This Holidays

Writen by Sharon Marquart

As you begin holiday season with Thanksgiving Day and then move into the season of gift giving, may your focus remain on the giving thanks part of the holiday season. Giving thanks, being in gratitude, is the key to abundance.

Feeling abundant is the key to consciously creating your life and creating consciously is the key to experiencing a joyful, rich, full life filled with your heart's desires. Making you life, and the holidays, happy begin with the magic key of gratitude!

Gratitude is an attitude you can cultivate into being your first response in all situations. Living the attitude of gratitude keeps you open to see all the many treasures life is offering. When you live with openness and acceptance of the treasures of life you are available to receive more.

It is so easy to get caught up all the holiday stressors. Choosing the menu, the shopping, and the food preparation. There's the cleaning and making space for those out-of-town guest. Then of course there's always the question of whose getting the children for which holiday, or which in-law's do you visit when and how long do you have to stay. Or the dynamics that go on when the entire family is gathered together in one place. Or maybe the depression because you are without family, partner or children. And of, course there is the shopping and purchasing of gifts and the question of who do I buy for this year, how much will my budget carry and how long will it take me to pay for all of this! Before you know it, your attitude of gratitude, the magic key to abundance, is lost and you find yourself trapped in a small, secluded room hyperventilating until the holiday season is over!

The most powerful way to overcome the stress of the holiday season is to remind yourself often what you are grateful for. This is the best gift you can give yourself. Try this, although it may seem like "one more thing" to do, it can change the entire flow of your life throughout this season. Begin each day with 15 minutes of conscious breathing, focusing on your heart space, think of the people, places and situations in your life and the gifts they offer you. Sit in this space for a few moments and then offer the gift of gratitude to yourself. Sitting for just 15 minutes a day, not just as you read this article, but everyday, will cultivate in you a natural attitude of gratitude. You will be discovering the key to abundance and begin to unlock the treasures of your life.

Make your holiday season a happy one give yourself the gift of a grateful heart!

Writen by Trevor Adheen

Touch someone's life in a special way for this enchanting holiday season!

Holiday season brings joy and happiness to many people. They enjoy family and friends and the focus is on "giving". We give gifts to our hearts delight for Xmas and the New Year and hope that those receiving our gifts cherish them and use them for their own pleasure, not just set them aside and forget them.

What are you going to give this year? Have you thought of that yet or are you waiting for the last minute to buy some trinket for your casual friends, neighbor or distant relative, who you owe, perhaps, a favor? And, what about your dearest friends and loved ones?

Are they on your list for trinkets or for something substantial? That, they can improve their lives ten fold and remember you for the rest of their lives, should be paramount.

Well, I will give you a big push start!

Before and during the holidays most people turn a blind eye to their health and over eat food in mass quantities only to find themselves overweight come next January. And, when the holidays are over and reality sets in they go into a serious exercise program to get their weight back down.

A thoughtful friend, family member like you, planning ahead, can give a give a gift that promotes better health. You can give a gift like an exercise and fitness machine, resistance bands, scooter, treadmill, stepper and there is a whole list of these from which you can pick. Check the link below for ideas.

Imagine when your family or friends look at the machine or fitness program and wonder why he/she did not think of that himself/herself. Long after the holidays are over, the use of this equipment will be worth its weight in gold. The user family or friend will tone muscles, burn fat, improve blood flow, become alert and active to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You too can get yourself one. You'll see how your thoughts become clear after a work out. You become creative and energetic and tensions and frustrations disappear. You'll trim off the extra pounds and even build some muscles. All in all, you'll become more peaceful with yourself. That's one of the major benefits of exercising. But, you must maintain the discipline. And, for you that is no problem—as you know the benefits are extraordinary. Once you get started and see the huge benefits of exercise, you'll fall in love with it---—with a passion. This will be a good sign as it leads to a healthier life.

Much like your friends who would be using these machines, you'll speak the same language. By that I mean you'll share stories about how your body feels great and motivate each other so you continue to make exercise and fitness a number one priority in your lives.

Yes, my friend, you are given a precious body. You must take care of it. Neglect it or suffer the consequences. For example, poor circulation leads to numbness in your fingers and toes. This can lead to amputation. Lack of blood circulation to your brain makes you dizzy or you just pass out if you have severe arterial blockage. Then, you'll be taken to the hospital and the costs for hospital care are staggering. Your family schedule will be upset and they'll worry about you--—especially if you are the breadwinner.

If these issues concern you, then, you would now take the proactive step and plan along for a good health program for you, your family and friends. Get them on the road to better health. It will be a blessed act on your part.

Get your Perfect Gifts. At a Perfect Price today. Just follow the link below.

Happy holidays! And, good health for the incoming year!

The author is an advocate for healthier living through good diet, body fitness and conditioning. He is an avid researcher/teacher into the deep understanding of the human body, both in physical and psychological terms, and to pass this knowledge on to others who can benefit from the knowledge gained. Just visit: http://1stdiabeticsupplysuperstore.com and see some top of the line health giving tools that can be beneficial to your health.This article is approved for distribution by the author, providing that it is hyperlinked back withour change to: http://1stdiabeticsupplysuperstore.com from the distributor/ webmaster's page. Trevor Adheen (c) All Rights reserved

Writen by Ross Bainbridge

True to the spirit of the festive season, the concept of gourmet gifts has changed the tradition of giving gifts. All cultures embrace the idea of exchanging gifts, seeing them as tokens of appreciation, of love, and of gratitude, or a celebration of life. But this joyous custom is no simple matter; a lot of sentiment and effort goes into making each gift special and memorable.

Certainly we do not want to offend; hence it is important to understand the gift-giving etiquette of varied cultures or religions. Also, the gift must be appropriate for the occasion —the nature of the gift items, their number, the color of the gift-wrapping, etc.

Straying from the path of classic gifts are unique gourmet gifts such as exquisite gift baskets of choice meats/seafood, condiments, specialty chocolates, fruits, beverages such as tea and coffee, desserts, cheese, and wine. Gourmet food is by definition "food that is of the highest quality, perfectly prepared and artfully presented."

Personal or corporate, gourmet foods are ideal choices. As Madame Benoit said, ""I find a recipe is only a theme, which an intelligent cook can play each time with variation."" The same can be applied to gifts. What could be more creative? A beautiful gift need not be expensive, but should be a thoughtful gesture.

Mankind has come a long way from hunting to farming to what not! The early centuries saw the wealthy enjoying various delicacies that were secretly guarded or forbidden from the underprivileged. In time, with the economic and social progress, people clamored for elegance in lifestyle, whether food or fashion.

It is always a rich culinary experience to treat oneself to the sinful pleasures of rare exotic delicacies that originate in faraway lands, that are not easily available, and that are usually quite expensive and unique in some way. They make you feel special.

Gourmet Gifts provides detailed information on Gourmet Gifts, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Gourmet Meat Gifts, Gourmet Chocolate Gifts and more. Gourmet Gifts is affiliated with Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets.

Writen by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

The holidays are upon us with rich delicacies that threaten to derail a healthy food plan and clog arteries. There is good news.

Researchers have found that physical activity after a high calorie meal not only reverses the arterial dysfunction caused by fatty foods, but actually improves the function of these arteries compared to before the meal.

Reported in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, the findings are part of a growing focus on the effect food has on the body after a meal. "What happens four hours after that high-fat meal, is that your artery looks just like the arteries of a person who has heart disease, said co-author Janet P. Wallace, professor in IU Bloomington's Department of Kinesiology. "What our study showed is that when you exercise after that meal, it does not look like a sick artery anymore." High fat meals cause oxidative stress that harm the arteries and contribute to such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and cancer. This research shows that physical activity counteracts this oxidative effect. More studies need to be done.

Based on this research, it appears that fatty foods in moderation and exercising won't derail your healthy food plan.

Want to increase your odds--consider these low fat delicious items:

Sweet Potato--A nutritional All-Star – one of the best vegetables you can eat. They're loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Mix in unsweetened applesauce or crushed pineapple for extra moisture and sweetness.

Grape Tomatoes: They're sweeter and firmer than other tomatoes, and their bite-size shape makes them perfect for snacking, dipping, or salads. They're also packed with vitamin C and vitamin A, some fiber, some phytochemicals, and zesty flavor.

Blue Berries They're rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidents. Toss'em in cereal, stir'em in yogurt, or sprinkle them on low-fat ice cream.

Wild Salmon: The omega-3 fats in fatty fresh fish like wild salmon can help reduce the risk of sudden-death heart attacks. Wild salmon has less dioxin contaminant than farmed salmon. Salmon pate` is heavenly on rice crackers.

Crispbreads: Whole-grain rye crackers—Wasa, Ry Krisp, and Ryvita – usually called are loaded with fiber and often fat-free.

Brown Rice: Instead of white potatoes. Excellent fiber, magnesium, vitamins E and B-6, copper, zinc. Quick cooking or regular brown rice makes rice an easy dish.

Butternut Squash: A growing number of food stores sell peeled, seeded, cut, and ready to go – into the oven, into a stir-fry, or into a soup or risotto–bags of diced butternut squash. Every half cup has 5 grams of fiber and payloads of vitamins A and C.

Greens: Kale, spinach, and broccoli rabe are nutritional power houses. Most are loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, folate, potassium, and fiber.

Writen by Susie Cortright

Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs: creative ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less.

Here's a week's worth, specially designed to help you balance the busy-ness this holiday season.

Day One

What are your favorite holiday memories? Pose the question tonight at the dinner table. Use your family's answers to plan this year's celebration. You may be surprised at the special memories that have nothing to do with gifts or elaborate events.

Day Two

For fifteen minutes, write down things in your life that you are grateful for.

Day Three

Bundle up and head outside. Make snow angels or build a snow fort with your kids. When it's time to warm up, build a cozy fire and roast marshmallows in your living room.

Day Four

What's your favorite homemade holiday treat? Write down the recipe, and share it with your friends. Encourage them to do the same.

Day Five

Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or bag full of items to give away. Decide as a family where to make a donation.

Day Six

Get out and enjoy the crisp winter air today, all by yourself. Listen to the crunch of snow underfoot. And treat yourself to a steaming mug of hot chocolate (with marshmallows) when you return.

Day Seven

What was the favorite book you read this year? With whom would you most like to share its message? Purchase a copy for them and drop it off...anonymously.

Taking just a bit of time each day to nurture yourself will ensure you enjoy every last fa-la-la during this magical season. Happy holidays!

Copyright 2005 Susie Michelle Cortright About the author: Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com and Momscape's Free Online Scrapbooking Magazine - sites devoted to celebrating life with children. Learn more about her scrapbooking club or about starting your own scrapbooking business on Susie's team: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/business.htm

Writen by Carolina Fernandez

"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind." -Kahil Gibran

This coming Sunday is our "big day," moms. It's the one day a year when we get officially honored for what it is that we do. I don't know about you, but I usually find myself reflecting on exactly what my role is, anyway. Motherhood has evolved over the past two generations into a job which, many would argue, looks far different than the job our own mothers knew. And given the unfortunate—and oftentimes divisive—dichotomy between "working mom" and "stay-at-home mom" with which many categorize themselves, the job description sometimes gets fuzzier, rather than clearer. Does extensive volunteer work place you under the "working" or "stay-at-home" group? Does a part-time position at your kids' school or at your church push you out of the group with which you always identified yourself? And our role changes, after all, as our kids grow up. Options—as well as the resulting disequilibrium in shifting family dynamics—intrude on what once was a fairly easy job description to comprehend.

Controversy about motherhood is nothing new. Thousands of books, articles and commentaries have been written about our dilemmas ad nauseam. As if forty-and fifty something moms haven't wrestled long enough with their career-parenting decisions, young moms get additional fuel for their fires with glaring mainstream media headlines—just in time for Mother's Day. Throw in a new poll or two—as well as more advice and analysis by traditional parenting "experts"—M.D.'s and Ph.D.'s—and you have more psychobabble than the baby-burble running down these sleep-deprived mommy's sleeves!

Articles like the New York Times "The Opt-Out Revolution"; best-sellers like Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety; and critics calling motherhood everything from a "trap" to a "cult" to a "myth" to a "mess," turn notions about our role upside down and leave moms everywhere confused and conflicted. Look at some recent media messages:

• Author/journalist Judith Warner of Perfect Madness fame claims that: "a substantial number of GenX moms (are) too focused on perfection, too focused on their children, too competitive with one another, and that it's driving all moms crazy and providing their kids with no benefits." She asserts that there's an "oppressive culture of 'total motherhood' that "leaves no room for mothers' own interests" with "suffocation" the direct result.

• Sumru Erkut of the Center for Research on Women at Wellesley College, asserts that: societal expectations for moms have been "racheted up by professional moms who've 'upgraded motherhood to a bigger job than it used to be'" and views these moms as having "misplaced vigor."

• New York Times book critic Judith Shulevitz, commenting on Warner (who said that motherhood has gone from "art" to "cult") calls the job a "mess" and motherhood a "trap powered by fear of a loss of face."

• A recent article by journalist Meredith O'Brien in an online Boston paper headlines with: The Mommy Myth: Mothers pay a high price to be perfect. (Since when did we start attaching the word "myth" to "mommy?")

Pretty bleak picture of motherhood, huh? Hold onto your pantyhose. These journalists only paint part of the story. I dug into the facts, studied their articles, read the data and checked out their credentials. I came up with a totally different picture of motherhood and boldly challenge their assertions:

• A brand new poll (April 25) by ClubMom reveals that 63% of moms admit to feeling no pressure to live up to a "society-driven version of the 'perfect mom.'" This same poll finds that most moms are "happy" with their family relationships.

• 51% of those GenXer's they're talking about have traded super careers for motherhood because when they viewed the trade-offs required to "gun" their own careers (and some believe, through direct observation of their own working moms), they decided that the sacrifices required just weren't worth it.

• 79% of moms overall rate their own sense of well-being an "A" or "B"; 84% believe they are able to keep their minds sharp and active; and 76% rate their overall health (mental and physical) as high.

• In stark contrast to the "trap" or "mess" that these experts call motherhood, polls find that only 10% of working moms would choose to work full-time if money were no object, i.e. some 90% of moms would prefer the "trap" of motherhood to the workforce.

• Of Harvard Business School's women graduates of '81, '85, and '91—women currently in the fortysomething crowd—only 38% are working full-time.

• 26% of women at the cusp of the most senior levels of management do not want that next promotion, choosing more time at home with family over career advancement.

This job of motherhood is huge, it is vitally important, and those of us on the frontlines know it. Moms at home raising children today are there because we view our job as the most important one ever invented. I am working hard to help "put motherhood with excellence back on the map." That's what "rocket mom" is all about. I uphold with unapologetic optimism the distinct role we mothers play in shaping human destiny. If that's called "over parenting" or a "myth" or a "cult" or a "trap" or a "mess," than somebody better wake up and flip the pancakes.

I don't have all the answers; in fact, I have only a few. I don't pretend to be the world's best mother; just ask my kids how often I throw up my hands in frustration and resignation. But I am intent of helping moms—and our culture at large—review and renew the importance of what we do. I don't care if you work in the home or work in a beautiful office; divisions among moms are unhealthy. Truth is, once we have children, we're all in this together.

I just wish to inspire you, encourage you, and celebrate with you, the honorable role we play in shaping this whole next generation to greatness. On Mother's Day. And everyday.

Happy celebration!

Carolina Fernandez earned an M.B.A. and worked at IBM and as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch before coming home to work as a wife and mother of four. She totally re-invented herself along the way. Strong convictions were born about the role of the arts in child development; homeschooling for ten years provided fertile soil for devising creative parenting strategies. These are played out in ROCKET MOM! 7 Strategies To Blast You Into Brilliance. It is available on Amazon.com, in bookstores everywhere, or by calling 888-476-2493. She writes extensively for a variety of parenting resources and teaches other moms via parenting classes and radio and TV interviews. Please visit http://www.rocketmom.com to subscribe to her free ezine and get a weekly shot of inspiration.

Writen by Kathy Burns-Millyard

In life, it is customary to celebrate joyful events with the exchange or giving of gifts. Despite which end you are on, the act of gifting can be fun and exciting. There are, however, certain unspoken rules of etiquette that should be followed. Here are some basic guidelines to help keep you on track:

For starters, if you happen to receive two of the same items as gifts, you have several options. You can always keep both and have a spare on hand. This works well with certain household appliances, such as coffee pots. For parties and entertaining, two coffee pots come in handy. In one you can brew regular coffee and in the other you can serve up decaffeinated coffee for those who get the jitters. Your other options when receiving two identical gifts are returning or regifting one of the items. If you opt to return one, speak with the person who gave you the gift and let them know that you appreciate the gesture, however, you did receive two of the same item. Explain to them that you will be returning theirs to the store so that you can exchange it for something else. Ask them if this is okay. In most cases, gift givers want you to be happy and satisfied with their gift so they will not be offended.

Your last option, regifting, must be handled delicately. Discretion is imperative. Only regift items to those individuals who are not within the same circle as the person who gave you the gift. The item must be new and in its original package. Make sure you rewrap the item and include your own gift card. Also, don't regift just for the sake of clearing out some clutter. Make sure the person you are regifting to will actually like what's inside.

Properly thanking people is also important. For birthdays and general occasions, sending out thank you cards is only necessary if you haven't already thanked someone in person. For special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries, thank you cards are the proper way to thank someone for their gift - even if you have already spoken your words of gratitude. Thank you notes should always be handwritten and sent out promptly.

The last item of consideration is deciding who to gift to - particularly around Christmas time. As a general rule of thumb, you are usually only obligated to buy presents for those people that you have traditionally exchanged gifts with. If someone gives you a gift that you don't normally buy for, simply say thank you and tell them that you appreciate their thoughtfulness. Nothing more needs to be said. Maybe you can start a gift giving tradition with them or maybe not. Don't feel obligated to have to run out and buy them a gift.

By remembering the basics of gift giving etiquette, you will properly display your sincerity and gift giving flair without insulting, annoying or upsetting anyone. Gifting is an art - follow these simple guidelines and you'll have a great part of it mastered.

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Need more great gift ideas for a variety of people and occasions? Visit The Home Gift Shopper at http://www.homegiftshopper.com

Find updates and additional resources for this article online at: http://www.homegiftshopper.com/giftideas/1956/gift-giving-and-receiving-etiquette/

Writen by Brook Noel

You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. John Wooden

My mother recently came up with a very neat idea. With the holidays approaching, she decided to compile our favorite holiday recipes and our favorite holiday stories into a simple volume to share together. We each began searching our memory for Christmas stories of past and present to contribute to this thoughtful project. This story, although ours, can be yours as well. It carries the message of one of life's greatest fulfillments -- the invisible blessing.

To give is a wonderful thing; to give completely anonymously is even more wonderful. When we don't need a "thank you" or a "pat on the back," then our giving becomes completely about the recipient versus an affirmation of ourselves. That type of giving or "invisible blessing" is the most powerful of all. This simple story shares a memory of a woman who had truly mastered the "invisible blessing."

The Woman and The Postman

Once again the tiny, rural Post Office in our Northwood's Wisconsin Town had been properly notified. The "Postmaster," simply known as John, had received his yearly letter (addressed to "John"—first name only—"Post Office"—no street and number, no zip code, only the word "Town" ) asking him to select 5 little girls "from Santa's List" who would love to receive a Christmas Doll. Now, John knew everything and everybody—If you wanted to find out something, or get the local 'scuttle-but' you went to John—so he set about checking his postal routes, making his recommendations, and had the season's list secretly delivered to the woman.

From about November 1st on—the woman's dining room table became covered with snippets of lace and ribbons, buttons and bows, velvets and satins—along with the 5 Madame Alexander Dolls that had been ordered for that year through the mail.

Her needles and thread in hand, and an old Singer sewing machine by her side, the woman began to weave her yearly Christmas magic. Party clothes, sports wear, ball gowns, warm winter coats—she fashioned them all—until each doll had a wardrobe beyond any girls dreams.

A week before Christmas, she would have the dolls delivered to the stoop of the Post Office, beautifully wrapped and tagged for each child with a note from Santa. John would notify the families that a special package had arrived and needed to be picked up, before he closed on Christmas Eve.

The week after Christmas, John would usually receive a thank you note, or two, or three, that needed to be delivered in return. Sworn to secrecy he would pass on the child-scribbled notes to "whom it may concern."

Then one Fall a funeral came to pass, November came and went and the list hadn't been asked for, the Christmas dolls didn't arrive, and the magic faded. Not long after that John put in for retirement. The Post Office became renovated with zip codes + 4, an automated sorter, updated routing and regulations, and rules too numerous to count or accept; a new Post Man was "brought up from the city"—all in the name of "progress." Still bound by his oath of secrecy John's knowledge about the woman and the dolls retired with him.

Epilogue

Every year, when we'd go to my Aunt's for Thanksgiving dinner, I'd always notice that her table had just been cleared of a sewing project … She would set a fine table and our family would eat and feast until we could barely eat any more. And then, over her delicious pumpkin pie, my talk would turn to speculation about the mystery dolls that would surely arrive (just like mine had) at the Post Office—just in time for Christmas. My Aunt Joan would just give me a wink and her yearly reply, "Surely, my dear, you'll have another piece of pie…"

Your Turn:

While in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often think life is about gain, or accomplishment, or maintaining status quo. It isn't. Life is about relationships, about love, about kindness, about caring. Those are the moments we all long for more of. As we move into this Thanksgiving week, remember what life is truly about. Find a way to "invisibly bless" someone.

Writen by Matthew Keegan

I suppose there is no such thing as the imperfect Christmas gift, but I am sure that there are some gifts that are less desirably received than others.

Let's take a look at the "Personal Trimmer." Every time I hear of one of these items or see it in the store I think, "nose hair trimmer." Hey, there is no way of getting around it: if you give this gift you are telling the recipient that the strand of hair hanging out of their left nostril is unsightly. Or, since the product is also marketed for the ears, you've noticed a bit 'o fuzz on their earlobes.

One way to test the wisdom of gift selection is by doing this: imagine your loved one at work hanging around the water cooler. "Bob" comes up and says, "so, what did you get for Christmas?" Your loved one replies, "I got slippers, some shirts, a tool case, and a really cool personal trimmer." Sure, like he is going to share this information with blabbermouth Bob, who is known to share "news" throughout the office. You get the picture: if he is ashamed of the gift he'll lie and say, "a one year subscription to Sports Illustrated" or some other tale. Never encourage your loved ones to lie!

For the ladies, you must always be careful what you buy for them. Us menfolk are at a disadvantage: we're wired to think practical while women are wired to think sentimental. Exercise equipment might be smart, but like the fella in the Best Buy television ad who purchased exercise equipment for his sweetheart, you don't want your wife to assume that you think that she is fat. In case you make that error, you must think fast and say, "no babe, I just want to keep you heart healthy so I have many more Christmas' with you!"

Unfortunately, men don't always think that fast. Better yet, if your wife tells you what she wants, get her that. You can always run over to Victoria's Secret later to purchase lingerie which she'll like because you like seeing her wearing it. Trust me!

Are you going to the neighbor's for a Christmas social? Then leave the Royal Dansk cookies at home. Better yet, don't buy them. Are they awful? No. Just too common. Like the unwanted fruitcake that gets passed around the family and neighborhood year after year the Royal Dansk cookie tin is getting the same reputation. If tasked with the responsibility of bringing a dessert and you aren't baking, pick something up at the local bakery. It'll be fresh and it will be eaten. Let them worry about their cholesterol level.

What should you buy the boss? Well, the standard gifts over the years have been wine or hard liquor, something for his desk [photo frame], or a personal item like a fold up umbrella. Boring! Rather, have some fun and purchase spyware for your boss so that he can spend the time snooping on his employee's internet access. See if that wins you valuable points during review or promotion time!

Seriously, maybe the whole gift thing has gotten a little bit out of line. Maybe we should think of more practical gifts to give such as: spending time with an elderly relative; volunteering to help coach your child's soccer team; or by making a cash donation to a relief agency in the gift recipient's name.

Two thousand years ago the greatest gift ever given, Jesus, was freely given to mankind; I believe anyone freely receiving His love is receiving that very same gift. Jesus is one gift that perfectly suits mankind: God's boundless love and unrestricted forgiveness.

This article originally appeared on Townstead.com, a defunct site managed by Matt Keegan. It was part of his "Life in New Jersey" series of articles.

Matthew Keegan is the owner of a successful article writing, web design, and marketing business based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites including the Corporate Flight Attendant Community and the Aviation Employment Board. Please visit The Article Writer to review selections from his portfolio.

Writen by Rose Smith

Trick-or-treaters will enjoy your outdoor Halloween decor when you use simple silhouette's to lure them in. Any window, garage or flat surface on your house can be fair game to use as your canvas. Use double sided tape, temporary spray adhesive, or reusable adhesive putty (found at office supply stores) to secure your creations, yet allow for easy removal after the holiday is over.

Here's one neat idea for those of you that have a garage that faces the street - decorate the front of it with cutout black craft foam in the shape of a fence. Add a black cat sitting on the fence along with some bats flying around. You could add some low, ambience lighting to highlight your decorations.

For those who wish to decorate their windows, use black poster board to cut out the shape of a bare tree with a wise owl peering out from one of its branches. In fact if you have a large window, why not create a whole Halloween graveyard scene?

There are many shapes that can be cut into silhouettes to use as outdoor Halloween decorations. Some additional suggestions are:

• a witch flying in front of a moon
• a jack-o-lantern face
• tombstones
• a skeleton
• a spider web and spider
• ghostly trees
• some ravens
• black cauldron
• witch broom and hat
• Frankenstein and his monster friends
• ghosts and ghouls
• the grim reaper

Using cut out silhouettes for Halloween decorations is a simple and cost effective way to spook up your home without it being overly scary for youngsters. So why not try your hand at something different this year? You may be surprised at all the compliments you receive on your creative Halloween decor.

Writen by Jacqui O'Brien

Almost all of us who celebrate Christmas will put up a Christmas tree of some kind. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Christmas. If you are considering buying a new tree this year, should you go for an artificial one or a real tree? Both have their pros and cons.

A real tree does feel somehow more festive, with the Christmassy smell of pine and the feeling of having a living thing to decorate your home with. However a real Christmas tree is a commitment, if a short term one. The dreaded 'needle drop' can largely be avoided if the tree is watered regularly – this applies to both rooted and cut trees, if you keep your cut tree in a special stand which can hold a water reservoir. Also, if the tree is allowed to dry out it can be a fire hazard, while an artificial tree will be fire retardant.

The next advantage of a real tree is its environmental benefits. According to Care2.com, one acre of trees grown for the Christmas market can produce enough oxygen for eighteen people. Properly managed Christmas tree farms will plant more saplings each year than the number of trees that they cut down, and provide a habitat for birds and wildlife.

When the festive season is over you do not need find storage space your tree; a rooted tree can be planted in your garden and a cut one can be recycled into mulch by your local council or government. Many provide roadside collection or easy-to-reach collection centres, open until well into January. The environmental benefits are however rather negated if your tree ends up on a bonfire or in landfill.

So what about artificial trees? They are usually much more expensive than real trees, however since it can last for several years this can work out to be more economical. You can also keep it as a standby if, for example, your cat savages the real tree or you forget to water it and it loses its needles before 25th December.

Modern types of tree which successfully mimic real trees both look good and even smell vaguely pine like – at least for the first year. Needle drop is pretty much non-existent and perfectionists can place every branch at the perfect angle if they wish.

If however you go for the retro charm of a tinsel tree, you will find that the tinsel sheds mercilessly and you will still be vacuuming pieces out of the carpet in July. I have a soft spot for tinsel trees, having grown up with them, but remember having to put plastic ends on each sharp metal branch to prevent injury. These would definitely be best avoided where small children will be running around. Artificial pine trees tend to be designed with a clump of needles at the end so that the sharp part is covered.

Any artificial tree is unlikely to be recyclable in any way, and so when it is disposed of will inevitably end up in landfill. Therefore if you choose an artificial tree it should be looked after and carefully stored so that it gives many years service.

Whatever type of tree that you choose, have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Jacqui O'Brien is the editor of eParenting.co.uk, the online parenting magazine and information resource for parents, with free printables and educational software. Visit eParenting at www.eparenting.co.uk.

Writen by Ololade Franklin

Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking for a gift a little more exciting than the traditional tie, consider making up a men's pamper gift set. Personal care products, whether you purchase them or make them yourself, make wonderful pampering treats. Here are some ideas for men's pamper gift sets that you can put together yourself.

The Fragrance Sampler: If Dad likes fragrance, give him a selection of men's colognes in a gift container.

The Shaving Kit: Give the man who shaves a kit containing a shaving mask, a shaving soap or cream, an aftershave splash, and a fancy razor.

The Foot Care Kit: If Dad is on his feet a lot, his feet could probably use some pampering. Give him a gift basket containing a foot soak, a foot wash, a foot spray, and foot powder. Include a pumice stone, nail clippers, or some comfy slippers.

The Soap Basket: Give Dad a collection of luxury soaps in scents just for men. Include a towel and washcloth personalized with his initials for an extra special touch.

To make your gift even more special package it in a unique gift container. Baskets in interesting shapes, small travel bags, or fabric gift bags can add interest to your gift and make it even more useful.

Give Dad one of these gift sets on Father's Day and he will feel really special.

Ololade Franklin is author of the book "Bath and Body Care Recipes For Men" For details about this book visit http://my.lulu.com/content/84902

Writen by Kathryn Marion

With the holidays fast approaching, our schedules are getting full, we're stressing about what to buy for whom, and chaos seems to rule. The season can be a magical one for our children, filled with happy memories, or it can be one filled with feelings of emptiness as the adults in their life are 'too busy' to pay them much attention.

It's up to us as parents to make sure that our children don't get 'lost' in the whirlwind of holiday activities—being swept along on trips and through malls, without any warmth, closeness, or meaning that they can relate to. Here are eight things you can do to help get through Christmas with your relationship with your child—as well as your sanity—intact:

1. If you'll be traveling over the river and through the woods this holiday with small children, being prepared is your best defense against having a chaotic trip that you vow never to make again. Each child should have their own bag (tote bags are best) or box (a plastic one with a snap-on lid is great). Allow them to put their favorite books inside, then add paper, crayons, pipe cleaners, a sticker book, crossword or word search puzzle books, and any other small artsy items your children would enjoy. A clipboard is a great way to give them the nice, hard surface they'll need for drawing, and it can keep the papers in order as well. Buy a ream of multi-purpose paper from an office supply store and you're guaranteed not to run out, and it will be a lot cheaper than buying those little pads at WalMart. Crayons do best in a Ziploc bag since the boxes they come in usually only last to the city limits before they get torn apart. If your kids are particularly fussy, you might want to create a schedule and distribute these items on an hourly basis so they have new activities to look forward to.

2. While traveling, especially in the car, it can be very tempting to load the kids up with toys, books, movies, and video games to keep them quiet and occupied all day. But if yours is like most families, with two working parents and kids at school all day, the time spent in the car can be precious family time. Use at least some of it to get reacquainted with each other. Talk about what's going on in everyone's lives, what they're looking forward to, their dreams, their friends, their interests. You may discover something you never knew before! And the more you know about each other, the closer you'll be and the better you can help your children through this struggle called childhood.

3. If yours is the house where everyone will be congregating this year, don't stress yourself out by trying to do everything yourself and everything 'perfectly.' This is where children feel the most left out during the holidays. It may take a little more time to sit down with your kids and ask for their input on the menu and decorations for the house, but they'll love feeling like they played a part in making it special for everyone. Put a few non-traditional foods on the menu so they feel that the meal is for them, too, and not completely geared toward adult tastes. Have them make placecards to put on the table. Let them choose the music (from a pre-censored list you make up). Station the children at the front door to greet your guests and take their coats. Have a few topics of conversation ready to bring up at the table that specifically include the children, so the adults don't monopolize the airtime. The more involved they are and the more personally they get to interact with the guests, the more enjoyable and memorable the day will be for the younger crowd.

4. Instead of racing all over town, or even all over the Internet, looking for that 'perfect' something to give the people on your list, try something even more personal, more meaningful, and more fun: either buy or, better yet make, a beautiful card, perhaps with a photo of you and the recipient having a great time together (the older the better!) and write inside an offer to do something with or for them. For grandparents, promising a delivered, home-cooked meal and a night of watching home movies together could be much more thrilling than opening a box with yet another coffee mug warmer. For shut-ins on your list, your children or you entire family could promise an afternoon of reading to them or even putting on a little song-and-dance performance right in their room. Other ideas for friends or relatives could be to: clean out their garage for them; cook some casseroles to stash in their freezer for a busy week coming up; babysit their children or take their children for a weekend so young parents can put a little romance back in their marriage…the list could go on and on. To some this may sound like a 'cop out', but to the recipients it could very likely be the most meaningful, personal, and loving gift they've ever gotten.

5. Take some time during the winter break from school to reconnect with your children. Schedule at least one night—maybe an entire day—to spend just hanging out at the house, picking on finger foods, listening to music, and talking. Talk about anything that interests them: a book they read, how much they think they 'hate' science class, hobbies or sports they enjoy, their friends and extracurricular activities. Really talk about them—don't just mention them or let the kids off with a mumbled 'yeah, it's OK' type of response. Set the casual atmosphere with music and food so the time is relaxing, not structured or formal. Sit on the floor in front of a fire. Have hot chocolate. If they're hesitant to open up to you, open up to them. Talk about what you liked, or 'hated', when you were their age. Once they realize that you used to be a kid, too, it may help them 'relate' and get the ball rolling for a closer relationship.

6. If you've never done it before, taking time to sit down and talk about everyone's hopes and plans for the coming year can be a valuable, if not eye-opening, exercise for the family. It may take more than one session to brainstorm things each person wants to accomplish and figuring out what needs to be done, scheduled, acquired, or happen to meet that goal. Conflicting goals can be worked out ahead of time in a calm and practical way, rather than letting chaos and bickering ensue when schedules collide later. And, as the experts say, the vast majority of people who have written their goals down actually achieve them. This exercise can help your family negotiate the coming year with a well-guided purpose, and be a very valuable skill and habit to instill in your children as well.

7. Children, especially young ones, are natural entertainers, plus… they love to learn and they need to develop at least passing public speaking skills before they reach adulthood. Why not use this occasion to put these all together? Have the children put together a short play depicting the first Christmas, or maybe an original skit with the theme of joy, hope, or salvation. Have one give a proper introduction; perhaps another will narrate the story; and if you have a third (cousins are great for fill-ins, too) they can wrap things up by introducing the cast of characters. Be sure the video camera batteries are charged up for this one—it'll make a terrific DVD for your kids to show their children someday!

8. You may not feel like an award-winning parent, but you have figured out a lot of neat 'tricks of the trade' that have helped in sticky situations or solved an everyday problem you faced in your family. Don't keep all your valuable 'nuggets' of parental gold to yourself—in the spirit of giving, share your success with other parents. One way to do that is by visiting www.SmartestThing.com and submitting your success story or advice to be used in a new book titled "The Smartest Thing I Ever Did™…as a Parent" which will be published next year. Not only will you help other parents who have found themselves in the same situations, but you'll receive recognition with a byline and bio (and if you own a business, you can pick up some free national exposure by including your web address). "Give and you shall receive!" What could be better?

Writen by Rexanne Mancini

We all have our special holiday and celebration traditions. Whether it's bringing home the tree for Christmas on December 15 every year or baking Great Grandma's special custard pie, there are certain traditions that help create our own holiday magic. While they hold particular meaning and sentiment for us, our children learn those rituals and can adopt them as their own when they're grown and begin their own families. Some children cling to tradition like a favorite teddy bear, even at a young age.

Though we might not realize how deeply our kids are touched by family traditions, most children look forward to the holidays and the little ways we make them special. It's a form of security for children to know that certain events and personal touches will always be part of their celebrations.

Whether your family is large and boisterous or small and mellow, they are the people we belong to. Uncle John might be a bigot and Grandma Sue chews tobacco but hey, they're our family. Children feel this sense of belonging and have no clue that the world is different beyond their family circle. Soon enough they might realize what a dunce Uncle John is and find Grandma's chew a little harsh, but for the first part of their lives, kids are tolerant and filled with love for the relatives who've shown them love.

If your children are older and wiser, they will still find comfort and fun in the family holiday spirit. Let them help decorate the tree or light the menorah. They can help wrap presents, learn to bake your favorite holiday cookies or read special stories to the younger kids.

Holidays and special traditions are part of what make a family close. Your children will be forever grateful that you took the time to create and honor these special times and memories.

Rexanne Mancini is the mother of two daughters, Justice and Liberty. She is a novelist, freelance writer and maintains an extensive yet informal parenting and family web site, Rexanne.com – http://www.rexanne.com - Visit her site for good advice, award-winning Internet holiday pages and some humor to help you cope. Subscribe to her free newsletter, Rexanne's Web Review, for a monthly dose of Rexanne: http://www.rexanne.com/rwr-archives.html

Writen by Sean Carter

• The Twelve Days of Christmas: The Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the twelve days between the Christmas Day (December 25) and the Feast of Epiphany (January 6). Tradition has it that this is the time taken by the Three Wise Men (the Magi) to reach Bethlehem to see the babe in the manger, Jesus.
• Mistletoe: Mistletoe is a plant hung on the doorway of every American household during Christmas. The mistletoe symbolizes love, having been closely associated with Frigga, the Scandinavian's goddess of love. It's from this that the convention of kissing under the mistletoe originated.
• Hanging Stockings: The practice of hanging stockings over the fireplace on Christmas Eve comes from England. The legend of St. Nicholas has it that the latter was a kind saint who was believed to have left gifts of gold coins in the stockings of three poor maidens, who badly needed the money for their wedding dowries. They hung their stockings to dry over the fireplace, and to their great surprise, they found bags of gold in them the next morning. Following this, children kept hanging Christmas stockings over the fireplace on Christmas Eve in the hope that Santa would drop gifts and toys in them !
• Christmas Carols: The first carols are said to have been sung by angelic choirs at Christ's birth. St.Francis of Assissi is also accredited as the 'Father of Caroling'. The word 'carol' comes from the Greek 'charaulein', a Greek dance, later replaced by song. By the 17th century, caroling was restricted to Christmas time, and now, it's customary for kids to go caroling in groups from door to door, singing favorites such as "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing", "O Come All Ye Faithful", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and many more !
• Holly Boughs: The boughs of holly are another very important symbol of Christmas. These are red berries with thorny leaves. To the Christians, the holly berries symbolize Christ's blood and the sharply pointed leaves stand for the thorns in His crown. Henceforth, the holly became part of the Nativity tradition.
• The Nativity Scene: The Nativity Scene includes the scene at Bethlehem, when Jesus was born. The manger, the swaddling clothes, the bright star in the sky, the shepherds surrounding baby Jesus and the Three Wise Men (the Magi) form part of the scene.
• The Poinsettia: Poinsettias are beautiful winter blooms, native to Mexico. They've been named after the first US ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who brought the plant from its land of origin to America. Since the beginning of the 19th century, poinsettias have come to be associated with Christmas.
• The Yule Log: The yule log is a huge log used to light up big fires during festive celebrations. It originated in Europe, where it used to be placed in the hearth and continued to burn throughout the year, till it turned into ashes. Bringing in the yule log was as much a custom during the Christmas holidays as was decorating the Christmas tree. The yule log is generally placed in the fireplace. It's from this yule log that Christmas also came to be known as 'Yuletide'.
• Boxing Day: The day after Christmas is known as the Feast of St. Stephens. The alms box of the Church was opened on Boxing Day, and the contents, known as the "dole of the Christmas box" were distributed by the parish priest among the needy. Henceforth, the day after Christmas came to be known as the Boxing Day

Writen by Gail Leino

After the Easter egg hunt is over there is still a need for other Easter games for kids. Active games like Easter egg relays where eggs are passed with spoons are fine for warm weather outdoor parties. Unfortunately, in some parts of the country snow is still on the crocuses at Easter and parties are better kept indoors. When that is the case less rambunctious games may be a better idea and the sack race is better left for the Independence day celebrations. Seasons vary widely with extreme differences in spring weather around the world.

A good indoor game is the variation on the traditional "pin the tail on the donkey game" that many of us remember from our own childhoods. Before the party draw a picture of the Easter Bunny with its hands and arms positioned as if it is holding something invisible on a large sheet of paper or poster board. These types of papers are available at many local stores. During the party have the kids create their own paper Easter eggs with markers, paints and other decorative accents. Afterwards you can blindfold them one at a time and have them attempt to pin or tape their Easter eggs to the Easter Bunny' waiting arms. Hopefully some kids will hit the mark and earn a treat or small prize.

Whatever games are chosen it should be remembered that constellation prizes or participation awards are given to all players. The importance of the game is primarily to facilitate social interaction and that is the factor that should be rewarded. Still the game is more fun if the prize to the winners is one which clearly states that someone has been the victor. It is probably better to use winner's ribbons or printed certificates to reward those with exceptional skills and effort while leaving toys or candy for equal award to all players.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Flowers will brighten up your Easter!

Writen by Maria Parise

Everyone loves to look and feel good, right? Well, why don't you shake what your mamma gave you, and find a sexy Halloween costume that will knock the socks off of everybody!

Halloween is all about letting loose and having fun, so let your wild side show this year! Go ahead and buy that Playboy bunny costume, or that tight Spiderman bodysuit! The possibilities are endless…and they're all here for you to explore!

When you hear the word "sexy" you may feel a little uneasy, but you owe it to yourself to go out there and have fun with it! On All Hallows Eve, you can flirt with anyone and get away with it!

Ladies, whether you choose to be a nurse, a French maid, a cowgirl, or a cheerleader, you'll pour on the charm and make the guys putty in your hands! And guys, which woman doesn't love a rugged pirate, a fireman, a doctor, or a policeman? You'll have ladies lining up waiting to meet you!

Find countless sexy Halloween costumes and accessories on fantastic costume websites!

Men and women will find a large variety of hot accessories like sexy shoes and dresses, fishnet stockings, chaps, lingerie costumes, wigs, togas, makeup, corsets, and boas, to name a few. The ease of conveniently finding everything online for your sexy costume will have you coming back for more!

Enjoy yourself this Halloween; get into character and show everyone your hot and sexy side! Girls, practice walking around in those stilettos, and guys, get used to those tight pants because you've got a fun and exciting night ahead of you! Adults deserve to have fun on Halloween too, and what better way to do it then finding your perfect costume for one of the most exciting nights of the year!

About the author: Maria is the the author of "1st In Halloween Costumes" available at http://www.1st-in-halloween-costumes.com A great source for Sexy Halloween Costumes online! You can easily find and compare halloween sites offering quality adult costumes, naughty costume, and sexy fantasy costumes in one convenient location.

Writen by Kathryn Marion

Wasn't it New Year's just last week? And here we are within days of Thanksgiving again! Another year has zoomed by and they're getting faster and faster—especially if you have children. When you think back over this past year, have you done all you wanted with and for your children? If you're like most of us, you feel like you've fallen at least a little short. With the holidays fast approaching, this is the easiest time of year to get caught up in the busyness of the season and leave our children feeling less than involved and not terribly important.

This season can be a magical one for our children, filled with happy memories, or it can be one filled with feelings of emptiness as the adults in their life are too busy to pay them much attention. Afterall, there are menus to plan, guests to invite, the house to clean, tables to set, and decorating to do.

It's up to us as parents to make sure that our children don't grow up with anything but happy memories of Thanksgiving—the ushering in of the most joyful season of the year. Here are eight things you can do this Thanksgiving to help make it a special one for your children (and you!):

1. Consider not having a 'traditional' Thanksgiving meal this year, with its huge and unending portions and the stress of getting everything on the table at the 'right' time. Spend the day instead at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen serving families, and children, who don't have the option of a huge spread of delectables this year. Children are naturals at wanting to serve others, and seeing children their own ages living a life very different than their own can be an eye- and heart-opening experience they will always remember. Then go 'low key' with turkey sandwiches, fun finger foods, and maybe a special punch on Friday or even Saturday at home by the fire. Children will remember the activities and emotions more than the food.

2. If yours is the house where everyone will be congregating this year, don't stress yourself out by trying to do everything yourself and everything 'perfectly.' This is where children feel the most left out during the holidays. It may take a little more time to sit down with your kids and ask for their input on the menu and decorations for the house, but they'll love feeling like they played a part in making it special for everyone. Put a few non-traditional foods on the menu so they feel that the meal is for them, too, and not completely geared toward adult tastes. Have them make placecards to put on the table. Let them choose the music (from a pre-censored list you make up). Station the children at the front door to greet your guests and take their coats. Have a few topics of conversation ready to bring up at the table that specifically include the children, so the adults don't monopolize the airtime. The more involved they are and the more personally they get to interact with the guests, the more enjoyable and memorable the day will be for the younger crowd.

3. If you'll be traveling over the river and through the woods this holiday with small children, being prepared is your best defense against having a chaotic trip that you vow never to make again. Each child should have their own bag (tote bags are best) or box (a plastic one with a snap-on lid is great). Allow them to put their favorite books inside, then add paper, crayons, pipe cleaners, a sticker book, crossword or word search puzzle books, and any other small artsy items your children would enjoy. A clipboard is a great way to give them the nice, hard surface they'll need for drawing, and it can keep the papers in order as well. Buy a ream of multi-purpose paper from an office supply store and you're guaranteed not to run out, and it will be a lot cheaper than buying those little pads at WalMart. Crayons do best in a Ziploc bag since the boxes they come in usually only last to the city limits before they get torn apart. If your kids are particularly fussy, you might want to create a schedule and distribute these items on an hourly basis so they have new activities to look forward to.

4. While traveling, especially in the car, it can be very tempting to load the kids up with toys, books, movies, and video games to keep them quiet and occupied all day. But if yours is like most families, with two working parents and kids at school all day, the time spent in the car can be precious family time. Use at least some of it to get reacquainted with each other. Talk about what's going on in everyone's lives, what they're looking forward to, their dreams, their friends, their interests. You may discover something you never knew before! And the more you know about each other, the closer you'll be and the better you can help your children through this struggle called childhood.

5. Take some time during this break from school to reconnect with your children. Schedule at least one night—maybe an entire day—to spend just hanging out at the house, picking on finger foods, listening to music, and talking. Talk about anything that interests them: a book they read, how much they think they 'hate' science class, hobbies or sports they enjoy, their friends and extracurricular activities. Really talk about them—don't just mention them or let the kids off with a mumbled 'yeah, it's OK' type of response. Set the casual atmosphere with music and food so the time is relaxing, not structured or formal. Sit on the floor in front of a fire. Have hot chocolate. If they're hesitant to open up to you, open up to them. Talk about what you liked, or 'hated', when you were their age. Once they realize that you used to be a kid, too, it may help them 'relate' and get the ball rolling for a closer relationship.

6. Children, especially young ones, are natural entertainers, plus… they love to learn and they need to develop at least passing public speaking skills before they reach adulthood. Why not use this occasion to put these all together? Have the children put together a short play depicting the first Thanksgiving, or maybe an original skit with the theme of thankfulness. Have one give a proper introduction; perhaps another will narrate the story; and if you have a third (cousins are great for fill-ins) they can wrap things up by introducing the cast of characters. Be sure the video camera batteries are charged up for this one—it'll make a terrific DVD for your kids to show their children someday!

7. Our family uses the Thanksgiving weekend to set up the Christmas tree. Decorations are made up simply of white lights and red bows. Because the whole idea of Thanksgiving is giving thanks, the red bows are placed on the tree one at a time as each person states something for which they're thankful. With our family of six, we go through one at a time and start over again until the tree is fully decorated –we each get to state at least a half-dozen 'thankfuls' this way. A written list of the children's thankfuls goes into their scrapbooks each year.

8. You may not feel like an award-winning parent, but you have figured out a lot of neat 'tricks of the trade' that have helped in sticky situations or solved an everyday problem you faced in your family. Don't keep all your valuable 'nuggets' of parental gold to yourself—in the spirit of giving, share your success with other parents. One way to do that is by visiting www.SmartestThing.com and submitting your success story or advice to be used in a new book titled "The Smartest Thing I Ever Did™…as a Parent" which will be published next year. Not only will you help other parents who have found themselves in the same situations, but you'll receive recognition with a byline and bio (and if you own a business, you can pick up some free national exposure by including your web address). "Give and you shall receive!" What could be better?

Writen by Carolina Fernandez

Chocolate wrapped up with a big red bow? Hershey's kisses by the bagful? Roses brought in by the dozen? Valentine's Day gifts with free shipping popping up all over the internet and landing on your doorstep?

Yeah, yeah. Dark and rich. Lots of it. Red and white. We get it.

Don't get me wrong. My eternally favorite Valentine's gift is dark chocolate. As I've put myself on a dark-chocolate deprivation diet these past few weeks…and feeling pretty crummy because of it I might add…the presence of chocolate in my house these next few days will be a sight for sore eyes (and for my sore brain and heart, too. No one can argue: dark chocolate is fabulously emotionally therapeutic.) So I'm all for buying your sweetie dark chocolate for Valentine's Day! And I'll never turn down flowers of any kind, nor last-minute gifts bought on sale!

But let's see if we can get a little more creative here. This holiday has existed since Pope Gelasius officially declared it a Christian holiday in 496 A.D. to honor St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. But let's face it: whether it is celebrated with religious significance in your family or not, this holiday comes with certain expectations. Expressions of love may vary from family to family, but we all want to be treated to something sweet, something we might not do for ourselves, and something that reads: "I am thinking of you today my love. Relax. Enjoy it. You're so worthy of my undying devotion and love." Be it for the sole enjoyment of your spouse—or for your kids, parents, and friends as well—think about ways that show you are thinking of those you love on this most special of days.

Here goes: ROCKET MOM'S Top 13 Ways to Say "I Love You" on Valentine's Day:

1) Bring food to your sweetie in bed.

Strawberries or raspberries, along with a fresh pastry, French toast, or scrambled eggs, served with piping hot tea or coffee, make for the perfect way to start the day. My hubby usually surprises me with a cup of Starbuck's and a freshly baked croissant (almost always as I'm getting ready to hop into the shower. A wildly romantic way to start the morning (if you know what I mean…)

2) Buy your sweetie fabulous chocolates.

Please don't do the normal, everyday stuff that he or she eats all year long. Expand your "chocolate wardrobe." Visit your favorite chocolatier or specialty food shop to buy exotic chocolate. And be sure to buy enough to last at least one day. If you're a man, you probably won't get this, but it reads: "Buy your sweetie some wonderful stuff by the case!" If you're a woman, no instructions necessary. If you're menopausal, I'm sure you're already one step ahead of me.

3) Bring home at least one long-stemmed rose.

Red, pink, and white all work. Rose re-spelled spells "EROS" after all. It's a sign: roses are meant to be given on Valentine's Day. No need to splurge on two dozen…unless you want to, of course. This holiday started out with humble intentions by a Catholic pope for crying out loud, and has become wildly commercialized. So don't feel like you need to buy into all of that; go simple and humble if you prefer low-keying it. But do treat your sweetie to a flower or two.

4) Write handmade love poems.

Not just for your honeybee, but for all of the tootsie rolls in your home, too. Place them in envelopes next to their beds, in a pretty china bowl in the dining room, or next to their backpacks. For the language-challenged, rest assured that two lines will do. Fall back on "roses are red and violets are blue" to get you started (if you must). And remember, poems don't have to rhyme. Keep them simple but stylin'. Encourage older children to write poems for their siblings and for mom and dad, too!

5) Pull out your wedding photos and your wedding video.

Re-live the memory of your wedding day. Listen once again to the vows you took. Delight in the way your spouse looked on that most special of days in the history of your family. Affirm to your mate that he or she looks even more beautiful today that on your wedding day.

6) Cook heart-shaped food.

Be it pancakes or waffles, muffins or scones: bring out the heart-shaped cookie cutters, waffle irons, and baking sheets. This is the one day of the year to truly use them. Splurge on whipped cream, real butter, and pure maple syrup.

7) Leave love notes in your children's lunchboxes.

Make your own, using simple stationery, or just use index cards and stickers. Write one thing that you love about your child. Tucked safely in with his or her lunch, it's a surefire way to let him know that your love is secure.

8) Make or buy simple gifts.

Nothing extravagant. I bought my hubby toiletries to complete the set he received at Christmas. A bottle of spearmint-scented body spray and another of bed linen spray are just enough to let him know I didn't forget him on Valentine's Day (of course there's the shower thing…) My kids are each receiving tiny boxes of handmade truffles, along with one small gift, unique to each one of their interests.

9) Wrap simple gifts extravagantly.

This is the time to use gorgeous wrapping papers and bows. And display them in full view. One of the best parts about Valentine's Day is the element of mystery and suspense. The gifts I have bought will be seen by my family for a couple days—wrapped and in view on our dining room table—so that they have some time to wonder what lies underneath all of that hot pink wrap and big white bows.

10) Do something unexpected.

Someone in your family may be wishing for some thing—large or small. It might seem trivial to us, but monumental to your toddler. Go ahead and surprise her! Valentine's Day gives you a great excuse to express your love with a token gift of appreciation. And it doesn't have to cost a dime, either. Maybe junior wants a play date in the park, just with you. Perhaps your wife has been bugging you to fix the kitchen sink or hang a picture in your foyer; your hubby may be nagging you to sew on a button. Simply organizing your husband's sock drawer—or tool box—would be a wonderful gesture that reads: "I thought of you today!" Think of similar yet simple loving gestures for your kids: ironing a shirt or cleaning out a messy bathroom drawer shouts: "I love you." And allowing your teenage daughter to spend thirty extra minutes on the phone today qualifies as an unexpected love gift that she'll treasure for weeks!

11) Do dinner in.

Few things could be easier to make than beef tenderloin, yet it is one of the most satisfying foods on the face of the earth. Encourage the kids to get to bed early, and plan on a thoroughly romantic candlelight dinner in the comfort of your own home. With music softly playing, china perfectly set, and sterling silver shining: the evening can be executed with relative ease, and is guaranteed to bring pleasure to both you and your spouse. The experience of dining—rather than eating—is one I am convicted to bring to my own family. It is physically, emotionally, and spiritually satisfying.

12) Do lunch out.

Schedule a mid-day tryst with your spouse. You'll save a lot of money by dining out at lunch instead of at dinner, and the infrequency with which you probably do this sort of thing will make it even more special. If your husband or wife works a great distance from your place of work or your workplace in the home, this may present some creative challenges. But see if you can sneak it in. Just for today.

13) Give massages.

Total body work, back rubs, and foot massages are all perfect Valentine's Day gifts for all of the members of your family. The gift of touch is a gift that every single person alive today needs…and needs much more than we think, and much more than any one of us probably gets. Be it extra hugs or warm rubs with massage oil (or even Ben-Gay!), commit to using your hands by giving the gift of physical touch on Valentine's Day.

I hope you enjoy a day of love and laughter with you and yours on Valentine's Day!

Carolina Fernandez earned an M.B.A. and worked at IBM and as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch before coming home to work as a wife and mother of four. She totally re-invented herself along the way. Strong convictions were born about the role of the arts in child development; ten years of homeschooling and raising four kids provide fertile soil for devising creative parenting strategies. These are played out in ROCKET MOM! 7 Strategies To Blast You Into Brilliance. It is widely available online, in bookstores or through 888-476-2493. She writes extensively for a variety of parenting resources and teaches other moms via seminars, workshops, keynotes and monthly meetings of the ROCKET MOM SOCIETY, a sisterhood group she launched to "encourage, equip and empower moms for excellence." Please visit http://www.rocketmom.com.

Writen by Caroline Creasey

DIY Wedding Balloons How to save money with DIY Balloon Decoration

Professional Decorating of your wedding with balloons can be a stunning but expensive extra which may end up being cut from your budget.

You don't have to miss out on all the party atmosphere balloons can add.

Although it is not possible to re create the elaborate decorations a professional can offer you can really save money and create a good effect by doing some basics yourself. It's also a good way to involve extra bridesmaids in your planning.

Materials

Eleven inch diameter balloons are the most commonly used. You can inflate them to just 10 inches to save on helium if wished. The diameter is across the balloon not neck to top.

Try to keep to 2 or 3 toning colours which match the rest of your wedding. Silver or ivory team well with other accent colours.

5mm curling ribbon is used to tie the balloons and comes in lots of colours.

Balloon weights are available but just about anything can be used to weigh down balloons. Open one of your napkins and place it on a square of net, fill it with 150 gms of gravel and tie up with some of your curling ribbon. Attach the balloons to this.

Helium

Hire a canister of helium. Helium is the most expensive part of balloon decorating and disposable bottles do not contain enough to do a wedding. Hiring a bottle is quick and easy to do.

You'll also need sharp scissors, a tape measure and 15lb fishing line available from tackle and craft shops if you are planning on making a simple arch.

Technique

To look really good all the balloons need to be the same size. To do this, place two dining chairs back to back a set distance apart and pass each balloon between them. This will enable you to keep them all the same size and looking professional.

Cut lengths of about 1 1/2 meters curling ribbon and encorporate it as you tie the neck of the balloon with a tail hanging down. In this way you don't need to tie it on afterwards and the balloons can be allowed to float up to the ceiling to be collected into bunches after inflation.

Bunches of balloons look best in odd numbers, three, five and seven.

Floating Arches are impressive but surprisingly easy to make. They are created by tying the inflated balloons directly onto a length of 15lb fishing line in alternating colours. Wet the line with your finger tips before sliding the balloons along. It prevents the line cutting the latex.

Allow approx 1 1/2 to 2 hours to make 14 bunches of five balloons and a small arch.

Important to Remember

Latex balloons will only float for around 16-20 hours depending upon their size. The decorating must be done on the day of the event and not before so get someone you trust to do this for you.

Keep it simple if it is your first time decorating with balloons. Making sure all the balloons are the same size and the bunches are a uniform height will give the best possible impact as guests walk through the door.

Fill the venue with your own bunches of toning balloons and place an arch over each door and behind the cake table. Don't forget a bunch in the bathrooms and any other areas which people must pass through.

You'll create a party atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of getting a professional in and it's a good way to involve extra bridesmaids in your day.

Mother of four, Caroline Creasey, runs http://www.SillyJokes.co.uk, the UKs leading joke and party shop selling thousands of fancy dress goods and party supplies. If reproducing this article please include this link.

Writen by Richard Chapo

The holidays are quickly approaching and that means you need to come up with Christmas gifts for her. Instead of stressing out, consider the following approach.

Christmas Gifts for Her – Gift Ideas

As the holidays approach, we are all subjected to a frustrating phenomenon. What the heck should I get for my wife, sister, mother, daughter and so on? We each arrive at the answer differently, but it usually comes in one of the following forms.

1. You see something while browsing a web site or moving with the herds at the mall,

2. You buy something you like, which of course means she will like it [lingerie?], or

3. You give up and buy soothing oils and such for the bath.

Entire industries have been set up around mans inability to think of good gift ideas for women. Next time you are the mall, take a look at the "bubble bath" stores. While you agonize of whether to go with the peach fragrances or the lavender skin restorer, you should try to keep in mind what such gifts say to her. When she opens the gift, she'll think that you really didn't put much thought into and react accordingly. This, of course, means there better be a little box somewhere under the tree containing a rare precious gem or car keys!

A Better Way

The best method for coming up with Christmas gifts for her is to consider what she really likes. Importantly, this does not mean considering what you think she SHOULD really like. Put another way, tickets to the next football game are not going to cut it. Instead, really give some thought to what she does when she has some spare time.

If she likes to go antique shopping, then buy her something related to antiques. Preferably, this should be a book or something discussing antiques, not actual antiques. Men have no taste, so don't risk buying an antique she hates. Trust me on this one.

If your wife or daughter likes to get out into nature, you should consider something along those lines. If she likes to go for walks to get away from the chaos of the home, consider getting her something related to hiking. This could include things such as a book detailing the local hikes in your area or a Nomad Hiking Journal that will let her keep a diary of where she hiked and with who. Regardless, the point is you should give her something related to his passion.

The biggest key to coming up with Christmas gift ideas for her is to think about her. What does SHE like to do in her down time? Figure out the answer to that and you are well on your way to finding gifts that will go over big.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals for outdoor activities. Writing journals make great Christmas gifts for him or her. Visit http://www.nomadjournals.com/journals.cfm to see journals for fly fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, travel and more.

Writen by Jeff Herring

Did you hear that they are moving the date of Christmas this year?

No, not really.

But we do seem to act as if it is a different date each year.

I guess there are those among us that enjoy the pressure shopping of the day before Christmas. To me it's one definition of hell on earth, along with standing in line at a theme park in August.

Same time every year

Have you ever noticed that Christmas and other major events around the holidays are at the same time every year?

I first noticed this and what it meant when I was married and we found ourselves at the mall years ago, looking for a place to park. It occurred to us both that this was really silly since it came at the same expected time each year.

If it is at the same expected time each year, does that not imply that we could perhaps plan for it?

Here are a few suggestions on how to get ready

• Since stores are open year round, you could shop year round. When you see something that someone on your yearly list would like, get it then and save it for the big day.
• Refuse to wait until the last minute on anything.
• Begin early to get ready and do a little bit at a time.
• Set goals to have things accomplished way before the last possible minute. In this way, you do not have to scramble around making yourself and those around you crazy.
• Enjoy and celebrate.

Visit The Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscirbe to our monthly Article Empire Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

Writen by Jeff Herring

Q. Last year you wrote a column about "gifts of lasting value." It meant a great deal to our family because at the time we were in a financial crisis and were unable to buy gifts. Although things are better this year, we were wondering if you could offer some more suggestions for gifts of lasting value.

A. It's so easy to get caught up in the materialism of the holidays, that it's easy to forget about the gifts of lasting value. It's also nice to give gifts that are unlikely to be returned.

The gift of story

In the song "Story of a Life" Harry Chapin sings, "Sometimes words can serve you well." He sure got that one right. A well-told story paints a word picture that can provide comfort, identity, belonging and direction.

The gift of reconciliation

Is there someone in your life this season with whom you need to reconcile? Has there been some damage or a break in a relationship that has not gotten cleaned up?

What better present could you give, or receive, than the healing of an important relationship? How wonderful to go into the New Year with a new start. If you need to apologize and ask for forgiveness, do it. If you need to forgive someone, do it.

The gift of the hand-written word

In our world of faxes, e-mails and cellular phones, letter writing is becoming almost a lost art form. I received a long letter from an old friend this fall (we both have phones and e-mails) and it touched me deeply. I've re-read it often this fall as I've needed encouragement. Who could benefit from a handwritten letter from you?

The gift of the spoken word

Is there something you have been needing to say to someone that might smooth the way for them? Words like "I love you," "I'm behind you," "You can do it!" These can be magic words of encouragement for those around you.

The gift of taking action

Procrastination is the No. I cause of failure in most endeavors: failure to make the call, say or do something important, learn a new skill, or simply cleaning up the garage.

Is there something that you have left undone, that if you did it, would greatly benefit you and those around you? If the answer is yes, then go do it!

The gift of understanding

One of the deepest human needs is to be understood. When a person feels they are not understood, they begin to make noise. Letting someone know that you can see the world through their eyes, even if you disagree with them, makes a big difference.

Visit The Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscribe to our monthly Article Writing & Marketing Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

Writen by Deborah Martin

New Years Resolutions: Making them is a tradition -keeping of them is usually optional. That's unfortunate, because some of the pledges we make in those moments before the calendar changes are wonderful things to aspire to - spending more time with our children, exercising regularly, stopping a bad habit like smoking - or considering chocolate one of the main food groups. Yet, this is the one time of the year that it's condoned - almost expected - that we don't follow through on our promises.

But what if we did follow through? What if we could make a resolution that changed our lives for the better? What if we made a tiny adjustment in our perspective and it allowed us to be happier, feel freer, and enjoy a more mindful existence?

Well, get ready to make a commitment - it's as easy as embracing the idea of simplicity. Yes, simplicity.

The start of the New Year is the perfect time to make some changes. Resolve to get back to basics. I'm not advocating a cabin in the woods with no heat or electricity, just a small step to the left of the consumer frenzy. Where do you start? Right at home in your own headspace - by making a conscious decision that your time and daily experiences are more important than money and stuff.

Reduce your clutter: Unless you use it regularly, or it holds a high degree of sentimental value, it should go. Choose a charity and schedule a pick up. Just think of how much easier your house will be to clean, and how much easier it will be to find things once you've thinned out your belongings.

Decrease distractions: Cell phones, voice mail, two-way walkie-talkies, online instant messenger, and palm pilots are all tools created for convenience. Left unchecked, however, they can start running your life. Be sure your not becoming a slave to advanced technology. Oh, and turn off that darn TV too.

Learn to say "no": This tiny two-letter word is your best defense against becoming overextended. Start using it - no one will think any less of you if you do.

Learn to say "yes" when others offer help: Stop with the Superwoman fallacy. There is no harm in accepting help when offered, or even in asking for it when needed. In fact, most people are happy to be of assistance.

Cut down on compulsive buying: Shopping has become a sport in this country and credit card debt is hitting an all time high. Before you break out your plastic to get that new Prada handbag ask yourself - do I really need this? Will this improve my life? Is this "thing" worth the time I will have to put in working in order to pay for it? If the answer is no then don't buy it.

Relinquish some control: You can't speed up the driver in front of you, make the check out line at the supermarket move more efficiently, or govern the happiness of others. Just let it go. Take some deep breathes in traffic, practice your Kegel Exercise while waiting at the grocery store, and lead your life with integrity. Don't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders - it's too heavy.

Reduce decisions: While having a choice is a good thing, too many options can be overwhelming. Whether you are contemplation a major purchase, or deciding what to cook for dinner, limit your self to two options. Choose one, then be happy with your decision - second guessing never helped anyone.

Enjoy the little things in life: Read a book, take a walk, have a bubble-bath, start a snowball fight with your kids, eat together as a family at the kitchen table, garden, snuggle, pursue a hobby, listen to music, write a letter, meditate, and follow your passions. Partake in everyday pleasures - all the things that don't entail shopping, spending, or crowds - and spend quality time with the ones you love.

Living simply is not about depravation; it's about living well. Our lives are complicated, in part, because we make them that way. Resolve to make 2005 the year of simplicity, and greet the coming months with a relaxed and peaceful spirit.

Deborah Martin is a Chicago born writer, life coach, and motivational speaker. She is Co-Founder of The Woman Project. Deborah holds a master's degree in psychology and is a licensed professional counselor. She is a certified teleclass leader and offers teleclasses and workshops on a variety of subjects. Her new e-book, How To Keep Your Kids Off Drugs: A Parent's Guide, will be available in January. For more information please visit her website at http://www.dreamlearncreate.com.

Writen by Rumaisa Aslam

Gazing the wide stretched blue carpet, with blows of zephyrs whispering and blowing leaves away, is the best way to rest your mind from the day-to-day hassle. It's the time when every living thing seems to grow and is nourished by the augmentation of spring. The basic demand of existence is to get inner contentment, which can be obtained by the internal & external stability of an entity. In my two optically active balls the stability desire for man & women fluctuate in many ways. Man & woman made for each other may have different attitudes for gaining inner contention but share parallel ideas for gaining eternal and sentimental contentment. This doesn't differentiate between any cast creed and race; all same one in for all. And the best way to articulate your feelings is to blast the mind-set on lovers' day so called "Valentine's Day".

Every February across the whole world candies, flowers, gifts and cards are exchanged between the lovers, which is in remembrance of St. Valentine. Obviously we are living in an Islamic republic and here the concept of Christianity should not last but he has done some thing exceptional that's why every religion is celebrating this day in his respect and spreading the message, which he narrated and preached in his time. There are many beliefs about this myth and this history is still cloaked in ambiguity. St. Valentine's Day contains remnants of both Christian and ancient Roman Tradition.

Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyred. According to one myth, Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire!

According to a myth, St. Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many blood-spattered and ostracized campaigns. Claudius the brutal was having a difficult time getting armed forces to join his military leagues. He believed that the cause was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was detained and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270.

According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'Valentine' greeting him self. While he was in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Many young people came to the jail to visit him and they threw flowers and notes up to St. Valentine's window. They wanted him to know that they, too, believed in love.

One of those young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit him in the cell. Sometimes they would sit and talk for hours. She helped him to keep his spirits up. She agreed that he did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. On the day he was to die, he left a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed it, "Love from your Valentine." That note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day St. Valentine died, February 14, 270 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship. And when they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh -- because they know that love can't be beaten!

Since that it's been a custom in most of all societies to express their emotions and love to their beloveds. The greeting card association mentions an estimated figure of one billion about the Valentines cards, which are sent across the world. This is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year first being Christmas. Women purchase approximately 85% of all valentines' cards. Well this is a proven fact that women either black or white regardless of creed always are sensitive about the occasions of life. Whether it is their first love anniversary or breakup date, they would always think about the dates when they tied any virtual or real knot. Cupid, another symbol of holiday, as he is the son of Venus, Roman god of love.

A love seat is a wide chair, which was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way a couple could sit together.

The first Valentine message (apart from the one St Valentine wrote himself!) is thought to be a verse from Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife in 1415. He was captured at the Battle of Agincourt and was imprisoned in the Tower of London to await execution. But Valentine's Day didn't become popular in the UK until the 17th century. By the 18th century it was traditional for people to exchange handwritten messages of love. Printed cards soon replaced these, making it easier for people to say, "I love you" secretly. Charles d'Orléans' ballade, composed in French and English, hearkens back to Chaucer's Parliament of Fowles.

Written valentines began to appear after 1400. The oldest "valentine" in existence was made in the 1400's and is in the British Museum. Paper valentines were exchanged in Europe where they were given in place of valentine gifts. Paper valentines were especially popular in England. Early valentines were made by hand and were made with colored paper, watercolors, and colored inks.

This was all about the history of the great Valentines Day. Now lets enjoy! I mean talk about the stuff given on this eve and the celebrations across the world. On this day it's common for friends and lovers in all-social gatherings to exchange gifts flowers and hand written notes as a token of love and affection. Ready-made cards are also an easy way of expressing your emotions to your beloveds. The favorite symbols of valentine includes 'oh my love you like a red rose' which is said mostly to a women as rose is the symbol of peace, love and forgiveness. The eternal lovers are searching for their love all over and waiting for this day to come so that they can build all the courage they have to shower their love with flowers, chocolates, cards and gifts. You must have written a perfect love letter (now can be an email) may be once in a life time but I will here narrate one which is designed for those who are short of words and cant make their feelings explicable. This email has been a fruitful one and I hope same in future.

A perfect Email for your Valentine!

To My Valentine,
I hope you are in high spirits and have seen the sun shinning brighter than ever. I feel great by being the first one to wish you through an email, a very Happy Valentine's Day. I would like to confess what I was feeling since ages but didn't get the valor to speak my heart out. After a long time I have realized that the love, which we share, is not an ordinary love. It's platonic with glamour of sensuality. Today is the day when our fate brought us together and carved the same line on cups of our palms. There was a lot about you, which peaked my attention and made my heart crave for the more of you. Every day since then has been a fête for me when your sight was over ruled by my imagination. I have many times vocalized that you have completed my world but today I will make a clean breast that you have completed me. I am now addicted to your love and all the time we have spent together, your love had showered my soul with the blessings of affection, drop by drop. My Love, when I say I love you; its not only those three words which are said by every lover but it's the voice coming from the bottom of my spirit which can only be heard by you. I am trying to convey that how much I admire you in one thousand and one ways. Thank you for being a part of me and touching my soul with the brisk of life. I want our relation to last forever, which can never be mortal, and these three words mean the zillions of words inside my heart praising your being. Our love is the backbone of our lives from now on. This Valentine's Day has brought me all the happiness, for your sight being visible and your heart being a part of me. Though we are different from each other, all that matters is that we love each other to remain one for the rest of our lives. I will continue to respect you and love you.

From Your Valentine!

Online Festivity of Valentine's Day:

What do you think about online love? Obviously love is always on the line but most powerful method of getting socially sound is, now days, through computers which is the holy modernization as is a catalyst in God's affairs. Email, Internet and Chat groups (communities) are three major examples of these catalysts. Online dating has been very common abroad and through this people can find their soul mates with the blink of eye. These are the forms which has given a rapid change to human to carve their own future and has made searching their mates easy. A number of sites have been designed specially to entangle singles that are in search and can meet, greet and feast on this special day. From friendship to marriages people are now reliable on spending their time on Internet rather than going out for a physical search. Virtual world has made every thing easy and available at doors. The attraction to "online rather cyber relations" are no more only for the teens or desperate men but its grabbing the attraction of sapiens on this planet. As in this era people are devoid of time and cant take time out to go physically and spend loads of time and after that all efforts going in vain as ending up in an early breakup. Many times lovers don't get time to talk about their likes and dislikes. Internet is the best way as while chatting or signing up in any community people there are from your interest and caters a wide range of ideas to be interchanged.

Not to overlook those who are still in hunt of their soul mate. Cupid will surely hit them with his arrow one day. So for those, start hunting for the partner in a party arranged for this special day. Arrange a singles' party where bid all your friends and their friends to choose amongst them. As it was done in early ages in Europe, don't through balloting but just enjoying the party along with friends and their acquaintances. If at home then think about your puppy love or crushes. Read a good love book, (my fave is Men from Mars and women from Venus) watch a romantic movie and make your favorite dish in dinner and dine with family if not going out. You can also present a gift to your parents on this occasion to tell them they mean a lot to you regardless of the fact that it is lover's day.

Online dating as mentioned earlier has been a very successful method of interaction. A famous website namely orkut is one of the hit amongst youth. It's not specifically an online dating but a community through which you can discover the old friends and search new ones. Posting of special events which are being arrange on this valentine is on the list. These events include bachelors' party, parties for couples and a lot more. Announcements of the events are also done on other sites but this is genuinely considered less fake! Red has been a color of love, passion and sentiments since ages. So you can see many of the websites loaded with the images of red balloons, flowers and hearts. Once there was a website which contained a special article on the Valentine's Day and had Cupid in its cursor. For once I thought I am now the goddess of love and can hit anyone with my arrow.

The best gift for the upcoming Valentine's Day is a romantic love announcement through Internet. It needs great courage for an introverted boy to say, 'I love you', face to face, then why not let me help you announce your undying devotion," Sun said. Sun Lin (Shanghai Star January 27, 2003) is one of the few professional short message writers in Shanghai and every week he has to frame his brain to create at least 30 love messages on the Internet. Sun admitted that he is not a love expert. In fact he felt embarrassed when, in 2000, his department leader informed him that the company planned to initiate an online business named, "Sending love through the Internet" and he has been chosen - a 20-year-old boy just graduated from college - to be responsible for creating all the content. "As an occupation targeting young people, the first thing you have to know is to find out what they are pursuing. The Internet is the fastest, easiest way to achieve that", He says.

Some of the couples that met through Internet and are now happily married were interviewed. Natasha and Umair both belong to entirely different subjects of life. Natasha studying in College of business and management (CBM) and other an engineer from NED. Natasha had a problem that she never wanted to engross her self in to the arrange marriage and couldn't get the man of her choice. Even having a pretty face, she was seen always complaining about guys as she was never satisfied or when contented was afraid of the refusal. At the age of 24 she met a guy of 26 on the Internet through a chat room and her life started blooming. They started off discussing about social issues, home issues, and environmental issues then in the last their personal issues. With the duration of one year they realized that things were going smooth and they thought of tying the knot. No one has got time to rummage around, you just go online and browse communities you are interested in and click the right person to get hold of. Petite and precise!

Another true story, which BBC News covered in November 2002, was about Graham Freeman and Deb who found their love online. The two had met on Internet dating service match.com, only four months before, but 36-year-old Graham had little doubt he was falling in love. He told BBC News Online: "I think you know in a few emails if you're on the same wavelength, and after a month or two, you're 99% sure." His belief is supported by research from Internet psychologists, which suggests that getting to know each other online before meeting is a recipe for long-term stability. People do their own selection process on the Internet, so when you meet for the first time, you have a good knowledge of their interests and what makes them tick. And you have a much more flowing conversation than if you just met them in a restaurant. In life you have to be a little street smart and the Internet is no different. It's not difficult to have a conversation with someone and ask questions to see if they're real. You have to be a bit watchful, as there are few bad apples everywhere.

Have you ever thought about the fact that why many of us are under the obsessive-compulsive syndrome to which we call LOVE! Being in love with your partner because of his/her one characteristic is mostly seen but have you ever loved some one without a reason? It's hard but to love partners' some thing might have fascinated you.

One of the best ways to communicate and be open about your feelings on this day is through words. Though actions speak louder than words, if the acts can't be done then words can do wonders. A special, sentimental love poem by you or some one else, some platonic verses or quotes can surely convey your thoughts. Now there are number of websites on which thousands of poems on Valentine are narrated. You, with the click of your mouse, can get the most potent tool to electrify your beloved. Writing the perfect poem might be difficult for some people so we have valentine poem for the readers as well.

See My Love See
The Broken Arrow In The Sky,
Shining Bright & Gaily Silvered
Waiting For A Wish To Be Taken Away.
Wishing For The Aching Love To Be Blessed With
Momentarily Dazzling Glitter,
For Once The Heavenly Bodies Witnessed
The Sorrows In The Tear
And Bravery In The Fear.
The Gamut Of Emotions From The Mundane Joys
To The Eternal Despair,
Time We 've Spent More
But Memories Force To Care.
With Respect I Select You To Rule My Soul,
To Fill The Empty Vessel Of Life
Giving Any Shape You cast.
I Don't Want To Come On Scene
For The Mystifying Searching Eyes,
'Tis No Big Deal To Look Around
And Kiss The Name With Gee.
With You In My Vision I See The Farthest Point
With Your Warmth My Chilling Body
Is Able To Shelter The Ice.
Every Single Drop Of Blood On This Milestone
Thee I Sacrifice In Your Way,
Today I 'M Revealing My Ultimate Love For You,
Valentine Of The Day.

Let the fête begin!

There are thousand ways of celebrating the Valentine's Day with your beloveds but few are worth mentioning. It's been a survey how people want to and rejoice the Valentine's Day. May be these ideas are worth reading for you as you can implement one!

1. The most common idea of celebrating Valentine's Day is going out for a dinner; obviously candle helps making the mood up for a romance. Then exchange gifts with a nice hug. Turn on the music and relax.

2. Relaxing on the beach and hanging out for the whole day is also not a bad idea. If you are not a party animal then this might be your kind of celebration. With the cool breeze and welcoming waves, you can enjoy the lunch, music and gifts all in one. Say it this is the time!

3. Making each other know about your feelings, to exchange gifts, renewing vows and planning of celebrating at the fave place is also voted by many. Especially by young college students.

4. Flowers, chocolates, gifts and cards always add body to this feast.

5. Some people also like to go out for movies to celebrate this occasion not to forget the stargaze!

These were few of the ways of celebrating Valentine's Day. Now comes the important part i.e. if you are to propose. You need to assemble valor for the most popping thing. Through the actions you may conquer one's heart but to propose some one for marriage is the biggest chore. People even with lion's heart tremble at the time of proposing. So have you made your plans for the upcoming Valentine's Day? If not then go and browse through the virtual world, you may come across thousands of other ways about the festivity of this event and may be you'll find your Valentine!!!! Let's Celebrate this day with bliss and zest in spite of the fact that it's Christian's or ancient Roman's tradition.

Regardless of the custom, we should get elation out of every fête as this existence is undersized and we should bestow our lives to benefit from little things. There is hardly a question who gets their lovers on this day, the thing, which matters how many, can survive through thick and thin & how they carry their relationship. Think about the way you want to celebrate the cherish moment of your love hunt, the successful life with different priorities & do speak your heart out to cultivate the stability for your own contention.

Rumaisa Aslam