Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day

This I Love You Map, shows the phrase “I Love You” translated into 130 different languages and positioned on the map based on the primary language spoken in that country or region of the world.

Here's wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day
wherever you may be in the world!

Friday, February 10, 2017

Modern Love

I love infographics. This one was made in early 2013.  The concept behind it was to visually demonstrate how technology has affected our behavior in romantic relationships. See for yourself.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Valentine's Day facts

Each one of us celebrates Valentine's Day differently. Some don't celebrate it at all. Other can't sleep at night wondering who their secret admirer might be?

So, while we wait for February 14th to come along, I'll nibble on a piece of chocolate and share some fun facts about Valentine's Day with you.


Valentine's Day related history:
- The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on February 14th in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of women and marriage.
- Many believe the 'X' symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn't write their names signed in front of a witness with an 'X.' The 'X' was then kissed to show their sincerity.
- Girls of medieval times ate bizarre foods on St. Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future spouse.
- In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see. This was the origin of the expression "to wear your heart on your sleeve."
- In 1537, England's King Henry VII officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine's Day.
- The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife.
- Every Valentine's Day, the Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet.

Chocolate:
- Casanova, well known as "The World's Greatest Lover," ate chocolate to make him virile.
- Physicians of the 1800's commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love.
- Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine's Day in the late 1800's.
- More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.

Flowers:
- 73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine's Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.
- The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
- Red roses are considered the flower of love because the color red stands for strong romantic feelings.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Sweet pickup lines

Feeling a bit frivolous today and having been inspired by a friend's Facebook status I decided to share some sweet pickup lines. It's Valentine's Day in a week, so get ready to be swept off your feet. Which line would you fall for? Or do you have a better pickup line?

In this changing and uncertain times we are living today, I think we need to rearrange the alphabet. How about putting U & I together?

Guess what I’m wearing? The smile you gave me!

If I were an octopus, all my 3 hearts would beat for you.

Roses are red violets are blue I didn’t know what perfect was until I met you.

Your smile lit up the room, so I just had to come over.

There isn’t a word in the dictionary to describe how beautiful you are.

Is there an airport nearby or is that just my heart taking off?

Because of you, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot more.

Me without you is like a nerd without braces, a shoe without laces, aSentenceWithoutSpaces.

This time next year let’s be laughing together.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Valentine's Day around the world

When did it all start?

There are various theories on the origin of Valentine's Day but the most popular dates back to the time of the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius II, 270 A.D. Claudius didn't want men to marry during wartime because he believed single men made better soldiers. Bishop Valentine went against his wishes and performed secret wedding ceremonies. For this, Valentine was jailed and then executed by order of the Emperor on Feb. 14. While in jail, he wrote a love note to the jailor's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." Sound familiar?

More Valentine's Day-related history

The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on Feb. 14 in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of women and marriage.

Many believe the X symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn't write their names signed in front of a witness with an X. The X was then kissed to show their sincerity.

Girls of medieval times ate bizarre foods on St. Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future spouse.

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see. This was the origin of the expression "to wear your heart on your sleeve."

In 1537, England's King Henry VII officially declared Feb. 14 the holiday of St. Valentine's Day.

Chocolate Facts about love

Casanova, well known as "The World's Greatest Lover," ate chocolate to make him virile.

Physicians of the 1800s commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love.

Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine's Day in 1868.


Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Dating in the digital age

Now here is a fascinating bit of information I found on the net today. What ever happened to the old-fashion dating game of sending a Valentine's Card? How many of your received a card today and who received their wishes via internet?


Happy Valentine's Day

Friday, February 14, 2014

What does your Valentine's Day gift say?

Want to know what your Valentine's Day gift says about your relationship? Check it out on the info-graph below. And if all else fails, follow the advice on the bottom.

Wishing everybody a Happy Valentine's day!




Thursday, February 13, 2014

Valentine's Day Coupons

Valentine's Day is all about love. Rather than rushing out to buy a last minute gift, share some time with your loved ones. Here are some sweet Valentine's coupons that I came across on the net.


The premade coupons for kids, include dessert before dinner or one day without chores; and adults, include breakfast in bed or a meal out at their favorite restaurant. Plus, you'll find some blank coupons so you can write your own - just open the blank PDF and type in your coupon text, or print them onto cardstock and handwrite them.




Amy loves Crafts has more coupons to offer: click here 


However, this coupon by allthosethingsilove tops them all: click here


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day inspiration ....

Would you be my Valentine 
Would you be my sweetheart 
Could I be the only one 
You hold dear to your heart 

Would you be my Valentine 
Would you be my friend 
Could we stay together 
Until the very end 

Would you be my Valentine 
Would you hold me tight 
Could we even possibly 
Be each others guiding light 

Would you be my Valentine 
Could your love light shine 
And on this special Valentines 
WOULD YOU PLEASE BE MINE 
(Norman Hale jr) 

Quick, there is still time to reserve your table for tonight! Below are a few tips and facts to give you an idea what you are letting yourself into. 

You can find more fun facts about Valentine's Day here
Find out if a box of chocolates will do the trick here
If you are looking for restaurants scroll down and check out my restaurant links half-way down the right sidebar.
Or maybe you'd rather stay at home and make a heavenly chocolate soufflé?


HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Say "I love you" with chocolate

The two Swiss products I ALWAYS export, no matter where in the world we live, are Champions' Birchermüsli and Cailler dark chocolate. I would add Luxemburgerli and Cervelat saugages but they don't travel well.

With Valentine's Day coming up Cailler are launching their yearly chocolate treat: create an e-chocolate card and send it to your sweetheart. You'll automatically enter the Valentine's Day competition and could win a course for 2 at the Atelier du Chocolat, and a selection of Frigor tablets.

Just click here to participate: http://www.cailler.ch/en/contests/brand/frigor-st-valentin/


While you wait for the big day, you are only a click away of some of the most scrumptious chocolate recipes: www.cailler.ch/en/recipes.

Even better, if you happen to travel passed Broc near Gruyère why not stop for a tour of the Maison Cailler. Your kids can register for the “Future chocolatiers” workshop, where young confectioners can choose their ingredients and their favourite mould, then decorate their creation however they wish. And, afterwards, they can take it home to enjoy themselves or to give as a present.

Mmmmmhhhhhhh.......

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day

"Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition."
Alexander Smith

Each one of us celebrates Valentine's Day differently. Some don't celebrate it at all. Other can't sleep at night wondering who their secret admirer might be?

My unfortunate luck is that Italians don't "DO" cards. Not for Christmas, not for birthdays or anniversaries and therefore I will not receive a Valentine's card. My hubby will make up by surprising me with a great pressie, for sure!

In the meantime, I'll nibble on a piece of chocolate and share some fun facts about Valentine's Day with you.


Valentine's Day related history:
- The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on February 14th in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of women and marriage.
- Many believe the 'X' symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn't write their names signed in front of a witness with an 'X.' The 'X' was then kissed to show their sincerity.
- Girls of medieval times ate bizarre foods on St. Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future spouse.
- In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see. This was the origin of the expression "to wear your heart on your sleeve."
- In 1537, England's King Henry VII officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine's Day.
- The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife.
- Every Valentine's Day, the Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet.

Chocolate:
- Casanova, well known as "The World's Greatest Lover," ate chocolate to make him virile.
- Physicians of the 1800's commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love.
- Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine's Day in the late 1800's.
- More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.

Flowers:
- 73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine's Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.
- The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
- Red roses are considered the flower of love because the color red stands for strong romantic feelings.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Be my Valentine!

Timeless Valentine
As time goes by from year to year,
One thing is surely true, my dear;
Though decades come and decades go,
Just seeing you sets me aglow.
Time shifts my body; I start to sag,
When I pass a mirror, it can make me gag.
My joints all ache; I can hardly move;
Still a smile from you, and I’m in the groove.
Getting older can be a pain,
But with you along, I can’t complain.
Despite the things that we go through,
I know I’ll never stop loving you.
Your loving heart turns life to play,
As we laugh at time from day to day.
So I write this poem, and I’ll hang my sign,
Saying, "Always Be My Valentine."
By Karl and Joanna Fuchs


Sunday, February 13, 2011

Chocolate Soufflé recipe

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"
Lucy Van Pelt in Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz

In response to yesterday's post: Chocolate CAN do the trick for Valentine's Day. Just the mention of chocolate soufflé can conjure up feelings of decadence and luxury. The ability to prepare a chocolate soufflé usually commands the admiration of the diners. However, the difficulty in preparing a soufflé has been somewhat exaggerated over time, and, although, most people won't even attempt it, soufflés can be quite simple to make. This yummy chocolate soufflé is easy to make and can be the perfect finale to a romantic dinner.

Don’t be fooled by the diminutive size of these cakes: They’re beyond decadent, and will instantly quell any chocolate craving you have. And they couldn’t be easier, requiring just five ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe is primarily dependant on good chocolate, so be sure to use the best quality chocolate that you enjoy.

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for the ramekins
1 Tbsp flour, plus more for the ramekins
50gr bittersweet chocolate
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
2 Tbsp granulated sugar

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 450ºF.
2. Butter two 6-oz ramekins and dust the inside with flour.
3. Place the butter and chocolate in a glass bowl and microwave on high in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
4. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg, egg yolk and sugar in a medium bowl until thick and lighter in color, about 1 minute. Add the melted chocolate mixture and flour and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Divide the batter between the prepared ramekins. Bake until edges are set and center still jiggles slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Let stand for 15 seconds. Run a knife around edge, then invert each cake onto a plate. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with fresh mint or berries, if desired. Serve immediately.

Make-Ahead Tip: Refrigerate the batter in the ramekins for up to 1 day. Before baking, bring to room temperature.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Will a box of chocolate do the trick?

"Giving chocolate to others is an intimate form of communication, a sharing of deep, dark secrets."
Milton Zelman, publisher of "Chocolate News"

The chart below was taken from an article I came across 2 years ago. Eventhough it isn't that recent I just had to share this knowledge with you in view of Monday's celebration.

On Valentine's Day, the relationship between chocolate and sex becomes, at least for gentlemen considering the ideal gift, less a matter of theoretical musing and one of stark practicality. Will a box of chocolates do the trick? In some parts of Europe sex and chocolate go hand in hand, though a causal link is unclear. Mediterranean lovers tend to have as much sex but less chocolate—perhaps hotter weather has a bearing on both. The Japanese have precious little of either.

Valentine's Day gifts for him

I have written so much about what we girls would love to be gifted on Valentine’s Day and before the guys feel ignored or if you are in need of ideas for gifting then do read the rest of this story.

TOP MUSIC: Its futuristic and delicate design makes this home audio equipment irresistible. Beo Center 2. produced by Bang & Olufsen, two aluminum doors slide sideways to unfold a radio player, CD, MP3 and DVD (3,840 € approx.)



HIDDEN MESSAGE COLLAR STAYS: come in PG-version and Racy version. Both the PG-version and racy collar stays are made from stainless steel and feature 12 different messages of love and lust. The PG version includes messages such as "You’re so handsome" and "You make me laugh”. The racy stays includes messages like “Wait until dark” and “Feel my desire” among others.
They come in a dapper black leather carrying case lined with red faux suede for $39.95.




BASEBALL STICHES CUFF LINKS: Salute his passion for baseball with cuff links handmade from the same baseballs the pros have used. Created from authentic game used Major League Baseballs, the baseball cufflinks feature iconic red stitches and unique scuffs and scratches earned in the journey from hand to bat to glove. He can even look up what game the ball was played in using the authentication number on the back of each cuff link. ($149.95)




MEN’S LEATHER WATCH CASE: If he has more than two, it's officially a collection. Our top-stitched leather case has a place for all of his favorite watches. Exclusively from RedEnvelope. $ 49.95



HOME GOLF SIMULATOR: This plug-and-play golf simulator lets you play championship caliber courses from the comfort of your home with any club in your golf bag. The turf has a regulation golf ball mounted on a flexible tether that allows the ball to spin when it is struck, enabling you to swing with the same tempo and force as on an actual course, and producing the same feel and "ping" sound when you strike the ball.



RECORD PLAYER: Vinyl isn’t only for the music pedant nor should it be. Help him listen to it in the best possible way. There are a variety of models for vinyl beginners and experts. Project-audio.com has turntables for all listening levels like the Pro-Ject Debut III (approximately $500). Thorens has products at all price points, including the TD850 ($2659) and the TD90-2 (579.00).



WATCH G-Shock Aviation Series from CASIO: Taking design cues from aircraft flight panel indicators, the new G-Aviation features a triple layered dial and frame display structure that gives the watch face a three-dimensional feel while increasing overall visibility. Impeccably designed with toughness and technology, the G-Aviation also features Self-Charging, Tough Solar Power & Self–Adjusting, Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping technology, Tough Movement and the quadruple hybrid case structure for the ultimate in accuracy, strength and performance. ($300.-)



PERSONAL TRAINER SESSION: If you are running late and have no time for shopping, call your local gym and reserve an hour with a personal trainer for your loved one. 
Should you live in Lugano call the A-Club (Tel. +41 91 966 13 13) and ask for Gian Luca. Highly recommendable. He is friendly, professional, serious and gentle all in one. Perfect motivator! Personal trainer A-Club.



Happy Valentine's Day

Friday, February 11, 2011

Shopping for the perfect Valentine's Day gift

You have got the whole weekend to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart or why not pamper yourself? If you haven't come across your pink dream in the Toys for Girls book you might want to consider the following selection.

The closer we get to Feb. 14, the more pink electronics are coming out of the woodwork!

In view of Valentine’s Day I thought I’d come up with some gift suggestions combining high tech with distinct female aesthetic. Sound sytems, underwater MP3 players, top luxury phones and mobiles, pocket notebooks have definitely been getting into the V-Day spirit... a world that is evermore expanding: the art of pink design engineering.




GLAMOUR TELEPHONES:  Get a cordless phone like this one and turn it into a decorative, almost sculptural piece of art for your living room. With the buttons arranged in two rows and a black support, it is another great idea offered Bang & Olufsen (661 €).


USB necklaces: Ceramic is one of the hottest trend for jewelry at the moment.
Danish brand Kähler had the idea to combine beauty and functionality by creating My Life collection, a unique range of USB necklace made in ceramic. A sexy and ultra-modern way to carry all your precious files around! 2 GB of capacity (49.95 €/ each).


DESIGN & SOUND: Bang & Olufsen remain true to sound and style with the BeoSound 8 new docking station for iPhone, iPod, and iPad. High-end design and amazing technological features, the BeoSound 8 can be placed in any room or even hang on the wall. It offers sublime sound and beautiful design. (995 €).

ATTENTION GETTER: The undeniably chic and colorful 1.3-pound2, 8-inch3 Vaio P portable does more than you could imagine – with impeccable style. Work on important documents, organize your photos and music, or just show it off when you want some attention. Once you get used to it, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. Best of all, it fits right in your purse or jacket pocket. Includes GPS (899 €).



FRESH, SPIRITED, COOL, YOU: Where is it written that a keyboard can’t be stylish? That a mouse can’t be whimsical? Logitech believe self-expression can be found in most everyday objects, so they created the Logitech Fantasy Collection. Mouse M305 (29,99 €) and Speakers LS11, (19,95 €).


THINK PINK: If you’re gonna go pink, then why not go all the way with matching pink accessories? That is the idea behind the Olympus FE-340 Pink 8 MP Digital Camera Deluxe Kit. The kit doesn’t just include a pink camera, but it also comes with a matching leather case, a 4×6 photo frame, and a photo Storage box. The camera sports a 1.7″ LCD, 5X optical zoom, face detection technology, red eye removal, an AVI movie mode, Digital Image Stabiliz and has 1GB capacity (180 €).



KEYBOARD AND MOUSE FOR BLONDES: First off, it’s pink, so you’re probably intrigued already right? The designers have also made things easier for us girls with some special keys.

You’ll get a lot of use out of the MySpace spacebar, while Enter= Yes, I want it. Delete= “Oops” and T= TC4S, too cool for school. S= “SOS”, shoes on sale. Seems like they covered everything. The numbers even look like dice rather than plain old digits. With this keyboard, every moment you type is a blonde moment. The link "Keyboard for blondes" is definately worth a peek. ;) (59.50€)



VERSACE UNIQUE SMARTPHONE: Designed for the cosmopolitans who love technology combined with fashion in mind, the new Versace Unique luxury mobile phone unites all essential functions for professional and personal use. A full-featured multimedia creation, Versace Unique also offers bespoke services and private fittings to clients who want to suit personal style, inspirations and creative mood in colour and texture accoutrements for the telephone. (5'500. €)


SONY MP3 PLAYER with HEADPHONES: When jogging or at the gym, no matter how cute and tiny your pink mp3 player is, having dangling cords and having to carry an mp3 player around can be a nuisance. When working out, you want no fuss, a cord free gadget that will allow you to go through the entire workout free of wires, as they can get in the way be yanked accidentally out of the player while working out. Look no further: these tiny music devices offer 2 GB of memory space, hours of fun music and the beauty comes in the fact that the mp3 player is actually integrated in the headphones. (85.-€)



UNDERWATER MUSIC from NAICAL: Perfect for bringing music to your favorite aquatic sports, the Nu Technology Dolphin Touch MP3 player will keep you entertained whether you are out lap swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing.

The Dolphin Lite is a comfortable and ergonomic MP3 whose battery lasts 18 hours of continuous playback, and weighs only 20 grams. The Dolphin lite, unlike most of the MP3s on the market offers cable-free design that allows the user to forget completely where to place the device. It is available with 2GB of storage at a price of 79.- € at the official website of the company.


SONY DIGITAL READER Pocket Edition: it's elegant, lightweight design makes it perfect for on-the-go reading. Take your favorite books (up to 350) with you to the beach, on travels or to bed. Build your library comfortably from home at the eBook Store from Sony, where you can access new releases or choose from over one million free public domain titles from Google Books, or you can visit public libraries to borrow eBooks if you live in the US. (200.- €)

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!


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