3 best plants for cool-season color

Great plants for fall and winter color

Cool-season flowers bring a splash of color to your garden right when you need it most.
Where freezes are infrequent, you can plant cheery pansies (pictured), snapdragons, English daisies, and more from early fall through late winter. They'll overwinter, filling your borders, containers, and pocket gardens with months of flower power.

In cold climates, plants will die off in winter but can be planted again in spring.

Look for sturdy plants with good leaf color in six-packs and 4-inch containers. Click ahead for some of our favorite picks for the cool season.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Daisy-like calendula provides easy color from late fall through spring in mild-winter climates, and are long lasting in a vase.

Choose classic orange and bright yellow, or opt for subtler shades of apricot, cream, and soft yellow. Branching plants are 1 to 2 feet high and 1 to 1½  feet wide and look great as masses of color or in a container.

Calendula plants take full sun and moderate water. They will tolerate many soils as long as they have good drainage. Remove the spent flowers to prolong bloom.

Candytuft (Iberis)

Candytuft plants grow 8 to 12 inches high and wide; their narrow, shiny dark green leaves look great all year.

Pure white flower clusters are carried on stems long enough to cut for bouquets. Choose 'Alexander's White' (pictured), ‘Autumnale’, or ‘Autumn Snow; they bloom in spring and again in fall.

Plants thrive in full sun or part shade and regular water. Candytuft needs well-drained soil and should be sheared lightly after bloom to stimulate new growth.

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Source : Sunset.com

Spread the Love: Out-of-the-Box Valentine’s Day Ideas

Every year as February approaches, people scramble to pair up and proclaim their love, often in the flashiest ways. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Instead use the holiday to celebrate family, close friends and others you care about. Create traditions to make Valentine’s Day less about romance and more about appreciation for the ones you love. Here are some Valentine’s Day ideas sure to get you thinking about how to make the day special.

Make Breakfast Together

Start the day off right by whipping up a delicious breakfast as a family. Take full advantage of Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year. Enjoy a leisurely meal together instead of rushing around to get ready for work and school. Plan ahead and assign each family member a responsibility. Ask your son scour the Internet to find the best pancake recipe. Order a crate of assorted citrus fruit and let your daughter make some fresh-squeezed juice. Your husband can take charge of the bacon, and you can set the table with festive decorations. By delegating the tasks, you minimize the pressure on any individual person, and the family can take pride in their part in making the day special.

Gifts for Others breakfast

Take a Hike

Is there anything more gorgeous than Mother Nature’s bounty? Get outside and enjoy Valentine’s Day as a family by taking a hike in the most picturesque spot nearby your house. Pack dried fruit and nuts for snacks, (try this assortment), or bring along a simple picnic lunch. Meander the trails and soak up the splendor that lies around you. Love is all around. You simply have to take the time to open your eyes and really enjoy it.

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 Volunteer

Rather than spoil one another with fancy gifts, take the day as an opportunity for your family to spread love throughout your community. Spend the morning volunteering at a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. The experience will help you and your children understand how fortunate you are.

  Visit a local nursing home or hospital and give handmade Valentines to the residents. Find out from nursing home if there is someone who is lonely or could use a little extra attention. Have a bouquet of flowers delivered to his or her room, or bring the bouquet over as a family and take a few minutes to visit.

If your children have a few favorite games or toys, buy a few of each and bring them to your city’s children’s hospital. The kids who have to spend this special day in the hospital will appreciate the thought. Kids will also love to snuggle up with a plush new teddy bear. Devote a bit of your time to brighten others’ day. It can be a great reminder of how much love surrounds us.

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Share Your Love Story

Life before kids — do you even remember that time? Break out the photo albums and take a walk down memory lane with the whole family. Prepare everything beforehand; include photos to illustrate your relationship, any sweet love notes or memorabilia (like movie or concert ticket stubs from dates, or newspaper clippings from the time period early in your relationship). Your kids will love to see the old photographs of you and your spouse in your younger days and imagine what life was like before they joined the family.

 Source: Ftd.com

9 Reasons to Deliver Your Valentine’s Day Flowers Early

Every year millions of flowers are delivered on Valentine’s Day. Here are nine simple reasons for you to deliver flowers early this year and beat that Valentine’s Day rush.

1) Wow her coworkers. For once, you are the hero of the office. Enough said.

2) Someone to receive the flowers. There is nothing quite like surprising someone with a flower delivery and after all you want to make sure that surprise goes off without a hitch. If you are uncertain if your recipient will be home on Valentine’s Day, send them to her work or home early when you know someone will be there to receive them. Which brings us to our next reason…

3) Not sitting outside in the cold. Unfortunately, there are a lot of areas that are extremely cold during this time of year, and flowers are extremely delicate in general. These extreme temperature, whether hot or cold, do not bode well for the flowers. We work hard to make sure our quality is top notch by putting hot packs and cold packs in our boxes depending on the temperature, but sometimes Mother Nature does what she wants. Which brings us to another reason…

4) Unpredictable weather. Thank you Winter Storm Pax (or any of the various winter storms that always seem to hit right when anyone has plans). Stick it to unpredictable weather by getting your flowers there early.

5) Enjoy them all week long. Experts will tell you that sitting all day in front of your computer is bad for your health. Well, one good thing that will come from delivering flowers early is that at least you get to look at them while you are sitting in front of your computer all day. Which brings us to…

6) Perfect by Valentine’s Day. When FTD ships our flowers, we ship them to you in a bud stage. This is done so that the flowers can be enjoyed all week and you can watch them open. If you deliver your flowers early, then your significant other can enjoy them all week, and by the time Valentine ’s Day hits they will be in the perfect bloom stage.

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7) One less thing to do on Valentine’s Day. 24 hours never seems to be enough hours in a day. Now add an additional trip to go find flowers. Then, add a potential second stop because the first place didn’t have what you wanted. Now you have 23 hours in a day. Order off of www.ftd.com and we’ve saved you an hour. You’re welcome.

8) Beat the Valentine’s Day rush – choose from more options. It’s the basic economic principle of supply and demand. On Valentine’s Day more people want flowers, beat the demand and have more options to choose from.

9) Surprise her – ask her out. Send the flowers as a formal invitation to your special Valentine’s Day date night. Text message invitations are beneath your smooth moves.

Source: Ftd.com blog

5 Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day has a lot of familiar traditions. From hearts to chocolates and traditional roses, plus countless other gifts that are romantic but can lean toward the cliché side. This year, we’ve compiled a list of creative ideas your sweetheart won’t be expecting.

1. Surprise Vacation

Obstacles such as arranging time off work without your significant other finding out or secretly packing her suitcase can make this idea ambitious, but that’s also what makes this gesture so wonderful. It shows you care enough to go the extra mile (or 1,000).  Delivering the surprise can be easily done by hiding concert tickets in a bouquet of flowers or tucked into something she uses everyday (handbag, gym tote, etc.). Some tips for pulling this one off:

• Stay close to home (keeps your romantic getaway from becoming a hassle).
• Make it an overnight or short weekend trip (this keeps it exciting without getting in the way of real life).
• Have everything planned in advance (hotel, dinner reservations, etc.).

2. Create a One-of-a-Kind Bouquet.

Red roses are a classic, but every classic needs an update. Mixed bouquets are quickly growing in popularity, and picking something that is unique to her personality is a great way to show how much thought you put into getting the perfect flowers. Try fresh cut tulips that bloom over time, to give a gift that keeps on giving. If she’s an animal lover or just a little wild, try a mix of pink roses and smaller spray roses with a leopard print bow. For more creative bouquet ideas, check out our “More Than Red Roses” below and here’s a great bouquet option.

3. Wrap Your Gift in a Balloon

For this idea, the smaller and thinner the gift, the better. Think spa gift certificates or a love note (or if it’s time, maybe a ring). Roll up your gift and insert it along with confetti into the neck of the balloon. Then, blow it up and let her pop it for a surprise.

4. Create a “Mixtape” 

 Back in the day, creating a mixtape for someone was the ultimate romantic gesture. Actually making it required the time and strategy to ensure every song worked from the opening track to the closer. It’s a lost art in the digital age, but it can easily be done with a Spotify or iTunes playlist that you can sneak onto her smartphone or iPod. Be thoughtful with your song selection. Do you two have a song? An artist you saw in concert on your first date? Choose wisely. You can include a love note with it, or design some cover art and send it in an email.

5. Pop-Up Picnic

This one takes some planning, so you might need a little help. Have a friend or trusted assistant go to a nearby park and set up a picnic in advance. Then suggest a walk through the park with your Valentine, and voila! A surprise pop-up picnic! This idea is straight out of a Hollywood romantic comedy and will be something she remembers forever. Don’t stop there. Get creative. Think outside the heart-shaped box to give your special someone a Valentine’s Day to remember. Get the latest Ftd flowers coupon 50 off and shop Valentine’s Day Flowers and Gifts at FTD.com! Valid now through Feb 15. 2015!

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Source

4 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues with Flowers

Is the cold, dreary winter bringing you down? As the novelty of the first snow wears off, those overwhelming feelings—cabin fever, exhaustion from shoveling snow and pure loathing for packing on all those heavy layers—start to set in. So what can you do to bring a little joy back into those wearisome winter months?

It has been scientifically proven that flowers (our specialty!) have the ability to elevate your mood. Beyond the elation you experience upon receiving a gorgeous bouquet, seeing flowers at any time can make you feel energized and overall more positive throughout the day. Additionally, the scent of flowers can help alleviate stress.

So while you’re stuck indoors for these bleak biting days, consider surrounding yourself with anything floral. Here are 4 brilliant ideas to brighten up your home and fight the winter blues.
Floral-Patterned Finishes

Incorporate vivid floral patterns into your home décor to put a little pep back in your step. Whether it’s a beautiful new rug, a few throw pillows for the sofa or floral bed sheets, seeing colorful blooms scattered throughout your home will help make you feel a sense of calm and even slightly blissful despite the seasonal sadness.

It’s so important to add both pattern and color into your décor, especially if you tend to choose more neutrals, and floral patterns are a simple way to achieve this, without redecorating your entire room.

Floral Art

Surround yourself with all things beautiful—make space on your wall for some beautiful flower artwork. Looking at a beautiful painting, drawing or photograph is guaranteed to make you feel happy again. And if you’re feeling especially inspired, try your hands at creating your own flower masterpiece to put on display in your home—pick up some paints and a canvas and unleash your inner artist.

You can happily pass the winter days by cozying up with a nice hot cup of tea and admiring your brilliant work of art.

Floral wallpaper

If you think wallpaper is slightly outdated, think again! Wallpaper is actually making a comeback and emerging as a huge trend. You don’t have to settle for ugly 70s-style prints either. There is such a wide variety of good-quality, gorgeous wallpaper out on the market today.

Find stylish floral paper to suit your taste—whether it’s vibrant and cheerful or modern and sophisticated. You don’t have to cover your entire home in floral wallpaper either just to beat the blues—choose just one lovely accent wall, and it will end up making a huge difference. Spend a Saturday picking up materials at your local home improvement store and hanging your paper, and then enjoy the rest of the winter that much more.

Fresh flowers

Bring fresh, vibrant, colorful flower arrangement into your home and put one in every room—in the living room on the coffee table, in your bedroom on a nightstand or even in the dining room to enjoy while dining.

The best part about fresh flowers is that you can have these blooming beauties hand-delivered right to your door—so no need to trek out into the cold, depressing winter weather. Choose any color or variety that makes you think of sunny, cheerful days ahead. If you live in a warm-weather climate, think of all your friends elsewhere suffering from the winter blues and send them some happy flowers to liven up their season.

Discover endless inspiration for all things floral from the latest trends to quick and easy how–tos at Proflowers.com or Ftd.com. Get Prepare for Valentine’s Day! Shop and save on Valentine’s Day Flowers and Gifts From $19.99and use Ftd Flowers Coupon 50% OFF 2015 for your favorite products now! Express your feeling to her or him w/ fresh gifts!



If you’re feeling particularly moody this winter, you may be suffering from seasonal depression. Take it from the experts—plain and simple: flowers make you happy. Add some to your home, and you’ll forget all about the gloom of winter and start to love the season once again.

Source: Proflowers.com

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him: 4 Swoon-Worthy Ideas

Many girlfriends await a gorgeous bouquet of red roses on Valentine’s Day. But the ultimate dream girl is on the hunt to express her love to her boyfriend too, with her own romantic surprise. Plus, dinner at a fancy restaurant where both you and your guy open a heart-shaped box of chocolates is unoriginal and unadventurous, which is so not you two.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year by giving your man a surprise gift and an unforgettable experience that’ll make him swoon. You’ll have his buddies saying, “She’s a keeper. Marry her!”

For the Beer Connoisseur

Give it: If your beer-guzzling guy enjoys IPAs and he’s loyal to his lagers, then he’ll love to create his own ale. The Mr. Beer Craft Collection Home Brewing System creates a one-of-a-kind experience unique from drinking at the local pub, even for the most discerning beer enthusiast. The kit is packed with ingredients for a delicious microbrewery ale and all of the essential equipment.

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Do it: Beer takes time to ferment. Once it’s ready, make an event out of the first tasting. Order out a couple of burgers and fries from your favorite bar, and you’ll have his mouth watering in no time. Homebrew and burgers ― what more could a guy ask for?

For the Grill Master

Give it: Does standing in front of the grill seem to be your boyfriend’s royal throne, armed with tongs and a beer? Is a rack of mouth-watering ribs your guy’s greatest masterpiece?

If you have a bonafide grill master on your hands, supply him with the Napa Jack Barbecue Blast Gourmet Gift Basket or Dean & Deluca Grilling Gourmet.

Do it: Once your man has perfected the recipe of his choice, invite a few friends over for a small soirée of craft beer, good company and his signature grilling specialty, enhanced of course, with Dean & Deluca’s Roasted Onion Ketchup or Napa Jack’s Sweet and Spicy Mustard.

For the Refined Foodie

Give it: For more romantic flair, regale your beloved and prepare a meal complemented by a trio of luxurious wines from Napa Valley. The Silverado Miller Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, full of citrus aromas, deliciously treats the palate with fresh and fruity tropical flavors. If he’s lusting for a red, the Rutherford Hill Barrel Select Red Blend will satisfy the tastebuds with hints of cherry, raspberry and plum.

Do it: Whip up a home-cooked dinner for him. As the meal simmers, pour the gifted vino to ignite the ambience. Pair the delectable tastes of these wines with a main course of panko-crusted veal cutlets (from a local butcher shop) and pesto zucchini noodles (impressively made with a Spiralizer, the latest trend in health-conscious culinary).

For the Amorous Admirer

Give it: If you and your beau are in a new relationship (or ardent amour), then this Valentine’s Day may be hot and heavy. Nothing says sexy like chocolate-covered strawberries. FTD’s Chocolate Dip Delights Classic Chocolate Covered Strawberries with red drizzle are noted to “deliver a singularly sensational experience of extraordinary pleasure.” And the Chocolate-Covered Jalapenos will make you both smokin’ hot, literally.

Do it: Precede the designer desserts with a succulent oyster dish like fried oysters with saffron aioli or grilled oysters with spicy tarragon butter. Oysters are not only a gourmet seafood, they’re an aphrodisiac ― a food to get you in the mood (as if you need it). Then dip into those luxurious chocolates you’ve been pining to try with him.

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her: Gift, Experience or Both?

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be torn between giving your GF a traditional gift she can show off to all of her friends or a memory-making experience. If you really want to impress her, go for both.

The best way to make your loved ones happy is by giving them real-life experiences, says Money Magazine. Pair these experiences with a traditional gift that presents a tangible keepsake she can display and admire, and you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable (and adventure-filled) Valentine’s Day.

For the Hopeless Romantic

Give it: If your sweetie dreams of getting whisked away in true romantic fashion, sweep her off her feet with a chivalrous gesture. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, extend the celebration. Arrange for a bouquet of fresh-cut long stem red roses to be sent to her office earlier in the week. It’ll show all her co-workers just how sweet you are. Include a note with the flowers inviting her to dinner the evening of the 14th. You might even drop a hint about your romantic post-meal plans to get her excited for the weekend.

Do it: For your evening experience, keep up the timeless traditions but add a little personalization to show her this day is all about her. Dinner out is great but the hopeless romantic in your life will expect more than reservations. Plan out the entire night and keep her in suspense of what’s next. Need a few ideas? How about a post-dinner moonlight gondola ride or a midnight hike under the stars. These are grand gestures right out of “Say Anything” star Lloyd Dobler’s playbook.

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For the Decadent Foodie

Give it: Whether it’s sweet or savory, food is the way to her heart. She loves sampling decadent foods and can’t wait to travel the globe to get first-hand experience with culinary flavors. Chocolates are a good start for your gourmet girl but don’t insult her tastebuds with stale convenience-store candies. Only the best will do. Choose a delicious delivery of artisan chocolate strawberries. They’re sure to melt her heart.


Do it: Share in her love of all things gourmet with a gastronomic experience she won’t forget. Sign up for a couples cooking class. Tip: Foodies are ingredient connoisseurs (and often picky eaters) so make sure you browse the menu before signing up for a class to ensure the ingredients are suitable to her epicurean palette.

For the Music Lover

Give it: From country and folk to pop and rock, as long as it has a beat she can dance to, she loves it all. Show her you’ve been paying attention by giving her a thoughtful gift she’s sure to love. A new iPod touch complete with a playlist of her favorite artists, songs and bands will display just how tuned-in you are to her interests.


Do it: Couple your high-tech gift with a pair of local concert tickets to see her favorite band. Since the concert will likely be later in the year, you’ll both have something to look forward to. Think of it as a way to extend the Valentine’s Day celebration.

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For the Wine Aficionado

Give it: Wine is more than a tasty adult beverage. For her, it’s a way to unwind after a long day, a perfect pairing to a gourmet meal and a welcome guest to any soirée. Be her favorite sommelier with a trio of wines, available from a variety of regions. Make the day even more memorable by selecting the right pairing of hors d’oeuvres for a pre-dinner wine tasting.

Do it: Plan a weekend getaway to a vineyard or arrange a date night to a local wine cellar. If you’re not a wine connoisseur, sign up for a wine-tasting class you can take with her. She may already know it all, but will still enjoy it. And you’ll earn extra brownie points for acing the subject.

Source: Ftd.com/blog

5 Fun Things You Can Do if You’re Single on Valentine’s Day

I know it’s easy to get jealous and frustrated if you’re single on Valentine’s Day, since all the happy couples you know could be sharing cute photos and lovey-dovey status updates all day. Also, if you’re brave enough to go to a bar/restaurant/or movie, you will be surrounded by public displays of affection. I know it’s tempting to say, “Get a room,” but please resist the urge (because nobody likes a Negative Ned or Nancy, and complaining about things you don’t like won’t make them go away). But don’t fret, dear reader; with a positive attitude and a little creativity, you can have just as much fun as every happy couple you encounter… even if you’re single on Valentine’s Day.

1. Laugh it up!

Laughter boosts your mood, reduces stress, and makes you feel better. On Valentine’s day, have your own funny movie marathon, enjoy some stand-up comedy and laugh to your heart’s content! Cuddle up on the couch with your pet(s) and a cozy blanket to laugh it up. Treat yourself to a cheap and healthy snack like natural popcorn or yogurt mixed with berries and dark chocolate. If you’re looking for movie suggestions, here’s an obvious one:

Or, if stand-up is more your thing, you could have some giggle-fits with Aziz Ansari or Louis C.K.:

2. Have a Singles Party!

Get together with some of your single friends and have a get together! If you’d like to turn your private celebration into a fun party, invite some friends over who are also members of Club Single. Ask them to bring a snack (or maybe even a bottle of wine?) and laugh the night away. If you would rather go out on the town, you might be helped by this list of fiftycheap and fun night-out ideas.

3. Treat yourself!

I know the idea of taking yourself on a date might sound kind of strange, but this is one of the best ways to learn how to be happy alone. A massage will relieve any tension built up from stress at work or home; a make-over will give you a fresh, exciting look that increases your confidence; going to a restaurant or movie alone will help you become more comfortable by yourself (and you can even choose to go where you want to go without debating the issue with friends or family); and retail therapy is almost always a good idea.

4. Catch up with someone you miss.

It’s easy to lose touch with the special people who add meaning to our lives when we get busy with life. If you’re single on Valentine’s Day, why not take the opportunity to catch-up with a close friend who you haven’t talked to in months or years? Thanks to the power of the Internet, location is irrelevant; you can chat face-to-face with a friend who lives on the other side of the world, just like the Jetsons predicted 50 years ago, with the magic of Skype or Google Hangouts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0idWiHiasKg

5. Do whatever you want.

Please don’t read this article as a list of things you absolutely should do. This list is meant to provide you with some inspiration to guide you in the right direction, but you are the CEO of your life, so you should take full ownership of your actions. No one knows you better than yourself, so do whatever makes you feel happy and fulfilled, whatever that might be.

It can be a bummer to be single on Valentine’s Day, but only if you allow it to be.

You deserve to be happy, with or without a partner, so do everything in your power to make this holiday a positive occasion. If you’re a member of Club Single and wonder why that could be, you might want to check-out these potential reasons why you are still single. If you have more fun ideas for things to do if you’re single on Valentine’s Day, please share them in the comments. <3

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How to Plan A Romantic Valentine’s Day Date for Your Loved One

Here we are at that time of year again—romance is in the air, Valentine’s Day gifts and cards are all over stores and the online world is buzzing with search queries by nervous boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives looking to find the right way to show their significant other how much they care about them. No matter how much love they feel inside, some people just aren’t that romantic and don’t know how to show their feelings in a way that will impress their loved one and melt their hearts. There is no shame in looking for help when it comes to romance—we all have much to learn about love and the many different ways of expressing it.

In fact, those more experienced in the ways of love, veterans of 10+ years of marriage, will tell you that the more you get to know someone the more you are aware of the fact that there is a vast sea of things you don’t know about love and relationships, a sea that can easily drown those who are unprepared. Luckily, planning a great romantic Valentine’s Day date is something that you can research and prepare for, even if you are lacking in the romance department. Here are several somewhat generalized steps that work across the board and will help you create the perfect romantic experience for your loved one.

1. Develop your strategy well in advance.

The worst thing you can do is to wait until you only have a day or two until Valentine’s Day and then start frantically throwing together some sort of gift and trying to find a restaurant that isn’t booked solid. Give yourself enough time to plan the date and think about all the little details that make the difference between a pretty good date and a heart-melting super-date. Reservations need to be made pretty early on since good restaurants can be booked a month in advance and you’ll want to do some shopping at least a week earlier to avoid the holiday rush. If you already have a plan you will also be a lot less stressed out when the actual day comes.

2. Prepare all the little things first.

Apart from making restaurant reservations or ordering a gift online pretty early on so everything is ready by Valentine’s Day, the most important thing you should focus on are the details or finishing touches. A card, or better yet, a fancy love letter is something you can work on for about 30 minutes a day in the week leading to V-day, and you can also start working early on things like:

• Candles
• Massage oil
• A romantic music playlist
• Cute boxes and gift wraps
• Flowers and chocolate
• Sexy lingerie or role-playing costumes
• Small gift basket items like perfumes and soaps

Having these important items ready a few days in advance will allow you to focus on more important things come Valentine’s Day, things like making sure your date is having fun and that everything is going smoothly and according plan.

3. Craft the perfect gift for your loved one.

There are a whole bunch of generic gifts out there, but try and avoid clichés and focus on something your significant other really cares about. You can use standard Valentine’s Day gifts like heart-shaped items, teddy bears, flowers and chocolate as part of gift basket, but be sure to include something related to the activities, ideals and concepts your partner holds dear.

4. Dining out vs. preparing a romantic dinner.

Each of these two options has its strengths and weaknesses, so the right choice will depend on the person and the situation. Dining in a fancy restaurant will require you to make reservations well in advance and will cost you quite a bit, but the atmosphere and the meals are truly incredible. On the other hand, a home-cooked dinner is much more personal and allows you a lot of creative freedom, but unless you know your way around a kitchen, it can easily turn into a disaster. Whatever choice you make, you should give some thought to the choice of food and focus on dessert—all bad jokes and stupid comments about your partner being as sweet as chocolate aside, sugary snacks do actually cause hormones related to feeling pleasure to be released by the brain and will leave a wonderful taste in your mouth.

5. Dress to impress.

This point is very important. Whether you are a young couple just starting out your relationship or mature lovers who have gone through the good and the bad and stuck by each other for years, being presentable is a major part of showing that you care about another person.

Although some may link this to basic primate grooming rituals, the fact is that trying to look your best shows the other person that you care about how they perceive you, which means that you are being emphatic and trying to please them. Of course, looking handsome as hell will also help ignite the passion between the two of you.

6. Make it a whole-day, multi-tiered experience rather than just dinner.

Start off the romantic experience by meeting up a bit earlier in the day—for couples living together this means starting the day with a nice breakfast in bed—and going through a set of fun, romantic activities before eventually heading off to dinner and ending the day in the expertly decorated bedroom. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on hot air balloon rides across a valley, horseback riding or similar Hollywood clichés. It can be as simple as doing something you both enjoy, visiting a location where you first met or shared a special moment together or trying out some activities you always talked about, but never got the chance to do.

7. Set up the perfect mood using correct lighting, decoration, music and scents.

Chances are you are going to be ending the night somewhere quiet and private—back at your place or the hotel room if you’ve gone somewhere special for the occasion—so you are going to need to set the mood just right. You can use scented candles to provide romantic lighting and create a tantalizing aroma, or set up some beautiful decorations (think hearts, flowers, stuffed versions of her favorite animal, decorative pillows, etc). It’s best to set everything up early in the day so that it won’t take more than a few minutes get ready once the time comes (you should tell your date to wait a couple of minutes before coming up to the room so you can light the candles and make minor adjustments).

8. Prepare a relaxing and exiting experience for your loved one back at the house.

Once you have everything set up and ready, you will want to focus on making your partner feel good. This is where things like massage oils, wine, chocolate, fruit, music and comfortable clothes come into play. Have a romantic activity planed and give each other a few minutes to slip into more comfortable clothes before moving things to the next level. Slow dancing, followed by a glass or two of wine and some sweet snacks like cream-covered strawberries and chocolate-based desserts, then slowly transitioning into a massage on the bed seems to work wonders for just about anyone.

9. Have some fun in the bedroom and explore your erotic fantasies.

This should be a very special night for the both of you, and after all the fun you had during your Valentine’s Day date, romantic gestures that brought you closer together and the gradual erotic build up in the privacy of your home, you will be eager to fall into each other’s arms and give in to your desires. Take this opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level and explore your erotic fantasies. Be very open with one another and discuss your turn-ons. Don’t be afraid to engage in some role playing or other activities that your partner may enjoy, but take things slow and make sure you are both comfortable and happy with how things are going.

10. Get up the next morning (or early afternoon), make breakfast and put on a romantic movie.

Your Valentine’s Day date doesn’t end the moment you hit the hay after your romantic night. The morning after, or whichever part of the day you manage to get up at, should be a natural extension to the exiting romantic experience of the day before. Make a tasty breakfast, spend some time on presentation and serve it to your partner in bed. You can put on a romantic movie and enjoy it with your food and as you cuddle up together, forgetting about life’s woes for a few relaxing hours.

There are certain things that can be applied to most people across the board when it comes to romance and great dates, but keep in mind that we are all different in some way and try to create the perfect Valentine’s Day experience based on your partner’s character, preferences and lifestyle. Use these tips as a good template, but be sure to customize some parts based on what you know about you significant other.

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