valentine's day

Having Fun on Valentine’s Day for the Single and Dateless

If you’re, single, dateless with no mate in sight, you can still totally spoil yourself and have fun on Valentine’s Day in a number of special ways.

There are many advantages of your singledom. You’ll eliminate:

**The stress involved if you don’t get a card, flowers or chocolates!

**Receiving flowers with use by date expired and in a color that doesn’t match anything you own;

**Having to eat out where you know you won’t like the food;

**Receiving humorous cards that you don’t find amusing and you don’t get the punch-line anyway;

**Making conversation and being nice when you’d rather be reading or sleeping;

**Going away on a surprise weekend away where there are NO shops and the only thing to do involves sporting activities;

Instead, as a single person you can spoil yourself and have a fun time doing any of the following:

Take a leisurely bath with rose essential oil and pink bath salts. Have some relaxation music in the background, light some pink and green candles, and place a few rose quartz crystals in your bath.

Meditate and reflect on all your wonderfulness and how you are continually learning, getting even better (if possible) at living life, remembering your closest friends and all the kind words and gestures they’ve shown you.

Whilst you’re meditating visualize with your mind's eye a bag you can call 'life skill toolkit' or something else you prefer. As you remember all the wonderful things you've been told about how you do things, what you've done for others (listened and be there for them) place these memories inside your bag and breathe all those really wonderful and cool memories fully all through your body and fully experience the authentic, wonderful you.

Still at home, set up a room of your choice and light pink and red (scented rose) candles (remembering to always extinguish naked flames when leaving the room). Next put on some soothing easy listening music. Bring out your journal or diary or other special paper, then, using a special pen, maybe with pink, gold, blue ink (or other color of your choice) and write down all the really good and fabulous things about you. Once you’ve done that write about all your dreams, your wishes, anything at all really that catches your fantasy. This IS NOT a goal setting exercise, this is for you to access the authentic you and the dreams inside yourself.

Hire your favorite DVD or video. Cook your favorite meal or order in, pour yourself that special drink, turn the lights down low and enjoy spending time with you and only you.

Send a Valentine’s Day card to you, writing only what you want to hear about yourself. You know what you want to hear about yourself so enjoy yourself as you write about how brilliant and outstanding you are.

How can you go wrong with sending yourself the nicest bunch of flowers you can afford, in the colors you love, and the perfume you love?

Treat yourself to a day of shopping where you want to shop, maybe get in a hairdressing appointment, have your nails done; go to a restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to but never had anyone to take you and just chill out.

Valentine’s Day needn’t only be for couples, it can also be for singles to spoil themselves silly quite simply because you’re worth it!

Finding the Right Valentine Day Gift for Her

Oh boy! Here comes another Valentine day disaster. If you are anything like me, this is how you feel for about 2 weeks prior to February 14th. At least that’s the way I felt until the internet came around.

Now, shopping on the internet can be as daunting as the mall, especially for the shopping challenged like me. Unless you have a specific idea what you want, roaming malls can actually be easier than browsing an online store. Even with high speed download clicking from page to page looking for gift ideas just doesn’t work.

So what do you do? You need to get a plan and stick to it…

Let’s face is. Our typical problem is the lack of thought and preparation when it comes to Valentines Day. Flowers, chocolate, dinner out at the usual restaurant just doesn’t cut it after the first couple of years. (I will say that jewelry usually does work, but that does get expensive ;-).

So, the plan… Here’s what I do. Typically, after the holidays my wife and I start talking about where we might be interested in going for our vacation in the summer. We will talk about cruises or getting a beach house, or taking the kids to Disney World. Sometimes, we might even consider a drive to __________ (wherever) to see the sights. The thing I’ve found is that no matter where you plan to visit, you can find hundreds of products and information online pertaining to your trip.

The first stop is Amazon.com.

Just search for your destination or your topic. If you are considering a cruise for the first time, there are several books outlining the do’s and don’ts when booking a cruise. The same is true for air travel, or travel outside the country. You will find paperbacks for under $15.

Second stop is BN.com

Try the same search as you did on Amazon. You’ll find many of the same books and products (like videos), but they may have some others that will work.

No matter where you plan to go, search for your destination in Google. You will find free information on travel to just about ANY state in the union, and travel agents will gladly send you more information on more exotic locations.

Now, bundle your new books, videos and brochures together with the traditional card along with flowers or chocolate and you have a gift that she’ll remember all year. Typically, you can do all this for as little as fifty dollars. It’s a winner.

Six Inexpensive and Creative Ideas For Valentines Day

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, a day that each year puts fear into the hearts of men. Every year, you promise yourself that next year; you are going to do something different. If you still do not have any creative ideas for a special surprise, do not panic. Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas (many inexpensive) that are sure to please your love on that special day.

Balloon Surprise

This one will require handwritten notes to your Valentine. Phrases like "I love you", "Thanks for being you", or "You mean more to me than anything" are good as well as sayings that have special meaning only to the two of you. You can write short memories of fun things you did together, a memorable vacation or a special moment you shared, like the birth of a child. Once you get the notes written, cut them into small sections. Make sure each note is small enough to be folded and placed in a balloon. You can purchase a small helium tank and balloons at most party stores. Take a balloon, insert a note into it, and then blow it up. When your Valentine comes home, have her pop each balloon to read your message of love.

Recreate Your First Date

Unless it was just a total disaster, your first date probably holds a lot of sentimental value for both you and your loved one. What better Valentine's Day surprise could there be than to recreate the first date, a time when you first fell in love? Go to the same restaurant, rent the first movie you watched together, take her dancing to the same bar - whatever you did on that first date, make it happen again. Even if it was a disaster, you can recreate it, making it better the second time.

Getaway Trip

This one will require more money and a little preparation, but is sure to be great fun for both of you. Plan a secret weekend vacation. If you have kids, arrange for babysitters without letting your love know about it. Book the airline tickets, make the hotel reservations and when Friday rolls around, surprise her by having her bags packed, ready to go. Las Vegas is a great getaway destination. You can even renew your vows in a fun setting, like wedding chapel that has an Elvis impersonator do the ceremony. If you cannot afford a big trip, book a weekend at a bed and breakfast within driving distance. A getaway involving just the two of you will be fun no matter where you go.

Special Songs

Here is an inexpensive way to show her that you remember those special love songs. Make a compact disc of songs that have special memories for you and your Valentine. You can do this on your computer using iTunes or Windows Media Player. If you do not have the songs on a compact disc already, you can even download them from places like Amazon, Buy.com or iTunes for less than a dollar each. Each time she hears this CD, she will think of you!

Romance Scavenger Hunt

Buy small presents like a bag of candy kisses, a bottle of her favorite perfume or a single rose. Then create a few presents of your own such as a handwritten poem, a compact disc of special songs, or a handmade Valentine's Day card. Write clues that will be attached to each present, telling her where the next present can be found. Make the last present something that will last a while like a picnic dinner, a bottle of champagne hidden close to the fireplace or lingerie in the bedroom.

Chocolate Fun

If you both love chocolate, this can be a very fun and sexy idea. Make a batch of chocolate pudding and feed it to each other sitting by the fireplace. You may want to place a blanket or something on the floor in case it turns into a playful food fight. To spice it up, remove one article of clothing each time you feed your loved one and ask her to do the same. This can even lead to a romantic shower for two, so have candles ready in the bathroom.

As you can see from these ideas, Valentine's Day does not need to be anything extravagant. It just takes a little effort and creativity on your part and you can turn this Valentine's Day into one that your special someone will remember forever!

Valentine's Gift Boxes: Tips To Create One For Your Beloved

Tired of thinking up Valentine’s Day gift ideas for that special person? Why not try one among the several Valentine’s gift boxes? Not only are these Valentine’s gift boxes available in a variety of sizes and themes, given such diversity, they are perfectly suited to your wallet too.

Which are the most suitable gift baskets?

• Candle gift boxes are eminently suitable as Valentine’s Day gift boxes. Typically, these baskets contain a number of scented/unscented candles in different colors. That and the traditional romantic ideas associated with candles makes them perfect items for your gift basket

• Another suitable Valentine’s gift basket / gift box is an assortment of romantic music. This could include love songs, new age music, and classical music – all designed to create a romantic atmosphere for an evening spent with your loved one

• You might also want to consider putting a collection of old romantic movies in your gift box, along with a couple of candles. So you and your loved one light the candles, curl up in front of the television, and spend a great evening

• This one is for the men only: why not consider putting together a gift basket that includes an exotic perfume, body talc, soaps, shower gels, bath salts, bath oils and aromatherapy candles? Your lady can enjoy many sensuous and relaxing evenings using these products

Alternative ideas

Not all gift boxes need to be traditional and time-tested. In a world of unlimited possibilities, here are a few more ideas:

o You can put in movie/musical/opera tickets, a large gift card, and a cell phone in your basket. Or you can create a cell phone accessories gift basket with a charger, a cell phone case/pouch, and any of the numerous other accessories that are available.

o Put together the latest bestseller, a few superstore coupons, and perhaps even a couple of tickets for an amusement park

o Organize a surprise vacation with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. So when it comes to the gift box, put in two tickets to Hawaii, suntan oil, sunglasses, maybe a sarong/ swimming briefs, and for all the men reading this, a sexy G-String bikini!

o Large cuddly animals have always been traditional Valentine’s Day gifts. But personalize your gift box with smaller stuffed animals. Even better, if you can carry the gift basket/ gift boxes personally, it could actually contain a real puppy or kitten. Of course, you need to make sure he/she is ready for the responsibility that a pet brings with it

o If your sweetheart is a member of the health-conscious brigade, try a low-calorie gift box that contains an assortment of such delights as low-cal desserts and cookies, all healthy and inexpensive into the bargain. Watch that special face come aglow with pleasure!

Whatever you put into your Valentine’s gift box, it needs to stand out for its uniqueness and thoughtfulness, so get started quickly. And remember the most unusual gift box need not necessarily be the most expensive.

Reach the Romantic Heart with Personalized Valentine's Gifts

While many appropriate gifts can be purchased for Valentine's Day, the most powerful romantic message to your heart's desire might be delivered with something that costs nothing or very little.

What can you give of yourself this Valentine's Day, using mostly time and imagination? To help you decide, http://www.best-mens-gifts.com has developed 10 ideas for Valentine's gifts for men or women. Present one or more of these gifts with or without purchased items and you will put an unmistakable personal imprint on this special day.

1. Is there an item belonging to your sweetheart that needs mending or repairing? Almost everyone has something that should get fixed but doesn't for the longest time, mainly because of busyness. But you can take the trouble to get it done, showing both that you noticed the need and cared enough to use your own valuable time to arrange or do the repair.

2. Schedule a telephone reunion with an old friend or relative of your beloved who has been out of touch for some time. Hearing from someone who meant a lot in days gone by provides an emotional charge.

We all want to have these connections, but we get so busy with everyday living that we neglect to make them happen. So if you take the initiative and make the contact, your Valentine will be surprised and pleased.

3. What task does your Valentine least like to do? Is it washing dishes? Vacuuming? Cleaning the garage? Shopping for groceries? Excluding undergoing surgery or a visit to the dentist, there has to be something you can do in place of your sweetheart.

You could do the task without mentioning it and enjoy the surprise when your work is noticed. If you're worried that your effort won't be recognized, you could include a subtle hint with your Valentine's card.

4. This is a high-end version of Number 3. A Valentine's gift that keeps on giving will be very welcome. You could promise to walk the dog every day for a month, cook meals for a week, tend the lawn or assume any duties your darling normally does for a set period.

Just remember, whatever commitment you make must be honored or your gift will backfire. What could be less romantic than promising something that doesn't happen?

5. Cooking a meal is an obvious gift, but there are some ways to embellish it. Include special foods or beverages that you have enjoyed together, especially when you first met or during early dating.

If you fell in love while having pizza and beer, maybe that's your menu. Tastes and smells locked in our memories evoke powerful emotions, including romantic feelings. Don't overlook the power of the right music, either. Which song have you loved to dance to? What was playing the night you met? Put the music on and relive the wonderful experience.

6. If you have been together for a while, here's a way to honor your experiences: dig out your photos from various events and display them. Whether it be your wedding, birth of a child, a trip to Hawaii or camping in the woods, special occasions that you have recorded with photographs can evoke romantic memories.

Since many photos get filed away indefinitely, Valentine's Day is a great occasion to give them their due. Combine with suggestion Number 5 and you have the makings of a superb evening.

7. Is there something you have been meaning to do, and your Valentine has been urging you to do (even nagging), but you just haven't managed to achieve it? Taking a course that you need for career advancement, perhaps, or getting a tooth chip repaired, or starting an exercise program.

Everyone usually has an unresolved procrastination, despite friendly encouragement. So get it done or started, then announce the achievement or action with your Valentine's card. And don't forget to say something like "just for you" or "thanks for your wonderful support."

8. For those with writing skill, composing a special poem for Valentine's Day is a natural no-cost gift. But what if you are a creative klutz with a poetic heart?

Here's a solution: research romantic poetry at the library or online until you find a poem that reflects your feelings. Then copy it out in longhand, with a flourish if your penmanship is up to it, on some fancy paper. (Don't forget to give proper credit to the poet.) This can be your handmade Valentine's card, or you might include the poem with a card you purchase.

9. If your sweetheart has an extensive collection of music, books, photos or something similar, you could archive it on your computer and create a useful gift. Demonstrating your interest in the particular passion should earn you high marks.

10. The last suggestion is the deluxe treatment, but using any or all of it could enhance Valentine's Day. If there's time in the morning, offer a full breakfast with some delicacies reserved for special occasions. If possible, arrange to meet for a fancy picnic lunch, even if the weather dictates that you eat in the car. Follow up with a candlelit dinner, where you incorporate one or more of the suggestions noted above. Next, well, use your imagination.

It doesn't take a lot of money for a memorable Valentine's Day. Just spend some time and devotion in letting your beloved know how you feel.

Finding the Right Valentine Day Gift for Her

So what do you do? You need to get a plan and stick to it…

The first stop is Amazon.com.

Second stop is BN.com

Try the same search as you did on Amazon. You’ll find many of the same books and products (like videos), but they may have some others that will work.