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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find more unique gift ideas and holiday gift ideas at

There are many ways to show that you love someone. One of those ways is to give the gift of a special Valentine's Day card. This is a great way to get your message across in a sweet, loving way without having to find the words on your own. And, because there are so many to choose from, you are likely to find just what you want and what you'll love too.

Your Spouse Or Significant Other

Your first goal is to honor your significant other with a special card. It is okay to go with something humorous or something touching. What you choose is up to you and your preferences but you can easily find a card that shows how much you love someone, how it is you two against the world or simply ways that you wish to show your love. Choose whichever fits well with your desires. Make sure you leave a special message at the bottom or a simple, "I Love You" will mean the world to them.

Your Parents

You will likely not find it hard to find a card that you can give your mother or your father for this day. Here, honor the things that mom and dad have done for you throughout the years or continue to do for you now. A card can praise the things that your father has done too. A card that shows that you love them, respect them, and appreciate them will be cherished by them. If you can't say these words to them easily, finding just the right card to express is will be that much more meaningful to them.

Your Siblings

Sure, they drive you made most of the time, but your sisters and brothers should receive a card too. You can really get away with a comical card here. Tease them about something from childhood or a cute joke is just the right touch for these cards. Make sure to provide a sentiment of your love and respect for them, or perhaps how much you value them.

Everyone Else

You'll find a wide range of other Valentine's Day cards available too. You'll find them for virtually every member of your family and can purchase them for these individuals if you would like to. Make sure that the card says something that is special and meaningful for that relationship. This is a great way for you to feel good about your family and friends in an inexpensive way to remember them on this day.

Friends and other people in your life can really find it sweet that you have thought of them on this day. Providing just the right type of card is crucial here. Make sure to get the relationship down onto the card well and then a simple note is all that is needed.

Providing a Valentine's Day card to those that you love and those that have meaning in your life will strengthen your relationship with them. They will appreciate you and your feelings for them. And, they will be thrilled that you thought of them on this day.

Nicola Kennedy has become an expert in giving valentines day cards that are appreciated. Visit her site for more great Valentines gift ideas to make Valentines 2006 a special one.

Fudge or Candy (as it is known in the USA) is sensual, sweet and seductive which makes it the perfect gift for Valentine's Day. An even more meaningful thing to do would be to make the fudge yourself. This would show the love of your life that you truly took the time out to give them something special and you do not have to wait for Valentines Day. You can make this anytime of the year as a special treat or for Birthdays and Anniversaries

Affectionately known as "pecan candy" in New Orleans, pralines are a decadent blend of sugar, cream, butter and pecans that will excite every taste bud of your lover's mouth. Put them in a gift box along with some other presents of love and your partner will be so thankful that you will want to make them all the time. They are simple to make and it is with pleasure that I share this age old sinfully delicious recipe from the South.

This recipe makes approximately 12 pralines.

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated white sugar

1 cup of light brown sugar

18 ounces of evaporated milk

1 stick of unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans

1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

In a sturdy saucepan or pot combine the sugar and milk and bring to a boil over a medium-high flame. Cook this mixture stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until it reaches the soft ball candy stage (about 235 degrees if you are using a candy thermometer or when mixture forms a soft ball when dropped in ice water). This will take about 30 minutes.

Make sure that you don't stop stirring as the mixture will thicken too quickly and burn if left unattended. After the mixture reaches the soft ball stage add the remaining ingredients (butter, pecans and vanilla extract) and turn off the heat. Stir the mixture for approximately three additional minutes adding a little milk if it gets too thick to stir. Spoon the mixture in the portion sizes that you want onto waxed paper and let cool.

About the author: Spud Larkin is an up and coming food writer and critic, already renowned throughout the north-east of England for his honest and open reviews that come straight from the heart and tongue.

read more of his reviews at Only good food

Valentine's Day is the time of year for lovers and romantics of all kinds to show that love and affection openly without ridicule. Each year we try to find the perfect gift that will show our affection.

Flowers are sometimes appreciated. Jewelry is sometimes cherished. Chocolates are becoming less appreciated, as we seem to be looking for healthier options.

But what could we give to our special someone that would be cherished? One that would increase with anticipation beyond Valentine's Day itself. One that would leave an everlasting impression on that special someone. And one that gives of our self (and also to our self).

That gift can only be a romantic cruise getaway! That's right. What could be more romantic than be lavished upon while vacationing on the open seas?

Elegant dining rooms with mouth-watering cuisine tempt your palette. Watching the sun set into the sea. Moonlit strolls on the decks. Dancing into the night. Watching the sunrise over the water.

Who wouldn't be impressed with such a gift? Besides all of the amenities on board ship, the exotic ports-of-call and the pampering service, we are also giving ourselves as we spend precious time with the ones we love.

Now I know that some of you are thinking that this would be a gift that only the most well-to-do could afford. But that is not the case! With published prices starting at about six hundred dollars for a week's vacationing, more can enjoy the pleasure. A four or five day cruise can be even less.

Even if these rates are a little steep, there is a sea option that can be equally as unforgettable. A dinner cruise can be as affordable as a night on the town and be definitely more memorable.

No matter what type of cruise you may choose, it's sure to be a hit this Valentines Day and one that will be long remembered.

www.A1-Discount-C is your one source for cruise deals and discounts on-line. Remember, the best deals can be found on-line. Visit our Romantic Cruise Vacation section for more information, ideas and deals.

Taking care of those you love is a wonderful way to say, "I love you." And how better to take care than to treat her (or him) to a day of rejuvenation. A Valentine gift certificate to a spa will give her a chance to relax, unwind, set her worries aside, refuel and reconnect the body, mind and spirit.

The spa experience is no longer just for the rich and famous of Hollywood and Monaco. Spas are becoming fashionable for more contemporary services, such as holistic health and spiritual connecting, as well as the more traditional services of beauty, massage therapy and plain old pampering. A spa gift can include a wide array of anti-stress services, depending on your budget and your pleasure. A simple facial and manicure may be all she needs to set her back on the path of calmness as the winter season comes to an end. Or maybe things are more hectic and she needs a full aromatherapy massage, too! Interestingly enough a trip to the spa is not just for women. In Roman times men made regular visits to the mineral baths. More men are booking in for the spa experience. A greater awareness and interest in skincare and grooming and healthier living is luring men to take the plunge and rest, distress, relax and enjoy a spa experience.

Before booking a spa appointment make sure the spa offers what you are looking for in terms of treatment. Most spas offer treatment packages to suit a variety of costumer budgets and can last from a few hours, to all day or longer if a weekend or a weeklong break is needed.

So many of us don't take the time to relax and enjoy winter. The gift of a spa visit is just the way to encourage him or her to take care of themselves and savor the moment.

Still looking for that perfect gift idea? Then click on this link for a great gift certificate idea.

Expressing our feelings in effective ways is a hard task, and it’s something we deal with all the time. Babies express hunger, tiredness and other needs through crying, and it’s up to mom or dad to decipher the source of their conflict. Children are a little more advanced, they can talk. But their feelings are more advanced than a baby’s too, and they don’t always understand them. They have to learn to understand their feelings before they can even begin to express them effectively.

Teenagers are a little more practiced in both of these areas, but they are beginning to deal with the added complication of the reactions of others. They want to express their feelings without disrupting another’s. Adults deal with this too, and though they’ve had a lot of practice, they still struggle with it. Sometimes the reactions of others confuse our ability to express ourselves, no matter how well we’ve prepared.

Whatever stage of life you’re in, expression is an important part of it, and finding effective strategies can make life more meaningful and less painful.

A truly eloquent way of expression is through flowers. They say more than words, and they don’t get mixed up in the delivery. Here is a brief outline of the language of roses.

Red

A red rose says I love you. A dozen red roses say it even more. Anniversaries and other special moments in a romantic relationship are appropriate opportunities to express your affection through a red rose.

Orange

Orange roses say passion, enthusiasm or fascination.

Yellow

A yellow rose has mixed feelings. It can mean platonic love, dying love, or, if you’re from a German-speaking country, it can mean jealousy and infidelity.

Purple

Purple roses mean protection, such as paternal or maternal love.

Pink

A pink rose indicates grace, lesser feelings of love or, for a dark pink rose, gratitude.

White

White is the color of innocence and purity, and can be used to denote these attributes when presented as a rose. White roses can also mean secrecy, friendship, reverence and humility.

Roses can be used separately or in combinations of two or more colors to mean even more. They have their own language, and it can simplify communication. What’s more, giving a rose will nearly always ensure good feelings just because roses are beautiful—even if the receiver doesn’t know the language of the rose.

Emily Lyon is a client account specialist at 10x Marketing. Visit Speaking Roses today to become a more effective communicator.

Homemade Valentine's are great for your kids to give to the really special people in their lives like Grandma's and Grandpa's, Aunt's and Uncle's, brothers and sisters, best friends and of course, Daddy! But unless you start them at Halloween, we suggest you stick to boxed cards for all their friends at school! Here are some fun and easy ideas to make Valentine's Day cards with your kids…

Hearts and Hands Valentine

Here's what you need:

Construction paper (two different colors)

A pencil

Markers

Scissors

Glue

Here's what to do:

1. Trace your child's hand on a piece of construction paper with a pencil and then cut it out.

2. Draw a heart small enough to fit on the hand with a pencil and cut it out.

3. Glue the heart to the front of the hand.

4. Have your child write a special message inside the heart. "Happy Valentine's Day, Grandma! I love you with all my heart!"

This is a great card to make for Daddy.

Prim Valentine

Here's what you need:

Brown paper bag

Pencil

Markers

Scissors

Hole punch

Red or pink ribbon or yarn (about ¼" works best)

Here's what to do:

1. Use a pencil to trace a large heart on a brown paper bag. Cut out the heart. You can use fancy scalloped scissors (like the ones used for scrapbooking) to jazz up the heart!

2. Make a series of holes around the edge of the heart using a hole punch. The number of holes isn't important, but be sure to make it an even number.

3. String the ribbon or yarn through the holes starting at the bottom of the heart working your way up. Tie the end pieces (which meet at the top of the heart) into a bow.

4. Have your child write a message on the inside of the heart or use stickers to decorate it and write the To: and From: on the back.

This card makes a great Valentine for Grandma.

You've probably had your child make special cards for a loved ones birthday. Why not for other special days, like Valentine's Day? Nothing says "I love you" like a homemade card, especially from a child. Be sure to remember special people to have your child make Valentine's for, like elderly neighbors and friends that have moved away.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Nicole Dean welcomes you to -- a free website filled with activities to make memories with your children and -- a fun and informative resource for moms who want to make money from home.

Valentines Day is again once upon us. Many of us have already made plans to spend a romantic evening with our significant other. If you haven't already made plans, you still have time. Many couples traditionally make plans to go out for a romantic dinner for two, maybe see a movie afterwards. Many choose to stay in the comfort of their own home and spend the night by a crackling fire. Whatever you decide, make sure it's genuine, romantic, and from the heart.

Women love it when their man takes the time to plan something special for them, especially on Valentines Day. Be sure to tell the special woman in your life, how much you love her. It's ok to drop the macho act this one particular day out of the year. Pour your soul out to her. Let her know how special she really is to you. How much she means to you, and how lucky you are to have her in your life. Let her know how much of a better man you have become since the two of you have been together.

After you have completely melted her heart with the release of your feelings, it will be time to wine and dine her. Don't be a tightwad this year, and spend the money on this special occasion. Take her to her favorite restaurant, or cook her favorite meal. Take her to see the chick flick you know she's been dying to see. Take her shopping at her favorite store. Good lord man, pamper this woman like there is no tomorrow. If you do all of this and can go all night without saying something stupid, then the dividends of your efforts should pay out for months!

Now some free advice for you women. First off, be ready to go at a descent time. Be prepared and start getting ready about one hour before you normally do when you go out. This should ensure that you leave the house on time. This way your man will not be so anxious, and be tempted to say something stupid causing you to snap at him. This is a bad way to start off this special evening. Remember, it's better to be lovers than to be fighters.

Make sure that your extra sexy for him this evening. Trust me. Your man loves it when you are exceptionally beautiful and confident with him in public. Make sure you maintain both physical and eye contact throughout dinner. Rub his hands from across the table, or if you are setting next to him, rub his thigh to let him know you appreciate the effort he has put forward for you this special day of love.

Let your man know how much you appreciate him. Let him know how thankful you are to have such a real man in your life. Let him know how safe and secure you feel with him. When you get home after a romantic night out on the town, let him know that you had a wonderful time and offer him a backrub for his efforts. He will be putty in your hands after this. Now it's time to put on that sexy little outfit you bought just for him.

Well I think we all know where these special romantic evening end up from here, provided all went well and we as men were fortunate enough not to say any thing too stupid throughout the evening. I think if we both as partners follow these basic outlines of mutual respect, love, and appreciation, will come to appreciate the fact that we truly are lucky to have such a wonderful person in our lives with whom we can share our secrets and our passions with.

Shane Brooks is a self employeed writer who simply enjoys living life one day at a time.

More fascinating dating and relationship advice articles can be found here along with Love Rocks Relationship Advice & Dating

Love is in the air. Love is all around us. Love is eternal. And what better way to express your love and enjoy these moments than to celebrate Valentine's Day together with someone you love.

Come February 14th, lovers exchange flowers, chocolates, cards and other gifts as they take part in Valentine's Day celebrations.

And do you know that cute love quotes can go a long way in impressing your lover/friend on Valentine's Day and put her/his mood in top gear?

Well, here are some cute love quotes and poems that you can blend into your Valentine's Day love talk:

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." -- Bill Wilson (Use this to lift your lover's spirit)

"Man loves little and often. Woman much and rarely." -- Basta (Use this to impress a woman)

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage." -- Lao Tzu (Use this to lift your lover's spirit)

"Looking back, I have this to regret, that too often when I loved, I did not say so." -- David Grayson (Say this to a friend who's feeling shy to express his love)

"I laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, So we're really not that different, me and you." -- Colin Raye (Use this on a card or a note/letter)

"Blood may be thicker than water, but love is thicker than anything." -- Goldie Nash (Use this to lift your lover's spirit)

"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." -- Franklin P. Jones (Use this as a punch line)

"Love is as much of an object as an obsession, everybody wants it, everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it; those who do will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all, never... never forget it." -- Curtis Judalet (Use this to lift your lover's spirit)

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." -- Aristotle (Use this in mushy times)

"Love is said to be blind, but I know some fellows in love who can see twice as much in their sweethearts as I do." -- Josh Billings (Use this as a punch line)

"Love is like a fruit. It may look good, but you shouldn't bite into it until it's ripe." -- Nick Hertl (Use this as a philosophical line)

"Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life." -- Leo Buscaglia (Use this to lift your lover's spirit)

Enjoy the cute love quotes? Now here are a couple of love poems to keep your adrenaline flowing:

"A Friend is a treasure. More precious than Gold, For love shared is priceless And never grows old." -- Source Unknown (Hmmm, this is mushy. To be used strictly in cards or on mushy people)

"Love to faults is always blind, Always is to joy inclined. Lawless, winged, and unconfined, And breaks all chains from every mind." -- William Shakespeare (Use as a toast. Will work wonders)

Have a great Valentine's Day -- I hope these cute love quotes and love poems help!

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

With life's pace quickening everyday, people are looking to escape from the rat race and relax to rejuvenate their body. For life to be revitalising, it is necessary to have a good flow of life force energy in your home to welcome your valentine or "your beloved one". You can get good energy in your love and life by just making a few changes in your room.

Did you know that Red Roses with thorns are not a happy ending sign if you were to give them to your loved ones? The colour red, unless it is used in marriage, represents bleeding. Red roses with thorns are even more undesirable; thorns represent hardship, so avoid sending your loved ones. In fact, pink, yellow, peach or cream roses (with thorns removed) are wonderful symbols associated with young love!

Did you know that you could face the right direction and find the right love? When using Feng Shui, you can find your sweetheart by sitting in the right direction. Everyone has a personal love (Nien Yen) direction depending on the date they were born. According to the Feng Shui 8 Mansions Formula, each person's personal Nien Yen reaction brings them happiness and good luck associated with marriage and matriarchal presence.

For men, the Nien Yen direction helps you attract a good and gentle wife who will bear you many sons and take care of your parents. For women, the Nien Yen direction brings you more opportunities to establish yourself as the loved wife of a household, and attract a man who will bring you happiness and prosperity through marriage. So if you've managed to ask someone special out for a dinner date, make sure you're sitting and facing your Nien Yen direction to maximize your Feng Shui luck for happiness! Who knows? the man you dating sitting in the right direction might be the one you have been looking for!

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? Did you know that mirrors in the bedroom are the most effective tools to destroy the relationship? Mirrors in the bedroom are really not advised for any type of relationship whether you're starting out or reliving a romance especially if you're pretty serious about this person! Mirrors are often said to reflect a third party in the relationship. Mirrors represent another person always coming in between two people. This often means an extra-marital affair but sometimes the third person can be anyone such as a discouraging relative etc? Ever heard of "Two's Company, Three's a crowd! So remove your mirrors, hide them or cover them up!

And remember to hold on to your Valentine's love. Always have everything displayed in your home in pairs; a pair of love birds or a pair of love ducks. Ever heard of 'Love comes in pairs, single comes in despair'? Make your loved one feel welcome by removing all solitude figures and all lonely pictures of a man or woman. Have fresh flowers in your love and relationship corner (Southwest), and clean out your closets to make room for your significant other to enter into your life.

Once you've created peace and harmony in your home with the changes mentioned above, that will nourish your body, mind, heart and spirit, you can have a Valentine's Day for all 365 days of the year!!

Michael Douglas is a relationship expert and he owns a website Love-L where he offers healthy relationship advice for relationship problems and provides tips to bring in more love, passion and harmony into one's love life and relationships.

There is no guarantee that I will ever achieve my life's dreams and go on to live a hugely successful existence. In fact, unless I know precisely what "success" means to me, I will never be a winner during this lifetime. Knowing is the key. Success is not only reached by those who keep their fires of desire burning strong and who keep trying and trying again until they succeed, but it is reached by those who know what they desire. Those who attain greatness display the winning character trait of perceptiveness. This is the shrewd ability to know what "success" means to them.

Success can be defined as the progressive realization of specific objectives. As success relates to my life, this is the continual attainment of my own clearly defined desires. Like many people though, I may not yet have determined exactly what success means to me, therefore I have little chance of attaining it until my goals are clearly set. Success, it can be said, is to decide exactly what I do want, establish specific plans of action, and then take enthusiastic action to achieve what I most desire. However, to attain a lifetime of success, some form of measuring system needs to be in place to gauge how successful I am presently compared to how successful I want to be. For the Empowered Millionaire, this measuring system is the PEP Rating.

Success is not necessarily being the best or having the most or being number one or finishing first. Real success is a journey of continuous improvement and is found in doing the best that I possibly can in all endeavors with which I am involved. Fortune definitely favors the person who assesses where he or she is now and uses this information to make well-versed decisions to successfully guide their future. Therefore, in my quest for success, I must learn to employ this same technique of analyzing my present position to make better judgments for the future course of my life. The lesson here in this PEP Rating exercise is to give all ten areas of my life a score and then combine all scores into a final total that accurately reflects my current status. This will certainly increase my chances for success and lessen those of an unfavorable outcome.

To be hugely successful on an ongoing basis, I need to measure where I am in the ten areas of my life at this precise moment in time with where I desire to be at a specific point in the future. By knowing where I am presently compared with where I say I want to be, this will enable me to more accurately assess my efforts. The way that I measure where I am now is by way of calculating my PEP Rating. PEP (which stands for "Personal Empowerment Percentage") is the evaluation system that I shall use to determine if I am on course to design my ultimate lifestyle. By way of my PEP Rating, I shall give each of the ten areas of my life an individual score from one to ten based on how that area presently parallels with my ideal scenario.

To calculate my own PEP Rating, I must analyze the ten areas of my life and follow these two steps:

1. Give each area a mark from 1 to 10 for how my life is today compared with my ultimate ideal. It is vital that it is my ideal, not that of someone else. I should not judge myself against the world's best in that area.

2. Add these marks together. This number out of a maximum total of one hundred represents my PEP Rating.

There is no right or wrong rating. I will find that as my life's circumstances change, so my PEP Rating will also change. The lower the number, obviously the more room for improvement I have. Correspondingly, the higher the number, the more successful my life presently.

Physical

I shall give myself a score from 1 to 10 for the state of my health and general physical condition today relative to my ideal. If I am supremely fit, with an excellent body, and always feel invigorated and full of energy, I should give myself a high score of 9 or the maximum 10 points. However, if I am overweight, out of shape and in constant ill-health, my rating here may only be 1 or 2 or 3. It is up to me to decide upon what score I warrant based on how my health really is today.

Financial

I shall give myself a score from 1 to 10 based on my current financial status relative to the income and net worth I desire to generate. If I am a multi-millionaire and have already attained financial freedom, I shall award myself the maximum score of 10. However, if I am on skid row, with zero savings, high indebtedness and low earnings, perhaps I warrant a score of only 1 or 2 at most.

Business

How is the success of my business; or do I even have a business as such? I shall give myself a score from 1 to 10 for this area based on how I rate today compared to my ideal business scenario.

Career

I shall give myself a score from 1 to 10 for the career area of my life. This score must accurately reflect my occupational status today relative to how I see myself in an ideal future. Do I have the job of my dreams or am I unemployed? Depending upon where I am right now professionally, this will dictate my rating. The higher the score, the more successful I am career-wise. And, likewise, the lower the score, the more dissatisfied I am vocationally.

Mental

If I am mentally very alert with an excellent memory and sharp intellectual skills, I shall rank myself very highly here with perhaps a score of 8 or 9 or 10. However, if I am mentally dull and have psychological fatigue with a poor memory, I should give myself a low score.

Social

If all my social objectives have been met and I consider myself presently to be hugely successful within this arena, I shall give myself a high score here. Whereas, if my social life is a huge disappointment relative to my ideal, my score of perhaps 1 or 2 or 3 should accurately reflect this fact.

spiritual

I must give myself a score dependent on whether I am spiritually satisfied right now and consider myself to be highly enlightened or whether I am divinely disillusioned and nowhere near enlightenment.

Family

Have all my family aspirations been met and am I living a joyful life of blissful contentment with my kin? If so, my score here will be very high. If not, a low score will accurately reflect this status.

Material

This material area is an extremely personal one in that the goals I establish here will vary enormously depending upon how materially voracious my appetite is and how successfully I have fed my materialistic hunger? However, the higher my level of contentment today with the material possessions I have accumulated, the higher my score. And, likewise, the lower my present level of satisfaction, the lower the rate I will give myself here.

Adventure

If I am living an exciting, adventurous lifestyle in keeping with my ideal, I should rank myself very highly here with perhaps a score of 8 or 9 or 10. However, if my recreational time holds no exhilaration and is dull, I should give myself a low score of perhaps 1 or 2 or 3. If I feel middle-of-the-road and my life ranks only average adventurously, my score would be around the middle mark of 5 only.

To live a balanced life, should I make it a new winning discipline of mine to check my PEP Rating on a regular basis? Yes, as this will help me to compare just how well-balanced my entire life truly is, and in which areas I require most improvement. As one of my ultimate objectives, I shall strive to attain harmony and fulfillment in all ten areas of my life. I must not be too narrow-minded, focusing on improving just two or three areas. Instead I shall expand my horizons and seek continual progress within all ten areas.

# # #

James Lee Valentine is an "Empowering Author Extraordinaire" having written more than sixty books on personal empowerment and financial mastery now published in twelve countries worldwide.

View his website:

James Lee Valentine is founder of the Empowered Millionaire Institute "The Most Value-Packed Financial Empowerment Resource Center" which will help you be financially empowered for life.

Membership is FREE at:

If I aim to have a net worth of at least one million dollars, it is an excellent analogy for me to think of my entire life like a wheel: the "Millionaire Wheel Of Life." My life can be divided into ten individual yet inter-related areas, within which I need to establish fierce objectives if I am to attain huge financial success.

Each of the ten areas of my life is a separate spoke within the wheel. Depending upon how successful my life is in any one area, this will determine how long and solid that particular spoke is. An ideal, harmonious life will result in a round fully inflated wheel with ten complete spokes. Fully inflated is the full ten marks out of ten for each area of my life.

These ten areas of my life are:

1. Physical

2. Financial

3. Business

4. Career

5. Mental

6. Social

7. spiritual

8. Family

9. Material

10. Adventure

Once each area has been identified and analyzed, it is imperative to start thinking about what objectives I hold for my life within each area. It is the achievement of my aspirations that will fill me with a dynamic sense of growth, and drive me forward to a magnificent and compelling future. Following are examples of goals that can be placed within the realm of each area, both short-term and long-range.

1. Physical

This area encompasses my health and wellbeing, my fitness and stamina, my body and my looks, and everything to do with my physical condition and state of wellness.

> Stop smoking immediately

> Achieve the weight of 160 lbs by July 1

> Run the London Marathon in less than four hours

> Be healthy and dynamic at one hundred years of age

2. Financial

Included in this area is everything to do with money and income as it relates to my life. Earnings, savings, investments, stocks, bonds, accumulated wealth and financial freedom are all facets within the realm of the financial area of my life. What levels of financial abundance do I desire to achieve?

> Invest $10,000 in the NYSE this year

> Seek an annual fifty percent total income increase

> Save ten percent of my earnings in a special account

> Accumulate one million dollars net worth by age fifty-five

3. Business

The business area is best defined as my financial vehicle for a lifetime income, as opposed to a career that is basically a day's work for a day's pay. If I am self-employed, my own business is the vehicle within which I have my career. Do I desire to be a tycoon, running a global empire? What are my grandest business aims?

> Develop a business that positively benefits mankind

> Set up a fully equipped professional office in my home

> Establish my own multi-million-dollar global business empire

> Arrange a corporate partnership with a Japanese conglomerate

4. Career

My career is what I do for a day-to-day income. A career can be a job for a day or a profession for a lifetime. If I am self-employed, my career is the occupation I have within my own business. What is the dream career that ignites my fires of desire?

> Become the Managing Director for this company

> Reach an annual income level of US$250,000 per year

> Be the #1 sales person for my company during this decade

> Author a series of best-selling empowerment books for children

5. Mental

My mental area relates to every activity involved with my mind. It concerns my mental state of being and my emotional welfare. All learning, studying, attitudes, skills, intelligence, knowledge and emotions are found within this very important area of my life.

> Earn a university degree in psychology

> Learn to speak and write fluent Portuguese

> Strengthen my mind until I gain entry into Mensa

> Read one hundred personal achievement books this year

6. Social

The social area includes many of the recreational activities and pastimes related to society. Playing golf, as an example, whilst it can be an adventure, is a social activity because it involves an informal gathering of people and revolves around the golf course and social clubhouse. Most hobbies and amateur activities are socially related.

> Become President of the local Rotary Club

> Shoot eighteen holes of golf in under eighty strokes

> organize a twenty-five-year school reunion party for July

> Play the lead role in the amateur drama annual pantomime

7. Spiritual

This area concerns itself with church and charitable matters. The spiritual area centers on what I can personally contribute to the good of humanity and society. It revolves around the improvement of the world in general. With wholehearted purpose, I can make a positive difference in people's lives.

> Attend church every week during this year

> Tithe ten percent of my total income to charity

> Organize a sponsored litter clean-up in my neighborhood

> Establish a worldwide charitable foundation for abused women

8. Family

The area of family, simply stated, as it relates to me, encompasses all of the circumstances, events, happenings and relationships within my immediate family, extended family and all my relatives, now and in the future.

> Treat my wife to a second honeymoon in Japan

> Send my three children to study at university in Europe

> Develop special relationships with all close family members

> Spend every Sunday this year playing sports with my children

9. Material

All the possessions I could possibly imagine owning are included within this area. Material comprises all assets and belongings, not including monetary wealth. The likes of cars, houses, boats, jewelry, furniture, electronics, clothes and sporting equipment all count here.

> Own a deluxe 40-foot catamaran and name it 'Top Cat'

> Purchase a one-carat diamond bracelet for my lovely wife

> Live in a seven-bedroom luxury villa overlooking the ocean

> Give an ocean-cruise to my parents for their anniversary gift

10. Adventure

This area encompasses all of the exciting activities and daring undertakings I have ever dared dream for my life. Most fun objectives and unusual pursuits are included within this area of adventure. Travel and vacations, especially, are included here.

> Learn to scuba dive in the Red Sea

> Hike in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal

> Go white water rapid rafting through the Grand Canyon

> Travel to Europe this summer and ride on the Orient Express

# # #

James Lee Valentine is an "Empowering Author Extraordinaire" having written more than sixty books on personal empowerment & financial mastery, published in twelve countries. He is founder of the Empowered Millionaire Institute which is billed as "The Internet's Most Value-Packed & Affordable Financial Empowerment Resource Center" and which helps people be financially empowered for life! Membership is FREE so visit our website to join now.

Looking for the right gift for her?

Well let me try and take the stress out of it for you! We all know that women can be complicated beings, so I've split them into a few major categories to help you whittle down some gift ideas. Don't forget though, women can be rather sneaky too, and often cross-categorise so bear that in mind whilst browsing!

The Pamper Princess – Spa bubble baths and manicures are what this lady is all about! Weekends are spent pampering herself with the latest ranges of beauty must haves. If you're well and truly stuck, you can take a safe bet with pamper products, after all, there's a little bit of an indulgent side in every girl! I think she'd love some indulgent bath time goodies, such as sea salt scrub, bath milk, or what about some beautiful scented candles to set the mood?

Little miss giggles – We all love to laugh, but especially this one! Be it huge practical pranks or witty one liners, this lady loves to laugh and make others laugh too! Why not indulge her funny sense of humour with some hilarious racing nuns or what about some truly chuckle-worthy racing granddads?

The Career Woman – This woman has a jam packed schedule all week long, and anything to help her keep organised and ready to face the world will be much appreciated. I think she'd love a pocket organiser to make sure she's always on time! Or for an alternative what about a mini Sudoku game to entertain her on the commute to work?

The Sporty Chick –Tennis, football, netball, you name it, they love it. Oh, and gym is their second home. Yep, they're into their sport big time. So why not treat her to a pool set, or how about a nifty fishing pack?

The Queen of Sparkles – Whether it's in your face 'bling' or a more understated pearl ear-ring, they love their jewellery. And there's a huge variety of sparkly gifts to suit all of their sparkly demand available! Why not charm her with a charm bracelet, or dazzle her with some glitzy diamond ear-rings?

The Gadget Girl – The latest gadgets and gizmos are high on their wish list, and fortunately and there is an abundance of well stocked places for you to find an array of gadgets! What about a telescopic back scratchers that extends to the offending itch! Or what about a 'Tell me what to do spinner', spin it and it gives you the answer!

I hope I've helped in your selection of your gift, and maybe even made you smile! And of course don't forget, for the perfect complimentary gift; why not send some chocolate (I highly recommend anything that mentions the word 'double chocolate'!)– The way to every girl's heart!

Written by Adam Driver, proprietor of Gifts2TheDoor and online gift shopping web site with a specialist section on Gifts For Her based in Australia.

Want to do something different for Valentine's Day this year? Forgo the flowers and chocolates and take your loved one on a cruise vacation.

Nothing can match a cruise for romance - sun-filled days, exotic ports of call, golden sunsets and evenings of fine dining and dancing beneath the stars.

And while your significant other doesn't have to know, a cruise is an affordable, all-inclusive experience. All meals, entertainment and a wide variety of activities are included.

Your cruise can be as active or as relaxing as you desire. Whether it's stretching out with a book on a deck chair, seeking out local crafts in port or engaging in watersports off a white-sand beach, there's something for every couple to enjoy.

Windstar Cruises' tall-masted ships serve up an authentic sailing experience in an ambiance of casual elegance. Named "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by Porthole Magazine, Windstar offers couples a chance to reconnect and rejuvenate in an atmosphere of pampered indulgence.

Cruise ships also offer many programs for weddings, honeymoons and vow-renewal ceremonies, whether on a ship like Windstar or a more traditional luxury cruise vessel like the Holland America Line fleet.

Windstar and Holland America offer nuptials at sea and ashore on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Alaska and other destinations in the Americas and Europe.

For vow-renewal ceremonies, one trip offers the rustic Bahamian chapel overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean on Holland America Line's private island, Half Moon Cay.

Featured on most Holland America Caribbean itineraries, Half Moon Cay is a paradise of white beaches and adventures like swimming with stingrays or horseback rides on the beach.

For more information, contact a travel agent or call (800) 258-SAIL (7245) or (877) SAIL-HAL (724-5425), or visit or - NU

February has long been known as the month of romance, and throughout our country loved ones often exchange cards, gifts, candy and flowers as a means of expressing their love.

February 14th however, when we celebrate the holiday known as Valentine's Day, is when most of these gifts and expressions of our love are exchanged. But how did this mysterious tradition begin?

The holiday is both a Christian and ancient Roman tradition that is indeed very mysterious. The original Valentine's day can be traced back to the Catholic Church which began a feast day, said to be in honor of its patron saint named Valentinus or Valentine.

But how St. Valentine became associated with this lovers holiday has long been a matter of debate, and there are many legendary stories explaining the connection.

One of the most popular stories takes place during the third century in Rome. The ruling Emperor Claudius II had decided single men made better soldiers, and outlawed marriage so he could build a better crop of soldiers. A young priest by the name of Valentine defied the decree, and continued to marry young lovers in secret, and when Claudius discovered this he ordered that Valentine be put to death.

Legend does credit Valentine with actually sending the first valentine. The story claims he had fallen in love with a young women, who had been visiting him while he was in prison. It is alleged that he sent her a letter which he signed "From Your Valentine".

Another story suggests that while attempting to help Christians escape from the deplorable Roman prisons, where they were often tortured and beaten, he was killed.

We will never know the full truth about the Valentine legends, although there is no doubt about his heroic and romantic appeal.

Valentine was definitely one of the most popular saints in England and France during the middle ages.

It wasn't until the 19th century when British settlers arrived that Valentine's Day was was introduced to North America. Today, according to (Hallmark Research) 192 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually. This is in addition to the millions of flowers, boxes of candy and assorted gifts exchanged by lovers on this day. The day has come to be associated with the greeting "Happy Valentine's Day"

Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th every year. It gives you the opportunity to show a friend or lover, how much you care, by giving them a gift of love and sharing this lovely tradition with them.

Ken Asselin is webmaster for the "Buds Best" series of

shopping websites. His 40 plus years experience in retail marketing,

bring a fresh outlook to website development and promotion. You can

visit his Flowers and Unique Gifts Site at:: Online Flower Delivery

The tradition of Valentines Day with its Hallmark fueled frenzy has taken on a life of its own. Studies show that many people, especially men hate Valentine's Day. This is particularly true of men who feel like they can't get a handle on what is expected of them during this time. Traditions that play out mechanically add stress, guilt and depression to relationships trying to find balance. This can sometimes make us feel isolated from the masses. Let's be honest. Admitting that you hate Valentine's Day is like saying you hate puppies and warm fuzzy kittens.

I remember one Valentine's Day a colleague of mine came into my office in a huff. He snickered, flailing his arms in an expansive gesture of frustration. His eyeballs rolled back in his head as he groaned, "do you know I counted 42 pieces of red clothing on women today?" You know the typical, red blouses, little earrings that are worn to celebrate the day. He was clearly exasperated by the whole thing. "Why do women do this kind of thing anyway?"

I grinned as he flopped into a chair. "What's the real problem Dennis?" "I don't get it," he said, "You know I can't win with what I get her. She says she doesn't want anything, but you know if I don't get something I will never hear the end of it. And the worst is I have to get something bigger and better every year, its hopeless!"

I didn't think it was the best time to tell him that for some women it is probably one of the few times in a year that they can count on some kind of validation. A time when someone openly tells them that they are special, loved and cherished. Some women and men need to hear the words and see it on paper, some don't. This difference depends on expectations.

Expectation for Valentines is usually based in childhood celebrations, and the meaning that was placed on the day. This is driven home daily by media messages "to show her you care, give her a …fill in the blank." We know that Valentines Day can add to our loneliness and depression if we are not in a relationship, because it reminds us that we are alone in the world. There is no mirror image, no one to validate who we are, make us feel special.

On the other hand, when we are in a relationship there are all of these things we need to do to nurture each other. As my coworker above stated, it feels like a no win situation. As the relationship evolves, building little traditions of our own, we find less need to be validated in this way. But, it is only when we see ourselves as special that we stop looking to other people to show us our core beauty. The love we want is really inside, in our core self, and not external to us.

Feeling that someone should buy candy, roses or other romantic gifts is far from romantic for the buyer or the receiver. Even so, buying some routine gift that means little to the sender or recipient is meaningless, unless it is part of a belief system that was nurtured from childhood. So, make that a part of your discussions as you get to know each other. If you can't see yourself doing it, then you better get that straight up front.

People often feel guilty and stressed when they don't live up to another's idealized romantic expectations. Planning romantic moments together can be fun, energizing and cement the relationship. That said, it is only fun if you share the idealized expectation. This doesn't have to be expensive trips, and it can be finding creative ways to get away from the kids for a few hours. There are many ways to show love that costs nothing. Love notes placed in a clean shirt, unexpected phone calls to each other to say you were thinking of each other, the list is endless.

What helps is to find out where the guilt is coming from and discuss this honestly with your loved one. If you don't like doing Valentines, but it is important to the other person, ask yourself what it would take to make it happen. Could you live with this? Could you find another way to show you care? If someone needs more than you can give, then find out why they need it and what keeps you from giving it. This in and of itself will deepen the relationship.

So, what makes people feel loved? A better question might be, "How have we learned to feel loved?" This is different for everyone. Some people need gifts, while others would rather have your time, eye contact and to really be seen or have their efforts recognized. Some people need to have things done for them and that makes them feel loved. From a gender standpoint, men tend to experience love through sex, while women experience it through physical closeness and communication.

There are many other ways we feel loved, but in the long run it is someone taking the time to know what makes us tick. This makes us feel recognized and validated. As you get clarity on needs and wants assume nothing, talk to each other about what is wanted and needed.

• Get straight what you both need to "feel" the energy and passion of the relationship.

• Find your beauty and sense of worth within you, no one can see it if you can't.

• Find meaningful and creative ways to express your love that is shaped by both of your expectations and needs. Make a game of it; exploring these ideas can be fun.

• Gratitude helps, what does your partner give to the relationship that keeps you around? Let him or her know that these things are important to you.

• Talk to each other! The Valentine Tradition may not be all that important to either of you. If it is, could it be expressed in a way that is agreeable to both? Share your thoughts, wants and needs. What can you live with?

Besides all of this, feigned sugary sweetness is the opposite of true love. From the perspective of the relationship, love is a life time of give and take. Love always stands alone. Love needs nothing in the eye of the beholder. When we are loved deeply, we can feel love's power radiating back and forth, from the heart. Like an ancient dance moving in rhythm to the beat of our soul.

Shirley Ryan is the founder and president of Working Together ( ), a business specializing in helping people manage life's changes in mind, body, and spirit. Ryan has worked as a professional life coach since 1994. She is the author of Searching for the Waters of Antiquity: A Follow-Along Meditation Process (Soul Moments Publishing, $24.95 available in stores, Amazon or at this website: ), a meditation tool with a unique integration of symbol and archetypes demonstrated her painting and meditation skills.

Roses, daffodils, tulips, violets, chrysanthemums. The perfect way to melt the heart of every woman in your life is with flowers. Flowers touch that special place inside of every woman and lets them know that you care. Whether it is your wife, girlfriend, or mom, flowers speak the universal language of affection and appreciation. Sending flowers is a tangible way to show your love and regard.

In this day and age, there are many ways to give flowers to the woman in your life and the Chicago area is a wonderful hub of different options. No matter your style or budget, you can send flowers to the woman you love. Flowers can be found in arrangements or can be purchased singly. Baskets and bouquets are other ways to express how you feel to that special woman. You can combine flowers with candy or balloons to create a unique arrangement. Flower arrangements come a rainbow of colors and styles.

If the internet purchases are your style then there are a number of options available. Search for your favorite florist and flowers for that special woman are right at your fingertips. It couldn't be easier. Make your selection from a huge variety of options and then have them delivered right to that special lady's door. Here in Chicago where our lives are hectic and time is short, delivery is often the best option. Just a few moments at your computer and you can let the women in your life know that you care.

Each of online flower shops offer you a variety of convenient options. You can choose from a variety of arrangements or design one yourself. Each flower arrangement can be personalized with a note that shows you care.

What variety of flower should you send? Each flower has a symbolic meaning. You can send one specific kind of flower or create a bouquet that shows an array of feelings. For you mom, you might give Larkspur, which symbolizes laughter or perhaps Daffodils, which symbolize regard. For a new relationship, Lilacs represent first love and Violets stand for affection. If you wish to honor your wife, you might choose Blue Violets, which are a symbol of faithfulness or Red and White Roses, which represent unity.

Flowers truly are the way to a woman's heart. Tell your girlfriend you care, let your wife know how much she means to you; thank your mom for all her years of care. Sending flowers is an easy and heartfelt way to express your feelings for that special woman in your life.

Muzrak Maksidov runs the website which is provide information related to flowers. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and link is hyperlinked.

With Valentine's Day approaching, I got to thinking about dating … and hair because that's what I do. I realized that relationships are a lot like hairstyles. Some girls will try many different dos and do many different guys. Others stick with one their whole lives. Finding your perfect hairstyle is never easy, but when it happens – it's easy to take care of and makes you feel good about yourself, just like the perfect guy.

My first boyfriend was like when my hair was shiny and new. It was before I blow … er …dried or anything, so it was at its healthiest. As time went on, we broke up, and along with my first split, came split ends. It's common knowledge that after a break-up, a girl does something drastic to her hair.

So I cut my hair to match Jeanie Garth's pixie on Beverly Hills 90210. My round face is very UNLIKE Jeannie's petite features, so the cut looked hideous on me. This is like dating someone who everyone else thinks is cool, but doesn't really do it for YOU. Just because something looks good on someone else does not mean he should be on you.

Extensions were like dating a jealous boyfriend. They are SO high-maintenance. You can't pull too hard, must use all kinds of special shampoos, and they fall out. You can't do all the things you want to do, like swimming … because your bathing suit is "slutty-looking." And it's hard to part with them, difficult as they are, because so much effort was put into the upkeep. Needless to say, it was a relief to remove my extensions and that fool. Once they were gone, I felt free and light!

Highlights are fun, like a younger guy is fun. After he puked in my dresser drawer, it was time for him to grow up and my streaks to grow out.

What hair pitfall story would be complete without the PERM? And what relationship chronology would be complete without the damn-i-wish-i-hadn't-gone-out-with-him? Both sound like a great idea at the time. Friends will encourage you to "take a chance!" When you've got one, you never think it's that bad until you look back at it. Eventually, the curls grow out and you move on. But you'll always remember how stupid you looked at the time.

As for my current hair style? Well … it's short, dark, and bangs. >:)

Healthy heart awareness is coming up in February. Do you really know if you have a healthy heart? How do we know? We only know after something happens. We always think it can't happen to us.

Having a healthy body gives you a healthy heart. So here are some tips to keep your body healthy.

1. You need to take a really good vitamin. What does that mean? Expensive? No. I mean a vitamin that does dissolve in your body so your body benefits the vitamins in it. I only know of one vitamin that is fructose compounded that benefits our bodies by absorbing 95% of the vitamins, instead of just passing through our bodies.

What is fructose compounding? Fructose is a natural fruit sugar your cells crave and it is easily absorbed in the bloodstream. This process is designed to pre-bind a fructose molecule to a mineral so the mineral won't bind with nutrients in the digestive system. The fructose compounded mineral are designed to be absorbed more easily into the bloodstream and delivered to your cells and thus to your tissues, organs and the rest of your body. Thus making you body healthy.

2. Exercise – You need to keep your body moving. We are suppose to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. The best way to monitor that is to have a walking monitor that can be clipped to your belt or pants. Then keep track of how many steps you take and then if they are aerobic. Which will get you heart pumping. When you get your heart pumping you are getting your body moving and getting your body in better shape all around.

3. Food – We need to eat more vegetables and less processed foods. We need to get back to making dinners instead of using processed foods that are easy and quick. I fall into that category. I'm in the process of retraining myself in making better choices for my family. Life is busy and it's just easier to use pre-made meals. Tip: On Sunday make it family cooking day. Get everyone in the kitchen and make 5 dinners for the week. Put in the freeze when cooled. Then during the week pull out dinner from the freezer and leave in fridge to thaw while at work. It is something to get used to but it makes Sundays very memorable.

These are simple changes but they could save you or someone you love from something very serious. It only takes a few good changes and you can have a better healthier life.

My name is Angie Hembree and I'm with Infinite Possibilities Team. Check out my website at Learn how to receive better, safer, earth healthy products including the vitamins mentioned above while saving 30%-40% off retail.

Welcome to the present, where home loans are dominating people's lives in almost every way. Interest rates are creeping up, people are borrowing to their limits and banks are more than happy to approve loans for ever increasing amounts. Personal lives and family life is starting to take a backseat with personal gain and materialistic values becoming number one priority in society, with the expressions of taking the time to stop and smell the flowers becoming seemingly obsolete. Weekends are spent in hardware stores, buying tools and materials to improve our houses value and knock off time during the week is getting later and later making sure we all take all the overtime we can. Most families cannot even remember the last family holiday they had, if they are lucky enough to have had one.

Yes yes, I know, a bleak miserable world is being described to you, but in this world where time is precious I can't help but feel that people are putting their family, loved ones, partners and friends last and striving for financial success first. Which seem a little strange because to bring a smile to a loved ones face can be a quick and inexpensive step. A prepared meal waiting for your partner when they get home, a weekend in bed doing nothing but spending time together watching dvd's, sending some flowers to someones work or home. Even though it may seem like such a quick and simple step to the sender, a simple gesture like flower delivery can provide a smile and happiness that is priceless and beyond its cost in happiness.

Taking your kids to the park to play, having coffee with an old friend, ringing your parents just to say hello are the little things in life that are becoming increasing overlooked but are the moments that are most treasured. Why not just say no to the overtime one night this week and do something together with your family or loved ones. Because there is nothing worse in this world than regret and to be disappointed that in our life time we haven't taken the time to do the gestures that really do count would be heartbreaking. So start right now, don't put it off, send a box of roses un-expectantly to your loved one, try and put that smile on their face and most importantly back onto yours!

For further information regarding flower delivery please visit

These days that we find almost everything on the web, it is difficult to choose a gift. But on the other hand it's easier to be original. I personally always loved to be original in my gifts, and believe me it has its rewards!

Last time my girl friend had her birthday I surprised her with a jigsaw with a picture of us, and a mouse pad with my picture redesigned by me with funny comments two very cheap gifts that make her eyes shine even more then they always do.

Since then I always do this with my gifts. I'm so addicted to this topic that I even start one online store where you find exactly what I have found the first time I try personalized gifts.

I called it Wear Your Mood because I think it is possible to "print" your mood in objects.

Those are the kind of thing that are almost inexpensive and make you feel so good!

I can explain how you can do very cheap personalized gifts in short words.

Fist you must choose a product, there are hundreds of products you can choose. From watches to mugs, from jigsaw to mouse pads, from usb flash drive to shirts, almost everything you can think you will find it there.

Second you have to choose a picture you want to have in your gift, once more your imagination is the limit. Your own picture, a picture of someone you love, a picture of your idol, or your pet, your favorite cartoon, or just browse the net for beautiful pictures from open sources... Than if you want you can edit it and add some nice things. Add a comment telling your girl you Love her, make funny things... just try to surprise those you care for.

And at the end just upload the picture and see how it looks. If it is all right just complete the process and in a few days you have it at your door buy mail.

As you can see, those kind of gifts are easy to make and very cheap. You can make it in 15 minutes and only with a few bucks.

Don't ever give someone the same gift others give, be original, be you... give personalized gifts.

Eurico B. is the webmaster of a store to provide cheap personalized gifts. He thinks in a 6 billion people world everyone of them are unique.

The Eternal Rose – Amorosa Rose - Single Red Rose £8.99

Find-me-a-gift have found the perfect flower to send for any occasion to your mum, your friends or to a loved one on Valentines Day. The Amorosa rose is a new concept in flowers and with tender care will last as long as your love!

To receive Fresh flowers is wonderful, but after a while they wilt and die; not very good as a symbol of your enduring love! The Amorosa eternal rose is different. Although it is a totally natural product, and looks and feels exactly like a fresh flower, unlike a fresh flower it will not fade, wilt or die. It's all thanks to some clever people who have figured out an ingenious technique, using a glycerine-based solution together with natural food dyes, to preserve the beautiful flower. The Eternal Rose will live for years without water, as natural colour dyes and materials have been used to replace the water in the cell structure, to stabilise the plant. It feels soft to the touch, unlike dried flowers. This means that it will last indefinitely*, without a single drop of water, as a lasting token of affection and love. The Eternal rose the perfect everlasting flower.

Red roses are the ultimate symbol of romantic love and not only do they only speak of passion, but also stands for noble values such as respect and courage. The amorosa single red rose embraces this meaning completely.

Each rose is packaged in cone wrap decorative packing and shipped in dark hunter green leather look finish postal tube with black end caps.

*If properly cared for, preserved flowers need very little care other than gentle dusting. They will last for many months provided that they are kept away from direct sunlight and wet or humid atmospheres, which can reverse the osmosis process and cause some of the colour dyes to 'leach' (this is not harmful but may stain surfaces).

This is one of many gifts from to see more roses and bouquets please click below.

If you would like any further information please email sarah@

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Every year on February 14, the world celebrates a holiday of love. Valentine's Day has a long history since the Middle Ages when a wonderful man, Valentine, was killed because of marrying couples in secret. Today, Valentine's Day has lost many of its old meanings but still keeps the sweet fragrance of the past and is treasured as the most romantic holiday of the year.

In the past, people used to celebrate this day by giving symbolic gifts and handwritten notes. Nowadays, much hasn't changed. Symbolic gifts are still given by men and women likewise in order to express their deepest feeling of love and appreciation.

Finding cheap Valentine gifts is not hard as there are plenty of choices out there. Greeting cards replaced the handwritten notes and are one of the most beautiful cheap Valentine gifts available. Choose one that is original in design and simply write on it: "Will you be my Valentine?". You may be surprised how much your baby will love it even if it's just a card.

Another idea for cheap Valentine gifts are flowers. Everyone knows that flowers and especially roses have always been considered as a traditional gift between lovers since ancient times. A wonderful blend of lilac, iris, tulip and anemone can transform into the perfect gift for the loved one. Tie the bouquet with a small, red ribbon and you will have the most romantic present ever given to a woman.

A long time ago, on this special day, men offered clothes as gifts for their Valentine. Accepting the gift made the two lovers engaged to be married. Today, Valentine gifts for girlfriend consisting of clothes definitely have another meaning. They are a way of expressing ones feelings and devotion.

Clothes can also fall in the category of cheap Valentine gifts. There are many online virtual stores with reasonable prices and cute outfits available. You can find desirable collections with T-shirts, vest and bags not to mention the many accessories offered. One can also purchase sexy clothing for the loved one, meaning seductive lingerie.

Cupid is one of the most utilized symbols for Valentine's Day along with the heart-shaped outline. This is why we can find precious yet cheap Valentine gifts in the form of chocolate, perfumes and even clothing. Now it doesn't matter very much what you choose to buy for your sweetie; the most important thing is that your gift reflects your true feelings.

Many people are having a difficult time in finding the perfect gift for their Valentine. They are fully aware that not the price tag is an issue but how to show ones affection and loyalty. Keep in mind that the gift you select will show how much you love him/her. Browse among the multitude of cheap Valentine gifts available on the market and think first about what your darling values more than anything in the world.

Fortunately, Valentine gifts for girlfriend come today in a wide range of trends and suit all possible tastes. The tradition to give presents of Valentine's Day has been kept throughout the centuries and has enriched with year that passed. Every year more and more ideas appear and people have a lot of options to choose from.

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The variety of Valentine gifts for girlfriend makes your job even easier. Celebrate this romantic and lovely holiday by sharing amazing moments with your dearest. Do not forget to exchange gifts and prepare yourself for a unforgettable day.

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Another Valentines day is upon us and as we spread the love this month, how about starting right at home with your self? I want to talk about loving your self.

I am sure that you have encountered loads of people who both professionally and personally tend to put the needs of others before themselves. For many people it is an integral aspect of their work whereas some people learn that way of being during their younger years.

The variety of carers in our society learn how to minimise taking notice of their own feelings in order to take care of their clients and patients. People that tend to drive themselves into fatigue, depression or even illness include individuals such as hospital doctors working ridiculously long hours, high ranking city executives responding to their bosses, mothers to their young children, teachers within schools and colleges, managers of large companies with lots of employees.

With these kinds of people, because of their beliefs about what their role entails, they have a habit of putting the needs of the company or the client first. There can then come a point where these kind of people do not even notice their own feelings.

Where is the love? It is being expended everywhere else. I would go as far as to say that this is potentially dangerous.

This kind of attitude to oneself produces conscious and unconscious attempts to take care of the self in short term ways or ways that are detrimental to our own well-being, including smoking or drinking alcohol or eating too much or the wrong things. These things then replace the good, direct and long-term ways of taking care of ourselves. People often try to give themselves quick treats, but in a way that can erode your self-esteem or your ability to attract love as you find that you cannot go without it, and also these things do not create natural good feelings most of the time.

So then what happens is that the teacher leaves the profession, the executive gets burnt out early, the nurse goes sick with constant illness, the doctor chooses to work in a private clinic with regular hours and pleasant surroundings. All of these may well be valid, but if they are not the individual's choice and they are forced decisions, it really does nothing for your sense of self. Without a good sense of self, it is hard to attract love.

So we want to spread some love.

Putting oneself first actually means that we are then of course in a far better position to look after others. If we are fit and well and happy, we have plenty spare for others. We can give generously without minding. Putting time and energy into loving your self is one of the most wonderful investments that you can make. So, we want to start getting you to notice you.

What do you like about you? What is there to love about you?

Is there someone in your life that you truly admire or think a lot of? How about someone that you really love? What is it about them that you like or love so much? Stop and have a think about them for a moment. Really think about the reason you like them so much.

I am sure that some of you may have responded with that old chestnut "I just do." Now whether you are consciously aware of it or not, there are more reasons than that. I am positive that you could come up with lists and lists of amazing qualities that you find likeable in others. Liking someone involves identifying and enjoying certain qualities that you appreciate and think highly of.

This is why we end up liking people that we are unlikely to actually meet but are in the public eye. You can of course respect someone without liking them; liking them is to enjoy them.

This is very similar to the process of liking and loving oneself. Liking and loving comes from having a true sense of self-acceptance; we do not have to be perfect model citizens. Your liking for yourself will increase once you know more about how you function and learning to accept yourself as you are, even if you do have issues or foibles every now and then.

Now have a think about popular public figures. Very often one of the things that continues to draw people to them is not their accomplishments but the fact that they have frailties and foibles. This is what so many of the popular glossy magazines focus on, showing the regular lives and problems of the famous and one of the reasons that people seem to be so drawn to reality television programmes such as "Big Brother." It is as if the message is "look, they are just like us." We see how human other people really are.

Therefore, it is as if this process of being drawn to what makes us human and real shows us to be fallible at times. If this works between us and other people, surely it can also work inside of ourselves. Actually, it can be a relief to allow ourselves to accept any limitations that we may think we have and even become fond of them, even proud, as long as they are not interfering too much with our lives.

Enjoying being your self this Valentines day:

That's right, as of this very Valentines day, you are starting to enjoy being your self, this is where the love is. What are the things that you do enjoy about the way you are? At the end of the day, when taking stock of your day, you can also take some time to ask your self what you most loved most about you today.

Do include everything, even if it was a small, supposedly non-important thing. Perhaps you wore a certain handkerchief (you must have been bought one that is in a drawer somewhere that your great auntie bought you several Christmas's ago!) because it matched a new shirt. Perhaps it was something that you did, an enjoyable or beneficial interaction you had, or perhaps it was even something that you chose not to do or something that you thought. There are so many things to love about the way you have been today.

To really get your love for your self flowing this Valentines day, go ahead and make an official list on a piece of paper that has the heading 'I love myself because…' Then make another list that begins 'I love … about myself.' Of course, you then have to add to those lists. Make a long loving list of things that can show you all the wonderful things you love about your self.

So think of the people you like and love the most, and the people who like and love you the most. If they like you or love you, dare to trust that you are actually well worth liking and well worth loving and of course you are worth giving some love to, and then dare to like and love your self as they do. Go on, I dare you! By the way, you do not have to only allow that love on your self on Valentines day, do it all the time and notice what an amazingly loving Valentines day you have next year.

Adam Eason is a UK based, renowned consultant, speaker and best-selling author. Please visit his website for a vast range of resources from the fields of hypnosis, NLP, personal development and human potential and to receive your amazing, free, instantly downloadable hypnosis session for ultimate relaxation: Thank you.