Valentines Day Gift: June 2009

The History of Valentine's Day

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Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Saint Valentine as a priest at the temple during the reign, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be jailed and put to death. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.
Some states that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity also attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. Who was then killed and died on February 14, 269 A.D., this day had been devoted to love giving.
Some says that actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter who visited him during his confinement, whom he fell in love with. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From Your Valentine" an expression that is still in use today.
While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial.
Others claim that the Christian church may celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping and sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. The festival begin with members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, gather at the sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification.The boys then sliced the goat's hide into strips, dipped them in the sacrificial blood, gently slapping both women and fields of crops with the goathide strips. Roman women welcomed being touched with the hides because it was believed the strips would make them more fertile in the coming year. All the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn, city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Roman 'lottery' system for romantic pairing was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February "Valentine's Day" should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (the first was Christmas).Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

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Friday, June 26, 2009

About Romantic Love Songs

About Romantic Love Songs
Almost everyone like or need to use some love songs in their lifetime! Especially for the very romantic holiday "Valentine's Day".
Although love songs are usually associated with either Valentine's day or Weddings, lots of people listen to them day in day out as those love songs always seems to reinforce your feelings when things are rough or when things are great!
This post is also a personal tribute I would like to pay to one of the greatest star in our world, Michael Jackson who I realised passed away yesterday!
Need some ideas for romantic love songs? Here's a list of ideas which you can pick a few that you like best.

Classic Love Songs suggestions:

Love Songs - Michael Jackson - Album Length Compact Disc - release date 1/15/2002 - Classic Motown
Michael Jackson:
1. Who's Lovin' You
2. A Fool For You
3. Everybody's Somebody's Fool
4. Got To Be There
5. We're Almost There
6. We'Ve Got A Good Thing Going
7. Maybe Tomorrow
8. Call On Me
9. You Are There
10. One Day In Your Life
11. If I Don't Love You This Way
12. Wings Of My Love
13. I'Ll Come Home To You
14. I'll Be There
Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller [EXTRA TRACKS] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection [BOX SET]

Aerosmith: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
The Bangles: Eternal Flame
The Beatles: And I Love Her
Tony Bennett: The Way You Look Tonight
Bon Jovi: I'll Be There for You
Toni Braxton: Breathe Again
Belinda Carlyle: Circles in the Sand
Chicago: You're the Inspiration
Celine Dion: The Power of Love
Nat King Cole: When I Fall in Love
Gloria Estefan: Live for Loving You
Peter Gabriel: In Your Eyes
Faith Hill: Breathe
Foreigner: Waiting for a Girl Like You
Etta James: At Last
Elton John: Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
Elton John: Your Song
Michael Penn: No Myth
The Police: Every Breath You Take
Elvis Presley: I Can't Help Falling In Love With You
Elvis Presley: My Wish Came True
REO Speedwagon: Can't Fight This Feeling
Lionel Richie: Hello
Lionel Richie: Truly
Seal: Kiss From a Rose
Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Percy Sledge: When a Man Loves a Woman
Rod Stewart: Have I Told You Lately?
U2: All I Want is You
Shania Twain: From This Moment On
Shania Twain: Forever and For Always
Luther Vandross: Always and Forever
Stevie Wonder: I Just Called to Say I Love You
Trisha Yearwood: How Do I Live

Careless Love - Madeleine Peyroux - release date September 14, 2004

Popular Love Songs suggestions:

Ultimate Love Songs: Vision of Love

Aaliyah: One in a Million
Ashanti: Only U
Natasha Beddingfield: These Words
Beyonce: Crazy in Love
Mariah Carey: We Belong Together
Vanessa Carlton: A Thousand Miles
Kelly Clarkson: A Moment Like This
Coldplay: Yellow
Nelly Furtado: Childhood Dreams
Hoobastank: The Reason
Lil' Romeo: My Cinderella
No Doubt: Underneath it All
Oasis: Wonderwall
Ja Rule: Put it On Me
Usher: U Got it Bad
Usher and Alisha Keys: My Boo

69 Love Songs [BOX SET] [LIMITED EDITION] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] - Vinyl (September 22, 2009)

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Make a pair of cute beaded shoe charm, one for you and one for your Valentine!

Make a pair of cute beaded shoe charm, one for you and one for your Valentine!

Need I say more, shoes come in a pair, lovers comes in a pair! I love making things in a pair and keep one for myself and one for my Valentine! The best thing is if you made them yourself, there's no way there's duplicates anywhere else in the world!
That makes it extra special, doesn't it?
You can hang it as a keychain charm, mobile phone charm, bag charm or anywhere you would like to!

Make it with sparkling beads and Swarovski crystals with the favorite colors of your own choice!

Here's a free tutorial link that has written and pictorial to help you make one or many! Beaded Shoe Charm Tutorial

Or if you still prefers to give a ready pair of shoes or charms, here's a few suggestions:
Shoe Kicks Iced Out Pendant Free 30 Inch Hip Hop Chain

Shoe Kicks Iced Out Pendant Free 30 Inch Hip Hop Chain

Shoe Sneaker Kicks DANGLING Dogtag Dog Tag Pendant 30 Inch Ball Chain Bling

3D Sneaker Shoe Iced Out Hip Hop 36 Inch Chain Silver Tone3D Sneaker Shoe Iced Out Hip Hop 36 Inch Chain Silver Tone #2128s * Premium Pendant * Measures 2.25" Tall X .8" Wide X 1.25"

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Planning a Trip on Valentine’s Day

Planning a Trip on Valentine’s Day

Whisking your partner away on a surprise, two week long exotic vacation may seem like an extremely romantic idea for a Valentine’s Day gift but it does not always work out that way. In theory a surprise vacation is incredibly romantic but in reality it can often be filled with complications which put a damper on the trip. However, it is possible to plan a trip for Valentine’s Day and have it turn out to be an absolutely incredible gift which your partner will remember forever. This article will provide some information on how to plan a trip for Valentine’s Day without running into a number of snags.

A trip on Valentine’s Day can be a great gift idea for both you and your partner but it will be most effective if you pay careful attention to the timing of the trip. This is important because work and family obligations can make it extremely difficult for one person to plan even a short getaway without at least some input from their partner. This is especially important if you are planning a trip which is longer than a weekend. This longer trip will require you and your partner to take time off of work or to make arrangements for someone to take care of their place of residence. However, work is not the only potential complication. Family obligations can also have an impact on the planning. For example if your partner routinely picks up her niece from school and watches her for a couple of hours, she may want to find a replacement for this family obligation.

These types of scheduling conflicts can be avoided by simply making your partner aware of the plans and soliciting feedback on the proposed dates of the trip to make the planning easier. You don’t have to give away the whole surprise by telling your partner where you will be going but letting her know the dates of travel will help to avoid problems which could result if you do not consult her beforehand.

Another thing to consider when planning a trip for Valentine’s Day is whether or not you want to actually be traveling on Valentine’s Day. This becomes especially important if you are planning a trip to a faraway destination. If this is the case you might want to plan on either leaving after Valentine’s Day or before Valentine’s Day so you can spend the holiday relaxing together instead of traveling. Travel can be very stressful and tiring so if you want to avoid problems which may result from this, it is a good idea to plan your trip so you will not be traveling on Valentine’s Day.

Finally, when planning a trip for Valentine’s Day it is very important to make sure you select a location which both you and your partner will really appreciate. There may be a number of activities you enjoy as well as a number of activities your partner enjoys but these activities will not necessarily overlap. However, there are likely to be some activities which you have in common. It is important to make sure your vacation destination is one which will have plenty of activities for the two of you to enjoy together. For example you may be really looking forward to a golfing vacation but if your partner does not play golf it will result in the two of you spending a great deal of time apart during your vacation. By selecting a vacation where there are activities for the two of you to enjoy together you will be spending a great deal of quality time together on your Valentine’s Day vacation.

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Make a Flower Brooch for your Valentine!

Make a Flower Brooch for your Valentine!

Yes! giving flowers seems to be a tradition of Valentine's day, why not change it up a little a give a really durable and DIY hand made flower brooch for that someone special! I'm sure it will definitely last longer not only physically but also in the heart and memory of your Valentine!

Make it with sparkling beads and Swarovski crystals!

Here's a free tutorial link that has written and pictorial to help you make one or many! Beaded Crystal Brooch Tutorial

Or if you still prefers to give a ready brooch, here's a few suggestions:

Amber Flower Pin Brooch in Sterling Silver
Make this amber flower pin brooch imbued in sterling silver your number one choice today!
Amber Flower Pin Brooch in Sterling Silver
A myriad of multi colored amber gemstones adorn this great flower brooch molded in shiny sterling silver.
Large Diamond Flower Pendant Brooch 1/10 Carat (ctw) in White Gold
Convoluted, round and sublimely imperfect, this large diamond flower pendant brooch adds a tastily alternative variation to your typical jewelry ensemble. Fashioned in 10 karat white gold and featuring a classy arrangement of 14 glittering diamonds in its sultry nucleus, this pendant also comes with a delicate 10 karat gold chain.
Tag: brooch

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Monday, June 22, 2009

Spending Valentine’s Day Alone

Spending Valentine’s Day Alone

Whether you are in a committed relationship and your partner is away for the holidays or you just do not have a date on Valentine’s Day, spending this day alone can be very sad for some people. Women especially are likely to dwell on the fact that they are alone this day but some men may wish they had someone special to spend the day with as well. However, spending Valentine’s Day alone does not have to be such as sad day. This article will offer a few tips for how to have fun on Valentine’s Day even if you are alone for the day.
Those who are in long distance relationships often find themselves alone on days such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries or birthdays. If you are in this situation you likely realize there will be times when you are spending Valentine’s Day apart from your loved one. For example if you and your partner live miles away from each other because of work and only see each other on the weekends, you will likely be alone on Valentine’s Day if it falls during the week. However, there are other ways you can make the day seem special. For example if you know you are going to be alone on Valentine’s Day, try to keep yourself busy throughout the day. Schedule appointments such as manicures or pedicures, learn something new (like making chocolates), run errands or make plans to meet a friend for lunch or dinner. This will help to keep you from dwelling on the fact that it is Valentine’s Day. You can also make plans for the following weekend ahead of time so you will have something to look forward to. You may still be alone on Valentine’s Day but if you know you will be celebrating on the weekend it will help to make the day feel less sad and will help to make you feel less lonely.
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If you are alone on Valentine’s Day because you are not in a relationship, you can still have a great time on Valentine’s Day. One way to do this is to rent a few movies and order in diner from a really nice restaurant. Try ordering from a restaurant you have always wanted to try or from a place which you know is very popular with couples on Valentine’s Day. This will help to make the day more special for you and you will be less likely to feel as though you are left out from the day’s activities. Just because you are alone does not mean you can’t enjoy a great meal and have a fabulous night by yourself.

If you have other friends who are single, you might consider hosting a singles only party on Valentine’s Day. You can invite all of your single friend and ask them each to bring someone else who is single. You and your friends will enjoy spending time together away from all of the couples who can make Valentine’s Day seem so lonely for those who are not in a relationship. You might even wind up meeting someone great at your Valentine’s Day party and next year you will not be alone on Valentine’s Day. You can even try playing match making games at the party which encourage the guests to get to know each other. Even if you do not wind up meeting someone great, one of your friends might. Examples of games you might play are the dating game or scavenger hunts which encourage guests to find other participants who have certain interests or personality traits.

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Finally, if you are alone on Valentine’s Day, it is important to remember it does not mean you will always be alone. One of the biggest mistakes singles often make on Valentine’s Day is spending too much time dwelling on the holiday. It is very important to remember that being alone on Valentine’s Day is not the end of the world. Try doing something for yourself like giving yourself a manicure, going for a run or taking a long bath. This will help you to focus more on yourself and your good qualities than the fact that you do not have a date on Valentine’s Day.

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Sunday, June 21, 2009

How to make Crystal Butterfly Pendant?

Make a Crystal Butterfly Pendant!

All girls love crystals and the bling bling, making a beautiful crystal butterfly out of Swarovski Crystals with your own hands and giving it to your love one this Valentine's day will be the best gift ever! You can also make a pair and hang them as charms, one for yourself and one for your love one! All you need is some crystals and beads!

Here's a free tutorial link that has written and pictorial to help you make one or many! Beaded Crystal ButterflyTutorial

Or if you still prefers to give a ready bling, here's a few suggestions:
Butterfly Blue Sapphire Gemstone and Diamond Pendant 1/7 Carat (ctw) in 14K White Gold
Striking blue sapphire comes together to play alongside glistening clear diamonds in this dueling butterfly pendant necklace display that has its foundations in 14 karat white gold. Total diamond weight here equals 1/7 carat (ctw).

Garnet and Rhodolite Gemstone Butterfly 4.8 Carat (ctw) Pendant in Sterling Silver
Garnet and rhodolite wings bring out the beauty of this striking butterfly necklace set in sterling silver (.925). Five orange topazes on each corner and in the center complete the look.

Freshwater Butterfly Lariat 9mm White Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver
Two freshwater pearls hang classically from a cute sterling silver butterfly in this succulent pendant necklace. Feel great taking this with you everywhere.

Italgems Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Heart and Butterfly Pendant in Stainless Steel with Chain
A cute yellow butterfly speckled with sparkling cubic ziconias contrasts with a gleaming stainless steel heart hanging from an 18 inch chain included.