Many of us have fond memories of decorating paper bags with our names and construction paper hearts. Or creating special post boxes which sat at the back of the class. Each child made up his or her own, and each recepticle was hungry for love notes and valentines from other classmates. Throughout the afternoon, we'd enjoy cake, goodies and perhaps a carton of milk. We would have activities, play games, sing songs... "I sent a letter to my love, but on the way I dropped it--a little doggie picked it up and put it in his pocket."
There is nothing that compares to the old die-cut, mechanical and comical-versed valentines of yesterday! In my closet sits a large box filled with childhood valentine memories. These are not mine (as my mother would never have saved so much paper) but a collection I have built over the last decade--from scouring antique shops, flea markets and more recently ebay. Hundreds of these childhood treasures have been gathered together. What is so appealing about this collection? Well I can't decide which is more dear--the corny old puns, die-cut graphics, or the precious child scratchings in crayon, or pencil on the back of each card."To Otis Gillespie from P???";"To My Dear Grandpa from your loving granddaughter Myrtle"; "I think you are the best teacher I've Had in 5 years from Geraldine"and so on. Precious and kind recollections from an unspoiled age--perhaps some of these will give you a smile and chuckle.
Create A Mood For Love
Love is in the air--everywhere you look around. Love is in the air, every sight, smell and sound...
Scent, colour, texture and sound all help cultivate the Valentines mood. You can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in many simple ways:
Surround your room with tactile surfaces: try satin/silky fabrics to set your table, outfit your seating area with soft nubbly cotton pillows or a chenille throw. Wear alluring clothing. Select textures and colours that compliment your figure type. Avoid restrictive, tight or bulky outfits.
Play classic love-inspired songs to set the tone. Here are some sassy, sexy, suave selections:
Etta James or Joss Stone “At Last”
Bryan Adams “Lets Make A Night To Remember”
Rod Stewart “Tonights The Night”
Garth Brooks “If Tomorrow Never Comes”
Michael Buble “Love At First Sight”
Barry White “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe
Bryan Adams “When You Love Someone”
Taylor Dane “Love Will Lead You Back”
The Righteous Brothers “Unchained Melody”
Michael Bolton “When A Man Loves A Woman”
Eric Clapton “You Look Wonderful Tonight”
Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You”
Diana Krall “The Look Of Love”
Faith Hill Tim McGraw “Lets Make Love”
Mariah Carey/Luther Vandross “Endless Love”
Billy Vera “If I Could Just Hold You Again”
Mel Carter “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”
Norah Jones “The Nearness Of You”
Patsy Cline “You Belong To Me”
Nat King Cole “The Very Thought Of You”
Natalie/Nat King Cole “When I Fall In Love” “Unforgettable”
Rod Stewart “Have I Told You Lately”
Fill the room with with red/white/pink flowers. Add magical touches of light & colour with candles. Buy coloured frosted or plain candle holders. Dip the rim into regular white glue then circle the edge with glitter, or pleasing herbal mixtures. When dry, add your tea lites, perhaps a drop of your favorite essential oil (or try cinnamon, ylang ylang) and fill your room with romantic colour and fragrance.
Begin your evening with a leisurely aperitif and appetizer. Try a sparkling wine, sherry, or port coupled with a roasted red pepper or artichoke dip. Arrange a tray of vegetables, as well as breads–crusty baguette rounds, and soft pita wedges. Dips/finger foods encourage a subtle physical interaction between people.
If you are serving white wine with your evening dinner, keep chilled but remove from the fridge ½ hour before drinking. Should you enjoy red wine, put into the fridge ½ hour before serving. Use as a simple guide for serving temperatures. Pour glasses to about one third full–-leave space to swirl your wine and release the complex aromas and flavours.
Your first course could consist of a rich, flavorite (not a typo) soup--try a carrot/ginger or creamy tomato/basil combination.
Main Course, choose a light chicken dish with exotic greens salad and/or a side serving of pasta. Whatever you select, make it an easy digestible meal. The idea is not to stuff yourselves into agony, but rather please your taste buds, and keep yourself comfortable.
Creme Brulee is a soft palate teasing desert. Top with blueberries, black or raspberries. Or you could try a rich chocolate gelate served in a martini glass drizzled with a raspberry liquor and garnished with snips of fresh mint or orange slices.
After dinner, linger over an evening digestif. Try a tongue pleasing ice wine, brandy or cognac. Serve with a plate of three or five hard/soft cheeses. Sweet finger fruits such as strawberries or grapes are refreshing and add balance.
The rest of your evening, well, is up to you...
MORE LOVE BITS:
Here are some great decorating ideas to show off your affectionate nature. Use collections of the heart to enhance your love mood:
Display your favorite cards from heart days gone by.
Place books about love and Valetines Day on coffee/end tables.
Decorate with heart-shaped boxes, tins or containers.
Scatter romance confetti and cinnamon hearts across your place setting.
Use heart-shaped napkin rings.
Prepare heart ice cubes.
Serve heart-shaped cheeses with heart-shaped crackers.
Creative Valentines Gifts:
A handmade Valentine, love-letter or poem handwritten for your lover.
Love coupons to be spent by your significant other.
Body baths, creams or oils (for him as well).
Romantic movies or CD's.
Favorite wine, liquor or champagne in themed bottle bag.
A special piece of jewellery.
Lingerie or heart decorated unmetionables (his/hers.)
Luxurious, decadent candy--try Lindt chocolate truffles.
Lovable, stuffed animal toys.
For more great ideas, chick out www.everythingvalentine.com!
Plan A Surprise Valentine Breakfast!
Two Hearts
Two hearts beating erratic
As on the day, their attraction was static
Pulsating hearts with touches that tingle
Breathful sighs amid lips that mingle
Two hearts beating together
Planning a future, in storms they will weather
Holding hands and heavy kisses
Walking the aisle to become Mr & Mrs
Two hearts beating in rhythm
Starting a family, where the pace becomes driven
Nurturing babies with bottles of food
Dirty diapers and "not in the mood"
Two hearts beating in time
Raising the children, just moves along fine
School plays followed by childhood dreams
Teenage independence entering the adulthood stream
Two hearts beating as one
The kids have all grown, another cycle’s begun
Days filled with hobbies and time for the soul
Now "empty-nesters" but our love is still whole
As two hearts beating in love...
Beatitude Of Loving
emotion
elation,
dance of creation
melding,
urging,
lustfulness verging
graceous,
tension,
God's own invention
spirits,
blazing,
purely amazing
oozing,
sweetness,
each in our greatness!
Talkin' Heart-to-Heart...
We all know that Valentine’s Day is a day that signifies our love--not “what” we love but “who” we love. That special connection to another soul, another heart.
For those of us who have been with significant others more than ten or twenty years, we know we’ve got to work at keeping the home fires burning with passion. We know we must be creative - each and every day, especially on Valentine’s Day.
How do you spend your day of love? Is it really a special day or just another on the calendar of life? Does it signify your love for one another? Will you share your thoughts by answering a few questions?
1. What is your age range?
(a) 20 - 30
(b) 30 – 40
(c) 40 – 50
(d) 50 – 60
(e) 60 – 70
(f) 70 & up
2. How long have you been in your relationship?
(a) 0 – 5 years
(b) 5 – 10 years
(c) 10 – 20 years
(d) 20 – 30 years
(e) 30 – 40 years
(f) 40 years & up
3. What pre-determines your Valentine’s Day plans?
(a) How long and where you’re at in your relationship?
(b) Your hectic schedule?
(c) Family activities?
(d) Finances?
(e) Your traditions?
(f) Other?
