Planning the Menu For a Graduation Party

( part 2 )
Tasty Desserts
* Custom cakes: Have you seen the new photocake? How about a custom cake made in the shape of a basketball or tennis shoe? Order one custom cake to display and a second cake to cut and serve.
* The fun is candy bars with personalized wrappers to give out to your guests.
* Smores at a fire pit. Provide several baskets full of marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers. Have plenty of roasting sticks on hand.
* Ice cream sundae bar: serve ice cream with different toppings, fruit, cookies, and coffee. Its easy, fun and guests will love it.
* Frozen treats from your favorite ice cream specialty store, packed on dry ice. You can rent an ice cream cart for the day.
* Trays of your graduate’s favorite bars, cookies and candy. Or, use a cookie cutter shaped like a graduation mortarboard. If you have family members who like to bake, ask them to help.
* Fortune cookies
* Custom made chocolates: Order gold foil-wrapped coins with your graduate’s name on one side and the year on the other.
* Root beer floats were a huge hit at our friend’s party. She offers this time saving tip: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into plastic cups and freeze them overnight. Then at the party all you have to do is add root beer and a straw. You can buy a keg of root beer from the liquor store.
* Cheesecakes in a variety of flavors served with different toppings. For example: hot fudge, strawberries, blueberries.
* Buy lots of suckers in your school colors.

Graduation Party Beverages

The most popular beverage at graduation parties is bottled water. Stock up when water is on sale. You can use it all summer if you have leftovers.

Provide your guests with a variety of beverages to choose from. Here are a few suggestions:
* A summer tradition of big pitchers of iced tea, lemonade are refreshing.
* If you want to serve soda, most people we interviewed suggest liters instead of cans. It goes a little further, and you don’t have half drunk cans all over your house.
* Slushy MachineAlways provide water for your guests who don’t like carbonated beverages. Bottled water is very popular with high school seniors.
* Punch bowls are fun. Make an ice ring using one of the punch ingredients so that as it melts it will not dilute the punch. A bundt pan works well for an ice ring.
* Borrow or rent tubs for ice. You can put the sodas right on ice. If you use coolers, label them so people don’t have to dig around.

Source : http://www.graduationparty.com/graduation-party-menu.htm

Planning the Menu For a Graduation Party

( part 1 )

What are your graduate's favorite foods?

Keep it simple. Make it easy on yourself and serve five to seven different menu items. The most common mistake made at a graduation party is serving too much food. Read on for advice on quantity.

Dare to be different! After going to too many graduation parties where the same food was being served you will understand. We encourage you to be imaginative! For example, if your graduate is a pizza freak, serve pizza. It is an unusual open house item, and yet the number one most popular food amongst teenagers. Mix it up by serving some unique gourmet pizzas in addition to the standard favorites, cheese and pepperoni.

If your graduate loves desserts, have a dessert party that starts at 7:00 p.m., and specify “dessert party” on your invitation so people know to eat dinner earlier. Desserts can be made ahead and require little serving time. The bakery is an easy way out. Or how about make your own sundaes and banana splits?

Ask for help in the kitchen. Hire a caterer if you can, this is one party you don't want to miss! If you can't afford a caterer, ask friends and neighbors to help. See Ask for help. If you’ve agreed on a theme, be sure to maximize the opportunity to find foods that fit the theme.


Brunch ideas: A Weekend brunch is a great time of day to have a graduation party. You will get a great turn out and your guests will be hungry.


Graduation Brunch

* Make it simple - offer a variety of fresh baked bagels and a selection of spreads.
* Cook pancakes on a big griddle and serve them with different toppings/syrups. You can hire a professional to bring their own griddle.
* We all love frosted doughnuts! Order ahead for a quick stop at the bakery. You can even request frosting in your school colors. Be sure to have lots of napkins!
* You can prepare hard boiled eggs with your graduate’s name and the year on them and place them in a beautiful basket. Great for people on the low-carb diet.
* Coffee bar kiosk: Check with a caterer or the local coffee shop for service or supplies. Or create your own with rental equipment and supplies.
* Serve exotic juices, or use your juicer to prepare custom beverages.
* Serve fresh fruit in a watermelon boat. Cut your school logo out of the watermelon.

Afternoon and evening menu ideas:

* BBQ sandwiches, ribs or chicken served with cole slaw and chips, baked beans and a fruit salad. Tip from the professional caterer for the BBQ: If you want to use the grill, reduce your stress and precook your meat.
* Mexican taco bar: Serve spicy ground beef in a crock pot, and put the cold items (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, olives, onions) in bowls floating on ice to keep them cool. Arrange the taco shells in a Mexican serving bowl or basket.
* Buy large bread shaped like the graduation year. Serve it with spinach dip or do a big submarine sandwich. Plan ahead on how you are going to keep the hoagie cool while it sits out for several hours. We recommend setting it on ice. Rectangle shaped flower pots can be bought in various sizes. Or a wallpaper hanging trough will do the job.
* Hoagie or Sandwich Bar: let your guests assemble their own sandwiches. Stop by your local submarine sandwich shop for inspiration. Or order a big variety to be sliced and served as needed. Keep the back up in your refrigerator.
* Cotton Candy Rent a cotton candy machine or popcorn machine. It adds a festive flair and the kids love to serve themselves.
* Salad bar and fresh fruit for the health nuts
* Oriental Food - See Hiring a Caterer
* Baked Potato Bar
* Pizzas – order them from a local delivery service.
* Swedish or Barbeque Meatballs
* Tortilla Wraps – ordered from a local restaurant
* Lasagna
* Veggie Tray

Source : http://www.graduationparty.com/graduation-party-menu.htm

Wedding Planner “101”

By : Paula Deartiaga, A-List Events www.a-listevents.com

Don’t believe the myth that a wedding planner is a “luxury” because hiring a wedding planner can definitely help you save money in the long-run. With today’s hectic lifestyle, many couples do not have the time for the detailed planning and work a beautiful wedding requires. Planning a wedding takes an incredible amount of time and it can be difficult for couples to plan it on their own. Having a professional wedding planner is like having a personal assistant working with you to handle the details that you may not have time to deal with on a daily or even weekly basis.

Well-known and respected wedding planners have connections that the average bride does not and they know the best-kept secrets for ceremony locations and reception sites, caterers, bands, florists, photographers and everything you will need for your celebration. They have professional relationships with vendors and will use these contacts to save you time and money by ensuring that you receive only the best from all of your wedding vendors. It is their job to listen to your dreams and make them a reality so that you can relax and enjoy your engagement. They help you realize what your priorities are and if you are a big dreamer, they can help you stay on track in terms of your budget. Your bridal consultant’s ideas and expertise will help you get everything you desire and more.

On your wedding day, your bridal consultant will act as your director and handle all of the details so that you can enjoy your friends and family. It is the attention to detail that your wedding planner will bring to make your wedding day memorable for you and your guests. They will take the wedding of your dreams and make it even better….so let them.

Why have just an ordinary wedding? A wedding planner is a must! Not only do they make the planning of your wedding easy and fun, but they make the actual day stress free as well so you can devote your time where it’s needed the most….loving your new husband or wife and having the time of your life!

Source : https://www.mypartyplanner.com

How to Set a Dining Table

Graduation Party Tips

Give the graduate a gift that allows for reflection on the last few years of school before moving on to the next chapter, whether it be college or a "real" job. Do this by filling a box with hand-written notes from friends and family verbalizing their favorite memories with the graduate. A picture slideshow or video message will also do the trick.

Personalize everything. The graduate may or may not be a standout student, but his or her accomplishments are worth honoring. Display photos of the graduate doing his or her favorite hobbies or activites.
Mix and mingle. Invite both friends and family to join in the celebration since both play a role in a person's life.

Source : www.mypartyplanner.com

Jazzy Holiday and Special Occasion Fashion Tips

By Laverne Frances
Preparing for the holidays often includes shopping for a perfect outfit. From velvet to lace, the holiday trends and classic holiday outfits are always a bit glamorous. The styles are always dressier than your casual Friday jeans and polo, or your trusty date night dress.

Select an outfit that makes you feel sexy, but lady like. Scour your closet for dresses, romantic fabrics, and items of clothing that flatter your curves. Now that you know exactly what you will be photographed in this holiday season, what fashion jewelry will you be wearing? Being fully dressed from head to toe, with no jewelry on, presents an unpolished image. This is not the best you.

Bring out your best self with accessories that you love. Great glamorous choices are large beads, pearls, cubic zirconium, and cocktail rings. Add something bold to your holiday outfits. This could be a bold statement piece, or a compliment piece to something that you already own. Indulge yourself in a cubic zirconium tennis bracelet, bright cocktail ring, or long dangle earrings. Search your jewelry box for items too glamorous for your normal day to day life. Shop online for cubic zirconium jewelry sets.

You may truly desire to create a great holiday for others around you. Have you gone out of your way this month for your spouse, immediate family, extended family members, and friends? Have you already scheduled every free moment of family time? You should look beautiful while spending this time with your family. Why not do something nice for yourself ? Use these tips and help yourself feel fabulous this holiday season.

Source : www.ezinearticles.com

10 tips for planning a special event in your home

1. Do you need to rent chairs so that your guests have adequate seating?
2. If there will be dancing, you’ll need to rent a dance floor. What size of floor do you need?
3. Do you have adequate toilet facilities? Standard rule of thumb is 20 people to one bathroom. A more liberal estimate is 50 to 1, however that could result in lines and discomfort for some guests.
4. To avoid problems with your dog, you may want to consider boarding him or her at a local kennel.
5. Consider including a cleaning service in the budget, for both before and after the event.
6. Get any home repairs or landscaping done before the day of the event.
7. If your area has problems with bugs, especially after dark, make sure you invest in some kind of bug repellent, personal or area-wide such as citronella candles.
8. Will you need to arrange to extra trash pickup the day following the event?
9. Don’t forget to order the invitations in enough time to get them addressed and mailed out in a timely manner.
10.Better yet, if it’s a wedding, consider sending out “Save the Date” cards as soon as you have decided on a date, then the invitations can follow closer to the date of the wedding. That may be one of the first task in your special occasion party planning tasks.

Source : www.invitingsmiles.com

Tips On Setting Up a Party

* Organization is the key to a successful party. For an event of any size and importance, you will need to be organized to a certain degree. So unless you have a personal assistant, grab a paper and pen and start making lists.
* Set a budget. Your budget will determine what the kind of food, entertainment, and decoration that you will be able to have.
* What is the special reason for the event, is it a wedding, anniversary or birthday party, or graduation? Do you have a theme? Will the event be held inside or outside? What time of day will the event be? Will it be a chic brunch or a fun and casual afternoon BBQ? Perhaps the event calls for a romantic evening of dancing. These decisions will determine everything from menu to decor.
* Do you need some help? If it is a large affair, then you may need to consider hiring a caterer, a party organizer. If it is a smaller affairs may just ask help from a few family members or friends.
* Is the location going to be adequate? If you intend to hold the event in your backyard, is it big enough? Also, if it rains or bad weather, is your home large enough to accommodate the party inside?
* If you intend to have a large event, what are the legal considerations of holding the event on your neighborhood? Is there adequate parking available? Will noise be a problem? Check out the rules for your particular neighborhood and obtain the necessary permits.
* To avoid problems with the neighbors, consider inviting them to the party or at least thanking them for their understanding by giving them a small gift.
* Check your neighborhood's local calendar of events so that you can avoid planning your occasion on the same day , which can result in traffic and parking problems and other problems.

Beauty tips for special occasions

If you're having your hair done professionally - do it before you apply your makeup - as the hairspray might get all over your face, and ruin your hard work.

For the face:
* Don't overdo the concealer and base, depending on your skin tone. You'll look too white/camel coloured in the photos.
* Use a concealer in the inner corners of your eyes - from nose to brow - blend very well. A touch of concealer on top of each brow attracts the photographer's light to your eyes.
* Apply foundation. Follow with translucent powder applied with brush.

For the eyes:
* Prime your eyelids, and pat it into the entire eyelid area - then follow immediately with a white/neutral shade of eye shadow.
* Add slightly more of your darkest eye shadow colour to the crease of your eye - keep opening your eye - it should be practically invisible - but it really opens up your eyes in pictures.
* A powder eye shadow used as an eyeliner with a wet eye shadow brush, or your regular eyeliner with a powder on top keeps the liner from straying.

For the lips:
* Apply some concealer to lips, then blot it.
* Lip liner all over lips - not just outlined - fill in.
* Apply lipstick with brush/ then blot into tissue and repeat.
* Smooth out lip line with liner. A drop of lip gloss at the centre of the bottom lip - looks great in pictures

Source : Chennai Interactive Business Services (P) Ltd.

Favorite Romantic Things To Do

Compiled by Romance Staff

What is your favorite romantic thing to do?

1. Walk on the beach and stargazing.

2. Cuddle on the sofa and watch a movie.

3. Taking a bubble bath together.

4. Cuddling together.

5. Sitting on the beach at sunset and talking.

6. Kissing my love.

7. Giving a backrub.

8. Laying together in front of a fireplace and talking.

9. Looking into each other's eyes.

10. Having a romantic dinner.

Tips on setting a table

1. WHETHER you are setting a table for everyday meal at home or for a special occasion, visualize a clear theme, with a feel, mood and color scheme, so that all the elements are tastefully put together.

2. Be creative when integrating your centerpiece and setting. Be resourceful and think out of the box. Use interesting stuff from your personal collection or unique foliage or blooms from your garden that hold up well. What is tasteful and effective need not be expensive or contrived. Go for an element of surprise and your strong personal touch.

3. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and styles to create more interesting and memorable settings.

4. Remember to consider the elements of the room where you are setting the table so that it blends well with its environment.

5. Make sure your centerpiece is low enough to allow for easy and relaxed conversation.

6. Remember that your guests and what you serve are the stars of the evening. Your setting is just the enhancement, and your guests’ enjoyment and comfort are the priority. The quality of the food and drink should also be the highlight, while the setting is the stage you set to make them shine.

7. Remember that ample elbow room requires about 15 inches of space between place settings. If dishes are to be served in platters using “Russian service” with the dishes served to your guests on platters at the table, add even more space between guests, especially if your chairs are bulky.

8. Use the existing rule of thumb when laying out your tableware, but don’t be afraid to break rules when practicality and function are considered. More modern aesthetic styles also allow for new and nontraditional ways of arranging tableware. Ultimately, be correct but also be bold enough to be different.

9. Enjoy your setting and relax as your guests enjoy it, too!

Source : Philippine Daily Inquirer

Healthy gift ideas for Valentine’s

By Mitch Felipe
Philippine Daily Inquirer


NOWADAYS, people are becoming more conscious of their health and weight. So this is the perfect time to show your special someone how to take care of one’s health.

Skip chocolates
Studies show that weight gain starts in a relationship.
This Valentine’s day, give something that would remind the other person of her sexiness like a red lingerie or a swimwear in preparation for your upcoming summer trips. Such gesture will make your partner stay fit so she can wear your gift confidently.

Weight-loss program
If you and your partner want to lose weight together, give him/her a health club membership or enroll in a sensible weight-loss program.
A study in the International Journal of Obesity shows that participating in an intensive behaviorally based weight-loss program has a significant “ripple effect” among spouses. A couple can lose weight together even if only one person enters a weight-loss program because one can influence the other in terms of behavioral changes like regular weigh-ins, awareness in calories and healthier food choices.

Fitness reward
Think of Valentine’s gifts as a reward for a job well done. Effective reinforcements like positive feedback promote lasting behavior changes such as being more consistent in physical activities, applying portion control and choosing healthier foods regularly.
A good example of a fitness reward for your partner is a pair of running shoes or a heart rate monitor for finishing a 10-km run. Another reward you can give your wife/husband is a set of workout clothes (smaller sizes) for eating healthy and losing weight.

Wellness concept
Plan a weekend trip with a healthy theme. Instead of eating high-calorie foods during an overnight stay in a hotel, ask the hotel restaurant to prepare healthy meals during your stay. Walk, jog or swim in the beach or pool. Include a relaxing massage for two to end the occasion.

Cheap but romantic
Create Valentine’s day coupons to inject humor and sweetness in your relationship. But avoid food-related gift coupons. Focus on health, wellness and companionship. The following are some ideas:
“10 x 30-minute exercise session of your choice with me” (This coupon will make your partner feel that you love to exercise with him/her. This can be jogging or a 30-minute workout inside your bedroom.)
“Free 20-minute stretch session after workout” (This coupon will create more intimacy after your exercise sessions.)
“P500 worth of red exercise outfits” (This coupon will encourage your partner to shop for exercise clothes instead of food.)

Healthy dinner
If both of you love to celebrate the occasion at home, cook the healthiest and most delicious recipes your partner will never forget. Avoid deep-fried foods, sweets and too much alcohol.
After dinner, present your gift/s to him/her plus of course a romantic greeting card with an old picture of you when you were still young. Include statements which will remind her of staying well and healthy.
“I admire you for being a great role model to our kids.”
“I enjoy your company, especially when you walk early mornings with me so we can stay healthy and live longer.”
“Thank you for reminding me always to take care of my body and health.”

The Romance in Tagaytay

Many would agree if you say that Tagaytay is one of the best romantic getaway this valentines.

Tagaytay is located at 2500 feet above sea level, Tagaytay is considered the second summer capital of the Philippines next to Bagiuo, because of the cool climate all year long.
About an hour away from the greater Manila area, Tagaytay is a nice getaway. Because of the beautiful climate, it is very relaxing and a breath of fresh air compared to the city.
Aside from fresh air, you have the best view of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. Although it is known as the smallest volcano in the world, it is also the most active. The volcano is located in the middle of the Taal Lake. And besides that, another lake is located inside the volcano's crater, hence the name " Crater Lake."
Tagaytay has grown some of the most beautiful flowers in the country which makes it more romantic. They supply flowers in Manila and other cities. Along the highway, you'll see lots of vendors selling plants and flowers. You can't help but stop by for a few minutes to buy some and take home.
Tourists and locals alike enjoy the tranquility Tagaytay has to offer. It is so peaceful, that they call it the "Center of Spiritual Retreat." It's perfect for anyone who loves to meditate and do yoga.
Tagaytay is also a perfect venue for a picnic, horseback riding, camping and sightseeing

Valentines Roses - Rose Colors and Traditional Rose Meanings

Know what rose colors symbolize before sending a bouquet. ( part 2 )
By Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com

COMBINED ROSES
Put two or more colors of roses together, and a new rose meaning arises:

White Roses + Yellow Roses
A symbol of harmony.

Red Roses + Yellow Roses
A message of happiness and celebration.

Red Roses + White Roses
An indication of bonding and harmony.

MORE ROSE SYMBOLISM
While roses are traditionally presented in bouquet form, these are also acceptable:

Single Red Rose
"I love you" (but I'm not going to go broke telling you).

Single Rose Any Color
"I thank you" (and I'm still not going to go broke saying so).

Two Roses Entwined
An engagement or marriage is imminent


http://honeymoons.about.com/cs/valentinesday/a/Valentine_Roses.htm

Valentines Roses - Rose Colors and Traditional Rose Meanings

Know what rose colors symbolize before sending a bouquet. ( part 1 )
By Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com


Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but they're certain to be well-received any time of year. But before you buy roses, know what message you're sending.
The color of a rose can have a very different meaning from what you intend. To ensure that your love understands what the roses you bestow mean, check this guide to rose colors and their meanings:

Red Roses
Red roses proclaim "I love you." They are the ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion. Florists can't keep up with Valentines Day demand for red roses, which makes them especially expensive in February.

Yellow Roses
Yellow roses indicate friendship and freedom -- so don't send them if your intentions are romantic and long-lasting. Yellow roses are also appropriate for sending congratulations to newlyweds, graduates, Texans, and new mothers.

Pale Pink Roses
Pale pink roses connote grace, gentleness, and gratitude.

Light Pink Roses
A joy to behold, light pink roses express fun and happiness.

Deep Pink Roses
Deep pink roses say "Thank you."

Lilac Roses
Lilac roses indicate the sender has fallen in love at first sight with the recipient and is enchanted.

White Roses
Pure white roses symbolize truth and innocence. They also send other messages: "I miss you" and "You're heavenly."

Coral Roses
Coral roses express one thing with their passionate color: Desire.

Peach Roses
Peach roses speak of appreciation, gratitude, and also sympathy.

Orange Roses
Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire on the part of the sender.

Dead Roses
Regardless of the original color, dead roses say "It's over" loud and clear.

Cheap Valentines Day Ideas : Ways To Say I Love You on Valentine's Day

By Bonny Albo, About.com

It's very important on Valentine's Day to acknowledge your partner and honor your relationship. For those who aren't able or fond of spending lots of money on gifts however, try one (or all!) of these Valentine's Day ideas to say I love you.

1.Purchase some clear red balloons. Before blowing them up, place either wrapped candies, small gifts, and/or love poems inside each one, and then give them to your loved one as a bouquet.

2.Make a meal only out of heart-shaped items, foods that are red, or both. Try red velvet cake, valentini martini, fruit and cheese salad or a heart shaped angel food cake.

3.Knit a scarf.

4.Write a love letter to say I love you.

5.Create handmade coupons with gifts your partner can use anytime, such as a massage or a night out on the town with friends.

6.Does your partner ever ask you why you love them? Then create your own little booklet using dollar store items just for them entitled, "Why I Love You: # Reasons".

7.Make a mixed CD of all of your favorite songs, or create a compilation of love songs that remind you of your mate. Better yet, learn how to play one of these love songs on the guitar and serenade him or her on Valentine's Day.

8.Learn how to take erotic photos of each other with a digital camera.

9.Make your own fortune cookies to take along to a Chinese food restaurant for dinner, and use them to woo your date on Valentine's Day.

10.Grab some construction paper and cut out as many hearts as you like. On each one, share a story about your relationship that shows how much you care. Once finished, take the hearts and string them individually from the ceiling so it looks like your home is raining love.

Take your relationship to the next level and propose.

http://dating.about.com/od/valentinesday/qt/valentinesideas.htm

Top 7 Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

By Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com

It's not always easy to buy a Valentine's Day gift for a man. Most don't get excited by unwrapping a beautiful package that holds clothing or accessories inside. But they certainly appreciate Valentine's Day gifts that do stuff. Choose any of these Valentine's Day to help him realize how well you know him -- and how much you care.

1. iPod Touch
The iPod Touch does everything an iPhone does, without having to change your phone plan. Depending on how much memory you choose (8, 16, and 32 gigabyte models are available), he can stash between 1,750 and 7,000 songs, watch movies and play games on the widescreen display, and download his favorite Apps.
2. Canon Vixia Digital Camcorder
This is the camcorder everyone wants now. Lightweight because it has no moving parts and records everything on a removable flash memory, it also boasts a Canon lens. Record your most romantic moments and memorable trips with it. You'll never have to replace tape in the middle of a shoot. The unit, which fits in the hand, can also be used as a still digital camera.
3. Universal Remote
If he's got a TV, a stereo, a VCR, a DVD, and/or cable, he may also have enough remote controls to confuse a NASA engineer. Not to mention that the one he wants is often the one that's missing. Help him coordinate his entertainment by converting to a universal remote, which can operate all his IR-electronics from one keypad.
4. Power Tools
Most men are hard-wired to fix things, especially when they have the right tools at hand. Surprise yours with a circular saw, cordless drill, or other implement that will inspire him to build those shelves or make the repairs your place needs. Don't forget to reward him affectionately when the job is done after Valentine's Day.
5. Sharp Aquos LCD TV
If you're feeling flush, there's nothing that will light up a man's eyes like a new flatscreen LCD TV monitor. As a gift, Sharp Aquos provides exceptional viewing — aside from when he's admiring you, of course.
6. A New Wallet
How long has he been carrying that same wallet? If the answer is, "too long," consider replacing it with a smart-looking new one. And don't forget to slip a picture of you inside.
7. Apple iTunes Gift Certificate
Give the gift of music this Valentine's Day to go with his existing or new iPod. iTunes gift certificates, enabling your better half to download his favorite new songs this Valentine's Day.

source :http://about.com

Top 10 Valentine Gifts for Women

By Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com

Looking for Valentine or romantic gifts to please the woman in your life? Whether you're just dating, engaged, or married, the gifts that provoke the most delight are traditional ones: Roses, chocolate, perfume, and jewelry. The untraditional part is that you can now buy them all online. Select one from each category, and you're likely to hit the romance trifecta, ensuring a memorable evening.

1. Red Roses
If you want to say on Valentine's Day, "I love you," nothing expresses that sentiment better than beautiful red roses. To be certain your message comes across clearly, include a love letter that says how much she means to you.

2. Box of Chocolates
Who wouldn't appreciate a heart-shaped or golden box filled with sweets? To show how much you care, know her preference for chocolate -- dark, milk, or white -- and whether she likes filled or solid pieces best. Pick out a selection designed to melt her heart.

3. Romantic Heart Pendant
Heart-shaped pendants say "I love you" and are worn close to her heart. Choose from a variety of metals and a range of prices.

4. Sweet and Sexy Lingerie
A Valentine's day gift selection of pretty things for her to wear to bed.

5. A Classic Perfume
If you don't know what her signature fragrance is, you can't go wrong with one of these.

6. Apple iPod Touch
The iPod Touch does everything an iPhone does, without having to change your phone plan. Depending on how much memory you choose (8, 16, and 32 gigabyte models are available), the user can stash between 1,750 and 7,000 songs, watch movies and play games on the widescreen display, and download his or her favorite Apps. Too pricey? Consider an iPod nano or an even cheaper Shuffle.

7. Apple iTunes Gift Certificate
Give her something to play on her iPod, and let her choose her favorite songs that remind her of you.

8. Gemstone Earrings
Small and sparkly, earrings with stones can dazzle. If your budget can't afford diamond earrings, select a pair with pearls or semi-precious stones to dress up her ears. Before you buy, know whether her ears are pierced or not and choose the appropriate back.

9. Diamond Heart Jewelry
If you want to melt a heart, there's nothing like bestowing a jeweled one that is mounted with a diamond... or two... or more. Diamond jewelry sparkles in the light, reminding the wearer of the person who gave it to her each time it scintillates.

10. A Ring That Symbolizes a Promise
Bestow a promise ring on your love this Valentine's Day, and it says you're ready to take the next (small) step in your relationship.

source : http://honeymoons.about.com/od/greatvalentinesgifts/tp/valentinewoman.htm

Romantic Fondue Dinner For Valentine's Day

By Linda Larsen, About.com

Fondue for Valentine's Day is such a treat. It's an easy entree to prepare as long as you keep stirring! Also, you can have fun choosing different dippers. And did you know there's a long standing tradition that states anyone who loses a dipper in the fondue pot has to kiss his or her sweetie?
You can include proven aphrodisiacs in this meal, like oysters (smoked oysters would be wonderful), and avocados, my personal favorite. For the ultimate treat, you just have to taste smooth, buttery sweet avocado dipped into hot melted cheese!

Fondue recipes contain wine and garlic as well, two more aphrodisiacs. You can make your own fondue from scratch, or buy refrigerated packages of fondue at the deli department in the regular grocery store or online.

For dessert, of course, strawberries dipped in chocolate is the perfect finish. Instead of chocolate dipped strawberries, which can be messy to eat, I prefer setting out some beautiful strawberries with a small dish of melted chocolate. Double dipping is required!

Set a beautiful little table in front of the fireplace, dim the lights, and you have a recipe for romance!