Simple Tips For Valentines Day

Confused about what to give your sweetheart this Valentine's Day?

Trying to figure out the perfect gift? Or are you spending it alone?

Things don't have to be confusing - there are plenty of ways to show your love on the special day without breaking your budget.

The following are Valentine's Day ideas collected from various resources and featured in the ArcaMax Publishing Valentine's Day special feature (http://www.arcamax.com/cgi-bin/news/channel/1036):


Advice for Men

Even if you're planning to buy your wife or girlfriend a "typical" Valentine's Day present, there are several things to take into account. If you know her well enough to pick out a personalized gift, these tips will help you make sure you choose just the right thing.

Chocolates: This may seem like a simple gift, but presentation is everything! Even the biggest chocolate lover won't appreciate a gaudy box. Choose something simple and elegant, perhaps with a small ribbon.

Flowers: Just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean you're obligated to buy red roses. Flowers are more meaningful if you go out of your way to get the type you know she likes.

Jewelry: Since this is a large investment, make sure you check with her family and friends concerning her tastes, as well as what she might already have. Never buy anything heart-shaped unless she specifically likes it.


Don't think you have enough money for Valentine's Day?

You don't have to spend a lot of money to show you love someone. This year, try these ideas to show how you feel without overspending:

1. Stay in for the evening. Offer to cook, or order (fancy) take-out or delivery. Rent a romantic comedy and cuddle together on the couch. It's not as expensive or stressful as a night out, and it's a lot more intimate.

2. Make your own cards. Rather than searching for a card in someone else's words, make your own. You can also try making "love coupons," or even write an old-fashioned love letter.

3. Give flowers creatively. If you can't afford a dozen roses, try giving a single flower - such as a tulip or amaryllis. Alternatively, if your partner is into gardening, find bulbs or seeds so they can grow their favorite flowers in the spring.


Choosing the Perfect Diamond

Whether you're proposing this Valentine's Day, or just want to get your sweetheart a beautiful piece of jewelry, there are several things you need to know about selecting a diamond.

1. Cut: A perfectly cut diamond reflects light directly outwards - this is what causes the "fiery" look. Cuts that are too deep or too shallow will send the light downward, and the shine will be lost. The cut does not, however, necessarily rely upon the shape; that is a more personal choice.
2. Clarity: Unless there are flaws visible to the naked eye, the clarity of a diamond affects only its value - not its appearance.
3. Color: Most people prefer a clear or nearly clear diamond. How yellow a diamond is can affects its value in both directions. Usually, the more yellow a diamond is, the less it costs - however, if the yellow is very intense, it is considered a fancy colored diamond, and thus costs more.
4. Carat: The size of a stone is something that even the untrained eye can detect. Some diamonds are cut poorly to increase their carat (that is, their weight). This cut can negatively affect many aspects of the diamond, so make sure the carat is in line with the cut.


Who sent the first Valentine?

Historians claim that the first valentine was a poem sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time. In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine's cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialized. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14.


What if you're single?

Whether your sweetheart's away from home or you simply don't have anyone to share the day with, don't let the day depress you. There are plenty of ways to make the most of Valentine's Day even if you don't have someone to celebrate with.

Go out to dinner with your other single friends. None of you will be alone, and it's a great chance to catch up with people you haven't seen in awhile.

Did you ever send yourself Valentine's Day cards in grade school? There's no reason you can't now! Have flowers or candy delivered to yourself at the office. If you really want to impress your coworkers, have them signed from a secret admirer.

Why not do something nice for someone else who's spending the day alone? Visit a site like noanie.com, and "adopt" a soldier to send a special card to.

*About the Source: The complete ArcaMax Valentine's Day Feature can be found at http://www.arcamax.com/cgi-bin/news/channel/1036. Other news and special sections available at www.arcamax.com include vacation planning, gardening, parenting tips, and much more.