© iStockphoto.com/Eliza Snow-
Before you embark on a new relationship, or if you are seeking to make your partnership stronger, consider these eight questions couples should ask about love and debt.More >> Valentine's Day is an occasion for couples to reaffirm their commitment to each other, but parents should show love for their children every day of the year, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.More >> Algorithm-based online dating sites are a dime a dozen, and several new apps are trying to inject a little more personality into the system.More >> We've narrowed down a list to our favorite tech-related ways to say "I love you" on Valentine's Day.More >> Whether you are making them for your family, children or a special someone, a homemade cupcake for Valentine's Day is a whole lot of love.More >> A new research study observes the use of "scientific" research in order to give weight to online dating services that offer to find the perfect soulmate for users.More >> Go beyond the champagne, red wine or chardonnay and try something new and alluring for Valentine's Day. When planning a Valentine's Day romantic dinner or a fun evening for singles, cocktails can be fun to create and serve as a great conversation piece.More >> If you want to spend some intimate time with your partner, why not use an aphrodisiac to help get things going? Here are some of the best natural aphrodisiacs and how they help get you and your partner revved up.More >> On any calendar, St. Valentine's Day is the season of love. This holiday has lots of memory making potential, and setting the scene for romance with a few decorative touches will make the whole event more fun.More >> Online dating has upended traditional matchmaking, new research suggests, with more would-be suitors embracing the notion that Mr. or Ms. Right may only be a click away.More >>
-
The anonymous masseur who first accused John Travolta of assault and sexual battery has dropped his lawsuit against the actor.More >> The anonymous masseur who first accused John Travolta of assault and sexual battery has dropped his lawsuit against the actor.More >> Dinosaurs may have suffered from arthritis, new research says.More >> Dinosaurs may have suffered from arthritis, new research says.More >> Tyra Banks is toasting Vogue for pledging to promote healthy body image, but while the plan is a step in the right direction, what does it really mean for the future?More >> Tyra Banks is toasting Vogue for pledging to promote healthy body image, but while the plan is a step in the right direction, what does it really mean for the future?More >> Anthony Bourdain says he received scary hate mail after bashing Paula Deen.More >> Anthony Bourdain says he received scary hate mail after bashing Paula Deen.More >> Father's Day is just around the corner, and if you haven't planned anything for dear old Dad, check out this list of fun Father's Day activities.More >> Father's Day is just around the corner, and if you haven't planned anything for dear old Dad, check out this list of fun Father's Day activities.More >> A lot of homeowners with underwater mortgages would like to refinance, but they don't qualify for HARP. Do they have other options?More >> A lot of homeowners with underwater mortgages would like to refinance, but they don't qualify for HARP (the federal Home Affordable Refinance Program). Do they have other options?More >> Industries such as residential construction, mobile games, and big data will provide the best business opportunities in 2012.More >> Industries such as residential construction, mobile games, and big data will provide the best business opportunities in 2012.More >> Donald Trump has opened his mouth again -- and this time he's going after Cher.More >> Donald Trump has opened his mouth again -- and this time he's going after Cher.More >> Mitchell Guist, a cast member of The History Channel's Swamp People, has died.More >> Mitchell Guist, a cast member of The History Channel's Swamp People, has died.More >> Hidden fees can be a nasty surprise for vacationing travelers, especially if the fees are mandatory and cover basic services such as utilities.More >> Hidden fees can be a nasty surprise for vacationing travelers, especially if the fees are mandatory and cover basic services such as utilities.More >>
Provided by: Hallmark Cards PLC
Choosing the proper gift, card or sentiment during Valentine's Day is a challenge regardless of how long you've been one-half of a "couple." Marketers try to sell a concept and friends give (un)wanted advice while you rack your brain trying to figure out what to do.
But all is not lost.
Kendra Keller knows a thing or two about romance as she is the Head of Romance at Hallmark Cards in the UK. Keller reveals some romance tips which will take you to the top of the class come Valentine's Day:
Gifts:
- A Valentine's card, whether it's cute, classy, traditional or tacky, is considered the most important item to receive on Valentine's Day - don't neglect such a simple touch! Upload photographs through an online service to make it extra special.
- A home-made gift shows thought, consideration and creativity- think along the lines of home-made muffins, a personalized photo frame (so they can frame your thoughtful personalized Valentine's card of course!) or a delicious three course dinner for extra brownie points.
Messages:
- What you write in your personalized Valentine's day card says way more about your relationship than what you buy.
- Personalized messages and private jokes show openness and the ability to be honest about your feelings, but remember to keep it clean as other people may well end up reading it!
- If you want to write a poem, avoid channeling your inner cheese and remember it doesn't have to rhyme to be romantic – so just give it a go.
Dates:
- Dream dates are all about personal touches and don't just have to be about wining and dining, and splashing the cash!
- Personal grooming should be a given- but a bit of effort (a nice new shirt/haircut/new underwear) will not go unnoticed and get you extra brownie points, boys and girls!
- A home-cooked meal, foot massage, bubble bath or even agreeing to watch football/ Desperate Housewives are all activities that are easily achievable and just as effective as candy hearts and roses.
- Why not create a personalized invitation for your date to make it really different?
Sad to say, there isn't a correct answer or cheat sheet for this major test. However, if you give yourself a little time before the big day and reflect, you'll definitely make this year's Valentine's Day one of the best.
