Warm heart - made from flannel or felt
Heavy heart - made from wood or metal
Light heart - covered with feathers
Cold heart - Painted and sprinkled with white glitter
Sweetheart - made of candy
Sour heart - color of lemon
Stingy heart - thin
Generous heart - fat and plump
Sad heart - blue
Jealous heart - green
These can be used as part of a game. Blindfold a person and
let them pick to see what type of heart they have.
Colors for party - red, pink and white using lots of balloons,
crepe paper and hearts. Heart balloons would be wonderful.
Cake: Heart Shaped
Food: Heart shaped sandwiches
Goodie Bags: Red or pink bags, cover with heart drawings or
stickers. Fill with conversation hearts, heart pencils, heart
shaped items, etc.
Games and Activities:
Heart Shooting: Make several different size cardboard / posterboard
hearts from 2-10" each. Number each a point value, the smallest
will have the highest points the largest, the lowest. Hang them
on a string about a foot apart. Each player gets 5 tries to hit
the hearts. Use either small balls or a rubber dart gun.
Story Line: Writing game. Have each person with pencil and
paper, write one line, ending with Heart. Fold the paper in half
and pass the paper to the right. This person writes another line,
without looking at the one above, but ends their line with a
word that rhymes with heart. Read them out loud.
Cut the Heart String: Hang strings down with shapes attached
with only one heart. Have more than people attending. Shapes
and heart can be made of posterboard. Hang at just over head
height. Blindfold one person at a time and give them sissors.
Then , they get one chance to cut off one string, no feeling.
The winner is the one who gets the heart string.
Heart Targets: Draw a large heart on a piece of poster board.
Draw graduated hearts inside the large heart...like a target,
mark each layer with points. Use a bow and arrow (kiddie type
with rubber suction cup).
Heart Clapping: A musical chair type of game. Make small palm
size hearts, one less then those playing. Lay on a dining or
waist high table top (remove chairs). Have everyone stand around
the table. When the music plays everyone circles. When the music
stops, they clap down on a heart. The person without the heart,
drops from this round. Winner will be the one who remains at
the end.
Mend a Broken Heart: Team game, 2-3 people. The object is
to find and put together a large heart. Make one large heart
per team. You need to divide, with lines, the hearts into 4 sections
(make all the same). Next you will make these sections into puzzle
pieces, after you write directions on them. These can be directions
to find the next section of puzzle or an action they must do
before the next section is completed. Winner is the team that
finishes first.
This article is written in collaboration and with
the express permission of Boardman's Birthday Party Ideas©
a fabulous party themes website visit LeAnn at
http://www.boardmanweb.com/party/party_themes.htm
or http://www.thepartyworks.com for more ideas!
Kimberly Lainson may be contacted at http://www.thepartyworks.com
MaryAnn-n-Kimberly@thepartyworks.com. Click here to view more
of their articles.
Mary Ann & Kimberly, a mother and daughter team have created
their sites http://www.thepartyworks.com and http://www.cakeworkscentral.com
to provide a treasure trove of free kids birthday parties, baby
showers and cake decorating ideas. They are here to help and
will become your celebration destination! http://www.thepartyworks.com
and Enhancing Everyday Celebrations... < haref="http://www.cakeworkscentral.com">http://www.cakeworkscentral.com.
Their dream is to help parents and grandparents create lasting
celebration memories and not be afraid to have 10 children running
around in their living room. They have expanded these ideas to
also help people have great baby and bridal showers, holiday
parties too! Lots of FREE ideas, games, party plans and help
if you need it.
Copyright Usage:
This article is in collaboration with Boardmanweb.com and we
must get permission from them before it is used on your site.
Thanks! Kimberly
|
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Valentine's Day Ideas for Couples and Singles
by Liz Hekimian-Williams
Submitted: 21-Jan-03
article
Public - MUST ASK PERMISSION BEFORE USING.
Click here TO Ask author for permission to use.
Category: Home:Holidays
More Details at: http://www.giftsprings.com
Who do you think expresses more love and has more fun on Valentine's
Day, couples or singles? I've rounded up some fun ideas for both
groups of folks and included them in this article. Let's see
who you think might "win" in love, in fun, and in realizing
the spirit of this holiday.
Ideas for couples...
1. Get splashing- Enjoy a bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool, together.
If you don't have one of your own, book an evening on or around
this holiday to get away and get splashing together.
2. Get cooking- Find a romantic restaurant for a meal you
can splurge on. Get grilling together to create a fabulous Barbeque
meal extravaganza. Or, just decide on a dessert you both love,
get the ingredients and cook it up for a special mouthwatering
treat to share that day.
3. Get moving- Go for a quiet walk together to chat, express
your love and a little exercise too!
4. Get artsy- Find some art show or galleries to visit or
attend some cultural event or festival in your area.
5. Get family fun- Decorate for Valentine's Day with the kids
and everyone make love coupons for each other. Incorporate family
fun that day with love surprises throughout the day and encourage
your kids to come up with love surprises for siblings and adults
as well. What's a love surprise? Say, do, or give something to
express your love and make the other person feel happy.
6. Get giving to your community- Go give some donations of
"things" or spend some volunteer time at local places
of need, including churches, children's centers, homeless shelters,
domestic violence programs. Spread a little love and care there
together.
7. Get a bigger family- If married and childless, consider
expanding your family with a child. Do you wish to and are you
ready to share your love with a child of your own? You can think
about bringing a new child into the world and also about adopting
a child from foster care or orphanages. There are many children
waiting in the United States and in other countries for parents
and their own forever families.
8. Get sentimental- Take turns reading romantic short stories
or love poems to each other. Write up your own romantic expression
or poem to share with each other to make this even more meaningful
and fun.
Ideas for Singles...
1. Get playful- Find a child to share your love and fun with,
it could be your younger sister or brother, a neice or nephew,
your child, or your neighbor's child. Or, consider joining your
local Big Brother/ Big Sister non-profit group so you can spend
some quality time that makes a difference with your new "little
brother" or "little sister" friend.
2. Get inspired- Depending on your focus in your life at this
moment, get a relevant inspirational book or ebook to read. If
focused on personal improvement or appreciating your single life,
then enjoy and read materials about those topics. If interested
in improving relationship skills and seeking to pair up or you
are about to marry, then enjoy materials focused on these themes.
You can spend time at the library, in a book store, or just curled
up in your favorite chair at home savoring one of these inspirational
books.
3. Get connected- Call or visit with a loved family member
or friend. Express your caring and love by remembering them at
Valentine's Day. You may wish to contact someone you haven't
talked to in a long time.
4. Get contagious (in a good way!)- Send Valentine's Day e-cards
and postal cards to folks you care about and spread some love
and joy.
5. Get a pet- Consider adopting a pet. There are a lot of
dogs and cats in need of your love and care and waiting for families
at the local animal shelters.
6. Get travelling- Plan and take a cruise where you can enjoy
yourself and meet a lot of folks. Try to take a cruise out of
a port that may be closer to whatever city you live in just in
case you find a friend or romantic interest. Chances may be greater
that they would also reside in or nearer to your city as well.
7. Get involved- Donate time to non-profit groups such as
visiting a nursing home and spending some quality time with a
lonely elderly person who may not get many visitors or out much.
There are many other groups you could join or help out with as
well where you can touch the life of another person.
8. Get treated- Treat yourself to a "love surprise gift".
Think about something you can give yourself to make yourself
feel good about yourself and joyful. Try a first time treat,
perhaps something you've fantasized about doing but haven't done
yet. For instance, you could schedule yourself a massage or a
morning or day at a spa, buy yourself something you've been wanting
as a personal item or something you've been dreaming of getting
for your home. You could simply enjoy a good rental movie at
home or a new release at the movie theatre. Go by yourself or
invite a friend.
And the winner is... both couples and singles! Here's why.
Both groups can feel personal joy as well as spread love and
happiness to others. That's the spirit of the holiday. That's
how you can better enjoy Valentine's Day... just share your love
and we all win!
Liz Hekimian-Williams may be contacted at http://www.giftsprings.com
articles@giftsprings.com. Click here to view more of their articles.
Liz Hekimian-Williams is founder of Giftsprings - Gifts, Home
Decor, Personalized Gift Ideas ... an online gift shop with a
variety of unique home and garden accents, holiday, and special
occasion gifts. http://www.Giftsprings.com
Copyright 2003 Liz Hekimian-Williams, Giftsprings
Copyright Usage:
Feel free to publish this article in its entirety, electronically,
or in print, as long as you include the bylines and resource
box along with the active links. Please send an e-mail to Lizrhw@giftsprings.com
informing the writer of your use and provide the url and/or a
courtesy copy of any publication in which the article appears.
For more articles available by this writer, please visit http://www.giftsprings.com/category/00135
This article is available by autoresponder if you send a blank
email to: mailto:articles@giftsprings.com?subject=Valentine's_Article_Couples_Singles
|
5 Fabulous Valentine
Gift Ideas for Her
by Adriana Copaceanu
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and you have no idea
how to show your love for your special girl. Don’t worry:
here are several ideas you can use now, and be a hero.
1. Roses! I know what you are thinking: boring, thoughtless,
not good enough, etc. Well, here is a way to make giving roses
very special: buy her a dozen roses and place a pearl inside
each rose bud. As the rose buds open, the pearls will be revealed
as an extra surprise. Once she finds all your pearls, take them
to the jewelry store and have them strung into a necklace - something
your true love will be able to hold onto once the roses are gone.
2. Say "I love you" for 12 entire months with a
coupon book filled with favors that she can redeem throughout
the year. Choose a different favor for each month of the year
that she can redeem on any day of the month. Here are some suggestions:
a foot massage, a back rub, cleaning up after dinner, a night
out alone, etc.
3. Hershey's Kisses automatically say, "I Love You”.
Try a new twist to this traditional gift by carefully unwrapping
each kiss, taking out the paper tag, and replacing the tag with
your own handmade messages that start off by saying, "I
love you because…". Think of as many different reasons
as you can come up with. Then carefully wrap the kisses back
in foil with their new tags clearly displayed through the top
of each kiss.
4. A romantic night at home - Purchase the dozen roses you
are accustomed to buying on Valentine's Day, but do not give
them to her on the stems. Instead, create a romantic atmosphere
by running her a hot bubble bath complete with candlelight, soft
love songs, and fragrant bath oil. While she is enjoying her
relaxing bath, gently pull the rose petals off of the stems and
sprinkle them from the bathroom door to the bedroom, creating
a path for her to follow. Sprinkle several petals on the bed
and one long stem rose on her pillow. Enhance the magical night
by purchasing some exotic massage oil and treating her to a massage
she will never forget!
5. If funds are sparse, instead of a traditional expensive
dinner in a restaurant, take her somewhere she will never suspect.
Pack a picnic basket filled with her favorite treats, a bottle
of wine, and candles. Take along a couple of blankets, a battery-operated
CD player, and several romantic CDs. Drive to the park or somewhere
with a secluded atmosphere and treat her to a picnic for two.
Before the night is over, surprise her with a small token of
your love - something you have made for her on your own (a special
Valentine’s Day card, a bookmark, a coupon book, etc.)
Now pick an idea and run with it! Have a fabulous Valentine’s
Day!
Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas
that don't blow the bank. You can find Gift Baskets & Gifts for all occasions at her
site. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for Gift News her free monthly newsletter.
Adriana Copaceanu may be contacted at http://www.abcGiftsandBaskets.com or adriana@shentel.net
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
- VALENTINE'S DAY NEWSLETTER
Romancing The Roost...From The
Office
by Sheryl Kurland
8 tips to keep love burning when your job leaves little
time for romance:
1. Love the one you’re with. Don’t be fooled
into thinking that your attractive or handsome co-worker would
be more exciting than your spouse. Close your wandering eyes
and focus on how you can bring more lust into your present relationship.
2. Take a 15-minute break to call your spouse just to share
some laughs. Allot a block of time each day to call your
spouse/significant other and have a fun, light-hearted conversation.
Talk about paying bills, setting appointments, organizing schedules,
discussing problems with children, complaining about money, chores,
and the list of things that need to be fixed around the house
is off-limits.
3. Make the “homecoming” irresistible. When
you get home at the end of the workday, do set down your keys
and briefcase, and rush to start your “honey-do’s”?
Do you immediately set up your computer so that you can finish
office leftovers? Stop the madness! Embrace your spouse with
a 30-second hug. You will be amazed by how well a meaningful
hug melts away the stress and fatigue of the day.
4. Plan now to do the one thing both of you keep
saying you want to do together. Saying “Honey, we should
do thus-and-so” when you’re in bed and falling asleep
does nothing to enhance your relationship. Get off your fanny
and do it!
5. Be prepared for those rare moments when “free”
time arises. When you find yourself together at last, your
next thought may be “Now what do we do?” Couples typically
share casual suggestions day to day, such as the desire to try
new restaurants, go see particular movies, or take one-day trips
to interesting locales, but, when put on the spot, neither person
can recall them. To prevent this brain cramp, tape a sheet of
paper near a phone at home and the office, and write down these
ideas when they cross your mind. Then, when opportunity presents
itself, you’ll have a ready list of options.
6. Send humorous or romantic cards to the office. Buy a
funny or sentimental card, sign it with a special personal message,
and mail it to your spouse’s business address. Write
and mail a thank-you note for a sizzling evening the night before
(or to suggest a sizzling evening). Gestures like these show
you care even though you’re not in each other’s presence.
If your spouse travels a lot, hide cards in his/her suitcase.
7. Tuck a love note in his pocket or her pocketbook.
Surprise! Jot down a few word on a piece of paper– “Can’t
wait to wrap my arms around you tonight.”; “What’s
for dessert?”; “You make me happy.” – and
tuck it in a place certain to be discovered during the day.
8. Establish a tradition to jointly celebrate the end of
the workweek. Identify something you both enjoy and make
it a date for the close of business on Friday (or the most convenient
day of the week for both of you). Treat it as you would an important
business meeting – make it a top priority, and barring an
emergency, don’t let anything interfere. Examples: Meet
up for lattés at a gourmet coffee shop, workout out the
gym, enroll in a cooking class.
Sources: Sheryl P. Kurland, author, “Everlasting Matrimony:
Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or More,”
www.EverlastingMatrimony.com.
Paul and EmilyAnn Moses, authors, “Opposite Schmoposite:
Opposites Attract but Complements Last,” www.OppositeBooks.com.
Copyright 2006 © Paul and EmilyAnn Moses, Sheryl P. Kurland
75 couples married 50-75 years are interviewed in "Everlasting
Matrimony: Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or
More," an elegant coffee-table book. Husbands and wives
speak separately, providing uncensored, unedited advice on the
secrets to loving, lasting relationships.
Sheryl Kurland may be contacted at http://EverlastingMatrimony.com or Sheryl@EverlastingMatrimony.com
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
- VALENTINE'S DAY NEWSLETTER
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History of Valentine's Day
The Valentine's Day holiday has origins in ancient Rome with
the feast of Lupercalia. It was customary for young people to
draw names. The girl whose name was chosens was to be the young
man's sweetheart for the year. The holiday became named Valentine's
Day after a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly
marrying soldiers despite the decree set forth ordering Roman
soldiers not to marry or become engaged. Valentine was beheaded
on February 14, the day before Lupercalia-he was named a saint
after his death. Another legend about the unclear origins of Valentine's
Day include the story of Valentine sending the first "valentine,"
when he fell in love while in prison. He allegedly sent her a
valentine before his death and signed it "From your Valentine."
As Rome became more Christian-oriented, the priests moved the
spring holiday from February 15 to the 14th, in honor of Saint
Valentine, instead of Lupercus (pagan). The Catholic Church recognizes
three martyred saints named Valentine. Pope Gelasius declared
February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Roman name-drawing
system for pairing of romantic partners was outlawed because it
was seen as un-Christian.
It was believed in France and England that February 14 was
the beginning of birds' mating season, which was further evidence
that February was the month for love.
Cupid is the most famous symbol of Valentine' Day. He has always
played a role in the celebrations of love. His legend is that
of a mischievous, winged child who shoots arrows into the hearts
of victims causing them to fall madly in love. In Greece he was
called Eros, the son of Aphrodite; in Rome he was called Cupid,
the sone of Venus.
Valentine's Day is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Mexico,
the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.
What is a Valentine?
A valentine is a sentimental or humorous greeting card for
sweethearts, friends, and family; a gift sent symbolic of one's
love; or a person singled out as one's sweetheart. Valentine greetings
and verses date back to the Middle Ages (1400s). In the early
days, valentines were made by hand and made of colored paper,
watercolors, and colored inks. Handmade valentines include:
- Acrostic valentines cards - with verses that spell out out
sweetheart's name
- Cut-out valentines cards - folded paper cut out with lacelike
designs
- Pinprick valentines cards - with pricked tiny holes of a
pin or needle
- Theorem/Poonah valentines cards - painted through a stencil
of Oriental origin
- Rebus valentines cards - verses where tiny pictures take
place of words
- Puzzle purse valentines cards - folded puzzle for reading
- Fraktur valentines cards - with ornamental lettering of Middle
Ages
Valentine's cards began to be manufactured in factories in
the 1800s. They were black and white pictures painted by factory
workers; fancy valentines were made with lace and ribbons-paper
lace came later. In the 1900s, a greeting card company named Norcross
manufactured valentines. Antique valentine exhibitions are shown
in museums and libraries around St. Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day Planning Guide
This day for celebrating one's love should be planned with
careful consideration. Make sure you and your sweetheart's schedules
are clear and / or find a time to set aside for both of you to
spend some quality time together if one or both of you are working.
Think about your sweetheart's interest when planning for the big
day. Do they like flowers and romance or cuddling by the fire?
Thoroughly plan your romantic evening together by making reservations
(and confirming them), setting aside money for tips and transportation,
adhering to dress codes, and an itinerary for events. Find ways
to enhance what you would like to be a romantic mood, i.e., candles
or a cozy-lit fire. It is the "little" things that count.
Call up your favorite radio station and dedicate a love song.
Kiss your sweetheart whenever it crosses your mind. Hold hands.
Tickle. Play footsies.
The Gift. This four-letter word can cause many headaches
when shopping for the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Although a
lot of importance is placed on "the gift," keep in mind
that it doesn't have to be expensive - it really is the "thought"
that counts. Your sweetheart will cherish whatever you get them
more if a lot of time and special care was put into its selection.
Add a twist to traditional gifts like flowers and candy by doing
something unique with them. If you are not married, propose -
a lifetime of commitment is the best gift of love. If you are
married, propose again - renew your marriage vows and rededicate
yourselves to each other.
Building Up to That Special Day. The week leading up
to Valentine' Day can be a special time for wooing your love and
building anticipation for the main event. Taking the time to express
your love and caring is a wonderful way to build on a budding
romance or sustaining a long-time love. Sending tokens of love
early can make them feel extra special. Love notes and poetry
build suspense and enhance romance. Countdown the day to the big
celebration by sending your valentine a special token of love
every day. Writing sweet love notes on the little valentine's
cards that kids give out are a great token of affection for your
sweetheart, especially if you put them in special hiding places.
Send virtual cards over the Internet. Buy your sweetheart a new
outfit for the occasion. Treat them to a makeover at beauty salon
or health spa. Give your sweetheart love coupons that expire on
Valentine's Day at midnight.
Leading up to the big day, send your sweetheart a small, but
elaborate gift, like a small, indoor picnic if your date will
include a meal; mail them an invitation to your planned event
with specifics on how to dress and what time you will expect them;
keep a journal every day for a week and note the reasons you love
your sweetheart and give them it the night before; or have a scavenger
hunt with clues on what will occur on Valentine's Day.
If this is a first date, remember that communication is the
most important aspect of your date. Pick an agenda open to talking
and learning about your potential significant other. Have fun
and woo your date with companionship. Give them a small gift,
not too expensive or overly sentimental like flowers or chocolates
or a stuffed animal. If you are a man, be chivalrous and romantic,
her knight in shining armor. Do not talk about yourself the whole
time, ask questions and be considerate of your date's interests.
Be on time and be yourself. Do not talk about your ex and disrespect
your date's beliefs that are different from yours. The number
one no-no for a first date is the pursuit of sex - do not even
think about it.
Handy Checklist. To make your surroundings romantic
on Valentine's Day, remember the tea lights, mood music, matches,
massage oils, bubble baths, comfortable clothing like lingerie,
sightseeing clothing and shoes, swimsuits, and warm clothing for
the winter, sunscreen, aloe vera gel, personal toiletries, romantic
games, and a sample itinerary.
How to Have a Romantic Evening
for Two with Your Sweetheart on Valentine's Day
- Bubble bath and massage by candlelight are the perfect way
to pamper your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. If you do not have
a resting place for things in your bathroom, bring in a chair
for a nice, fluffy washcloth and a plate of chocolates and strawberries.
Scented candles in aphrodisiac scents like jasmine, lavender,
and rose are best. For a refreshing atmosphere, try "rain"
scents; or robust scents like sandalwood for a sensual experience;
or fruity scents like watermelon, berries, or peach for fun.
Set your romantic mood with background music, rose petals, and
a bucket of chilled bottled cider nearby.
- Classic romantic evening with candles, music, and sparkling
cider (dine at a five star restaurant for extra cool points);
dress up even for an evening at home; McDonald's or Pizza Hut
by candlelight can add a fun twist! Order dinner from an expensive
restaurant in another city and have it flown in!
- Place a little chocolate cupid on your loved one's pillow
with a love note
- Play games (love games, hide and
seek, video games, chess, cards, board games)
- Rent a favorite romantic movie and cuddle up in a blanket
with popcorn and hot chocolate. Share pajamas. His and Her gift
ideas include: towels and watches.
- Go hiking, build a snowman, fly a kite, have a snowball fight
- Go to a symphony, musical, or theater production
- Take a cruise or go on that honeymoon you have always wanted.
Visit an exotic destination or recreate it at home. Give your
sweetheart a gift basket with food or snacks from the dream country
- Have dinner in an elegant dining car on a train; toast each
other. Stay the night at a hotel that offers late check-out.
Secure your reservations by talking to the front desk receptionist
instead of relying on automated information. Note the hours for
room service and have menus for nearby restaurants that deliver.
Check the view from your room to make sure it is scenic, instead
of overlooking a parking lot or highway. Check for other perks
like pay-per-view movies, heated pools and hot tubs, gyms, health
spas, in-room massages, mini fridge, and activities like a sunset
dinner cruis to sporting events. See if the hotel offers packages
that included chocolates, flowers, and breakfast in bed. Make
sure to book a room in the most quiet locale.
- Rent a chauffeured limousine and have a romantic picnic.
Other great picnic spots include a fire escape, patio, or backyard.
Even a blanket spread in the living room for an indoor picnic
is romantic.
- Go to a theme park or zoo - indulge in a youthful experience
- Do that one thing that your sweetheart always wanted to do
- Kidnap your sweetheart, instead of picking them up the traditional
way; have your favorite song playing in the car
- Make your sweetheart feeling like a king or queen by opening
and shutting doors, ordering food, helping them with their coats,
etc.
- Shower your sweetheart with lots of compliments on their
appearance and how much fun you are having sharing Valentine's
Day with them.
- Enjoy the comfort of each other's arms while gazing at a
beautiful sunset.
- Read old cards and letters from each other to one another.
- Set up a tent in the backyard, complete with a fire in the
BBQ, roasted marshmallows and star gazing.
- Bake cookies or even a whole dinner together.
- Have plenty of laughs!
Love Games
Assign a deck of cards with special tasks like a kiss. Shuffle
and spread out then take turns with your sweetheart. You must
do what the card says - be creative.
Top Romantic Movies and Love
Songs
Flower
|
Meaning
|
Flower
|
Meaning
|
| Amaryllis |
splendid beauty |
Anemone |
expectation |
| Blue Violet |
faithfulness |
Burgundy Rose |
unconscious beauty |
| Buttercup |
childishness |
Christmas Rose |
relieve my anxiety |
| Chrysanthemum |
cheerfulness in old age |
Crocus |
abuse not |
| Damask Rose |
freshness |
Dandelion |
love's oracle |
| Deep Red Carnation |
alas! for my poor heart |
Deep Red Rose |
bashful shame |
| Dog Rose |
pleasure and pain |
Filbert |
reconciliation |
| Forget-Me-Not |
true love |
Full Red Rose |
beauty |
| Great Yellow Daffodil |
chivalry |
Holly |
am I forgotten |
| Honeyflower |
sweet and secret love |
Indian Jasmine |
attachment |
| Iris |
i have a message for you |
Ivy |
marriage |
| Lady Slipper |
win me, wear me |
Lettuce |
cold-heartedness |
| Lotus Flower |
estranged love |
Marigold |
vulgar-minded |
| Mistletoe |
difficulties, I surmount |
Moss Rosebud |
confession of love |
| Pansy |
thoughts |
Parsley |
useful knowledge |
| Peach Blossom |
i am your captive |
Peony |
shame |
| Pink Carnation |
woman's love |
Provence Rose |
my heart is in flames |
| Purple Lilac |
first emotions of love |
Red Poppy |
consolation |
| Red Tulip |
declaration of love |
Rhubarb |
advice |
| Rosemary |
your presence revives me |
Scarlet Poppy |
estravagance, fantastic |
| Spanish Jasmine |
sensuality |
Thornless Rose |
early attachment |
| Turnip |
charity |
Unique Rose |
call me not beautiful |
| White and Red Rose (together) |
unity |
White Daisy |
innocence |
| White Poppy |
sleep |
White Rose |
i am worthy of you |
| White Rosebud |
heart ignorant of love |
Yellow Carnation |
rue, disdain |
| Yellow Chrysanthemum |
slighted love |
Yellow Iris |
passion |
| Yellow Rose |
jealousy |
Yellow Sweetbrier |
decrease of love |
| Zinnia |
thoughts of absent friends |
|
|
Colors
White - peace | Red - passion | Light Blue - happiness | Green
- fertility | Yellow - attraction | Pink - love, friendship |
Orange - stimulation | Purple - meditation
5 Ideas for Great Valentines Day Gifts
by Anne Harvester
While Valentines Day is supposed to be a time of celebration
of the couple and of their love for one another, it can be filled
with anxiety and worry. Usually this anxiety stems from worries
about gift giving on the day. Gift giving is not meant to be anxiety
producing, in fact it should be viewed as an opportunity to express
your love. Now, you might be very busy so spending a lot of time
working on Valentines
Day gift ideas might be difficult for you and that’s
ok, Anne is here to help. I’ll show you 5 easy steps to creating
the perfect Valentines Day for your loved one.
1. Finding Gifts - Use the internet to find unique Valentines
Day gifts. Using Google or one of the other major search engines
search for ‘Valentines Day Gifts’ or ‘Unique Valentines
Day Gifts’. At least this way you’ll get an idea of
what’s out there and really quickly. You can cruise through
these pages and see if there is anything that will work for your
loved one.
2. Massage – Massage is an under recognized Valentines
Day gift. Lots of places offer massage gift certificates for purchase
online. Give the gift certificate to him or her on the day and
then your sweetie can schedule whenever it is convenient for them.
Massage therapy is relaxing and rejuvenating and will show your
loved one that you care. You could even think about corporate
massage for your loved one at work.
3. Gift Baskets
– Gift baskets are usually reserved for office gifts or for
far away gifts. If you are far away a Valentines Day Gift Basket
might be exactly what you need. Even if you are close to your
loved one a gift basket can be a fun and beautiful expression
of love and it takes little work from you. Many places offer personalized
Valentines Day gift baskets as well.
4. Fancy Dinner – As a Valentines Day gift the naughtily
expensive dinner will never go out of style. If she eats meat
take her to a place that serves good foie gras, pork belly or
oysters. Look for a menu that is sensuous and outside the ordinary
for your tastes and those of your sweet heart. Finding something
different and unique to share is thrilling and will score you
big points. Don’t be nervous about choosing wine, any good
restaurant will help you select a good wine without being pretentious,
don’t feign a high level of knowledge, profess your ignorance
and make the sommelier work for you.
5. Flowers – Time tested, flowers are an excellent Valentines
Day gift for men and women. You know your loved one best, pick
a color they like and an exotic flower they haven’t seen
before. Go with an orchid if you are unsure (just be prepared
for lots of care, orchids are finicky). If plant care isn’t
your thing go with the standard Valentines Day flower, the rose.
Pick a unique color and come up with a reason you chose that color.
Special Tip: In fact, come up with a reason for every gift
you give this Valentines Day. If you have a reason for a gift
it will sound like you spent more time and effort finding the
gift and your loved one will appreciate this effort (I won’t
tell!).
Don’t let this Valentines Day get away from you like last
year did, follow between 1 and 5 of the above steps plus the special
tip and you will be on your way to a fantastic Valentines Day
celebration. Be sure to follow up each gift with plenty of kisses
and longing gazes and make this one to remember.
Anne Harvester is a gift giver extraordinaire. She travels
the world looking for the best gifts for every occasion and best
festivals to attend. This article was produced in conjunction
with GiftBasketsPlus.com.
Anne Harvester may be contacted at
A Valentines Day Gift Idea for every relationship
by H.M. Development Team
What is the best Valentines Day Gift Idea? Well, you’ve
got a few months to think that over, and besides, there are still
some holidays that are coming up sooner. However, it’s never
too early to consider what to get for your friend, relative or
significant other. Here are just a few ideas to think about, depending
on the level of relationship you share.
Cards-Simple and Easy
In elementary school, valentine cards, homemade or ones featuring
cartoon characters did just the trick for young children. Days
before our classroom Valentines Day party, my teacher had us decorate
old shoeboxes, transforming them into festive mailboxes. After
a full appetite of candy and heart-shaped cookies, we ended our
party opening up our valentine cards from our fellow classmates.
In addition to traditional valentine cards, e-cards, and text
messaging notes make it possible to conveniently reach contacts
in your address book, whether they are acquaintances or out-of-town
friends. How considerate is it than to receive a holiday email
or text message from a long time friend?
Chocolates-Going an extra mile
A box of chocolates wrapped in a heart-shaped box is a fitting
valentines
day gift idea for fond associates whether they are classmates,
teachers, co-workers or neighbors. Wishing your good friends well
with a box of chocolates or other homemade treats will make their
day and allow them to indulge on delicious sweets for Valentines
Day.
Flowers or Ties-A Valentines
Day gift idea for your romantic interest
For the woman: One long-stem rose or a dozen carnations,
it doesn’t matter. Depending on the level of relationship
you have, presenting her with any type of flowers will flatter
her and give her a home adornment for her to enjoy. No pun intended,
but flowers signify a blooming relationship that can continue
to grow.
For the man: You can never go wrong with buying ties
for your male interest. In a budding relationship, give him a
tie as a simple gesture that you acknowledge his preferences
in style. Wearing a tie will complement his suit and giving him
such a gift will make him proud as he wears it on those formal
occasions.
Jewelry-For the deeply committed
Perhaps Valentines Day is the time you want to take your relationship
to the next level. If you want to invest in something lavish,
jewelry will show your loved one of your deep commitment to them.
Diamond earrings, a charm bracelet to as serious as an engagement
ring will symbolize your commitment to them only.
Giving your loved one jewelry is a generous sign of affection
but this valentines
gift idea should be given at the right time and for an appropriate
relationship. For example, someone you have dated for a week would
not be a good candidate of your jewelry gift. Present someone
with jewelry who you have shared a long mutual fondness for and
they will feel like a jewel on Valentines Day.
If
you haven't found the Valentine's
Day gift idea that suits your fancy, peruse through Harris
Michael Jewelry's suggested gift ideas,
particularly the suggestions for loved ones.
H.M. Development Team may be contacted at or stephanie@10xmarketing.com
An unexpected valentines gift
by nancy macdonald
For my valentine
As I awoke the world was calm and warm as I snuggled in bed
just sweet dreams of happiness that I felt for all. If only I
had known what the day had in store for me would I have been so
at bliss , but at the moment I was. As I slowly made my way down
the stairs it was still dark and I peaked into the bedroom of
my sweet little girl nestled in bed . A toddler like no other
to me at least , soft blonde hair and the prettiest of blue eyes
, she looked like an angel an cuddled in.
I pulled back the drapes softly in the light of the street
lamps and noticed a softness of the snow as it seemed to cover
the large pine trees, almost a picture perfect winter postcard.
The snow blanketing the world in deep sleep just to dream on.
This was the country that offers warmth an hospitality to strangers
on the road specially in the rural areas. There was a soft knock
at the door, I could see car tracks in the lane and foot prints
up to my front door. I hesitated to answer just for a moment and
then the door creaked open. A traveller told me that the roads
were slippery and had no phone and was experiencing car trouble.
Did I have a phone to call to the nearest gas station which was
miles away? My home was the first he had come two the steering
wheel of his car had locked into position and he coasted into
my driveway that was knee deep in snow and needing my help. What
was I going to do, I panicked just for a second or two and then
offered my help. I showed him where the phone was and started
to make a warm pot of steaming coffee and asked if he was hungry.
He told me he was a salesman heading back from the north when
the storm had hit , it was much worse north with snow squalls
and blowing snow, I was just glad that he had made it safe here.
I knew the man on the next farm to mine was usually home and very
mechanical as most farmers are just handy. I phoned and told him
of my problem of the traveller at my door , his hands wrapped
around a steaming cup of coffee. He was concerned I had let a
stranger into my midst . I assured him I was fine and that there
was not a problem.
I was eight months pregnant with my second child and alone
as my husband was in the army and stationed a world away . He
would not be able to have leave of absence and come home.
I was making breakfast for my little girl when I started to
feel sharp pains in my back and did not think too much of it.
Then I realized as I was cooking at the stove there was a puddle
of water at my feet , my water had broken. I was afraid , what
was I going to do stranded at the farm house with my toddler and
the stranger sipping coffee.
The man told me not to worry he would help and that’s
exactly what he did , he helped me to the couch and called 911.
At the same time the farmer to help with his car, my contractions
increased rapidly in minutes to a full blown labour. The man helped
deliver my son who was so sweet with a patch of red hair like
his daddy and long an red wailing as he emerged. He was wrapped
in a towel and placed beside me on my chest. This man was an angel
that was sent to help me in my time of need, I was so blessed.
I was escorted to the hospital by the local police and my best
friend came to watch my toddler .My husband received news of his
son later that day and we spoke just for a few moments. I told
him how proud I was of him and that I loved him. Happy Valentines.
i am a wahm and have been for the last 25 years , before the
age of computers. smiles and chuckles. I find i use my experience
and training to help challange me forward each and every daynancy
macdonald may be contacted at http://www.preciousbabysite.com or preciousbabysite@yahoo.com
Boomers and the Valentines Day Gift of Discourse
by Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D.
This Valentines Day, are you hoping that your sweetheart will
write words for the love song you've been waiting to hear? Are
you busy shopping for the language of love that is bound to communicate
the intensity of your true emotions?
How couples talk with each other is a concrete example of differences
between the sexes – and the conversational styles of women
and men are often poles apart. Despite your partner's ongoing
support, you may find it difficult to speak about your deepest
thoughts. Sometimes, when you just want your husband to listen
to how you feel about a certain situation, do you find him intent
on fixing the problem or finding a solution?
Statistics indicate that one out of two marriages in the United
States ends in divorce. As a safeguard to this institution, some
couples sign a clearly delineated legal pre-nuptial contract.
There are other non-verbalized agreements that impact the marriage,
but are not communicated as directly. For example, “I earn
more than you and that gives me greater control over major decisions”
is often understood but not considered a topic for conversation.
An increase in either trust or tension in the relationship eventually
leads to the expression and resolution of these kinds of concerns,
one way or the other.
Still other decisions are unconscious, part of the psychological
baggage that is carried forward from the family of origin or from
previous relationships. For instance, “my father walked out
on our family without an explanation so, when you’re quiet
for too long, I get scared” can be an old script left over
from childhood. Shaped by earlier experiences and well hidden
by defense mechanisms, these entrenched beliefs often continue
to drive individual attitudes and behaviors.
Discover the benefit of bringing these emotional influences
to conscious awareness. At this time of year, when so much love
is in the air, use the following five tips and let your heart
do the talking:
1. Pay attention to the positives in your relationship by noticing
the qualities that bring you pleasure. Discuss these with your
partner from time to time. And review them often for yourself.
2. When talking quietly together, be willing to reveal your
own personal needs and opinions so that he has some access to
your subjective world. Encourage him to do the same with you.
3. Opposites attract. Genuine mutuality thrives on recognizing
the differences in how you communicate. When it's impossible to
respect and honor what sets you apart, find the humor and fall
back on laughter.
4. Create a balance between caring for your personal needs
and the well being of your relationship. Take time out of your
busy schedules each day to connect and converse about the ways
to nourish both.
5. Reduce the stress in your lives in order to enjoy fuller
and deeper conversations. A change in attitude can make your partner
more responsive to you and to your needs.
Couples who practice conversational etiquette become more skillful
in listening than in advice giving. Over time, many discover that
a commitment to understanding each other’s position goes
a long way. As Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India,
so wisely said, "You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."
Learning to recognize the differences in how Donna and her
husband evaluate and work through problems has made their relationship
stronger. She reflected, “We now resolve conflict by trying
to see what the other one wants. We’ll go around what we
can’t agree on and make every effort to reach a compromise.
It has taken us years, but we’ve both grown to value our
relationship more than being right.”
On February 14th, mark your calendar as the first day of the
rest of your lives. Cast a love spell as you celebrate your relationship.
And commit to nurture a heartfelt connection with your partner
through the gift of conversation.
© Her Mentor Center, 2007
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. ... Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are founders
of www.HerMentorCenter.com, a website for the Sandwich Generation
and www.NourishingRelationships.Blogspot.com. They are co-authors
of a forthcoming book about Baby Boomer women and their family
relationships and a free Newsletter, Stepping Stones. As psychotherapists,
they have over 40 years of collective private practice experience.
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. & Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are co-founders
of “http://www.HerMentorCenter.com”, a website for midlife
women and “http://www.NourishingRelationships.Blogspot.com”,
a Blog for the Sandwich Generation. They are authors of a forthcoming
book about Boomer women and family relationships and publish a
free newsletter, Stepping Stones, through their website. As psychotherapists,
they have a combined 40 years of private practice experiencePhyllis
Goldberg, Ph.D. may be contacted at http://www.HerMentorCenter.com or Mentors@herMentorCenter.com
Chocolates at Valentines – The way to a woman’s
heart?
by Shalin Popat
Chocolates at Valentines – The way to a woman’s heart?
Well we all know that Valentines Day is the day of lovers and
a day for giving gifts to those you care about but why is chocolates
still the most popular gift given on Valentines Day? Why is chocolate
is so closely associated with romance?
Since chocolate was brought to Europe it has been considered
the food of love. Stories of its properties as an aphrodisiac
for the aristocrats were well known, the Spanish who brought it
to Europe learnt about chocolate
from the Aztecs who would consume large quantities before entering
their harems. It was however a European tradition that each year
on the 14th of February young men would court young ladies with
flowers and gifts and because back then chocolate was rare and
expensive it wasn’t long before this was the favourite gift
given by the rich and aristocratic who were the only ones able
to provide this for the object of their affections. It wasn’t
long however before the secret of chocolate got out and soon chocolate
houses were opening up across Europe, the best of which were and
still are in Belgium. Belgium’s best Chocolatier Neuhaus
Chocolates was founded in 1857 and although they are the official
provider of chocolate to the Belgian Royal Family these days even
chocolate as good as theirs is affordable so that everyone can
enjoy them. More importantly they are affordable enough that you
can give them to those you care about on Valentines Day and any
other day of the year.
Well why is chocolate
still so popular as a Valentines gift, is it just the marketing?
Well, since Valentines Day was exported to the USA it has been
used to market everything from wrapping paper and cuddly toys
to expensive items such as jewellery. However why is it that the
historical connection between chocolate and Valentines day has
lasted the years? Well it seems there is more to it than just
the, sweet, mouth watering feeling you get as it melts in your
mouth leaving you wanting more and more… Scientists now know
that like coffee and tea, chocolate affects the chemical reactions
already taking place in our brains. Unlike coffee and tea however
is not only a stimulant, it contains phenyl-ethylamine which is
known to stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain released
chocolate excites our pleasure centres and creates a feeling of
Euphoria and increases the heart rate similar to that of a person
in love or at the peak of an orgasm both of which should go down
well with the recipient of your gift.
Now, despite all its psychotropic properties and ancient reputation,
chocolate will probably not make a woman fall in love with you
but giving her something so delightful will definitely put you
in her good books… Chocolate
will also stimulate men’s pleasure centres so ladies don’t
be shy to by a box for your man, who knows what reaction you might
get…
Shalin Popat may be contacted at www.neuhaus-chocolates.com
How To Give Valentines Day Gifts That Are Appreciated
by Nicola Kennedy
During the cold days of winter, many of us find comfort in
the little break that Valentine’s Day gives. In order to
celebrate it to the best level, many individuals will purchase
gifts for their loved ones. Children are no different with being
given small gifts, candy and even money. And, they too want to
give a gift and often give gifts such as cards that are handmade
to their loved ones. Finding a special, meaningful gift is important
though.
When giving a gift for Valentine’s Day, it is often important
for you to think of a way to give them as clutter free a gift
as possible. Think about it. As a child, for each Valentine’s
Day you got a stuffed animal. How much room do you have to receive
yet another stuffed animal? Not to mention, getting the same type
of gift year after year leaves individuals really not appreciating
it either. Instead, there are other solutions of gifts to give.
Think, clutter free gifts instead.
* Gift luxury. Great gifts to give a loved one for Valentine’s
Day are lotions, perfumes and bath gels. As long as they are in
the smell and type that the individual likes, they will get used
and will not be cluttering up the home. Make sure that what you
give is enjoyed by the individual through. Know what they like
before buying it.
* A Box Of Chocolates? Another non clutter type of gift for
Valentine’s Day is giving something that can be eaten. For
example, chocolate or even a great fruit basket will work well.
Think about what they enjoy, being conscious of diets and eating
plans when giving these gifts though.
* Give the gift of time. Or, a coupon. For example, if you
know your loved one would enjoy a meal for two and a nice movie,
give the gift of a coupon made out just for that. Or, how about
a back rub, a day off from the kids, or just some help around
the house. These are useful and much appreciated gifts.
* Give the gift of writing. Those individuals that like writing
notes to people or would enjoy a beautiful stationary set would
love to have these given as gifts. You’ll find them available
in sets that contain beautiful ways to decorate it. If they enjoy
scrapbooking, give them these things too.
* Think about the kids too. Don’t leave kids out of the
picture. What consumable things can you purchase for kids? Think
about what they love. Pencils, great looking stationary, maybe
even some new art supplies would be appreciated. Or, plan a trip
to the zoo, a game of cards or other things to involve you spending
time with them. Use the coupon theory here too.
When you do these types of things for your Valentines Day gifts,
kids and adults alike are more likely to appreciate them, use
them and keep their homes clutter free. It takes only a few minutes
of thought to come up with the best clutter free ideas for your
loved ones. These are Valentine’s Day gifts that they will
love.
Nicola Kennedy has become an expert in giving valentines
day gifts that are appreciated. Visit her site http://www.Best-Valentines.info
for more great Valentines gift ideas to make Valentines 2006 a
special one.
Copyright Best-Valentines.info All rights reserved. This article
may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live
links are included intact.
Nicola Kennedy may be contacted at or info@cinneide.net
A GIFT OF PEACE FOR YOUR
VALENTINE
by Nora Femenia, Ph.D.
This Valentine season, you will have perhaps diamonds, nice
red roses and bittersweet chocolate. With the exception of the
diamonds, all the rest will be forgotten in a week. Which is the
most important gift that you want for your relationship? Is it
true that the one you really need, and which will help you stay
healthy and happy, and avoid the misery of constant fight that
could lead to divorce, is conjugal peace and harmony?
It is better to acknowledge beforehand that there are some
things that you can disagree on (opinions on politics, personal
interests, and beliefs), but other things must be worked out (how
to raise the children, how to spend money, how you would like
to be treated, future planning, etc.) Those very differences about
important issues, if they go unacknowledged, will fester inside
and produce disappointment and anger. What you need is a way of
processing disputes, agreed beforehand.
You could say: People already know how to fight! Why practice
fair fighting? Because what people call fighting is what many
couples do: they engage in "dirty" fighting, which consists
of mutual blaming and accusations, explosive anger, and not listening
to each other, but trying to overpower them.
With the objective of controlling, humiliating or winning over
the other, all kinds of negative things are said, that are difficult
to retrieve. The results are very sad, because repetition of the
fight, which is inevitable when it is not resolved, will sour
the relationship. Fair fighting is designed to deal with issues
that bring conflict without destroying the relationship.
Why do couples fight? Marital squabbles can be over lots of
things: • Control struggles (who's in charge) and how decisions
are made • Degree of reciprocal control or independence •
Treatment of in-laws and significant relatives • Sex: how,
when, why, by whom, varieties • Money: earning, managing,
saving and spending
1.- THE SECRET REASON BEHIND A FIGHT
Here, I want to let you in on a secret, the hidden motivation
to connect and have a good, healthy fight. Once you understand
this, it is easier to look at your current “enemy” –
your partner –with empathy; to see their hidden motivations;
and perhaps come up with some solutions to fill this deep need
for confrontation.
Why is winning or losing a dispute so important? Why is there
it so essential to our self-esteem? Because we think that we fight
mostly for control of things, like time, money, the car, clothes
or a good job. But really, almost every fight actually has at
least something to do with the rarely acknowledged need for us
to get some recognition from the other. That person is so important
because she can give us the acceptance or recognition that we
crave!
Go back in your memory to the last three fights you had with
your loved one…..Imagine that each fight is a heartfelt quest
for support, recognition and respect from him or her. If so, having
your partner say out loud, “Yes, you are right on this issue,”
validates you and makes the world right again.
Does it feel good? Now, compare that with the pleasure you
get when obtaining the thing you were ready to fight about….how
does it compare? No way!
Why can't we even mention our deep need for validation from
our spouse? Very simple, it has to be offered, spontaneously!
That is the crux of the matter: If we have to beg for it, it doesn't
taste so good, right? It has to be proffered because it is an
evident, undeniable fact that we are right, that we are intelligent
and beautiful and lovable… not because we ask people to say
so! And that, by the way, is the reason we get married: to have
someone, freely elected, who can say to the world that we are
such a beautiful person they want to spend their lives with us!
And then, very shortly, this admiration we managed to achieve
goes missing, and sadly the only way to get our partner’s
attention back on us is to have a good fight.
OK, let’s assume that you have decided that having a fight
is the way to receive attention again. Remember that it has not
to be destructive. Positive conflict helps you organize a respectful
confrontation, following some simple rules.
2.- PRINCIPLES OF FAIR FIGHTING FOR COUPLES Fair fighting is
a respectful way of confronting each other on issues that are
causing open or hidden conflict. It is a method for handling and
resolving the differences of opinion that inevitably occur between
spouses or partners. The basic idea is to provide an alternative
to “dirty fighting” which uses reciprocal blaming, yelling,
accusing and humiliating the other, in order to win or be “right.”
In this way, you can defend your ideas while recognizing your
partner’s needs!
1.- Accept your responsibility in the dispute, and also that
every fight is CO-CREATED. To fight fair, entails accepting your
part of responsibility. There are not pure victims or pure victimizers;
we are both at different times.
2. - You are always part of the process, and responsible for
its fairness. Redefine the purpose of a fight. It has nothing
to do with a neighborhood brawl; Here, this is a love relationship
and your co-purpose is to find a mutually respectful agreement,
NOT TO WIN.
3. - Accept that sometimes a confrontation is unavoidable,
and has to be dealt with. Fair fighting is always about getting
your grievances out in the open, in a way that nurtures understanding
and growth. If you can, begin acknowledging three positive aspects
of your partner that make your life rich.
4. - Choosing to practice fair fighting now and not collecting
grievances to later play revenge with, is showing respect for
your significant other. Respect your emotions: Frustration, anger
and sadness are signals that point to the needs for change and
reassessment within the relationship, and so they are very useful.
3.- WHAT ARE THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT? No physical violence,
whatsoever.
Maintain mutually respectful behavior.
Do not call names or accuse your partner of lying. Do not say
what you believe your partner is thinking. Each person speaks
for himself or herself.
Avoid psychological descriptions of the Other ("Everyone
of your friends says you are a big spender"). Avoid laying
guilt or accusations of bad faith.
Make eye contact, verbally acknowledge the other's feelings
(apologizing when appropriate), and ask questions to be sure each
has understood the other's feelings.
Repeat verbatim what was said by the other person to confirm
that what is said is what was understood.
Use "I" statements (as in, "I feel annoyed when
you leave your things around for me to pick up"), rather
than more blaming "you" statements ("You are such
an inconsiderate slob").
If anger escalates, take a brief time-out (from half an hour
to no more than 24 hours) and state a definite time to return
to the issue.
Say thanks for sharing this time solving this issue. And remember
to validate whatever positive suggestions the other person did.
Now, write down the solutions, agreement or understanding,
and share the best words to express what you both want to do.
Sound like a good plan? Relationships are based on emotional
processes. Fights are our ways of bringing up that we all need
daily doses of support and appreciation from our significant other,
our daily Valentine. If only we could remember that every day
of the year!
Nora Femenia, Ph.D. is the author of the ebook: "The Art
of Positive Conflicts: Transforming Confrontations into Relationship
Harmony." She is a conflict coach and an expert in relationships
and conflict. More info on the ebook:http://www.positiveconflicts.com/pcv2
More info on Coach Nora: www.norafemenia.com
Nora Femenia, Ph.D. is the author of the ebook: "The Art
of Positive Conflicts: Transforming Confrontations into Relationship
Harmony." She is a conflict coach and an expert in relationships
and conflict. More info on the ebook: http://www.positiveconflicts.com/pcv2
More info on Coach Nora: www.norafemenia.com Nora Femenia, Ph.D.
may be contacted at www.norafemenia.com
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White
Gold | Diamonds and Pearls | Gold Earrings
| Diamond Earrings | Diamonds
and Gold Bracelets | Diamonds
and Gold Necklaces and Chains Pendants,
Charms, and Lockets | Birthstones and
Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and Chains
| Silver Pendants and Charms
|
 |
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February 7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within the U.S.
and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank you.
|
Click
on numbers for larger view, Women's ring sizes: 5, 6,
7, 8
|
10 K Diamond Rings
- 31883 10 K gold, 3x2mm Marquis diamond ring. Only $129.95
- 23211 10 K gold diamond ring, (.04 carat TDW). Only $119.95
- 23992 10 K gold diamond rose ring, (.025 carat TDW). Only
$109.95
14 K Diamond Rings
- 23178 14 K gold diamond ring (.05 carat TDW) Only $104.95
- 30491 14 K gold lady's diamond flower ring (.05 carat TDW)
only $109.95
- 30169 14 K gold diamond solitaire, channel set ring (13 points
TDW, center stone . 10 carat TDW). Only $219.95
- 30168 14 K gold lady's diamond solitaire ring (.10 carat
TDW) Only $169.95
Anniversary Rings
- 29707 14 K gold diamond solitaire channel set anniversary
ring. (3/4 carat TDW) Only $1099.95
- 25857 14 K gold diamond anniversary ring (1/4 carat TDW).
Only $304.95
Bridal Rings
- 27473 14 K gold diamond solitaire channel set bridal ring
(1 carat TDW) Only $1799.95
- 30475 14 K gold Marquis diamond channel set bridal ring.
(.55 carat TDW). Only $1275.95
Bridal / Wedding Sets
- 30476 14 K gold diamond solitaire, channel and prong wedding
set. (1 carat TDW). Only $2099.95
- 28421 14 K gold Marquis diamond channel bridal set (.70 carat
TDW). Only $1299.95
- 25852 14 K gold Marquis diamond channel bridal set (.40 carat
TDW). Only $799.95
- 28430 14 K gold diamond solitaire, channel bridal set ( 1
carat TDW) Only $1759.95
- 30473 14 K gold diamond solitaire, channel bridal set ( 1
carat TDW) Only $1759.95
- 30477 14 K gold Marquis diamond, channel wedding set (.77
carat TDW). Only $2199.95
- 30490 14 K gold diamond solitaire, wedding set (.10 carat
TDW). Only $274.95
- 31893 14 K gold Marquis diamond channel wedding set. (.78
carat TDW). Only $1549.95
- 31892 10 K gold, diamond rhodium wedding set. (.05 carat
TDW). Only $199.95
- 31900 14 K Marquis diamond wedding set (.41 carat TDW) Only
$999.95
-
Cubic Zirconia Rings
- 23222 10 K gold lady's ring (2.2 carats TCZW) Only $119.95
Engagement Rings
- 28428 14 K gold diamond solitaire channel set engagement
ring (.73 carat TDW). Only $1399.95
- 30474 14 K gold diamond solitaire, channel set engagement
ring (.45 carat TDW). Only $999.95
- 25854 14 K gold engagement ring, (1/2 carat TDW).
- 28424 14 K gold diamond channel set engagement ring. (.62
carat TDW) Only $819.95
- 31894 14 K gold diamond solitaire channel engagement ring.
(.90 carat TDW) Only $1699.95
White Gold Rings
- 31882 14 K white gold, diamond swirl ring. (.05 carat TDW).
Only $99.95
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings
for Men
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February 7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within the U.S.
and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank you.
|
|
 |
Click
on numbers for larger view, Men's ring sizes: 9, 10, 11,
12
|
- 25859 14 K gold and diamond man's ring (1/2 carat TDW), Rhodium
finish. Only $599.95
- 31885 14 K gold man's diamond ring. Rhodium finish, (1/2
carat TDW)
- 31884 14 K gold, man's nugget ring. Only $129.95
- 31891 14 K gold, high-polish, band ring. Only $149.95
- 23990 14 K gold man's nugget ring, (3 points TDW). Only $199.95
- 30562 Stylish, 10 K gold, man's diamond band ring. (1 point
TDW). Only $124.95
- 25872 14 K gld man's onyx eagle ring. Onyx is 9 1/6"
x 7 1/6". Only $299.95
- 30489 14 K gold, man's nugget ring. Only $159.95
- 25342 10 K gold "DAD" ring with two diamonds. (1
point TDW). Only $149.95
- 23263 14 K gold man's wedding band with ribbed edges. (5
mm) Only $174.95
- 23262 14 K gold man's wedding bad (3.75 mm) Only $129.95
- 32446 10 K gold man's onyx eagle ring. Onyx is 15mm wide.
Only $199.95
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
|
|
Fine Gold Jewelry
Sets
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January
31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within
the U.S. and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank
you.
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 31888 10 K gold, mystic, fire with diamond heart ring. (6
x 6mm, .05 carat TDW). GEMSTONE RINGS
- 31865 10 K gold, mystic fire topaz diamond earrings, pendant
and chain, (5x5mm, .04 carat TDW). GEMSTONE SETS
- 31901 10 K gold, onyx and diamond angel ring.
- 31902 10 K gold, onyx and diamond angel pendant and 18"
chain, (14 x 10 mm, .05 carat TDW).
- 27472 10 K gold amethyst / diamond earrings and pendant with
chain set. 10 x 7 mm earrings, 12 x 8 mm pendant (5.90 carat
TGW, .04 carat TDW).
- 24008 10 K gold, sapphire and diamond ring. (.81 carat
TGW, .04 carat TDW).
- 25341 10 K gold, sapphire and diamond ring. (12 x 6mm, .05
carat TDW).
- 29702 10 K gold, sapphire and diamond bracelet. (4.2 carat
TGW, 0.14 carat carat TDW). 7" long
- 29711 Woman's 10 K gold, emerald and diamond ring. (.45 carat
TGW, .50 carat TDW).
- 29710 Woman's 10 K gold, sapphire and diamond ring. (.60
carat TGW, .50 carat TDW).
- 29709 Woman's 10 K gold, ruby and diamond ring (.60 carat
TGW, 1/2 point TDW).
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
Fine Pearl Jewelry
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February 7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within the U.S.
and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank you.
|
|
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 23244
14 K gold bead four-strand 4 x 5 mm fresh-water pearl necklace
with filigree clasp, 24"
- 29706
5 mm fresh-water pearl necklace with 14 K gold clasp. 18".
- 29705
Five-strand, 4 mm fresh-water pearl choker with 14 K gold clasp,
16"
- 23248 14 K gold bead three-strand 4 x 5 mm fresh-water pearl
bracelet with filigree clasp, 8"
- 31880 14 K gold, 16" fresh water, 4 mm, pearl choker.
- 23243
14 K gold three-strand 4 x 5 mm fresh-water pearl post earrings.
1 5/8" x length
- 31878 14 K gold, fresh water 4 mm, pearl choker bracelet,
7 1/2" long.
- 23059 14 K gold cultured pearl heart post earrings. (4.5
- 5 mm)
- 31861 14 K white gold 18" box, chain with 8 mm single
pearl.
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
Fine Diamond Earrings
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January
31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within
the U.S. and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank
you.
|
|
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 23974
14 K gold diamond earrings, (1.5mm, 5 pints TDW)
- 23167 14 K gold diamond earrings, (2.5 mm, 15 points TDW)
- 23165 14 K gold diamond earrings, (2mm, 10 points TDW)
- 23975 14 K gold diamond earrings, (3.5 mm, 1/3 carat TDW)
- 30470 14 K gold and diamond, latchback earrings (.35 carat
TDW)
- 30563 Heart-shaped, 10 K gold and diamond earrings, (2 points
TDW)
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
Fine Diamond and
Gold Bracelets
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February 7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within the U.S.
and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank you. More Gold Bracelets
|
|
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 31857 10 K gold diamond "Mom" link bracelet (5mm
wide, .01 carat TDW)
- 31875 14 K gold links bracelet (6mm wide) 8" is only
$489.95, 9"
- 31896 14 K gold link bracelet with diamonds (4mm, .40 carat
TDW
- 27478
14 K gold diamond heart 7" Bismark bracelet, (2 mm wide,
2.5 points TDW)
- 27477 14 K gold diamond "Mom" 7" Bismark bracelet,
(2mm wide, 5 points TDW)
- 31897 14 K gold, 2-tone diamond bracelet (4mm wide, 1.5 carat
TDW).
- 30561 14 K gold and diamond tennis bracelet (4mm wide 2 carat
TDW)
- 23970 14 K gold 7" diamond tennis bracelet (3.5 mm wide
1 carat TDW)
- 23164 14 K gold 7" diamond tennis bracelet. (3 mm wide
1/2 carat TDW)
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
Fine White Gold Jewelry
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February 7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within the U.S.
and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank you.
|
|
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 31881 14 K white satin gold, diamond ring. (.06 carat TDW).
- 30502 18 K white-gold lady's diamond ring. (.16 carat TDW).
- 30471 14 K white-gold, lady's diamond ring (.50 carat TDW)
- 31866 14 K, two-tone, diamond earrings with chain and pendant.
- 31895 14 K white gold, diamond bracelet. (2 carat TDW)
- 31877 14 K, white gold, 1mm double diamond cut beaded chain
with 3mm diamond cut beats.
- 31867 14 K, white gold, bezel diamond earrings, pendant (6mm
and 7mm, .40 carat TDW)
- 31862 14 K, white gold, singapore twist chain (1 mm) with
dolphin pendant (8 x 10mm) 16" long.
- 30496 14 K white gold, bar and bead chain (1mm), 18"
, 20"
- 31869 14 K, white gold, box chain (1 mm) 18" , 24"
- 30497 14 K white-gold, Singapore twist chain (1mm) with heart
pendant (7 x 8mm) 16" long.
- 31872 14 K white gold, puff box chain (2 mm wide)
- 31858 14 K, white gold, modern-style, cross pendant.
- 31868 14 K (1.5mm wide) white gold, diamond-cut, bead chain.
- 31871 14 K, white gold, diamond-cut rope chain (1mm wide)
18" , 20" , 24"
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
|
|
Pendants and Charms
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January
31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within
the U.S. and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank
you.
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 31856 14 K tri-color gold "Mom" rose heart locket
18 x 20 mm
- 29701 10 K gold "Mom" pendant and 18" chain.
(1 pt TDW)
- 31855 10 K gold, "Love" diamond pendant and 18"
chain (1 pt. TDW)
- 24063 14 K gold dolphin pendant, 1" x 3/8",
- 24855 14 K gold diamond cut Virgin Mary pendant, 1 3/8"
x 1
- 23151 14 K gold tri-color diamond cut heart pendant, 7/8"
x 5/8",
- 25846 14 K gold tri-color diamond cut "#1 MOM"
heart pendant, 7/8" x 3/4"
- 29713 14 K gold crucifix pendant,
- 23141 14 K gold diamond cut cross pendant, 1 1/4" x
5/8"
- 27461 14 K Jesus pendant, 7/16" x 3/4",
- 24075 14 K gold two-tone diamond cut cross pendant with Christ,
1 11/16" x 1"
- 24078 14 K gold two-tone diamond, cut cross pendant with
Christ, 15/16" x 7/16"
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
Fine Gold Bracelets
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February 7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within the U.S.
and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank you.
|
|
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 31860 14 K gold heart chain 7" bracelet (2mm wide)
- 31889 14 K gold, heart-chain 9" ankle bracelet.
- 30499 Baby panther bracelet in 14 K gold, 7" long.
- 30501 "X" design, 14 K gold link bracelet, 7"
long,
- 31876 14 K gold, round 7" bead bracelet. (2mm)
- 25848 14 K gold 7" puffed heart bracelet, (hearts are
8 x 8mm)
- 23099 14 K gold diamond cut rope bracelet (2.25mm) 7"
- 24080 14 K gold tri-color flower bracelet (flowers are 5mm
x 5mm). 7"
- 23097 14 K gold pave' Figaro bracelet (2mm) 7"
- 23096 14 K gold Figaro bracelet, (4.25mm) 8"
- 23095 14 K gold Figaro bracelet, (6mm) 8"
- 23094 14 K gold curb bracelet, (6.5mm) 8"
- 23100 14 K gold super-flex herringbone bracelet,(3mm) 7"
- 23102 14 K gold double-sided quadruple herringbone bracelet
with lobster claw clasp. (3mm) 7"
- 30498 14 K gold bracelet with 6 charms 7" long,
- 31864 3mm Amethyst and 2mm gold beads with 14 K gold, 7"
bracelet,
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
|
|
Fine Gold Necklaces
and Chains
SHIPPING DEADLINE is January
31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2003
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for jewelry orders within
the U.S. and 4 to 5 weeks for international shipments. Thank
you.
|
Click
on numbers for larger view
|
- 31879 14 K gold heart 16" chain, (2mm wide)
- 30500 Baby panther necklace in 14 K gold, 18" long.
- 31873 14 K gold 0.5mm fine square, snake 1mm beads chain.
18" , 16" , 7"
- 23075 14 K gold diamond cut Boston cable necklace, (.5 mm)
18" , 24"
- 23064 14 K gold Figaro necklace, (1mm) 18"
- 2645 14 K gold fine rope necklace, (1mm) 18
- 23069 14 K gold serpentine necklace, (.75mm) 18"
- 23074 14 K gold box necklace, (.5mm) 18" , 24"
- 23077 14 K gold twisted Singapore necklace, (1mm) 18"
, 20"
- 23091 14 K gold diamond cut rope necklace with barrel clasp,
(1.5mm) 18" , 20"
- 23092 14 K gold diamond cut rope necklace with barrel clasp
(1.5mm) 18", 20" , 24"
- 23093 14 K gold diamond cut rope necklace, (1.25mm), 18",
20"
- 24090 14 K gold pave' Figaro chain, (4.5mm), 18",, 20"
- 23090 14 K gold pave' Figaro necklace, (2mm) 18", 20"
- 24088 14 K gold loose rope necklace, (1.5mm) 18" , 20"
- 24093 14 K gold Figaro chain (2mm), 20" , 24"
- 23089 14 K gold Figaro necklace, (3mm) 18" , 20"
- 23084 14 K gold super-flex herringbone necklace (2mm), 16"
, 18" , 20"
- 23087 14 K gold double-sided quadruple herringbone necklace
with lobster claw clasp (3mm) 18" , 20"
- 23085 14 K gold super-flex herringbone necklace (3mm) 16"
, 18" , 20" , 24"
- 31899 3mm Amethyst and 2mm gold beads with 14K gold, 16"
link chain,
|
Fine Gold Jewelry Rings for Women
and Men | Fine
Gold Jewelry Sets | More Gold Rings
| Gold Bracelets | Gold
Necklaces and Chains | Pearls |White Gold | Diamonds
and Pearls | Gold
Earrings | Diamond Earrings
| Diamonds and Gold Bracelets
| Diamonds and Gold Necklaces and
Chains Pendants, Charms, and Lockets
| Birthstones and Gemstones |
Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings
| Silver Bracelets | Silver
Rings | Silver Necklaces and
Chains | Silver Pendants and Charms
|
Valentine's Day Gifts and Collectibles
Valentine's Day SHIPPING DEADLINE
is January 31, 2004
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2004
Click on numbers for larger
view
- 29220
Two beautiful birds sit atop a delicate glass heart which encirles
the word "love." A thoughtful gift to let that special
someone know you care.
- 30018
Charming spun-glass heart with "Love" script and tiny
rose embellishments
- 30448 Its wings tinged with red and green, this hummingbird
rests on a glass heart as it peruses a honeysuckle blossom.
- 30255
A cheery hummingbird investigates the honeysuckle on this spun-glass
"love" heart complete with beveled, mirror base.
Click on numbers for larger
view
Valentine's Day SHIPPING DEADLINE
is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2003
- 30271
The essence of love is presented on this alabastrite, musical
keepsake "book," accompanied by the song, "Love
Story/Love Me Tender." Comes complete with walnut-color,
wooden stand. 8 1/4" x 1 1/8" x 6 1/2" high.
- 30270
A poem by June Taylor extolling the virtues of a mother's love
is accompanied by the popular melody, "You Light Up My Life,"
in this alabastrite "book" creation complete with walnut-color,
wooden stand. 8 1/4" x 1 1/8" x 6 1/2" high.
- 25307
Send a heartfelt message to Mom with this high-gloss wooden plaque.
8 3/8" x 11 3/8" high.
- 22534
Musical "Love Me Tender," rose, 13" long.
- 30239 Say, "I Love You," with three, hand-crafted
red roses, accompanied by a matching ribbon and encased in their
own transparent, protective cover. 1 3/4" x 13" high.
- 25500
Love, poetically expressed in words and roses. Double frame,
"stained-glass" plaque. Each panel is 5" x 7"
high.
- 22506
A simulated stained-glass tribute to Mom, perfect for Mother's
Day -- or any day! Each panel is 5" x 7" high
- 25014
Let a friend know how much you care with this double frame, "stained-glass"
plaque. Each panel is 5" x 7" high.
- 23557
Beautiful acrylic Mother's plaque wth inscribed message of love
and two pink roses. 5 3/16" high.
- 3369
A delicate gift set says "I Love You, Mom" Porcelain.
Saucer is 3 1/4" high.
- 3683 Musical "I Love You" coffee
mug.
Click on numbers for larger
view
Valentine's Day SHIPPING DEADLINE
is January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2003
- 32341
God Bless America Teddy Bear. This teddy bear is proud to show
his love of the USA, sporting a white cotton "God Bless
America" t-shirt. 5 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 6 1/4"
high.
- 30348
Soft and cuddly, this teddy and its heart is ready to be given
"To Someone Special." 6" high
- 30349 Here's the gorill-a your dreams. With its plush, red
heart stating, "Be Mine," it will be a splendid gift
for someone you love. 8 3/4" high.
- 31043 Hang these three enchanting bears on your tree, in
your window, or even from your chandelier, and elicit a smile
from every passerby. 4" x 2" x 6" high
- 30745 This boy teddy looks spiffy in his patchwork-style
bowtie. 6 1/2" x 5" x 6" high.
- 30746 Dressed in sweats and jeans, this teddy bear pair is
ready for a jog. 6" x 2 3/4" x 6" high.
- 30744 This plush girl teddy will greet you with an old-fashion,
patchwork-style heart. 6 1/2" x 5" x 6" high.
- 30159 Snuggly, plush, teddy bear with bright red bow tie
and moveable arms, legs and head, will delight children of all
age. Teddy bear fur comes in assorted shades of brown. 14"
high.
- 30347 This baby girl teddy wears a pink bib proclaiming "Gimme
a Hug," and her muzzle is designed to hold her pacifier.
6" high.
- 30363 This teddy-boy's blue bib declares, "Gimme a Hug,"
and with his pacifier firmly in his muzzle he'lle be a fuzzy
friend for any child. 6" high.
- 31042
Add an old time traditional flavor to your teddy bear collection
with this charmer. 8" x 8" x 10" high
- 31136
Dressed up for a day on the links, this furry golfer evern carries
his favorite club. 11" high
- 30346
Soft and cuddy, this plush bear wears a velvet-like bow and a
smile to charm any child or adult. 10" high.
Click on numbers for larger
view
Valentine's Day SHIPPING DEADLINE is
January 31, 2003 RUSH DELIVERY
DEADLINE: February 7, 2003
- 31283
All dressed up in alphabet patchwork, this teddy bank makes a
cheery gift for both old and young alike. 7" x 5" x
7" high.
- 31284
Save your dimes and pennies for a rainy day in this gingham pattern,
patchwork teddy bear bank. 6 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 7 1/4"
high.
- 23575 Patchworked in floral "cross-stitchin," this
happy teddy bear takes a seat to watch the world go by. 6 1/2"
tall.
- 29683
Here's what the well-dressed fisher-bear is wearing this season.
Alabastrite. 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 5 1/4" high
- 29684
This fisher-bear has really caught himself a big one! Alabastrite.
3 5/8" x 3" x 4 7/8" high
- 30343 Created in "tole painting" style, this metal
candle-lamp presents a cheery, angel-bear atop a red heart. 5"
diameter x 7 1/8" high.
- 27080
"Beary" cute pair of gardeners sitting amidst their
colorful beds make for charming bookends with a "country"
appeal. 4 3/4" x 5" x 5 1/2" high.
- 25232
A carousel of teddy bears in planes and hot-air balloons circle
to the tune, "Up, Up and Away," 4" base diameter
x 7" high.
- 28035
A delightful little trinket box featuring an angelic bear. Porcelain.
2 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 3" high
- 25730
Lullaby, and good night . . A peaceful scene of sweet dreams
and slumber, hand-painted and crafted in alabastrite. 5"
x 4" x 6 3/4" high. Tune: "Brahm's Lullaby."
- 27288
A "beary" cute musical carousel! Hearts, bear faces,
stars and stripes decorate this Americana carousel. The four
bears riding the horses have set aside their baseball equipment
and books to spin to the tune, "Toyland" Alabastrite.
6" diameter x 9 1/2" high.
- 25646 An arctic carousel features polar bears instead of
horses, so these laughing polar pal riders feel right at home!
The canopy -- in this case, igloo top -- rotates to the tune,
"It's a Small World." Golden poles and stars accent
this collectors' piece. 6 3/4" x 9 1/2" high.
- 30148
Two teddy sweethears cuddle in this glitter-filled waterball
as this tune "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," plays in
the background. 4 3/4" diameter x 6" high
- 29692
A teddy bear couple, ready to weather any storm under an umbrella
of love. Alabastrite. Tune: "Love Story," 4 3/4"
diameter x 6" high.
- 30149
These teddy sweethearts share a first kiss as the tune "Love
Me Tender" plays and their sky swirls with sparkling glitter.
4 3/4" diameter x 6" high.
- 29693
A clandestine meeting between teddy bear sweethearts. Alabastrite.
4" x 4" x 5 7/8" high.
- 30146
Two alabastrite teddy bear sweethearts seek refuge under a single
umbrella, ignoring all but the love in their hearts. 3 3/4"
diameter x 5 1/2" high
- 30147
As two doves look on, this teddy-fella presents his teddy-girl
with a luscious pink rose to show his affection. 4" diameter
x 5 1/4" high.
- 31539
The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is ensconced inside this seascape-design,
musical water globe. Tune: "You Light Up My Life."
5 1/4" diameter x 6" high.
- 28094
An angelic teddy bear rotates on a heavenly cushion of clouds
in this delightful musical. 4 3/4" diameter x 6 1/4"
high. Tune: "When You Wish Upon a Star"
- 24588 A tiny tea set with the cutest critters! Adorable bear
cubs frolic in the meadow as a colorful accent to each miniature
piece. Plate is 3 3/4" high
- 28194 A miniature ceramic tea set with teddy bears as decor.
Includes cups, saucers, teapot, sugar bowl and more. The basket
is 4 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 3 1/4" high. 10-piece
set
- 27092 A little girl's delight! Doll-sized ceramic picnic
tea set, packed in its own wicker basket. Teddy bear design.
Set includes plates, cups, teapot, creamer, sugar bowl, spoons.
7" x 6 3/4" x 3 5/8" high. 14-piece set
- 25721
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in a big way is this big teddy
on his brightly festooned steed. A fun, happy musical fashioned
in carefully hand-painted alabastrite. 14" x 4 1/4"
x 13" high. Tune: "Jingle Bells."
Flowers That Last a Lifetime
Flower Baskets | Glass Flowers | Lighted Flowers | Metal
Sculpture Flowers | Musical Flowers | Porcelain
Flowers | Acrylic Roses | Lighted Roses | Musical Roses |
Porcelain Roses | Tulips | Orchids | Lilies
Valentine's Day SHIPPING DEADLINE is
January 31, 2003
RUSH DELIVERY DEADLINE: February
7, 2003
Flower Baskets
|
Click numbers for larger view
30757 Designed in the style of a miniature birdbath, a cherub
watches over a bowl of scented "soap" roses fashioned
with a delicate touch. 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"
high. Only $6.95
|
|
29583 A rose made from
real soap and lightly scented, makes a fine gift for a loved
one. 3" x 2 1/4" x 8" high. Only $4.95 |
|
| |
29613 Made from real soap,
this rose bouquet is also lightly scented. Glass vase 4 1/2"
diameter x 3 3/4" high. Only $7.95 |
|
30756 Give your heart
to the one you adore. This heart-shape box with delicate, scented,
"soap" rose is secured with a gold cord. 5" x
4" x 1 3/4" high. Only $9.95 |
| 884 Rose baset. Perfect
as a nigh lamp n any room of your home. Each rose basket set
includes eight roses, foliage and wire basket. Basket is 16"
x 2 1/2" x 12 1/2" high. UL-approved plug. Only $29.95
Set. |
|
5512 What a delightful
garden scene, with soft pink flowers that light up! (2 AA batteries
not included). The circular frame is 11 3/4" and the display
stand is included. Only $25.95 |
|
| |
2308 Thirty life-sized
white tulips on long stems with leaves -- each bloom lit from
within by a tiny bulb! We call the bouquet "Floral Elegance."
Includes 6-foot cord, UL-approved plug and 3 spare bulbs (vase
not included) Approximately 13" long. Only $49.95 |
|
29671 Butter yellow lilies make
up this fiber-optic, floral bouquet. Plug it in and watch the
fabulous, colored light dance along the flowers edges. UL-approved.
13" x 6" x 17" high. Only $42.95 |
| 29670 Pink butterflies
and lovely flowers will become even more enchanting when you
turn on this fiber-optic floral display. Colors will slowly ebb
and flow, casting a mesmerizing effect over all who watch. UL-approved.
15" x 6 1/2" x 17" high. Only $42.95 |
|
29669 This mixed spring
bouquet will come to life with fiber-optic dancing light when
plugged in. A beautiful light show for all ages. UL-approved.
12" x 7" x 20" high. Only $42.95 |
|
Glass Flowers
|
Click on numbers for larger view
29390 A heart and a rose, two eternal symbols of love, brought
together in crystalline splendor. 3 1/2" x 1 5/8" x
5" high. Only $25.95
|
|
28394 A single rose captured
here in stunning cut glass. 2" x 1 1/4" x 5 1/2"
high. Only $21.95 |
|
| |
28205 Delicate glass,
"Mom" vase holds a solid glass rose. Accents of gold
plating decorate bud, leaves and vase. Pink mirror base is 2
3/4" diameter. 8" high. Only $14.95 |
|
28206 The sentiment of
"Love" is expressed in the beauty of a red rosebud.
Vase base and lip, rose leaves and bud are all accented in gold
plating. Pink mirror base is 2 3/4" diameter. 8" high.
ONly $14.95 |
| 20568 Glass tulips hold
two candles on brass stem. 3" diameter, 9 1/2" high.
Only $19.95 |
|
23741 Solid brass candleholder
in the shape of a rose. The "bud" is frosted glass.
7" x 4" x 3" high. Only $9.95 |
|
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|
| |
|
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Porcelain Flowers
|
Click on numbers for larger view
25744 The delicate, fragile beauty of the orchid is
captured here in meticulously hand-crafted porcelain by the world
famous Dea Capodimonte of Naples, Italy. 6 1/4" x 4 3/4"
x 2 1/4" high. Only $29.95
|
|
27323 With petals so lifelike
you can almost see them flutter lightly in the breeze, we present
this porcelain orchid created by world-renowned Dea Capodimonte
of Naples, Italy. 6 5/8" x 4 3/8" x 2 5/8" high.
Only $29.95 |
|
| |
EXCLUSIVE! 30272 A glass
bud vase, entwined by alabastrite roses and leaves and adorned
by a pastel ribbon, is the pefect setting for a flawless blossom
from your cutting garden. 2 3/4" diameter x 9 3/4' high.
Only $11.95 |
|
21930 Porcelain iris and
bud. Handpainted. 4 1/8" high. Only $21.95 |
| 29397 An orchid with a
lovely pink cast is the basis for this elegantly-styled, porcelian,
Dea Capodimonte candle holder. 6 1/4" x 4" x 2 1/2"
high. Only $29.95 |
|
25198 Stunning craftsmanship
is required to skillfull hand-carve these tiny roses of porcelain.
The detailing is magnificent. 2" diameter, 2 1/2" high.
Only $5.95 |
|
| |
29396 A single red rose,
resting on three green leaves, makes up this delicate, Dea Capodimonte,
porcelain candle holder. 6 1/4" x 4" x 3" high.
Only $29.95 |
|
29426 A trio of red roses
come together to form this lovely bisque-finish, Dea Capodimonte
candle holder. 5 1/2" x 5 1/4" x 3" high. Only
$34.95 |
| 25743 Sensational artistry
brings this porcelain rose to life. Even up close, the petals
appear soft and alive, due to the subtle "red velvet"
finish. Hand-crafted by the world famous porcelain flower maker,
Dea Capodimonte of Naples, Italy. 6 1/4" x 4" x 2 3/4"
high. Only $29.95 |
|
23600 Not only is this
red porcelain rose authentically crafted, petal by petal -- it
also lights up, as a nightlight or for "mood" lighting.
The large bloom is 5" wide. Only $24.95 |
|
| |
23601 Twin red roses and
a fresh bud grace this log, all crafted from delicate porcelain
and carefully hand-painted. A delightful musical, available in
red or yellow roses. 3 1/2" x 3 3/4' x 5 1/2" high.
Tune: (Red) "Love Story;" (Yellow) "Yello Rose
of Texas" Only $29.95 |
|
30730 Cast in a stone-finish
with a raised-leaf design, this planter is the perfect home for
ornamental grasses and trailing plants. 7 1/4" diameter
x 7" high. Only $14.95 |
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