Valentines Gifts
Spa Treatment.
Nothing says pamper better than a voucher for her favorite treatment and it will leave her feeling like a Princess.
Flowers.
Ah yes, the ever appreciated bunch of flowers. But it must be done right! If she has a favorite type of flower, get her those. If it has to be roses, make sure it's significant, like a rose for each month you have been together. Or try and push the boat out by getting them delivered to her with a sweet note saying 'From Your Valentine.'
Personalized Love Book.
I love this gift! It's a book with your own list of reasons as to why you love that person. Sweet and personal doesn’t even come close!
Jewelery.
A carefully chosen necklace or bracelet will go a long way, but make sure it's something beautiful and romantic, that she would never go and buy for herself.
Hearts.
What Valentines Day would be complete without a heart shaped gift, whether its a keyring, heart cushion or gift.
Chocolate.
Now I'm not talking about a box of quality Street or Celebrations here boys. I'm talking the expensive Belgian kind that cost a small fortune, because when it comes to Valentines Day the chocolates need to be good!
Boudoir Gifts.
From lingerie to sexy games and candles. Just make sure this isn’t the only gifts you get her and add something in there that’s romantic too.
Personalized Artwork.
A must have trend, especially for couples who live together.
Weekend Break.
Every girls dream is for her man to surprise with a romantic weekend away!
Name a Star.
For the ultimate romantics out there. Name a star after her, then on your date, show her the stars and point out which one is hers as a surprise.
Nothing says pamper better than a voucher for her favorite treatment and it will leave her feeling like a Princess.
Flowers.
Ah yes, the ever appreciated bunch of flowers. But it must be done right! If she has a favorite type of flower, get her those. If it has to be roses, make sure it's significant, like a rose for each month you have been together. Or try and push the boat out by getting them delivered to her with a sweet note saying 'From Your Valentine.'
Personalized Love Book.
I love this gift! It's a book with your own list of reasons as to why you love that person. Sweet and personal doesn’t even come close!
Jewelery.
A carefully chosen necklace or bracelet will go a long way, but make sure it's something beautiful and romantic, that she would never go and buy for herself.
Hearts.
What Valentines Day would be complete without a heart shaped gift, whether its a keyring, heart cushion or gift.
Chocolate.
Now I'm not talking about a box of quality Street or Celebrations here boys. I'm talking the expensive Belgian kind that cost a small fortune, because when it comes to Valentines Day the chocolates need to be good!
Boudoir Gifts.
From lingerie to sexy games and candles. Just make sure this isn’t the only gifts you get her and add something in there that’s romantic too.
Personalized Artwork.
A must have trend, especially for couples who live together.
Weekend Break.
Every girls dream is for her man to surprise with a romantic weekend away!
Name a Star.
For the ultimate romantics out there. Name a star after her, then on your date, show her the stars and point out which one is hers as a surprise.
Single Girls Guide to Valentines Day
The most sickening and mushy day of the year is almost here, where couples everywhere declare their love for each other. But you're single, so does this mean you have to stay in and hide under the covers? No!!
Here are some suggestions of what to do on Valentines Day if you're single....
And remember to think how lucky you are for not having to go buy all the commercial heart and cherub shaped goods that shops force non singles to buy at this time of year!
Here are some suggestions of what to do on Valentines Day if you're single....
- Spend the night with your crush. Whether it's George Clooney, johnny Depp or Brad Pitt (for me it's Jared Padalecki), rent their movies and treat yourself to your favorite eye candy.
- Exchange gifts with friends. Buy your single friend a valentine present, cute teddy or pair fluffy handcuffs and have a valentines with your friends.
- Hit the town! Get your unattached friends and go out. Plenty of bars and clubs have events for single people on Valentines, so have fun!
- Treat yourself. You don’t have to spend your hard earned cash on a guy, so spend it on yourself, with a manicure or new pair of shoes.
- Go on a date. Just because you're single doesn’t mean you cant get a girlfriend or platonic male friend and recreate a date, with dinner and a movie.
- Party! If you cant be bothered to see all the loved up couples everywhere, then stay in and throw a party for all your unattached friends.
- Buy yourself a box of chocolates and indulge with a bubble bath and bottle of bubbly.
And remember to think how lucky you are for not having to go buy all the commercial heart and cherub shaped goods that shops force non singles to buy at this time of year!
THE MEANING OF VALENTINES DAY
Each year the shops fill with Valentines goodies and each year we celebrate the most romantic day of the year (or avoid it like the plague if we're single). But what exactly is Valentines Day about and what is the real meaning behind it?
St Valentine is derived from both Christian and Roman tradition. There once was a few Roman martyrs called Valentines, but the St Valentine we all celebrate was a Roman priest who was killed for his faith on February 14 269AD. He had refused to worship pagan Gods and would marry many couples in secret.
The Romans held a festival on February 15th each year, called Lupercalia, a fertility celebration. But as Christianity rose and overtook a lot of Pagan holidays, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day to honor St Valentine in 496AD and changing it to the 14th.
Catholics and Protestants both offer a different version of the story of St Valentine, but both agree that St Valentine married soldiers in secret who opposed Claudius II's prohibition on marriage for soldiers. Claudius found out and executed him on February 14 269AD.
It is said that just before his death, Valentine asked for a pen and paper and wrote 'From Your Valentine' to a secret love of his own.
From then on February 14th became St Valentines Day, the day for lovers and it is said that Romans offered hand written messages, known as Valentines, to the women they loved.
Each year the shops fill with Valentines goodies and each year we celebrate the most romantic day of the year (or avoid it like the plague if we're single). But what exactly is Valentines Day about and what is the real meaning behind it?
St Valentine is derived from both Christian and Roman tradition. There once was a few Roman martyrs called Valentines, but the St Valentine we all celebrate was a Roman priest who was killed for his faith on February 14 269AD. He had refused to worship pagan Gods and would marry many couples in secret.
The Romans held a festival on February 15th each year, called Lupercalia, a fertility celebration. But as Christianity rose and overtook a lot of Pagan holidays, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day to honor St Valentine in 496AD and changing it to the 14th.
Catholics and Protestants both offer a different version of the story of St Valentine, but both agree that St Valentine married soldiers in secret who opposed Claudius II's prohibition on marriage for soldiers. Claudius found out and executed him on February 14 269AD.
It is said that just before his death, Valentine asked for a pen and paper and wrote 'From Your Valentine' to a secret love of his own.
From then on February 14th became St Valentines Day, the day for lovers and it is said that Romans offered hand written messages, known as Valentines, to the women they loved.
Are You Marriage Material?
A question I often used to ponder myself was, what can I do to be good marriage material for a man?
Now, I;m not saying you have to change who you are just to get a man to propose, but there are certain aspects a man needs in a relationship in order to help him along when the time comes to look for a wife and pop the question.
DON'T be self absorbed. Being kind to your man and other people is an important trait to have and men don't view self absorbed women as kind or marriage material.
DO support his career. Many men value themselves based on their job and career. You need to show him that you support his ambitions and help motivate him when it comes to his work.
DON'T be clingy and needy. Entering a marriage is a joint responsibility and leadership and men need a woman who can manage on her own and will help take charge during the marriage.
DO be comfortable with family and friends. You don't have to become the perfect girlfriend and fit in, but trying to get on with his family and friends and being comfortable in your own skin will make him feel at ease.
DON'T be a spendaholic. Being capable of balancing your own finances will show that when it comes to living together you are responsible
DO show compassion. Listen when he talks and let him see that he can confide in you. Building his trust and acceptance will help him see just how well you know him.
DON'T let sex rule. Having good intimacy and allowing him to know you enjoy sex with him is important. However, letting sex rule over the rest of the relationship will ensure it's more about lust than potential marriage.
DO show you can be a mother. You don't have to change into Mary Poppins, but making an effort to be nice to children or being a brilliant pet owner will do. Men find it a big turnoff if a woman hates children and shows it.
DON'T worry. By being yourself and toning down on the selfishness and temper tantrums, it will happen one day. Whatever you do, don't give him an ultimatum, patience is a virtue...unless it's been years, then perhaps you should have a chat about where it's going.
Now, I;m not saying you have to change who you are just to get a man to propose, but there are certain aspects a man needs in a relationship in order to help him along when the time comes to look for a wife and pop the question.
DON'T be self absorbed. Being kind to your man and other people is an important trait to have and men don't view self absorbed women as kind or marriage material.
DO support his career. Many men value themselves based on their job and career. You need to show him that you support his ambitions and help motivate him when it comes to his work.
DON'T be clingy and needy. Entering a marriage is a joint responsibility and leadership and men need a woman who can manage on her own and will help take charge during the marriage.
DO be comfortable with family and friends. You don't have to become the perfect girlfriend and fit in, but trying to get on with his family and friends and being comfortable in your own skin will make him feel at ease.
DON'T be a spendaholic. Being capable of balancing your own finances will show that when it comes to living together you are responsible
DO show compassion. Listen when he talks and let him see that he can confide in you. Building his trust and acceptance will help him see just how well you know him.
DON'T let sex rule. Having good intimacy and allowing him to know you enjoy sex with him is important. However, letting sex rule over the rest of the relationship will ensure it's more about lust than potential marriage.
DO show you can be a mother. You don't have to change into Mary Poppins, but making an effort to be nice to children or being a brilliant pet owner will do. Men find it a big turnoff if a woman hates children and shows it.
DON'T worry. By being yourself and toning down on the selfishness and temper tantrums, it will happen one day. Whatever you do, don't give him an ultimatum, patience is a virtue...unless it's been years, then perhaps you should have a chat about where it's going.
Is He Ready To Propose?
The day my boyfriend proposed I was so taken a back that I laughed at him and took it as a joke. I had no idea and had clearly not seen the signs.
If you want to save your own boyfriend the embarrassment of what mine went through, keep a look out for the signs he may be about to propose.
He's Acting Nervous – Proposing to a woman is a frightening experience for a man, so his behavior may be slightly out of character.
Trying To Be Mr Perfect – He's suddenly started making the bed, giving you foot rubs and attempting to be the perfect boyfriend. Guys will pop the question only when they are sure the answer will be yes, so they attempt to be the perfect man to help put you in the best mood possible.
He Becomes Scrooge – diamond engagement rings aren't exactly cheap, so if he starts tightening the wallet about things he never used to, he may be saving for something shiney.
Are You Missing a Ring? - Your man may need to find your ring size and this may include looking in your jewelery box for a ring to get it sized.
Asking odd Questions – Is he suddenly asking questions about your future? How many kids you want? What color jewelery you prefer? These are signs he's ready to commit and get you that ring.
Family Orientated – Does he want to spend more time with your family, particularly your dad? He may be trying to get used to his new future family and if he's a traditionalist, he may be trying to get your dad onside in order to ask to propose.
Unexpected Outing – After all this odd behavior, he plans a vague romantic event for you, like a reservation at an exclusive restaurant or a weekend away.
Looking back, my man had been showing signs, but because I wasn't aware of them, I made it a joke and if only I had known he was acting like a man about to propose, my reaction would have been less embarrassing. I said yes of course and I hope your man, no matter where he does it, at least drops to one knee and asks you properly like mine did.
Good luck girls!
If you want to save your own boyfriend the embarrassment of what mine went through, keep a look out for the signs he may be about to propose.
He's Acting Nervous – Proposing to a woman is a frightening experience for a man, so his behavior may be slightly out of character.
Trying To Be Mr Perfect – He's suddenly started making the bed, giving you foot rubs and attempting to be the perfect boyfriend. Guys will pop the question only when they are sure the answer will be yes, so they attempt to be the perfect man to help put you in the best mood possible.
He Becomes Scrooge – diamond engagement rings aren't exactly cheap, so if he starts tightening the wallet about things he never used to, he may be saving for something shiney.
Are You Missing a Ring? - Your man may need to find your ring size and this may include looking in your jewelery box for a ring to get it sized.
Asking odd Questions – Is he suddenly asking questions about your future? How many kids you want? What color jewelery you prefer? These are signs he's ready to commit and get you that ring.
Family Orientated – Does he want to spend more time with your family, particularly your dad? He may be trying to get used to his new future family and if he's a traditionalist, he may be trying to get your dad onside in order to ask to propose.
Unexpected Outing – After all this odd behavior, he plans a vague romantic event for you, like a reservation at an exclusive restaurant or a weekend away.
Looking back, my man had been showing signs, but because I wasn't aware of them, I made it a joke and if only I had known he was acting like a man about to propose, my reaction would have been less embarrassing. I said yes of course and I hope your man, no matter where he does it, at least drops to one knee and asks you properly like mine did.
Good luck girls!
