Showing posts with label Valentine Activity Idea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine Activity Idea. Show all posts

Thursday, January 31, 2008

10 Tips for Giving Her an Unforgettable Valentine's Day

by Janette Vince

It's Valentine's Day--and you're looking to make this one special for your wife or girlfriend. Valentine's Day is often not a difficult holiday for guys. Most women love chocolates, flowers, and dinner at a nice restaurant. But if you want to spice things up a bit, read on. There are plenty of ways to get creative and original with your Valentine's Day plans--and surprise her with something she's not expecting. Here are ten tips for making this Valentine's Day one she'll never forget.

Name a star. What's more romantic than naming a star after your beloved? Most star-naming companies will give you a beautiful naming certificate, a constellation chart showing the location of your star, and other extras all contained in a beautiful presentation box. This is a highly romantic gift that's sure to bring a smile to her face.

A romantic picnic. Why not put a spin on your typical romantic dinner with an adventurous picnic? Meet her at work and whisk her away to a secluded, romantic spot with a bottle of champagne and some gourmet take-out from a local restaurant. Light some candles and have a picnic in the living room--complete with soft music and romantic ambience. She'll love the spontaneous feel of this dinner date.

Take her shopping. If she loves to shop, she'll appreciate this thoughtful gift. Take her on a shopping spree at her favorite store. Spend time shopping with her, and be engaged. Suggest clothes for her to try, make suggestions for stores, and be sure to shower her with complements whenever she tries something flattering on! If you really want to make her happy, hire a personal shopper to take her out for a day. She's sure to feel more than a little spoiled.

Give a spa gift. If the woman in your life is overstressed and under-pampered, she's probably overdue for a day at the spa. Why not get her a gift certificate for the full treatment at a local health spa? Get her a full massage, mud bath, skin treatments, anything you'd think she would appreciate. She's sure to feel pampered and loved with a gift like this.

Adopt an animal. We're not suggesting you bring home a puppy or kitten--although that might be a good idea too. If your wife or girlfriend is an animal lover, why not "adopt" an endangered animal in her name? Some animal refuges allow people to donate money to support a specific animal, providing for its care and feeding for a certain amount of time. When you adopt an animal, you'll get a picture of the animal, updates on its health and status, and even a framed adoption certificate. Definitely a great gift for a woman who loves animals.

Bedroom board games. If you're often both too tired to do more than sleep in the bedroom lately, she might appreciate a little night-time attention on Valentine's Day. Why not make things a little more interesting? Pick up an adult board game like Monogamy, a sexy game that opens with some intriguing conversation starters, and then advances the intimacy until you can't help but get close. It's just the thing to liven it up in the bedroom--and give her a memorable Valentine's Day treat.

Jewelry. Yes, we know diamonds are a traditional Valentine's Day jewelry gift. And most women love diamonds, so it's a relatively safe gift. But why not get a little creative with your jewelry choice this year?

This type of gift requires some consideration--you'll have to pay attention to the type of jewelry she loves. Look at what she wears. Some women only wear gold or silver, and some like large, bold pieces while others like a more delicate or antique look. Once you've got her style down, pick a stone that she'll love--many women have a special place in their hearts for opals, emeralds, or amethysts. This is sure to show you know her tastes--and she'll definitely feel loved.

Dance lessons. Why not take her out for a night of dancing? Women love men who are willing to get out on the dance floor as well. Book salsa lessons, tango lessons, or ballroom dancing together. She'll love the romantic ambience, and you're sure to get ample opportunities to show off your moves--both on the dance floor and off.

Marketers traditionally emblazon everything from underwear to shot glasses with red hearts to sell them on Valentine's Day. But that doesn't mean everything with a heart on it is a good gift for the occasion. Put some thought and planning into your next Valentine's Day gift, and don't be afraid to get creative. She's sure to remember it as the best Valentine's Day she's ever had.

About the Author

It's Valentine's Day--and you're looking to make this one special for your wife or girlfriend. Valentine's Day is often not a difficult holiday for guys. Most women love chocolates, flowers, and dinner at a nice restaurant. But if you want to spice things up a bit, read on. There are plenty of ways to get creative and original with your Valentine's Day plans--and surprise her with something she's not expecting.

Valentine's Day Ideas that Won't Leave Your Wallet Feeling Empty

by Jen Wasilewski

Valentine's day is right around the corner and for many that means nothing but a stress filled, emotion forced, expensive nightmare of a day. It seems all to often that women expect to much and men try to little. What is it about this one day that drives even the sanest souls to emotional madness? Valentines day instills in the brain visions of movie romance and hallmark heart warming moments that are often impossible to obtain. So how do you make the most out of Valentines Day? While dollar signs can lead the way to terrific gifts that put a smile on your honey's face you don't have to spend a fortune to appeal to her fantasy. Here are some terrific alternatives for those who want to woo their lover without emptying their wallet.

* A Spa Day At Home:

A day at the spa can be a sad day for your wallet. Buying your princess a full day of pampering can cost you well over a hundred dollars, but that doesn't mean you can't give her the day she deserves. Turn your place into a spa this valentines. Give her the works from head to toe. Something as simple as a body massage a foot soak and her favorite movie (even if it is a all out chick flick) can give her one of the best valentines days she's has without burning a loveless hole in your wallet.
o What You Need
o Massage Oils in Relaxing Scents (Lavender is Usually a Good Choice)
o Bath Robe and Pajama Pants for Her
o A "Chick" Flick
o A Decadent Snack like Chocolate Covered Strawberry's or her favorite Ice cream.
* Make Her a Meal

It's always been said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but thats true for woman to. Don't let your lady fool you, when it comes to food, women love to eat just as much as men do. Making her a meal at home can not only save you a few bucks, but it also will mean a lot more to her than a meal at her favorite restaurant. Not the best in the kitchen? Stick to something simple and use a cook book.

* Make Candles Together:

Nothing says romance quite like candle light so what better way to share your love with your lady than to have an arts and crafts night. Visit your local craft store and find candle making kits. They are generally inexpensive and come in a variety of colors and themes to choose one. Since it is Valentines day you may want to stick with a bit of tradition and go for wax in red hues. If you want to be really sentimental keep the candle around and burn it on your next anniversary as a simple to your passion and love.

* Go On a Picnic:

If your lucky enough to live in the warmer parts of the world consider taking her on a picnic. Picnics are something that are often over looked but can be a terrific way to spend a charming day or night together. Nothing says I love you like a bottle of wine under a starry sky. Sounds like a terrific idea but what if it's snowing outside you ask? Bring the picnic inside of course! There is something romantic about picnics even if they are inside. Dining a little differently will show you put some thought into this very special day.


About the Author

Treat to your Valentine to comfort with gifts for Hue. Treat to your Valentine to comfort with gifts for Hue. Hue specializes in ladies legwear including socks, tights, and leggings at Hue.

12 Ideas for Valentine's Day If You're Not Part of a Couple

When we think of Valentine?s Day, we tend to think of two lovers celebrating together. If you aren�t paired at this time, don�t let yourself get left out! Here are 14 greatways 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 inyour 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 eachkid�s name on a pair of red lips cut out of construction paper with tape on back. Blindfold them with a Valentine scarf and proceed! Valentine Bingo � make bingo cards with February-theme 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, scarf, or suspender(http://store.yahoo.com/tiebar2/valentineday.html ) and head on over! You will be SO WELCOME. 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. You could also make the Ultimate Killer Cookie of All Time(http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/dessert/cookies/ultcookie.html). He's very popular! �All My Lovin�� and other Valentine�s braces available here: http://www.rainbowconnection.com/index.php/cPath/22_71 .

4. Have friends of all ages 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. Here�s a list of Romantic songs: http://www.inspirationpoint.com/ipmusic.htm .

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.

Pack the parents off, and then 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. Bake some homemade dog biscuits ( http://www.gurney.co.uk/pads/bone.htm ) . Take your dog for a special outing, and on the way, drop off your treats at the local animal shelter. Or 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 -http://www.pet-bandanas.com/valentines-bandanas.htm - for the occasion. Valentine�s sweaters, vests, ties, bows, boas! And anything else you need for your little furry friend - http://www.cosettescloset.com/valwear.html .

7. 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? Organize something with your civic group, singles group or Sunday School class. If the New York Giants can do it, so can you. They visited patients in Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian on Valentine's Day.

8. 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 (http://store.yahoo.com/tiebar2/solcolcumbow.html ). Wait til the last minute when the rates go down really low.

9. Have the girls over for a Valentine Day Brunch.

Make pancakes and fried eggs shaped like hearts (http://www.romanticgifts.com/RomanticGifts/njscat.nsf/adminCatalog/E329061D73D3165188256A31001EE646!OpenDocument&15.+Kitchen+$+Dining ), 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.

10. Check for special events in your town.

A special Valentine pops concert perhaps? Or 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." The Utah Symphony will be presenting a Valentine Symphony concert February 11 and 12.

11. 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.

Or check out the Winter-storm adventure Ancient Cedars Spa, Vancouver Island at the Wickannish Inn, situated on a rocky promontory at the western most point of Chesterman Beach, at the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (http://www.wickinn.com/Frames/HPfrm.htm ). 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!

12. Feed your heart!

Curl up with a good book. Read a super sappy and sentimental romance, or read about love itself -- �A General Theory of Love� is written by three doctors, one of whom writes like a poet (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0375709223/susandunnmome-20).



�Susan Dunn, MA, Life Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Susan is the author of �Midlife Dating Survival Manual for Women,� and offers coaching, Internet courses and ebooks

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Hotels - Romantic Holidays by David Collins

With Valentines' day just around the corner, many will be looking to shell out on special gifts and gestures for their partners.

Going on holiday over the Valentine's Day period offers the chance to get away from the everyday with their loved one - be it a romantic weekend, or for those wishing to pay a little more, a holiday in an exotic location.

Whether you're looking to get away on a long trip or short stays in luxurious hotels during a city break, there are plenty of destinations and packages available. From cottages in the countryside, short city breaks in Europe and the United States to exotic beach holidays in the Caribbean.

City breaks are popular packages for those wishing to get away for Valentine's Day. Traditional favourites include Paris, Venice and Rome - offering a touch of European grandeur and romantic settings.

And with more cheap flights to European destinations from UK airports now on offer, these romantic locations are now within easy reach.

There are also plenty of hotels in Britain which offer special packages around the Valentine holiday, offering couples the opportunity to enjoy romantic short breaks in picturesque settings - with some hotels offering candlelit dinner and champagne.

Popular destinations around the UK include the Lake District and Scotland, where you can find a wide range of holiday cottages. These traditional dwellings offer couples the chance to escape everyday and spend some time together.

Hidden away within picturesque woodland and lakeside locations, allowing the opportunity for romantic walks (weather permitting of course) and with some offering spa facilities, couples can get away, relax and enjoy the romanticism that Valentines' Day brings.


About the Author

David is an experienced writer based in the UK, currently working in the dotcom industry

How to Plan the Perfect Caribbean Cruise by Megan Hazel

A Caribbean cruise vacation is something everyone should experience. Waking up to a crystal blue ocean, greeting you as you make your way to a tropical island shore is reason enough to visit the sea to the south. However, as great as a Caribbean cruise can be, a little bit of planning before you cast off can make your cruise and island experience even more enjoyable. Pre-trip planning is crucial to ensure the most enjoyment from your cruise. There are many important points to be considered beyond just where to go, when to go, and how to get there.

The warm temperatures, sunny beaches and variety of cultures make the Caribbean a popular winter cruise destination. The Caribbean Sea contains over 7000 islands, inlets, and beautiful coral reefs. Since the hurricane season generally ends in November, the weather is a promising feature during the winter months. Cruises to the Caribbean can be a very relaxing, fun-in-the-sun vacation, especially when well planned and coordinated.

The Caribbean has something to offer for every cruise vacationer. The choice of destination should be determined by what the vacationer would like to experience. Some travelers look for popular nightlife spots, such as Aruba and Barbados, while others would rather focus on the inland jungles, mountains and towns a specific island may offer. The weather, of course, is huge draw to the Caribbean, and its pristine beaches are heaven on earth for many. It is a good idea to research several destinations and choose the one that appeals the most to you or your family.

If you are not traveling with children, you may also want to plan the trip to correspond with a special date such as a wedding anniversary, birthday, or perhaps even Valentine's Day. This can easily develop into a tradition. The history and romance of the many Caribbean destinations help make them ideal for developing new traditions. A little research before the trip will help you plan the right vacation experience to make your cruise holiday perfect.

After selecting the date, you will want to pick the specific trip and cruise line. At this point you should have a basic idea of where you want to go. Also, most travelers have a set budget in mind. Considering these aspects you will be able to narrow down your choices and with a little digging you can find the best cruise to fit your specifications.

There are many online resources to explore when researching and comparing cruise lines and specific destinations. When investigating cruises it is important to consider the value of an all-inclusive cruise versus a regular cruise. For some the ease and convenience of an all-inclusive cruise is worth the expense while others would prefer to save the money and pick and choose their extras.

Packing for the cruise can require a little strategic planning. If you know you will be spending most of your days on the beach then swimwear, beach towels and suntan lotion will take up a lot of space in the luggage. Of course, it is important to pack some clothing for inclement weather, but even rainy days are warm in the Caribbean. If the cruise is mostly spent on the ship, then planning for on-board entertainment will be important. Swimwear, active wear, and formal wear are all essentials on a cruise ship.

Although there are many variables to consider, there are some crucial items to bring with you. Remember to bring important documents such as your passport, proof of citizenship and visa if necessary. Also, it is a good idea to bring along a few copies of your airline tickets and your cruise ship information. Your medical insurance cards and any record of medical history should be included as well. Many vacationers bring a pre-paid phone card if they will be roaming on their cell phone or will be unable to get reception in the tropics.

A currency conversion chart is also a great idea for those who will be visiting several islands. Most islands are specific countries or territories with their own money. Traveler's checks have been popular for some time, and when you are away on you Caribbean cruise keep your cash separate from your travelers checks just in case you loose your wallet or bag.

The enjoyment you find on a cruise can last a lifetime. There are some specifics you should plan out before you cast off. A little planning can make the vacation even more relaxing. While planning where to go and how to get there is important, there are many other points to consider for the perfect vacation. To plan the perfect Caribbean cruise vacation, take a bit of time before so you can enjoy your time sailing through the paradise that is the Caribbean islands.


About the Author

Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as Caribbean Cruise | Cruise Deals