st-valentines-day-gifts

Valentines Day Doesn't Have To Be Romantic: Showing Your Love In Fun Ways Too

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:18:46 +0100

Valentines Day Doesn't Have To Be Romantic: Showing Your Love In
Fun Ways Too
By Irena Koteva

To you, Valentine’s Day may be a day to spend with your
significant other or to spend out on the town. But, don’t forget
about the kids. You should insure that you think about them on
this day and find a way to express your love for them too. While
they may have a party at school even giving each other fun
Valentine’s cards, they still need to know that you are thinking
about them on this day of love.

For many parents, there is a fine line between spoiling and
showing that they care. That said, it is still important to
demonstrate your love to them and what better way to do this
than through Valentine’s Day? Here are some suggestions for
gifts and things that you can do based on the age of your child.

Preschoolers, Up To Age Four

At this age, even this young, they should be able to see the
value in giving a gift rather than just receiving one. Allow
them to do something for others. For example, make a batch of
cookies for the day (or purchase them) and allow them to
decorate the plate providing a piece of paper for them to
decorate. Make sure to reward them with a plate of cookies for
themselves after they have delivered their gifts. Talk about why
it is important to show love like this.

Gifts for this age group that you can give them include:

* Stuffed animals, perhaps personalized with their name.

* Books to read and color, perhaps with a theme of loving in
them.

* Take them out to lunch at their favorite restaurant.

* Start a tradition such as a visit to the zoo on this day each
year.

Young Children, Ages Five Through Seven

Now, they can do much more. Perhaps have a cookie making party
and invite their friends and mom’s to help out. Have them make
the cookies, decorate them and then help to pass them out.
Perhaps taking them to a children’s hospital or a nursing home
to help share the love of Valentine’s Day is a great solution.
Provide them to neighbors, friends or even Grandma.

At this age, kids love to make things. This is the perfect
project for them! Have them make cards, filled with great art
supplies and stickers. Make sure to provide them with a reward
for all of their hard work too.

Gifts here include:

* A stuffed animal, here think about their personal favorites.

* How about a movie?

* If you don’t want to take them to see a movie, instead
purchase one that they want.

Older Children: Ages Eight And Up

The same activities of making cards and cookies together will
still work here. They will likely take more pride in their work
and the results will show it. Also, think about incorporating
scrap booking into this activity. Kids can make a memory book of
all their favorite adventures and memories to share with special
people.

Another great suggestion is to remember to send pictures and
cards to the troops overseas. Make sure to allow them to send
their own messages and perhaps they’ll get a pen pal out of it
too.

Afterwards, spend some time as a family with a pizza.

About the Author: Nicola Kennedy enjoys spending Valentines Day
with her husband and children. Visit her site
http://www.Best-Valentines.info for more great Valentines Day
ideas . Copyright http://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.

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Valentines Flowers For Guys On The Go

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:16:55 +0100

Valentines Flowers For Guys On The Go
By Irena Koteva

It's tough to be romantic when you're on the go, working 12
hours a day, and juggling mulitple priorities. No wonder that on
a romance scale of 1 to 10, only 19% of women rate their
boyfriend, husband, or significant other a 7 or higher. But,
wait guys; there's help. Even if you're on the go, you can boost
your romance quotient this Valentines -- with flowers. Here's
how.

Don't fret about choosing the right gift.

Flowers are still the most desired gift from an admirer and to
express love. They're personal, romantic, and according to
researchers at Rutgers University, actually raise peoples
spirits. In one study with 147 women of varying ages, those who
received flowers smiled significantly more than those who
received other gifts. Fresh, colorful flowers evoke happy
feelings. Other studies indicate that flowers actually improve
emotional health and make people feel more connected. According
to professor Jeannette Haviland-Jones, PhD, "The phrase 'stop
and smell the roses' may have a touch of genius in it."

Order early.

Sending Valentines flowers is fast and easy! There are
wonderful local florists in virtually every town, as well as
dozens of leading online florists that deliver nationwide. And,
ordering only takes a few minutes. So, don't let your busy
schedule get in the way. Just pick up the phone or shop online.
But, remember, Valentines is the "Superbowl" of flower holidays,
with five to ten times the normal volume of deliveries. So, for
the best selection, service, and pricing, it's best to order
early. You'll be glad you did.

Sending flowers to where she works?

That's a great idea. Valentines flowers can brighten her whole
week, she'll be reminded of you every time she looks at them,
and co-workers comments are a big plus, too. But, here's a
helpful tip from Romeos in the know. With million of deliveries
on Valentine's Day, flowers can arrive almost anytime. So, play
it safe. Ask for delivery the day before Valentine's. That way
your gift will be even more of a pleasant surprise and is sure
to be enjoyed throughout all of Valentine's Day. In other
words, you look like you were planning ahead and avoid any risk
of your gift looking like a last-minute afterthought.

There's more to Valentines than just red roses.

While beautiful long-stem red roses are still the most popular
Valentine's flower gift, there are lots of other options for
every taste and budget. Many women prefer pretty pastel roses
in pink, peach, yellow, or assorted spring colors. They can
make you stand out from the crowd. And, almost half of all
Valentine's bouquets aren't roses at all; they're lush mixed
bouquets and spring flowers such as tulips. Choosing something
unique can show you remember your sweetheart's favorite color or
flower. Your favorite florist will have a great selection and
can quickly help you with the best choice.

Remember flowers after Valentine's too.

What's the best way for a man to make a lasting impression on a
woman? Research shows that the answer to making a memorable
impact is right under his nose -- with flowers. Ninety-two
percent of women can remember the last time they received
flowers, and 89% agree that receiving flowers makes them feel
special. “If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,
then the pathway to a woman’s heart is through her other
senses,” says Rebecca Cole, of Discovery Channel’s Surprise By
Design. “Flowers are a sensual gift that can express any emotion
so simply - with just a little knowledge and a phone call to
your florist.” And, flowers given for no special reason may be
the most special of all. So, light a fire with flowers this
Valentine's. And, keep it burning with a surprise gift of
flowers anytime throughout the year.

About the Author: By John E. Williams with special thanks to
1-800-FLORALS. Visit http://www.800florals.com/ for
award-winning same-day and next-day flower delivery throughout
the USA and Canada plus international flowers by wire.

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Valentines Cards: An Art Project Or Should They Be Store Bought?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:14:58 +0100

Valentines Cards: An Art Project Or Should They Be Store Bought?
By Irena Koteva

Giving Valentines to your classmates used to include endless
hours of making them out of construction paper, cute dollies and
with painstaking attention to all the details. It was a project
that was done at home, for each individual child in the class.
And, it was one that great pride was taken in doing. Today,
there are much fewer families making Valentines and many more
just buying a box of them to give out to their classmates with a
simple signature on the back of them.

This has happened mainly because of how commercialized the
holiday has become. As manufacturing techniques have gotten
better and more cost effective that is the way that American
school children have gone. Before this, in the 1960’s, a book of
valentines could be purchased. Children could actually cut out
the cards from the book, personalize them with lace trim or even
with candy and then send them on. But, it wasn’t long before
children were ready to skip the cutting out part altogether.

The Puns

Who hasn’t smirked at the cute sayings that are placed on the
Valentines cards? Such sayings as “I’m Sweet On You” have been
used for years and years. It came from a time of collecting
these types of catchy, cute sayings and riddles. These can still
be found today on the Valentines that are purchased out of the
box.

The Cards

The cards used to fill a box with a variety of different styles
and designs. Common ones were those of fruits and vegetables
with these puns on them or they could include a few pictures of
cute animals. Today, children’s Valentines are more often in
their favorite cartoon character.

Homemade Valentines

While children may not feel comfortable with providing homemade
Valentines to their classmates today, they can and should still
make them for their friends outside the classroom, for their
adult friends and other loved ones. Not only is it a fun task to
do, but it helps with motor skills and creativity as well. All
that is needed is a simple piece of paper. The paper can be
folded, cut, shaped in any way that they would like it to be.
Here’s one project to try:

* Fold the paper in half, and then fold it in half again in the
other direction.

* Trim the outer edge as desired and cut a straight line
diagonally across the folded corner. This will make a diamond
shape in the middle.

* Fold it diagonally. Cut hearts along the diagonal line. When
the paper is unfolded, there is a line of pin pricks, which make
it look much like a piece of lace.

* Add this lacey paper to the top of a piece of pink or red
paper.

* Add decorations such as a picture of cupid, a coloring of a
rose or anything that is enjoyable.

This is a simple, affordable way to make homemade Valentines
that parents and other friends will love to hang on to for many
years to come. If your child seems to want to use only
Valentines that are store bought, this should be okay as well.
Allow them to pick those that they find enjoyable and help them
to make those for others as well.

About the Author: Nicola Kennedy has become an expert in giving
valentines day cards that are appreciated. Visit her site
http://www.Best-Valentines.info for more great Valentines gift
ideas. Copyright http://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.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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Easy, Cheap And Elegant Decorating For Valentines!

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:13:50 +0100

Easy, Cheap And Elegant Decorating For Valentines!
By Irena Koteva

So you just got all the holiday decorations put away (or maybe
you didn’t!) and here comes another holiday… Valentines! Never
fear, I have some great budget friendly ideas for quick and easy
decorations you can use to dress up any room of your home and
show all your loved ones how much you care!

Dress up your everyday dining area with heart shaped placemats.
Pick up some large red or pink craft foam sheets from your craft
store and trace and cut a large heart shape from each one with a
pair of sharp scissors. Use a gold paint pen and write a one
word romantic sentiment in the center of each one, just like the
“message heart” candies of our youth! Edge the hearts with
squiggles and swirls, or perhaps personalize each placemat with
a name of a family member. These will wipe clean with a damp
cloth, and add loving style to each meal!

Pick up four or six silk flowers and a small roll of wire edged
ribbon (white, red, or pink) from your discount store and tie
one flower each to the back of each of your dining chairs. Make
the bow larger than you normally would for drama. The wire edge
will allow you to shape the bow into a full, romantic style. Use
leftover ribbon to add some romance to your front door wreath,
your mailbox, or a big bow on the headboard of your bed!

Buy an inexpensive floral bouquet from the supermarket and
spilt it into two or three smaller bunches. Add some evergreen
cuttings from the yard, and display it in pretty creamers,
teacups, and bud vases. Flowers speak of love and family, but it
doesn’t need to be a $50 bouquet of roses to add romance to the
room!

Take some time to set a romantic table for that special
Valentines Day dinner, not only for that special someone, but
for all the loved ones in your life! You can do this with things
you already own! Layer the table coverings with quilts,
tablecloths and placemats. Layer your dishware as well, with a
large plate, saucer, and bowl, and tuck napkins into your
drinking glasses. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your
dinnerware, it adds style! Pick up a pack of paper doilies from
the dollar shop, and scatter them across the table. Get the kids
in on the day by giving them some red or pink giftwrap, tissue
paper, or construction paper and a couple of paper punches, and
allow them to make confetti to sprinkle over the table!

Lastly, don’t forget to add candles to your Valentines home.
They are inexpensive at any discount store or dollar shop, and
can be displayed in groups on old picture frames as trays, or in
front of mirrors to double your romantic style! Drop tealights
into teacups or mason jars, and tie a ribbon around the outside.

Remember, romance is good for the soul, and it’s easy to bring
a little of it into our homes to show our love for those around
us!

About the Author: Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist, and
editor of The Budget Decorator. For thousands of free budget
home decorating ideas, visit her at
http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com. Don’t forget to sign up for
her free newsletter!

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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Small Business Ideas This Valentines Season

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:11:59 +0100

Small Business Ideas This Valentines Season
By Irena Koteva

Majority of the people in the world over celebrate Valentines
Day in one way or another. If you are in need for extra income,
you may want to take cash advance for this season. Make a small
home business that will allow your creativity, skill and talent
to earn profit this Valentines Season. If you are in need of
quick cash for small business capital, avail of a payday loan.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you can use your talent while
celebrating the Valentines season and making money out of it?
With a small business, you do not really need to have a large
capital for you to start up. Payday loan can help you out with
your start-up capital. You can either go to a payday loan
office, or apply online. Online application is easier and more
discreet.

You can borrow at east a $100 to a much as $1500 as quick cash
for small business capital. As why is it referred to as quick
cash? Because it really is quick cash. Within 24 hours after
submitting your application, you will receive your quick cash
for small business capital delivery straight to your home or
wired to your bank account.

Below are some of the best small business ideas for this
Valentines season:

Personalized Chocolate. Chocolates have always been a symbol of
sweetness. If you know how to make chocolate, you can customize
the design of your product according to your client’s wish. Your
quick cash for small business capital will not go to waste on
this. You can offer name inscription or figure sculpting on your
chocolate bar to your clients. You can even create a gigantic
chocolate.

Flower arrangement Flowers are part of any celebration
especially during anniversaries and Valentines. If you are good
in flower arrangement, put it to good use. Need extra cash for
that kind of small business? Apply for quick cash for small
business capital from payday loan. You do not have to have a
flower shop to do this; you can do this at home. Sell it to your
friends at a lower price that those from flower shop. You’re
friends are going to love you for that. That putting your talent
into good use and your quick cash for small business capital
into a productive manner.

Graphic Design. This small business requires very minimal
capital but more on time and talent. This is perfect for those
who are good in computer graphics. You may create romantic
personalized artwork for your clients. You may offer photo
manipulation. A couple who have never been to Paris can have a
picture with Eiffel Tower as their background. All you need for
this small business is a good printer, a well-working computer
and some photo paper. If you already have a computer and
printer, all you need is quality photo paper and you are good to
go. You may just borrow $100 as quick cash for small business
capital from a payday loan company.

If you have the creativity, skill and talent and you want to
earn extra money, your use innate resources. Take advantage of
the Valentines season. And take advantage of payday loans which
can give you quick cash for small business capital.

About the Author: Paul Selibio -
http://www.findmypaydayloan.com More articles at
http://www.finance-direct-online.info

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=123214&ca=Business

Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas To Surprise Any Sweetie

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:58:07 +0100

Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas To
Surprise Any Sweetie
By Irena Koteva

Although little is known about the actual origins of
Valentine’s Day, it has always been a day that celebrates love.
The modern convention dictates that flowers, jewelry, or candy
be given to honor a special someone, the more ancient traditions
of Valentine’s Day involve an exchange of handwritten notes or
cards between lovers. In order to hearken back to when
Valentine’s Day was celebrated in a thoughtful and heartfelt
way, show the special someone in your life how much they mean to
you this Valentine’s Day with some simply wonderful Valentine’s
Day gifts.

Valentine’s Day gifts do not have to be expensive or
extravagant. A simple but luxurious way to please your
sweetheart on Valentine’s Day is to draw a romantic bath for
them. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year, a
romantic bath can be a great way to relax your lover after a
long work day and prepare them for an enchanting evening.

·Fill the bathtub with very warm water. Pour in a capful of
scented bubble bath while the water is still running to get a
tubful of bubbles. Take rose petals and scatter them in and
around the bathtub. Light red candles around the bathtub and
basin. Take more rose petals and make a path to the bathroom to
lead your special someone to a romantic bath. For something
different, add dry powdered milk and Epsom salts to the bath
instead of bubble bath. Share the bath with your sweetheart or
take the opportunity to bathe them instead.

After a romantic bubble or milk bath, or simply on its own, a
sensual massage will show
any sweetheart your romantic side.

· Light pink, red, and white scented candles around the bedroom
and scatter rose petals on and around the bed. Lead your lover
into the bedroom, have them disrobe, and lie face down on the
bed. Start the massage at their neck and work your way down
using a lightly scented massage oil. Pay special attention to
their back, hips, calves, and feet to really relax them. Soft
music in the background will enhance the experience.

If you have the time to prepare for a more involved Valentine’s
Day gift, there are a
number of wonderful things you can do to show your loved one
just how much you care for them. Putting time into a super
special Valentine’s Day gift is a beautiful way to express your
love for your Valentine.

·Purchase or make your own Valentine’s Day themed diary. The
diary could be decorated with hearts or a deep red color.
Starting today, write daily diary entries addressed to your
lover, detailing what you love about them and why. Sign each
diary entry with a kiss. On Valentine’s Day, give your
sweetheart the diary and let them read about all the ways you
love them.

For Valentine’s Day this year, use creativity and
thoughtfulness to show your love for a special someone. A coupon
book for romantic things like candlelit dinners and romance
movie nights, a serenade or CD of love songs, or a romantic
scavenger hunt that ends in a quiet dinner together are
excellent ways to show your love to a special someone. Your
special someone is sure to appreciate the thought and energy
that goes into your special Valentine’s Day gift.

About the Author: For more great Valentine’s Day gift ideas,
please visit http://www.bestsexualtoys.com/. At Best Sexual
Toys, we are committed to offering the best toys for men, women,
and couples. All of our toys are hand-selected to meet the
highest quality standards while still offering great value.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=119066&ca=Dating

Making The Most Of Valentine’s Gifts For Him

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:55:18 +0100

Making The Most Of Valentine’s Gifts For Him
By Irena Koteva

The emphasis on Valentine’s Day remains, in the majority, with
a man’s token of love to a woman. The red roses that so
symbolize the modern Valentine’s Day are a male love token, a
gesture of the man’s heart, a product of romance….. and some
quite heavy marketing. The annual love peak is reached on
February 14 each year, and marriage proposals hit the news as
the more imaginative men think of unique ways to pop the
question, while others bring out their engagement rings with
confidence on a scale from total, arrogant confidence, down to
sheer desperation and extreme wishful thinking.

Love and romance are, of course, a two way combo; at least, we
all hope it is two way. While the red roses, and to a lesser
extent the heart shaped chocolates, are the domain of the man to
woman love token, millions of women still feel the desire to buy
a Valentine’s Day gift for him each February. The problem then
is, what to buy, and how to make Valentine’s Day as romantic for
the husband or boyfriend as a recipient as it can be as a giver?

With Valentine’s Day coming so soon after Christmas, many girls
and women will recently have been through the gift searching
process for their husband or boyfriend. Maybe, then, there is
little more thinking to do about a Valentine’s Day gift for a
husband or boyfriend. Or is there?

Any gift should come from the heart, so in that sense
Valentine’s Day and Christmas should be no different. However,
February 14 is different. It is not just for any gift, but one
that somehow encapsulates your love for him and the romance of
Valentine’s Day. Plus, it can be how you present the gift that
will touch his heart and bring that spark of romance to what
might otherwise be an unromantic gift.

When it comes to choosing the actual gift for your Valentine,
then there are some possibilities with just that extra touch of
romance being applied to the quite normal. The following are
just a few ideas.

Men’s Perfumes and Colognes

When it comes to marketing perfumes, romance and attraction are
often integral to the image created. Given that perfumes, or
men’s colognes, are designed to provoke senses, that is not
surprising. Sensuality and romance, sensuality and love, and
sensuality and fragrance, are all combinations of the sensual.

Due to the often romantic connotations, men’s cologne can be a
good choice as a Valentine gift for him. You will find there are
men’s perfume ranges with a heart, love or romance theme that
will make appropriate gifts for February 14. Some of the top
designer names have their romantic perfumes, such as Romance by
Ralph Lauren, Eternal Love by Eternal Love, and Touch of Love by
Fred Hayman.

Men’s Jewellery

While many men will not appreciate a piece of jewellery for
themselves with a heart shape or rose feature, that does not
mean you cannot make a jewellery gift a little bit romantic.

Most pieces of jewellery can be engraved, and that is where
your gift can be romanticized. Your love message engraved on a
men’s bracelet, chain or even watch can become a lasting memory
of your love for him.

Other Gifts for Him On Valentine’s Day

The options for a man’s Valentine’s gift are probably as
endless as those for Christmas. Any gift can be romanticized by
a little bit of imagination. So, if you know him well, you will
know not only what he will appreciate as a gift but also how to
present it to him in a romantic way, wrapped with your love and
appreciation. It does not have to be a romantic gift in itself,
so long as the message from your heart to his comes across.

However, it would be nice to include a little something that
has an obvious romantic link, even it is just a heart shaped box
of chocolates wrapped up with the beer making kit, box of golf
balls, or video on how to catch carp.

No, maybe not. I am sure your imagination can do much better
than that. Select your gift or gifts, then make Valentine’s Day
2006 a day to remember for the man you love whatever it is you
decide on. The true romance of the day will come not from any
gift, but how you both interact at an emotional and sensual
level; and that includes how you react to the Valentine’s gifts
he has bought for you, and the date you will (hopefully) go on
to compete the day.

About the Author: This Valentines Day gift for him
http://www.romeo-and-juliet-valentines.com/Valentine_Gift_Man.htm
article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Romeo
Juliet Valentines' web site
http://www.romeo-and-juliet-valentines.com.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
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Cool Valentine’s Day Gifts For Men

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:51:43 +0100

Cool Valentine’s Day Gifts For Men
By Irena Koteva

Valentine's day is around the corner again. You have no clue
about what to get your significant other and simply want to give
him something different than the typical button down shirt and
tie. Well lucky for you I have created a list of cool gifts for
men.

1. A gift basket- Yes, I know! It seems a little weird but, the
gift basket business is “in” right now and they even carry gift
baskets for beer lovers. An example of this basket would be: 6
beers from different countries and all type of munchies to go
with it. If your mate enjoys drinking beer this is the perfect
gift for him. Price range can be anywhere from $30 and above.
Champaign gift baskets are available for those of you that are
thinking about a sexier, sophisticated night.

2. Jewelry- Women love it when men give them jewelry as a
present but, it does not mean he would not enjoy it also.

3. Electronics – I do not know about your partner but my
husband drools all over electronic items. The same way women
drool over shoes.

4. Collection- Does your mate have a collection of any type.
Buy him one of the missing pieces.

5. Cigars- Just make sure you give them to a guy that smokes or
is at least is interested on trying them.

6. Bath & Body products for men- I am sure a man can also
appreciate being pampered.

7. Video/computer games- Does he enjoy playing video games
Games are no longer for kids only. So if he is into playing,
surprise him!

8. Gift Card of his favorite store-If you have no clue of what
to get him.

9. What he needs- If you can find something that he needs; buy
it for him. What best present than a present that he will truly
use.

10. Last but, not least sexy robes and underwear are always
cool gifts for the man in your life. For a more sexy
sophisticated try velour and silky robes.

About the Author: Kenia Morales is the publisher of online
magazine http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman.
Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and
topics" click here http://kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to read
more inspirational articles written by her.

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How To Avoid A Valentine’s Day Massacre Or… 5 Easy Steps To Keep Your Valentine Forever!

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:50:17 +0100

How To Avoid A Valentine’s Day Massacre Or… 5 Easy Steps To Keep
Your Valentine Forever!
By Irena Koteva

Here are some little known facts about Valentine’s Day:

1. Nationwide, 6,000 couples will tie the knot on Valentine's
Day 2008. Even when that date does not fall upon a Saturday,
February 14 is consistently one of the most popular days of the
year to wed.

2. 255,000 other couples will become engaged for Cupid’s
favorite holiday. No wonder that date is beloved by greeting
card shops, romantic restaurants and diamond jewelers.

3. Yet (and here’s the sobering part) based on current trends,
118,000 of this year’s Valentine-launched unions will be
dissolved via divorce by Valentine's Day 2015!

Does all that mean the odds are stacked against lasting love
and long-term marriage? That even the most romantic love-birds
should anticipate break-up and disappointment in a few years?
That there is little hope for the thousands of couples
celebrating Valentine proposals and nuptials (or unions that
begin on any other date) this year?

Not at all! You and your sweetheart CAN overcome the
statistics, avoid break-ups, steer clear of divorce, and take
simple steps that keep Valentine love flourishing
forever--whether you’re newly dating, newly betrothed, newlywed
or not-so-newly paired up. Use the following information to
avoid a possible “Valentine’s Day Massacre!”

Start by recognizing that fewer people are getting married than
ever. Our nation’s rate of marriage has dropped 50% in the last
40 years. In fact, for the first time in United States history,
more of us are single than married! That can certainly affect
our marriage numbers and success rate. But don’t despair.

Next, make sure that yours is a "Built-to-Last" relationship by
treating your marriage like a business. Think about it... the
top objective of any business is long-term success. You can
apply the same proven business strategies that make for a
successful business to create a successful marriage...
Built-to-Last!

To keep love alive, you’ll want to:

1. Develop a “love logo” which becomes the distinctive “brand”
for your one-of-a-kind relationship as you find and create an
image that reminds you how great your marriage is--just like a
corporate logo reminds you of what it stands for.

2. Write his and her job descriptions. Know what it expected of
each party to make this marriage business WORK. Start by
pinpointing each partner’s chores and responsibilities around
the house. Don’t risk losing that loving feeling over simple
things like who takes out the trash or who walks the dog.

3. Give each other timely “Performance Appraisals” based on how
well each of you is doing with your job descriptions. Be
prepared to make recommendations and garner praise. Love
blossoms when you’re working in cooperation for success.

4. Expect an “emotional paycheck” in the marriage. Learn how
and when to ask for the raise you deserve--like more hugs,
compliments or flowers.

5. Meet frequently for couple’s strategy sessions,
brainstorming, problem-solving and romantic retreats. These
meetings represent ideal opportunities to define and re-evaluate
the relationship, and to renew and refresh your bond.

Anyone can apply this business relationship model to strengthen
a budding romance… to help get a new marriage off to a good
start… OR to validate and fortify a relationship that has
already lasted for decades. Love IS a business! A wonderful
business you’ll want to reinforce and sustain for a lifetime!

About the Author: Dr. John Curtis is an organizational
consultant, researcher, business trainer and author. His popular
books include The Business of Love! at
http://www.thebusinessoflove.org and Happily Un-married: Living
Together & Loving It! at http://www.cohabitating.org. Contact
jcurtis@iodinccom or 828-246-0459 (NC)

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
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Valentine’s Day Jokes

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:49:16 +0100

Valentine’s Day Jokes
By Irena Koteva

If you are looking for a few good laughs on Valentine's Day,
then some Valentine's Day jokes are just right for you. Laughter
is always a good medicine and bet you know it. So if you are
trying to bridge a gap with someone you love this Valentine's
Day, try doing it with a few jokes. The Valentine's Day jokes
are a unique blend of love and fun and will surely make your
beloved laugh, grin and smile. And if you are nursing a broken
heart, then shun those tears because the Valentine's Day jokes
are here to cheer up all troubled souls. Celebrate loving
yourself on Valentine's Day with the help of these Valentine's
Day jokes. Valentine's Day is a day to be happy, to feel loved
and pampered. So spread the joy around with the help of these
jokes listed below.

Shocking Love

A little girl asked her grandpa if it would be very wrong of
her to send a card to Osama on Valentine's Day. The old man was
visibly shocked and asked her why she wanted to do so.

“If I send him a card on Valentine's Day, then he might think
that I am not bad, and that little kids are not bad. So he might
stop hating us and gradually stop hating others and also stop
killing. Then he can come to us and say that he loves us”
replied the little girl.

Her grandpa was really touched by this thought of his
granddaughter and went to give her an appreciative hug, just
when she said: “then when he comes out in the open, the army can
shoot him !”

Business as Usual

At the post office Roger noticed a middle aged, stout and bald
man with many heart-shaped envelopes. He was sticking ‘love’
stamps on each envelope and was spraying them with perfume.
Obviously curious, Roger went up to him and asked him what he
was doing. With a big grin, the man replied: “I'm sending 5000
Valentine’s Day cards signed “guess who”. Roger was taken
aback—“But why on earth ?” The man replied—“You see I'm a
divorce lawyer !”

Chocolaty Wish

Six year old Sandy and her mom Julia both loved chocolates. On
Valentine's Day, Sandy and her dad gave Julia a big box of
chocolates. After a few days, Sandy began to eye the chocolates,
hoping to pop a few when no one was looking. She quietly got
into the kitchen and just as she was about to reach for the box,
her mom said, “If you touch it you have to eat it.” Sandy’s eyes
lit up and she patted her hands over all the chocolates. “Does
that mean I get to eat it all now ?”

Some Crazy Valentine's Day One-Liners:

“Did I tell you about that wonderful beaded dress I almost
bought for you ? But then I thought you’ll look great without
it, just the same.”

“This restaurant’s terrible, but it was the only place offering
50% off on Valentine's Day dinner, so I had to bring you here.”

“I know you don’t eat stuff with faces, that’s why I ordered
turkey legs.”

“It’s been much better ever since I accepted that my
Valentine's Day dates would never be smart.”

“My ex and I came here for our first date. Isn’t that nostalgic
?”

“Weren’t you the geekiest person in college ? How did you do a
makeover ?”

“Oh ! You’re having that ? Excuse me, got to run to the ATM.”

“Thank god I listened to my friends, or else I would never have
called you back.”

About the Author: Sean Carter writes on holidays, Valentine's
Day and world events. He is a writer with special interest in
ecard industry and writes for http://123greetings.com. He is an
active blogger at Valentines Day Blog.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
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