Check out these great tips from UK Cosmopolitan magazine for getting sexy volume and big-time glamour!

How You Get It

For thick hair like Thandie Newton's, stylist Paul Merritt prepares it first with a smoothing styling cream. Try Joico K-Pak Smoothing Balm. Afterwards,give your hair a quick blast with a dryer, using a paddle brush. "Avoid the temptation to dry hair upside down. For an extra kick, grip the ends of your hair with a flat iron and curl about halfway up the lengths," advises Merritt.

If your hair is fine like Mischa Barton's, use a volumizing shampoo and leave-in conditioner to help plump up locks. Loreal Professional Textureline Volume Shampoo and Magnifier is an excellent combination. Then work an extra-volume mousse (like Kenra Volume Mousse) through damp hair and blow-dry upside down. Use your fingers to detangle, allowing air to get to the roots. When hair is 95% dry, style it in sections using a medium-sized round brushand a nozzled dryer. Roll the brush to a vertical position at the end of each length to create a soft wave.

Extra Tip: "If your style starts to lag, loosely pin your hair into a bun with a couple of grips. Leave for about 30 minutes, then release to reveal revived volume and wave, along with added sex appeal," suggests Merritt

What can be more romantic than sending a handwritten love letter to your loved one, full of romantic words and genuine feelings you have for him/her? Love letters are one of the best ways to show your special loved ones how you feel for them and how much you love them.

A heartfelt love letter also makes the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, but you don't have to just limit yourself to that specific day. Every day is a great opportunity to make your loved one happy by sharing your deepest feelings with him/her.

The great thing about love letters is that you don't have to be a poet or a skilled "writer" to be able to write them. Everyone - and I really mean "everyone" - can do it.

Because they are just about putting your romantic feelings into words genuinely - even in very simple words. This openness is what makes love letters special.

To write a more romantic and heart warming letter, here are some questions that will give you good ideas to write about:

Idea #1:

What was the first time you felt you were in love with him/her? Did anything special happen that made you realize your love?

You can describe in clear details how it happened and how you felt and it will mean the world to your loved one. I promise. :-)

Idea #2:

What is the #1 thing he/she has that makes you feel so much in love with him/her whenever you think about it? It could be about looks or about personality.

For example you may say "the way her face shines when she smiles", or "the way his eyes always bring peace and love to me when I look into them."

Idea #3:

What positive changes have you made since he/she has entered your life? What valuable lessons have you learned from him/her?

For example it could be that before you met him/her, you were pretty shy and didn't fully believe in yourself and your unique abilities, but he/she helped you love yourself more and be proud of who you are.

When your loved one reads this, she will practically feel on clouds because he/she sees what a big difference he/she had made in your life.

Idea #4:

It's also a good idea to include a heartfelt romantic love poem at the end or the beginning of your letter. Sometimes nothing can show how we feel better and deeper than a good poem.

Idea #5:

And as the last tip: Don't forget to say "I Love You" at the end of your letter. This simple yet effective sentence will really seal the deal in your loved one's mind.

Wish you a wonderful life full of love,

Ladan Lashkari

About the Author:

Ladan Lashkari is giving away a FREE collection of beautiful

romantic love poems

that are perfect for including in your love letters. To grab your copy of these

poems, drop by

while they are still available.

"

Special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries used to be fun events filled with joy, laughter and happiness—that is, until the pressure brought by our inherent need to impress loved ones and make them happy by giving them the perfect gift became too much. Just weeks after wracking your brain figuring out what to give your niece this Christmas, you find yourself trying to think of great gifts ideas for mom and dad yet again as they prepare to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Why bother with trying to find the perfect gift, then? Because for us, there is nothing like seeing the face of a loved-one light up when you manage to send a birthday gift or Christmas present that he or she absolutely loves. Yes, choosing unique Valentine's Day gifts is not, never was, and never will be easy, but they are worth all the effort.

So to make life a little bit easier for all you generous but tired and confused gift-givers, here are some reminders and tips you can use to help make choosing gifts a little bit easier:

1. Use the Internet

More than making instantaneous communication between two persons located on two different continents possible, the Internet has also opened a floodgate of information and helped further broaden the global market. Make the most of the opportunities the Internet presents and use it to research for inexpensive Christmas ideas or, after you've thoroughly checked the store's background, buy unique birthday gifts online.

2. Think of the personality of the gift's recipient

The most important thing to consider when buying a gift is the recipient's personality, his/her likes and dislikes. What most people appreciate most about the gifts they are given is the fact that the gift has been given a lot of thought. A person who is into gangster movies would likely appreciate a complete, special edition DVD set of the Godfather movies than a first edition book on knitting, however rare it may be.

3. Think, and buy, ahead.

One of the worst things you can do when buying gifts is to wait until the very last minute. Not only will you not be able to thoroughly think about what gift to give and force you to buy in haste, you also end up feeling stressed and tired (ever tried Christmas shopping on the 23rd of December?) So always give yourself a few days or weeks to do your gift shopping, not only will you end up with better gifts, you'll also enjoy the act of buying (or making) the gifts better.

4. It's rarely about the price.

While a nice jewelry or the latest game console would be appreciated every once in a while, a homemade gift would also be cherished and loved if given from the heart (yes this sounds corny, but it's true). Old school "dating" gift ideas and items like mixed tapes (or in this digital world, mixed CDs) and scrapbooks are still popular with couples because they appeal to the sentiment, to the emotions and to the heart.

Remember that giving a gift is supposed to be a heartwarming and pleasant experience. Don't let the pressure of choosing the perfect present ruin it for you.

Maraya Mullen is a copywriter affiliated with Gifts and Goodies, an online shopping store that allows clients to send a birthday gift directly to their loved ones. Visit their site to get inexpensive Christmas gift ideas or to buy unique Valentine's day gifts.

Giving the perfect Mothers Day gift can be easy and inexpensive. investing your time and effort into thinking up a handcrafted gift is often the best way to show your mom that you care. Getting help from other family members can be a great way to ensure that you choose the best Mothers Day gift for your special mom.

The perfect Mothers Day gift can be found by examining what your mom enjoys the most. Does she spend time relaxing with her favorite music, gardening or watching a special television program? These favorite activities can all provide possible gift ideas that your mother will be sure to enjoy.

Most moms would love a day of pampering to relieve stress. A Mothers day gift basket always looks pretty, and you can fill up a nice basket with scented bath salts, some bubble bath, and even new makeup for her to try. Add some pretty soaps or organic shampoos and conditioners, and you have a great gift that will leave her thankful at the end of a long day. For a special touch, toss a pair of candles and a natural sounds CD into your basket.

If you have children, they may want to get in on the action and make a Mothers day gift. One idea for a creative gift that kids can make is a collage of photos of the kids. They can cut up their pictures and glue them onto a sheet of cardboard, then add a colored construction paper frame overtop. Moms love pictures, and a collage is a creative gift that is touching and fun at the same time. Kids will love making a Mothers day gift that gets put on display too.

Another creative gift is a personalized card. With this simple mothers day gift, use your computer to find free greeting cards you can download. Print one out, then add pictures to your card and write a personal message. You can even include a small poem that describes how special your mother is to you, or go one step further and write her a letter to tell her why you care about her so much.

A Mothers day gift for women who have newborns or toddlers is a break. Nothing says love more than your time, and a nice gift is to come in and take care of the dishes, laundry, and housecleaning for a day. Put on some soft music, chat while you work, and finish off your gift by cooking supper (or better yet, prepare supper in advance and freeze it to bring the day you go visit). Offer to baby sit older kids so that mom can go out for a night, or give her "gift certificates" for babysitting that she can cash in when she needs a break.

Mothers Day is a special opportunity to show your mom how much you care, but a special gift of love and appreciation can be given any day of the year. Feel free to give a Mothers day gift any season for any reason, just to show that you recognize the effort and devotion it takes to be a mom.

Find more unique gift ideas and holiday gift ideas at

One of the best ways to express your love for your beloved ones is by giving gifts. Different gifts signify different things to different people. One of the best things to gift someone is by giving the person a candle gift basket. You can gift a candle gift basket to communicate different feelings. You can use it as a Valentine candle gift basket, unique candle Gift basket, Yankee candle gift basket or may be a wedding candle gift basket.

Candle Gift Basket creates relaxed atmosphere. Candle Gift Basket comes is available in both scented and non-scented categories. This Gift Basket not only contains candles but also non-candles gifts. Candle Gift Basket is one of the best gifts to create ever-lasting memories. One of the best features of this gift basket is that it is cheaper and can be afforded by all.

Candle when burns bring out a feeling of peace and harmony. Therefore it is necessary that you spread the message of peace and harmony among your dear ones. Gifts like Candle Gift Basket are always a perfect and unique choice. These Candle Gift Baskets are beautifully wrapped and contains a message that you want to convey to a person. These gift baskets are available in different shapes and designed in such a way that they leave a long lasting impression. The candles in the gift basket are made up of pure wax, which is absolutely eco – friendly. This candle burns for a longer period of time as compared to the ordinary candles.

Isabella Rodrigues writes for

offering the latest information on gift baskets, visit them today for more best

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Isn't it just the worst. His birthday is coming and you're just plain out of ideas. Or it's Christmas maybe, or fathers day, or valentines day? You've exhausted your idea store.

Have you considered a gift basket?

Gift baskets are one of the fastest growing segments of the massive online gifts market for men. Gift baskets are big business for good reason, and so many people are now looking for great gift basket ideas when searching for gifts for that special man.

A gift basket makes a fine gift for a man if you choose your theme properly and buy well. Lets say, for example, that he's a golf nut.

You can buy him a golf gift basket full of all sorts of golf gifts that will set his juices going. And you don't need to know anything about golf to do it. A good gift basket company will do it all for you.

Or he loves his food. Why not a gourmet food gift basket. Loves his coffee? Why not a gourmet coffee gift basket? Or a wine gift basket, or fishing basket, or valentines day gift basket, or.........

The list goes on and on. There are thousands of gift baskets available online, covering just about anything a man could desire.

You'll probably find that it's more a case of being spoilt for choice, and spending too much time choosing between all that is offered. Once you decide that a gift basket will make the ideal gift for him you have a wealth of choices.

And you don't need to buy one. If you're short of money, or if you're creative, or if you'd like to make a gift basket that's extra special to him because it's from you and only you, then you can make one.

It's not difficult to make a gift basket. It takes a little time, and a little thought, and a little creativity, but it isn't hard. And it will cost less than a similar gift basket that is purchased. And it's fun to do.

And buying a premade gift basket or making your own are only 2 options out of the many. There are other ways of organizing a wonderful gift for him of a fine gift basket.

Want to design your own gift basket for him but don't have the time or inclination to do it yourself?

No matter. There are gift basket companies that allow you to organise a personalized gift basket online.

You choose your budget. You choose your basket or other container (it's not just baskets, there's hundreds of things you can use for a "basket").

You then choose your gifts that go into the basket. So if you know a little about what he'd like in his gift basket you can select exactly what goodies he'll be receiving in it. Choose them yourself and it's a much more personalized gift basket.

Then write your special message to him to go on the card that accompanies his gift basket and you're done, you've organized a wonderful gift for him that he should love.

Gift baskets are becoming one of the most turned to gifts amongst those who are a little stuck for ideas. And amongst those who recognize how successful a fine gift basket is as a gift for a man, or anyone else for that matter.

So if you're stuck for an great idea for your special man, consider a gift basket. You'll have lots of choices, and he'll love it.

Peter calls himself the Mens Gifts Guru and runs one of the webs premier websites all about gifts basket ideas, and other mens gift ideas, called Find That Gift For Him. Visit his

Squidoo lens about gifts baskets for lots of ideas for making or finding great mens gift baskets.

Valentine candles are a great addition to any Valentine's Day celebration. Not only are they romantic, but they can also really show the special person in your life just how much you care. In fact, many people, women in particular love candles for special occasions. Just think of all the positives they possess. Valentine candles are pretty. They can be bought in just about any color but can be easily found in holiday specific shades. Valentine candles are easy to find and they are available in many aromas that are pleasing to the senses. Finally, Valentine candles are often very personal. You can even make your own candle as a gift for the one you love.

Romantic candles are suited for any occasion where you and your significant other will be spending an evening together. Whether it is a dinner for two or an intimate night at home, romantic candles add to the atmosphere and in some cases, create the atmosphere. Even if you're not a big fan of candles, what would a candlelit dinner be without the candles? Romantic candles create the sensuous mood you desire and provide a soft and subtle lighting meant for those intimate occasions.

Scented romantic candles can also add the perfect touch to a special occasion like Valentine's Day, an anniversary or even a private birthday dinner. These candles are available in all sorts of scents, but you can specifically find them in appropriately romantic aromas such as spicy cinnamon, subtle lavender or even a musky fragrance meant to entice. One doesn't even have to be a candle connoisseur to enjoy the beauty that candles possess or appreciate their role in setting the mood. It all comes down to the selection of the appropriate scent for your event. An overpowering fragrance can be a turn off, but just the right subtle hint of your love's favorite fragrance can be the perfect touch for your special get together.

Romantic candles add to the atmosphere of your night for two. Regardless of your personal preference for candles, just think of how the love of your life will appreciate the soft glow of candlelight. Plus, what is more flattering than candlelight? It accentuates your best features and plays a major role in setting the mood for a night you'll never forget. Don't think about those "country garden" candles you see portrayed in those house and home magazines. Candles have gone beyond the traditional and progressed right into the modern, sophisticated and sexy.

This article is prepared by Christy Berger who writes for CandleDecorS A longer version of this article can be found at Candle Decor Store. Main resource of this article is Romantic Heart Pillar Valentine Day Candle.

So what can you do to celebrate this Valentine's Day? With the right intention, a few simple ingredients and a little effort, you will be richly rewarded as you express your true devotion to the one you love. I have been working with Aromatherapy Essential Oils for many years, so I'm very familiar with creating the right romantic setting that will make that magical space in your own home a rewarding experience.

To get the right ambiance, start by lighting some candles in your favourite room and play some relaxing music that you both like. The setting is not complete without the subtle effect of aroma. The sense of smell is one of the subtlest and oldest ways of communicating that we possess, the mechanism of which still remains a mystery today. Creating the desired mood with essential oils has been around for centuries. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians made aromatherapy a way of life with the use of perfumed oils, scented barks and resins being recorded as far back as 4500BC. Perfumes were used by lovers to heighten the forces of attraction that existed between them. According to history, Cleopatra wooed Antony by ordering that her bedroom be carpeted an inch deep in rose petals. Imagine that!!

Now to create your romantic ritual…. Place either a single essential oil or blend in your aromatherapy burner with a tea light beneath. (I prefer to use an essential oil burner with a deep bowl so that it takes longer to diffuse without overheating and drying out).

For a 'sensual interlude' add 1 drop of orange, 2 drops ylang ylang and 3 drops frankincense to your burner. Around 5 to 6 drops is enough. Orange is a joyful and playful scent that blends well with the sweet, heady fragrance of ylang ylang. With the added connection that frankincense gives to heighten your senses you will be well on your way to enjoying a sensually euphoric evening!!

For the true romantic, rose helps us feel more deeply. It is a gentle aphrodisiac with a spiritual quality that you may use on its own or in a blend. Or if you're feeling a little more bold try Jasmine, a wonderful oil that brings with it the rare qualities of strength and softness, yin and yang , making it a powerful aphrodisiac!

So this Valentine's Day open your heart to love and romance by embracing the gentle art of Aromatherapy and add some essential oils into your life!

Angela Power has a background spanning 25 years as a health professional profiling a career in medical nursing for over 15 years and as a Natural Therapist since 1988. She is renowned for her ability to provide knowledge through her real life experiences & her website, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils at the Garden Apothecary provides information on the benefits of aromatherapy and the therapeutic use of essential oils.

Keep the romance in a relationship alive with these quick tips.

Planning

If you are married, or living together its still important to get out of the house. Go on a date without children or friends at least once a month. Planning can often makes the difference between having a date or not. Even though a date is planned, spontaneity allows for following the whims of enjoyment. Always remember the cost of the date does not determine its value.

Create Memories

Every time you go out go somewhere. Creating new memories help relationships grow. Go on a date and experience something new together. The key to a successful romantic event is attitude.

Surprise

Surprise inspires romance, if you`re going to be back first, buy your lover`s favorite takeaway, and try to rush and arrange a beautiful candlelit dinner complete with wine and silver candlesticks. If you`re first out and slightly early, buy a bunch of roses and drop by your lover`s office, leaving them on her desk with an invitation to dinner tonight. On the way home, buy your lover`s favorite dessert or ice-cream, curl up together on the sofa after dinner, get that dessert out, and enjoy it together.

Surprise him/her with a sensuous massage after a romantic dinner. If you do not cook, you can still arrange a romantic dinner. Just make sure you show that you have put some thought into it order her favorite food or buy a picnic hamper packed with gourmet delights. Be adventurous, and eat in a park or beach. If it rains, just move indoors to a carpet picnic.

Communicate

Verbally express how you feel but remember action speaks louder than words, however, sometimes your mate needs to hear them.

Suspense

Keep your mate in suspense. It goes hand in hand with romance. Notes in his lunch or brief case : Slip a suggestive note in, and leave him hanging. Pack a quick lunch of sandwiches or your lover`s favorite for his/her lunch in a lunch box. Leave a romantic message inside. The anticipation will build all day.

Celebrate Memories

Give your mate a small memento to trigger memories.

Play Treasure Hunt.

Leave little notes telling her how much you care around the house in places you know she will find them, like on the bathroom mirror, on top of the milk, in her purse etc. You can also include clues on the bottom of each message to help her find her Valentine's day gift.

Romance

Wake up early, and prepare breakfast in bed for your lover. When your lover gets home late from work, suggest he or she lie in the bathtub while you scrub, rub and bathe him or her.

Keep it Fresh

Finding new activities that both enjoy heightens interest in being with each other. Unplug the television and the phone. Snuggle up on the couch together and watch a movie. Let him choose the movie, or choose one each and watch two. You want to have your mate's complete undivided attention. Light some incense or use scented candles. You will love the way they season the room. On the way home, buy your lover`s favorite dessert or ice-cream, curl up together on the sofa after dinner, get that dessert out, and enjoy it together.

Prepare

Always have after dinner mints. Nothing stifles romance than bad breath. Need I say more.

Music

Music can be very seductive. So when it comes to picking music, go with what you like. However, when creating a romantic mood keep in mind that Jazz and R&B is usually the music of choice. Don't forget to set your tape or CD player on continuous play. Nothing kills the mood like stopping to change the CD or to flip the tape. If the only source of music you have is the radio there is plenty of stations that plays Jazz and R&B. Serenade your mate even if singing is not your strong suit.

Compliment

Daily compliments to (and from) BOTH partners. Such as..."Hi honey, you look beautiful today!" Or "Hey handsome! You did a wonderful job pruning that tree!" You know just anything positive that you can think of to brighten your spouses day.

Thoughtful Gifts

Buy a thoughtful gift. Keep an ear and eye out for what she says she needs or wants. Always remember the cost of the gift does not determine its value. Buy him a present that takes some thought, like a book by his favorite author, or the DVD of his favorite movie. Buy him two tickets to see his favorite sports team, and tell him he can take a mate with him.

Spontaneity

On a rainy day, instead of taking the opportunity to do the errands, do the laundry, cleaning, etc... , take an afternoon nap. Put music on at a low volume and, enjoy yourselves in the stillness of the moment. Even though a date is planned, spontaneity allows for following the whims of enjoyment and keeps the dating experience from becoming old and disinteresting.

Participate

Keep conversation going. Ask questions. Be interested in what he/she is saying. Arrange to meet after work at that quiet pier where both of you love to sit and talk while enjoying the ocean breeze.

Candles

Dim the lights to add an air of mystery, and create a warm cozy feeling. If you`re going to be back first, buy your lover`s favorite takeaway, and try to rush and arrange a beautiful candlelit dinner complete with wine and silver candlesticks. Wear something sexy, but comfortable. Freeze candles a hour before using. They burn slower. If you don't want to use scented candles, you can use heated oil, potpourri or incense.

Francesca Black a romantic at heart, writes for Valentine Shop and Angel Gifts

Valentine's Day is, of course, the biggest day of the year for love quotes. Whether you've just fallen head-over-heels in love... have been married for 60+ years... or kinda, maybe have a crush on someone, you'll find love quotes can help you this Valentine's Day.

How?

Love quotes are great for Valentine's Day cards and e-cards. You can also use them in emails, scrapbooks, collages, and on gift cards with flowers or other gifts. The sky is the limit!

It's often almost impossible to explain how you feel when you fall in love. Love quotes can help a lot -- they can make your feelings sound romantic, funny... even poetic.

Whether you're looking for funny love quotes, romantic love quotes, famous love quotes, cute love quotes, or even sad love quotes, we have some great ones for you.

Here are ten of my very favorites:

1. "True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked." - Erich Segal

2. "Real love stories never have endings." - Richard Bach

3. "Gravitation can not be held responsible for people falling in love." - Albert Einstein

4. "Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

5. "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." - Aristotle

6. "Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play by the rules, then you must forget the rules and play from your heart." - Unknown

7. "The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

8. "A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous." - Ingrid Bergman

9. "There is a place you can touch a woman that will drive her crazy. Her heart." - Melanie Griffith

10. "You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without." - Unknown

To end on a fun note, here are five of my favorite love quotes from kids:

1. "I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough." (Girl, age 10)

2. "Don't forget your wife's name... That will mess up the love." (Boy, age 8)

3. "If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." (Boy, age 7)

4. "When a person gets kissed for the first time, they fall down and they don't get up for at least an hour." (Girl, age 8)

5. "You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." (Boy, age 10)

Happy Valentine's Day -- and enjoy these love quotes!

For more love quotes for Valentine's Day, check out the popular love quotes section of Famous-Quotes-And-Q a website that specializes in 'Top 10' lists of quotations in dozens of categories.

Women and teens around the world opened small packages during the holiday season, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Valentines Day, and other special occasions that contain a beautiful bottle of designer perfume. It may be their first bottle of designer perfume or it may be a fragrance bought on a regular basis. Why do women enjoy the special aroma of a substance that demands a substantial investment? Discriminating women know that people notice! Whether you are trying to impress someone else or just enjoy the luxurious fragrance, designer perfumes can accomplish the desired results…for all ages. Designer perfumes are worth the investment because of their unique and beautiful blends. These fragrances also last for up to four hours.

Designer perfumes can provide a woman with a subtle, refreshing, or gentle aroma…a beautiful blend of musk, sandalwood, fruits, vanilla, gardenias, amber, orange blossoms, or the hint of spring. Oriental spice blends are popular as well as natural woods, or flowers. Designer fragrances can be fun and flirty, erotic and romantic, sensuous and enticing, and always refreshing, gentle, and clean. Talented chemists spend years formulating just the right ingredients that discriminating women want to enjoy. Each fragrance can have a slight different aroma created by each person's skin chemistry. It only takes a quick spray to give the refreshing and subtle fragrance desired. You do not want to overdo! Many people are allergic to strong smells and you do not want to risk giving a negative impression rather than accomplish the beauty of the scent.

Find the fragrance that fits you….designed for day or evening wear. Seasonal perfumes are also available by many designers. It is always a good idea to keep a small bottle in your purse for the woman on the go.

While we would all like to whisk our partner away to celebrate St Valentine's Day at an exotic five star resort, I know I can't afford it, just yet!

Here are some ideas for Valentine's Day luxuries on a budget that will amaze your partner. And if you do it just right, with a little creativity, you can have the ultra-romantic day that will convince your loved one of how much you love him or her. Again.

Getting out into the open air, just the two of you, is a great way to spend Valentines. Head for the hills or the state park. There are walks to suit all - whether its an easy walk or a more demanding hike. Remember, it's February, so its likely that the place will be deserted and you will have all that natural beauty to yourself. And outdoor privacy is so romantic!

Take along a special picnic when you go out. In a small picnic basket collect a tablecloth, a vase with a realistic rose in it, 2 taper candles with holders (don't forget a lighter) and a lovely meal for two. When you reach the picnic area you can surprise your partner by setting the table for a romantic meal. Sit down and enjoy!

You could take the picnic with you on a romantic drive, or for a day out kite flying or bicycling. Remember that it's being together that is important.

The outdoors idea even works for couples that have children. There's always plenty for the kids to do if there is a safe and empty playground close by. What better way to celebrate your love than by keeping one eye on the children and reminding yourself why you love them, and their other parent, so much.

Don't fancy the great, romantic, outdoors? Cooking your romantic Valentine's meal together is a great way to share the day. Male sure that your dinner choice is something you will both enjoy, even better if its a special treat you don't often have. Go over the top in decorating the dining room and go to town on the place settings. Make sure you both dress up in your best clothes, as if it was your first date, with your best jewelry and scent.

The main thing to remember is that if you are together you will have as romantic a time as you would have at a posh resort or an exclusive restaurant. It's the thought that counts, not how much money you spend.

Nicola Kennedy has become an expert in celebrating St Valentine's Day frugally. And her husband appreciates it. Visit her site for more ideas on how to make Valentines 2006 a special one.

The thought of twigs may conjure up an old forest, or well-constructed bird's nest. Twigs are also an extremely popular material for wreaths. A wreath can be made entirely of twigs for a rustic, primitive appeal or can have all sorts of materials added to them for a graceful design. They can also accent a wreath for any season of the year whether its Thanksgiving or Valentine's Day.

The charm of twig wreaths stems from their raw, natural beauty. The trend for wreaths made completely from intertwined twigs has boomed. Twigs are naturally bendable and therefore were probably some of the first materials used to make wreaths. Many twigs are naturally highlighted with beautiful berries. Allowing the twigs to stick out away from the wreath in a fan, or swirl shape, makes a wonderful statement in a kitchen or living room, or for a door. Some twigs encompass an entire color all on their own. Bayberry twigs are thin with a slightly blueish-brown color and red dogwood is a beautiful burnt red. Twig wreaths made just with these basic, yet striking materials, will catch any eye.

Twigs are also extremely popular as bases and accents for wreaths. A swirled, red dogwood, twig wreath can be accented with dried herbs or flowers. The addition of fake birds, bumble bees and dragon flies onto a twig base can really bring nature inside. Imagine birch tree twigs fanned out whimsically with accents of leaves from the peak of fall, or a pussy willow wreath with a few, delicate faux butterflies.

Mt. birch wreaths make fantastic bases. They have a dense core, then fan out wildly in a scattered pattern. Leaves, berries, ribbons, or even bulb ornaments will make a tasteful addition to this base. The briar patch wreath also has a wonderfully natural and random effect. These absolutely call to mind a bird's nest. Add faux birds and bird eggs with a few leaves, dried herbs and berries for a rustic appeal.

Twig wreaths can also be graceful and elegant. Matching the pattern of the swirling twigs, greens with daisies or roses can add brilliance to any room. Dried flowers of all shades and shapes also add an exquisite motif to the twig base.

Dawn Keadic enjoys decorating with wreaths, both indoors and outdoors. For more information on wreaths, including wreaths you can make at home, visit Wreath Marking.

Valentine's Day is almost here and store displays are already full of heart shaped goodies. This year, set some time aside to make some fun Valentine's Day treats and crafts with your kids. It's a nice way to spend some quality time together and you are creating something your child can give away to relatives and friends. All you need are a few basic supplies and a little imagination. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Start by making Valentine's Day cards together. They are quick and easy to do. Your child can give the finished cards to parents, grandparents and close friends. Start with a few sheets red or pink construction paper. Fold each sheet in half to make the basic card shape. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to let your child trace a heart shape on the card. You can also it on a different sheet of construction paper and let your child cut the heart out. Let him or her glue it on the card. Layers of different sizes of hearts make for a nice effect as well. Then it's time to decorate the card with crayons, markers, stickers, glitter and any other crafting supplies. Your child can write a special message in the card, or you can do the writing instead. Then it's time to mail the card, or even better – hand deliver it.

Heart shaped sugar cookies make the perfect Valentine's Day treat – especially when they are decorated.. Make a batch of your favorite sugar cookie dough, or pick up some pre-made dough at the grocery store. Roll it out and let your child use heart shaped cookie cutters to make the cookies. Bake the cookies according to directions of your dough. Make a glaze by mixing milk and powdered sugar. Add a few drops of red food coloring to turn this icing glue pink. Brush some of this icing on each cookie, then have your child add sprinkles and small candies to decorate these special heart-shaped cookies.

Don't forget to decorate the house for Valentine's Day. Make a garland out of construction paper hearts and hang it over the door. You can also make a simple wreath by cutting large heart shapes out of pink and red construction paper. Cut them out and arrange them around the outer ring of a paper plate. Write "Happy Valentine's Day" on the inside of the plate and your wreath is done.

If your child wants to make treat bags for a few special friends, here's an idea. Cut two matching heart shapes out of thick cardboard or card stock. Use a hole punch to make holes around the bottom part of each heart. Line up the hearts and then use some red thread or ribbon to sew the two heart shapes together. Don't add any holes to the top part of the hearts. This will be the opening of the bag. You can add a long piece of string toward the top to make a handle. Let your child add a few pieces of candy to each heart shaped bag before giving them away.

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