A Guide for Your Spring Garden

Spring is an exciting time in the garden. The change of season signals a fresh beginning, with new growth coming up from the soil and a to-do list of tasks to jump start the gardening year. If the air is warming and the earth has thawed, it’s time to dust off your gardening gloves and dig into the garden.

Create a Garden Plan

Setting pen to paper to map out a garden plan can begin even if the plants are buried deep under snow.

• Measure the space and draw a map to scale. Pencil in plants and hardscaping elements that you intend to keep in the design, such trees, shrubs, perennials, garden boxes and water features.
• Create a list for what will be added during the season. Sketching in new items will prevent overspending and overcrowding.
• Add to the map as you grow, divide or purchase for the space. The result will be a well-thought-out guide for the year and keepsake for the future.

Prepare Your Tools

Keeping tools in tip-top shape makes garden chores easier and more enjoyable.

• Inspect your hand tools for signs of wear or corrosion. Replace any tools that are broken or unrepairable.
• Disassemble, wash, sharpen, oil and reassemble pruners.
• Wash garden pots with warm, soapy water and a bristle brush to remove dried-on soil, fungus and insects.
• Bring the lawn mower in for service early so it will be ready for the first mow.
• Service other power tools such as leaf blowers and trimmers.

Spring Cleaning

Once the weather becomes less frightful, venture outdoors to spruce up the beds.

• Use a rake to pull back winter mulch and add it to the compost bin.
• Remove any dead, diseased or damaged plant material with clean pruners.
• Cut back ornamental grasses.
• Look for signs of disease such as fungal spots or discoloration on leaves and dispose of the affected plant material in a green waste bin rather than the compost pile.
• Identify and remove weeds.
• Prune summer-flowering bushes and fruit trees.
• Add a layer of compost to the beds and scratch it into the topsoil.
• Tour the garden and make note of any changes to the garden map such as forgotten spring bulbs or plants that died over winter.

Start Seeds

Vegetables, herbs and flowers are much less expensive to start from seed. Cool season crops can be directly sown outdoors, where warm season crops get a headstart being germinated indoors.

• Purchase seeds from a supplier that specializes in your climate zone. Ordering seeds from other suppliers may have you dreaming of exotic plants, but you will be more successful growing plants that are proven to grow well in your area.
• Find out your last frost date, or the date when you can safely plant tender plants out in the garden without risk of frost, by calling a local garden center.
• Read the seed packet for specific directions on germinating and growing the seeds contained within the envelope. Many seeds have different requirements, so it is best to follow the directions closely.

Follow the tasks on this list and you will be sure to get your spring garden off on the right boot by setting the roots for a healthy and happy outdoor space.

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Family Shenanigans for St. Patrick’s Day

Everyone is Irish on March 17. Whether you’re rich in Irish heritage or just an annual participant in one of the most beloved early springtime celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect reason for mid-week adult libations and traditional Irish fare. For those who plan to celebrate with their lucky little leprechauns, we’ve left no shamrock unturned in our hunt to make the most of St. Patrick’s Day for the entire clan. Check out our guide to putting an Irish twist on food, crafts, decor and activities.

Food

Quintessential to every St. Patrick’s Day feast is the iconic Corned Beef and Cabbage. This “magically delicious” brisket — with cabbage and red potatoes — is easy to prepare in the crockpot. Pair it with a thick slice (or two) of Basil Beer Bread to soak up all the flavorful juices from the slow-cooked beef. For another savory Irish staple, try a Shepherd’s Pie of minced meat topped with a golden layer of mashed potatoes. This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is as easy as, well…. pie, and can be put together in less than 30 minutes. We also love this grown-up (and arguably more traditional) recipe that calls for ground lamb.

Sweets

A celebration wouldn’t be complete without cake, which is why we love this Chocolate Stout Cake made with Guinness and topped with chocolate ganache. Since the alcohol bakes out, you’ll be left with the smooth flavor, and a dessert that’s safe for the whole family. For an alternative to cake, these Chocolate Covered Four Leaf Clover Shortbread Cookies are sure to please and add a touch more green to your Irish-inspired feast.

Want something light and healthy to nosh during your celebration, these All Green Fruit Skewers are a sweet and delightfully festive.

Decor

A memorable celebration always begins with decorations. Infuse pops of green throughout your home; start with this printable banner. Download the template and follow the step-by-step instructions. Jute and green ribbon give the banner a homemade feel.

Place potted shamrocks throughout your home. Shamrocks make great houseplants and are easy to grow and care for. Theshamrock plant makes a wonderful centerpiece. Want something more neutral and adaptable to climate — check out this potted succulent trio.

For an additional playful and inexpensive centerpiece, fill hurricanes with green split peas to hold votives in place.

Activities

Play a familiar card game, such as poker and replace any chips or money with chocolate coins as the game’s currency.

If card games aren’t favorable to the littlest leprechauns, hide chocolate coins throughout your home for them to find. (Think: Easter egg hunt meets St. Patrick’s Day). We also love the idea of a scavenger hunt for a Pot O’ Gold full of treats at the end.

Dye carnations with the kiddos. Simply mix green food coloring with water in a vase until a rich, vibrant shade of green is achieved. Take any number of white carnations, cut their stems under cool, running water, then place the them in the vase or painted green Mason jar. Your family will be tickled by the overnight leprechaun magic that changes the petals from white to green.

Adorn each member of the family with a homemade St. Patrick’s Day pin or boutonnière, then head to a local parade or festival to show off your green attire.

Find discount Anniversary Flowers at FTD! Get Ftd Flowers Coupon 50 Off March 2015 and save up to 50% OFF! 

A Look at Our Favorite Spring Flowers

As the saying goes, April Showers bring May Flowers. Well, FTD is here to bring you those spring time favorites before May rolls around.  Here’s a guide to our favorite spring flowers.

Tulips

Tulips are the quintessential spring flower.   After planting your tulip bulbs in the fall and then waiting all winter, seeing your tulips bloom is one of the first signs that it is spring time.  The bright colors and green leaves offset the bare trees and the cool air after a long winter (unless you are enjoying life in a warmer climate).  This special flower is sure to put anyone into a good mood.   There are many kinds of tulips, but the ones pictured here are standard tulips and French tulips.  Both have similar blooms and colors, but French tulips are longer stemmed and take longer to grow.

Daffodils

Similar to tulips, daffodils or narcissus are perennials that bloom in the spring after being planted in the fall. Most associate daffodils with being yellow, but they can also be two toned with white petals and a yellow trumpet, yellow petals and an orange trumpet, etc.  These spring time favorites are only in bloom for a short amount of time, which means admire them while you can!   Fun fact: our VP of Design Michael Skaff said his favorite flower is the daffodil – read more about him here.

Asiatic Lilies

Lilies are really in bloom all year round, but Asiatic lilies are popular in the spring time for a couple of reasons.  First, they are able to bloom in early spring and last throughout the summer. Also, the white Asiatic lilies are synonymous with Easter, commonly called the Easter lily. Lilies are beautiful flowers – why not enjoy them as soon as possible!

Iris

This spring favorite makes a great addition to any bouquet.  Although iris can be a multitude of colors, the blueish-purple iris mix well with many spring time bouquets because they add the pop of color next to yellow lilies, white daisies, etc. Just like all of the other spring flowers, iris are perennials that bloom again in the spring.

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Source: ftd.com

6 Spring Break Ideas for the Whole Family from FTD.com

The holidays are long gone, but summer seems so far away, doesn’t it?

Take heart; it’s almost time for spring break. If you’re planning a trip for you and your family, we can help. Below are six spring break ideas for a fun and inspirational time with the family (all prices are approximate and for a family of four):

1. North and South Carolina Flower Festivals (Varies)

North and South Carolina are one big stretch of beautiful flora come end of March and into April.

Spring Break Ideas Flower Festivals

Visit Biltmore Estate (Asheville, North Carolina) during Biltmore Blooms (March 20-May 25). You’ll see daffodils, hyacinths and every shade of tulip you’ve ever imagined. The event isn’t just flowers though—enjoy wine tasting, top-tier restaurant dining and delectable desserts, as well as a tour of the beautiful grounds at this family-friendly venue. Admission is $49 for adults, $24.50 for youth.

Visit the Flowertown Festival in Summerville, South Carolina, for the long weekend of March 27-29. This event, hosted by the YMCA, features beautiful azaleas and wisteria in bright pink and purple. You’ll find food, kid’s activities, a farmers market. And the best part is admission and parking are free.

The Azalea Garden Tour (Wilmington, North Carolina) is a long-running, 13-garden tour. Though it’s only open for three days (April 10-12), it ranges from traditional gardens to modern landscapes to downright whimsical designs. Tickets are $25 and valid for all three days.

Spring Break branching into May? Check out the Orangeburg Festival of Roses (Orangeburg, South Carolina; May 1-3) or the Iris Festival (Sumter, South Carolina; May 22-24). Both festivals won’t disappoint.

2. Savannah, Georgia (2 nights, $1,600)

For the perfect mix of beach beauty and Southern charm, visit Savannah, Georgia. The average March temperature ranges from the mid-60s to mid-70s, and the beach on Tybee Island is just 20 minutes away. For lodging, book a vacation rental on a site like Airbnb.

 
During the day, tour the city’s historic district with Old Town Trolley Tours, visit stately mansions, walk on cobblestone streets and marvel at the moss-draped oaks overhead. Water enthusiasts can rent kayaks, relax on a riverboat cruise or watch for dolphins. Finish the day with a fresh fish dinner and live music.

3. Coast Starlight, Los Angeles to Seattle (1 night, $600-$1,600)

Consider a train trip on the Coast Starlight. This Amtrak route runs daily between Los Angeles and Seattle through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in North America. From the comfortable Sightseer Lounge Car, you and the family view miles of unadulterated forests, mountains and sparkling blue coastline.

The route also features wireless Internet and Amtrak’s classic dining car, where everybody can meet and talk with other travelers over a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sleeper car passengers can choose to eat or lounge in the plush Parlour Car (meals included), or watch a movie in the theater below. For a less expensive option, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard and pay for your roomette with bonus points.

4. Denver, Colorado (3 nights, $3,000)

For an active family, a late-season ski trip in the Rocky Mountains might be just the right fit. Keystone Resort is an easy drive from Denver and offers many activities for the whole family including scenic sleigh rides, ice skating, hockey and tubing.


And when you tire of hitting the slopes, indulge in a facial or Swedish massage. Other renowned ski resorts nearby include Vail and Winter Park. Ask about discounts for children under 12 and bundled lift tickets for skiing at multiple resorts.

5. Valencia, Spain (5 nights, $6,000)

Craving something a little more international? Fly the whole family to Valencia, Spain, for the Fallas Festival (literally “The Fires”), a week-long celebration filled with fireworks, parades and gunpowder. All year, artisans labor to craft colorful, cartoon-like monuments made of plaster, wood, cardboard and paper-maché. After five days of festivities, the monuments (some many stories high) are burned to the ground on the streets of downtown Valencia.

If crowds and fire aren’t your thing, immerse yourself in Spanish history and culture during your stay by visiting Valencia Cathedral, Central Market or the historic Torres de Serranos. Wake up to a glass of fresh-squeezed Valencian orange juice, a flaky chocolate pastry and café con crema. Rent bicycles and ride along the beach. Enjoy mild evenings, Spanish-style, by shopping late and enjoying a light supper of tapas and, for Mom and Dad, sangria.

6. Home Sweet Home ($100)

Sometimes being a tourist in your hometown is all you need. Take a tour of your state capitol building or county courthouse. Browse coupon sites for deals on local amusement parks or music venues. Visit your local office of tourism for more ideas on where to go; think zoos, art museums, historic buildings and community theaters.

You could also hold an at-home movie marathon—catch up on all the previous “Star Wars” episodes, maybe?—or invite some friends over to play board games. Take the whole family to play laser tag or go camping in your own backyard (if weather permits, of course).

Don’t forget about Mom time, either. Just as spring break is drawing to a close, treat yourself to an at-home spa package, complete with lotion, bath salts and a massage roller.

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Source: https://ftd.com

Lawyer Learns Flowers: First Edition

It took nearly nine months of working at FTD for me to realize just how little I knew about the beautiful bouquets that I stared at online, talked about, advised on and thought about every day.  Since I had been busy learning the ropes of my new job, as Assistant General Counsel at FTD (which is a fancy way of saying lawyer), I hadn’t taken the time to step back and consider what went into creating and making up this lovely product that brought so much joy to our customers. 

Instead, I had been selfishly concerned about teaching others all the things that were relevant to me.   This all changed the week after Thanksgiving last year.  My office neighbor and friend, Michael Skaff, Vice President of Floral Design at FTD, reminded me of what I was missing.

I had just wrapped up a “Lunch N’ Learn” meeting with our marketing team where our legal team had offered a refresher course on the basics of trademark law – exciting stuff!  If you’ve never attended a Lunch N’ Learn – it’s basically feeding people in an effort to make them come to a meeting to discuss a particular topic.  I looked to Michael for approval after the session and with Michael’s natural quick-wittedness, he responded with how much he would like to have a “Lunch N’ Learn” to teach others at FTD about floral design.

And that started me thinking.

I had spent my entire time since I arrived at FTD proudly telling my friends and family that I worked at FTD, where we created flowers and gifts that delighted our customers, which is a direct reference to our company mission.  In my defense, it was so much more fun to tell people I worked at a flower company than at a law firm.  Yet, my own knowledge of the flowers we were selling and that I was bragging about didn’t go far beyond the general rose, lily, orchid, daisy and a few select others.

After a week or so of thinking about this, I commented to Michael how nice it would be if he did teach me some of what he knew.  I wouldn’t nor couldn’t profess to ever understand it with the depth, breadth, care and detail of Michael, but I was up for trying.

The next day Michael showed up at my office door with three bud vases, each containing a different flower or filler.  He said there would be a quiz about each of the flowers in the vases at the end of the week – and if I passed the quiz, the following week there would be three more.  I readily agreed and started taking notes as he talked in depth about each one.

The office was abuzz that first week since rumors swirled that the office lawyer had demanded fresh flowers in her office.  I had to laugh at that rumor and quickly corrected it with this explanation.

At the same time, I learned about the blog FTD had recently launched.  Michael and I decided that we would write this series about the flowers he was teaching me about.  An online “Lunch N Learn” except that you provide the food.

So, with that, here are the first three flowers in our on-going series.

Lisianthus:

On the far left side is a flower called a “Liasanthus”.  To me, this looks like a littler rose.

Colors:  Purple, white/cream, pink and blue

Locations:  Grown in the United States, Mexico, Caribbean and South America

Duration:  Lasts about 5 days.

Other Information: It can come in a single-flowered or double-flowered, which looks like it means one layer of petals or two.

Bupleurum: 

Michael advised me that, to learn about flowers and floral design, was to know about the filler flowers as well.  The Bluepleurm is just that.

Colors:  Green

Locations:  Grown in the Netherlands.

Duration:  Lasts about 5 days.

Other Information:  Some information indicates that the plant is used in herbal medicine.

Hypericum Berries:

Colors:  Green, Red, Peach, Pink

Locations:  Grown in South America and the Netherlands.

Duration:  Lasts about 1-2 weeks.

Other Information:   All members of the genus may be referred to as St. John’s wort.

Using FTD coupons, Ftd Flowers coupon 50 off, you can save on bouquets of roses, tulips, lilies, orchids, daisies, and even silk flowers. Check out Ftd Flowers Coupon 50% OFF 2015 for your favorite products now!

Source: Ftd.com blog

3 Quick & Easy DIY Valentine’s Gifts

Want to show someone you care with a handmade present but don’t have hours to spend creating it? Here are three from-the-heart DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas for everyone on your list — without spending too much quality time with your trusty glue gun.

Love is… Golden.

Gold is a hot trend right now, and this golden DIY could not be simpler. Take a white mug (this one came from IKEA) and a gold Sharpie marker.

Then, write a message to your loved one in your handwriting or a fancy script. Embellish with hearts, polka dots, stripes, swirls, doodles… whatever strikes your fancy. This is especially perfect for writing terms of endearment or inside jokes, and can be personalized to whomever receives it. Be sure to keep the ink away from the rim of the mug, and hand wash to preserve your sweet message!

Love is… Bold.

Washi tape is a current go-to supply for quick and modern crafts, and it pairs perfectly with glass. Use it to embellish a plain, glass vase and create something punchy, bold and personalized!

It’s a great way to dress up a clear, square vase, perhaps a spare from a past FTD arrangement. Pull off the desired amount, wrap around the square vase and flatten to eliminate air bubbles. Play with overlapping and angles.

Choose Valentine’s Day-themed tape or go for favorite colors. Though FTD arrangements are ready to give as-is, you can put a personal touch on an arrangement if you desire. It’s a fantastic gift idea for parents, siblings, teachers, administrative professionals, and anyone who deserves a little extra love.

Love is… Sweet.

Who doesn’t love a mason jar? These 4-ounce-sized jars are perfect for filling with treats like chocolates or even a homemade sugar scrub. Embellish the top with an embroidered note using these simple steps.

Cut a circle of burlap large enough to overlap the metal disk of the mason jar. Use embroidery thread to sew simple words or motifs. (Be sure to keep within the space that will show when assembled). Ideas include arrows, hearts, words, conversation hearts or names. I made sure to backstitch a few areas to make it stand out. For example, if you sew a dashed running stitch, double back and go over the parts that were dashed to create a straight line. The large holes of the burlap make it a cinch to embroider.

Then, fill the jar with goodies. Place the burlap over the metal disk and then screw the open circle on top, and voilà.

In the end, you have a fun DIY treat jar that’s perfect for giving to someone you adore! Since you can personalize both the top and what’s inside, the possibilities for gifting are endless. It’s a gift that will be appreciated by your sweetie, kids, teachers, friends and more.

Create handmade gifts to show you care. It doesn’t have to take much time or break the bank. All of these ideas pair perfectly with an FTD bouquet. Show that special someone in your life that love is golden, bold and sweet!

More beauty flowers, visit at Ftd.com and Save up to 25% OFF on Sympathy & Funeral Flowers with Ftd flowers coupon 25 off february 2015. Save Now!

Date Night with the Family from Ftd flowers coupon 50 off Blog

Date Night with the Family Feature

Love is… family! So why not celebrate those special bonds on this upcoming Romantic Valentines Day and Romantic Valentines Day Ideas 2015 ? Here are a few ideas to get the whole family together to celebrate a family date night all about love and happiness.



Host a Craft Night

Go old school and host a craft night where family can create homemade Valentine’s cards for each other. Stock up on construction paper, glitter, markers, scissors and glue. Ask family members to bring old Valentine cards they’ve received. These can be recycled by cutting out images from the old cards to make new homemade cards (as long as they don’t hold too much sentimental value and the family members don’t mind recycling them). You could also use antique skeleton keys and locks to decorate the cards to illustrate the “key to my heart” idea.

To take it a step further, ask family members to write personal notes on each card they make thanking the person it’s intended for or telling them why they’re important or how much they’re appreciated. Show a little love beyond the ubiquitous “be mine” or “xoxo” phrases commonly seen around Valentine’s day. It’s okay to get mushy with family sometimes! We all like knowing we’re loved and appreciated!


You could have the crafting night prior to Valentine’s or on the night of V-Day. To bring home the festive feel, have a floral centerpiece on hand. Since this is to celebrate family, you’ll probably want to avoid the ooey-gooey romantic feel of roses. Instead, opt for some pink and red tulips (the ones shown are FTD Season of Love Bouquet). They’re incredibly cheerful and offer a family-friendly vibe. Get Ftd flowers coupon 50 off 2015, Ftd flowers coupon 25 off february 2015 and Save up to 25% OFF on Sympathy & Funeral Flowers now!


Family Game Night

If you host the craft night prior to Valentine’s, invite the family back over on Valentine’s afternoon/evening to exchange the cards and bond with a fun game night! Alternatively, you could have the card-making session during the afternoon of Valentine’s Day and then pull out the games later! Make sure you include games that are appropriate for all ages — Catchphrase, Monopoly, Jenga and playing cards are classics that everyone likes. Mix up teams so in-laws, parents and grandparents can play together rather than against each other. It’s all about togetherness! If you know there will be little ones joining the party, don’t leave them out! Ask the parents to bring a few of the kids’ favorite board games and play a round or two with them so they feel included!

Themed Potluck Dinner

Another fun idea to celebrate Valentine’s with the family is a themed potluck dinner. You can easily combine this with game night or the craft session. To bring home the festive feel, make sure guests know that it’s a Valentine’s-themed dinner. Ask them bring foods themed accordingly — red, white or heart-shaped foods. Here are a few examples: caprese salad with heart-shaped mozzarella slices, heart cookies, heart-shaped pepperoni on a homemade pizza, heart-shaped pancakes, a veggie platter with only red vegetables (radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers) and ranch dressing.

And I love the idea of ordering special chocolates for dessert like the chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate-dipped raspberries and blueberries shown in the photos. Fondue and s’mores could also be fun! Last but not least, don’t forget to take photos of all the fun you’re creating! You could even create a homemade photo booth. Just decorate a plain wall with heart garlands and buy (or make!) a few fun props (lip-shaped sunglasses, cupid’s arrows, feather boas, etc.). Designate a family member to be the photographer and let the fun start!


However you end up celebrating Valentine’s this year, don’t forget to include your family in some special way. It’s easy to get wrapped up in romance but nurturing the love of your family is important! That includes your pets, too. Give them a special treat so they know how much they are loved, as well!

Happy Valentine’s!

Source: ftd.com

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.

More beauty flowers, visit at Ftd.com and Save up to 25% OFF on Sympathy & Funeral Flowers with Ftd flowers coupon 25 off february 2015. Save Now!

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.

For more Romantic Valentines Day Ideas & Gifts 2015, valentines day gift ideas, free printable love coupons, visit fanpage at Valentines Day Ideas Gifts

 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

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.