Never part with your sweet-hearts…

I know people, who claim that St. Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with romance and love due to its pagan origin. I am not much of a historian, but frankly speaking, I am not even interested that much in direct meaning of this holiday. Perhaps, some one will criticize me, but I’m glad to have this holiday and to celebrate it with a person I like and care for.

Isn’t it wonderful to awake your sweet-heart by a romantic message (if you are not with her at the moment) or present her with a bunch of flowers, or cook breakfast for her, or spend a couple of hours looking for a gift or… I may continue this list for hours.

Do we really need to analyse the roots of the holiday, searching for more and more details??? What for? Can’t we simply enjoy this excellent opportunity to say “Darling! I’m so happy to be with you! I love you so much!” and to here the same words? Isn’t it worth living for? Can’t this be the sense of our life, but not money, endless attempts to earn more and more?

I wish this holiday could be celebrated more that once a year. Unfortunately in this every day struggle we tend to forget about more important things, which really make our life filled with deep sense. Job can bring us money, money can bring us power, fame and other privileges, but it can not make us happy and loved. And without love we cannot be happy! As pathetic it may sound, but I really think so and live according to this principle.

To cut the long story short, I want to wish all of us love, care, tenderness and understanding. Those who have it all, do not make a mistake and never lose hold of it and those who are still single, never give up – love is waiting for you and is looking for an appropriate moment to enter your life and stay there forever!

Let St. Valentine protect you and your love…

This old nice St. Valentine’s Day…

Do you know any traditions connected with St. Valentine’s Day? This holiday is known for many centuries. In some countries it is one of the most favourite ones, in others it is considered to be pagan and is not celebrated. We, however, do not consider this holiday to be out of place and are simply glad to have one more opportunity to say “I love you”.

If this holiday has long history, it means that it was celebrated in different times and in different places differently.

May be you know, that in Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

It is interesting to know that in the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. Since that time “to wear your heart on your sleeve” means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries exists a tradition to present your girl-friend with a piece of clothes. If the girl took the present, it means she is ready to marry you.

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire. So be attentive and try to notice everything during this day. Perhaps, your destiny has a present for you :-) .

Traditionally, if a young female is curious enough...and brave enough...she can conjure-up the appearance of her future spouse by visiting a graveyard at midnight on the Eve of Saint Valentine's Day and singing a prescribed chant while running around the church twelve times.

In Britain and Italy, some unmarried women would rise before sunrise on Valentine's Day and stand by the window watching for a man to pass. It was believed that the first man seen...or someone who looked very much like him...would be their husband within a year.

In Denmark, it is customary to send pressed white flowers called snowdrops to friends.

For a lady to sleep with a sprig of rosemary pinned inside the pillow on the Eve of Valentine's Day was once thought to encourage dreams of a future sweetheart's face.

These and many others customs and traditions bring us closer to this nice holiday of everybody, who is in love or is eager to fall in love and find his/her better half. In doesn’t mean much, whether you believe in these superstitions or not, whether you will try to find out the name of your sweet-heart (if you still haven’t one) or not. Just try to add to your life more romance, tenderness and care. Another tradition of this holiday says that to be awoken by a kiss on Valentine's Day is considered lucky, thus, do not hesitate and don’t forget to tell your sweet heart about this nice custom. I wish, it were so every day…

Choose presents for him and for her on St. Valentine’s Day

Looking for a present is always a difficult task, especially if you want to do something pleasant for your sweet-heart. The choice of a present needs much consideration and thinking. Even if you know a person quite well, the choice is not less difficult, because you wish to touch his/her heart with your present.

If choosing a gift for him, you may either make it on your own, or buy it, taking into account his interests and hobbies. Sure thing, the present, made on your own, will be unforgettable. So if you can do something of the kind, even don’t think whether you should do it – you should! Moreover, you still have some time! In case you are creative and have the skill you can knit a sweater or muffler, paint a portrait, prepare a memorable photo-album with pictures of you two or trace his life from birth through pictures. This gift will be forever in his memory!
If you’ve made up your mind to buy a present, think of what your boyfriend or husband wants. Perhaps, he has told you about something, perhaps, it is the time you could make his dreams come true… You may go in for general Valentines Day Gifts for men like wallets, wrist watches, shirts, perfumes, chocolate hampers, sweets etc. If nothing good comes to your mind, you may simply organize a romantic date, cook supper, use candles and… your romantic date will slowly move into romantic night. By the way, if men say, that they don/t like romance, they are not quite frank. Just nobody made them feel how great it is! Deep in their hearts they are real romantics…

The case is more difficult with women… Women like nobody else will try to guess what they may get from you for this occasion. Thus, it usually takes much effort in order your choice not to result in abject failure. While choosing a present for her, keep all you know about your sweet-heart in mind! Her favorite color, her favorite accessories etc. Besides, a woman is likely to make a hint of what kind of present she wants to get. Be careful and keep your eyes peeled – she will tell you about her desires. In case you are still not able to decide there are some general Valentine's Day Gifts like jewelry and jewelry box, hand bags, fresh flowers, teddy bears, chocolates and cards. Do not turn buying present into a real torture, do it with pleasure, think how she will be glad to get what you have got for her… Even if you don’t have millions to buy her a star, she will be pleased with a teddy bear. The only condition – you should do it sincerely, with all your love…

Generally speaking, I’d like to say, that it is not so important what present you will buy. More important is that you should be eager to do something pleasant for the person you love, to make a nice surprise, to organize a date of your dream even if you have been living together for 25 years. Your care, tenderness and love will surely do their business…

Valentine’s Day… It is never late… to start getting ready for the holiday!

Even if we still have some time till the most favorite holiday of all who are in love, Valentines’ Day, I’d like to speak about it beforehand, so that you have enough time to arrange everything and make your sweetheart a nice surprise for this holiday.

Today we’ll speak about DECORATION.

Party Colors. If you are organizing a party, consider the colors of this holiday: these are usually red (sure thing, the color of love), white and pink. It would be a nice idea to decorate your flat using these colors, you may also use candles, balloons and other heart-shaped nick-necks. Your guests may also attribute to the whole theme and wear costumes with the colors of this holiday. Even if you are going to have a romantic date, you will only win with these colors, waking passion and desire in your partner!

Decoration with flowers. This variant will be especially appropriate for a romantic date. Decorate the flat (don’t forget about the bed!) with white and red roses. The effect will be simply wow!!!

Decoration with Cupid. As a symbol of this holiday and of love in general, Cupid will be welcomed at every party. Imagine, what fun it will be if one of the guests comes in the costume of Cupid and tries to arrange some love-affairs! Consider it… What if you have been waiting for him? No one knows what can change our life in a matter of seconds!

Decoration with Hearts. I cannot imagine Valentine’s Day without hearts! This is actually the most important thing in the process of decoration. You may take heart-shaped balloons, cards and make your invitation cards also heart-shaped. Complete freedom of action here!

Lights for the party. You are eager to surprise your sweet-heart? You are dreaming of having a romantic date? Then see to it that you have enough red, pink and white candles to decorate your room. Don’t forget about safety!

Table decoration. Depending on what kind of party you are going to have, you may also decorate your table. For instance, cover the table with a white or red tablecloth and arrange some cards, heart-shaped pictures and candy kisses. Chairs may be decorated with pink tulle and a fluffy bow may be tied at the back.

Next time, we’ll discuss some other things; we should keep in mind for organizing a nice, romantic unforgettable celebration.

No Magic for children below 3?

All children seem to like magic. They believe into Santa and cannot imagine their lives without fairy-tales. According to this their parents try to bring as much magic as possible into the life of their children. For this very reason, they invite professional magicians as entertainers to their children’s birthday parties.

But some professionals in this sphere claim that a magician is not actually a good choice for children that are too young, specifically children aged 3 years and below. Why? There are several reasons that explain this point of view, but they are all based on the point that children aged 3 and below have quite a different perception of reality and their environment than adults. Thus, they have difficulty in understanding magic. Having no life experience and possessing no knowledge of physics, they take magic “for granted”, “as a matter of fact thing” as opposed to an impossible occurrence.

Moreover, children below the ages of 3 have difficulty following elaborate sequence of events or complicated actions that are supposed to mean something. This is simply because they have not developed the mental faculty needed to understand such activity. And because of this, when they are to follow the sequence of some actions that are to mean something, they get lost and fail to understand the effect achieved by means of magic.

Another reason to prove this point of view is that small children cannot be attentive for a long period of time – a birthday party show usually lasts for 30 – 45 minutes and for a child of 3 it is a real torture to sit still all this time especially if he/she doesn’t understand what’s going on!

But it is also important to admit, that this is not a rule, but rather an exception. There are professionals-magicians, who work with such small kids, and create their shows taking into account all those things and reasons. They will often use colorful props, large movements, lots of action, pantomime and perform very direct and easy-to-understand magic effects. For instance, children are sure to like when a stuffed toy or teddy bear starts speaking. Even though they are young, they do find it interesting that a “Creature” is making sounds and moves. Balloons and balloon animals can be good for very young children as long as they do not put un-inflated balloons or even parts of the balloon in their mouths. Take note that a bursting balloon may also scare children. However, because balloons are colorful and long balloons can be twisted into interesting shapes, young children are also intrigued by them.

So, next time before organizing a birthday party for your child, take all these things into account and if you are still eager to have some magic, see to it, that your magician is a real professional in this sphere.

Bachelorette Party Game Ideas

What can make a bachelorette party exciting, interesting and unforgettable for the bride and for all the guests? Sure thing, proper organization and well thought-out scenario. The main thing is to see to it that your guests are not bored. For the purpose of entertaining your guests and yourself there are some games, special for this occasion.

Stripper Quiz
Stripper is part and parcel of every bachelorette party. Why not making a quiz after he has left the house? Ask your guests if they remember some details about him: "What was the stripper's name?" "What time did he arrive?" "What was he wearing before he took everything off?" "Did he have chest hair?" "What was the first song he danced to?" etc… A person, who answers the majority of questions correctly, wins.

Love is
To play this game you need index cards and markers; write down 25 sexy and romantic words like lips, roses, wine, candles etc. On other 25 cards write non-romantic images, like bikini wax, nose hair, motor oil and so on. Your guests should get two cards – romantic and non-romantic. Their task is to write a silly love poem, using suggested words, e.g. "Roses are red, they make me hot! Your eyes are sexy, your nose hairs are not!"

Truth or Dare
Everybody knows and loves this game of truth or dare. Here it is a bachelorette variation of it. Buy enough balloons for each guest, write truth and dare options on small cards and put them into the balloons, blow up the balloons. At the party give a balloon to each guest and have fun of doing a truth or dare.

Trivia
By means of this game you may check how well your guests know the bride and the groom. You simply ask questions like "Where did the couple go on their first date?" "How long before the wedding did the bride cut the groom off from sex?" "How long was it between the couple's first meeting and their 1st tumble in the sack?" There sure to be a person who knows more about the couple – she gets the prize.

The Condom Queen Game
You are eager to relax and to have fun, don’t you? Play the following game. Take lubricated condoms, ripe bananas, hand lotion and a box of condoms. Before the game, unwrap condoms and put them on the top of bananas, divide your guests into two teams and give each team one banana with an unrolled condom on the tip of it. Then put a large squirt of hand lotion into the palm of each player's dominant hand, on the count of three the first player must unroll the condom down onto the banana then roll it back up again, each member of the team does it by turn. When the last player is finished, she must wave the condom and the banana in the air while the whole team shouts, "We are the Condom Queens!" By playing this game you may not only have fun, but also find out who is skilled in the art of love!

As far as the presents are concerned, these may be condoms, Gift Certificate for Exotic Dancing Lessons and other naughty prizes you are sure your guests will like. Have fun and enjoy yourself!!!

Party invitation cards for different occasions

Christmas holidays are over, but it doesn’t mean we are not willing to have fun and entertain ourselves till the next year! Life continues, it goes its usual course and in order to add more excitement and joy to it, we are sure to have different types of parties. But each party begins with an invitation, which not only indicates the theme of your celebration, but also specifies it and adds a personal touch to your fancy. Here are some ideas for your invitation cards for different occasions.

If you are going to have a Tea Party (which have become extremely popular recently, because they allow to relax with a cup of tea and chat with your friends), you may add some flowers, pictures or tea itself to your invitations. Tea Party as well as all the rest types of parties may be formal and more intimate. Taking this fact into account, you can choose (create) your own invitation card suitable for this very occasion.

If it is going to be a party for children, you should also think about invitations. Usually, invitation cards for children are rather cute and simple, but at the same time some of them have unique and rather interesting design. If you come across such a card, don’t forget to buy it!
Especially, if it is Sweet 16 Party. This party is very special, because it means for the Sweet 16 birthday girl her approach to the womanhood! The latest fashion in designing your Sweet 16 invitation cards is adding photos to it – this will make the expectation and memories more bright and personal! Besides, write a message you consider to be important, and don’t forget about Sweet 16 birthday thank you cards!

Surprise party invitation cards have also their own specific character. The main thing is that the birthday boy or girl are not engaged in creating these cards, for this purpose you may use his/her address book. Depending on how you are going to organize your surprise party; your invitation cards will contain different messages and will have different content.

If you, your children or friends are fond of sports, you can organize a Sports Party. A number of appropriate invitations can be found on websites dedicated to sports. You may choose one of them and add some personal touch by choosing a nice saying about sports or putting a picture of your favorite sportsman!

Retirement Party invitations are sure to have a personal touch as well! If will look great if you add a picture of a retiree as a child and subscribe it like, Look, who’s retiring!!! Besides, you may use some other photos of the retiree and subscribe them in a different funny way! Depending on the theme of the party, write appropriate message into your card!

As I have already mentioned, a bit of fantasy and your burning desire to organize a real hit will do their own business and despite the fact, what kind of party it is, you are sure to have the best party ever possible!!!