Although this is not a practice I should recommend in a general
way, it must be realized that in many gardens it is a problem to
find room for all the plants one would wish to grow, and it
usually means that some plants encroach on the domain of others.
This brings up the question — is it harmful to roses to have
other plants growing in the same bed?
The answer to this depends to a great extent on whether the
roses are given a fair amount of room, and also whether the beds
are in grass or stone paving. Where rose bushes are not less
than two and a half feet apart other plants could be grown; in
the same way, plants could be grown near the edges of the beds
where stone paving is used. This would not be possible where
there was a grass surround.
Care should be exercised where the roses are newly planted,
since competition from the roots of other plants would seriously
impair the chances of the bushes getting established. The great
thing is to ensure that before other plants are introduced there
will be adequate food for both.
Of plants which can be introduced into the rose beds that can be
relied upon to do the minimum of harm to the roses, bulbous
flowers must come first. These will be in bloom before the roses
have had time to make much growth. I think the early flowering
tulips would be the best choice, for the Darwins coming as they
do at a warmer period, are very susceptible to greenfly which
would transfer their attentions to the roses. Then anemones
could also be used and would find the rich soil of a rose bed
much to their liking.
Of all the plants that may be grown in company with roses,
violas and pansies would be my first choice. The colors are
never obtrusive and varieties can be selected to conform to any
color scheme that may be desired.
It would be very unwise to attempt to grow perennial plants, for
whatever is grown should be cleared from the beds during the
autumn so that the necessary cultivation such as renewal of top
soil or the forking in of manure, can be carried out.
If some of the dwarf annuals are desired, especially those that
do not transplant successfully, a good method which I always
employ is to place a few short pieces of stick where the plants
are to grow and then to sow a few seeds close to the stick. When
the seedlings are up and large enough to handle, they can be
thinned out to one or two plants. The distance between the
sticks would be governed by the plants used, but they should
never be closer than nine inches.
Though most women take much interest in home décor for some reason or other, what they are ignorant about the fact home décor can also be used as an ideal home based money making business opportunity.
If you are women with austere sense of space and beauty and some interior design experience to back you up, you can become home decor expert and offer home décor advice over the internet. You can become home décor consultants. You can also offer your home décor consultation service over the net to come up with some good home improvement ideas for those who look for some useful tips on the net and don’t have the budget to pay the interior decorators.
You can be an entrepreneur by venturing into a home based business by joining an affiliate program of online home décor store or outlet for selling their items.
Home décor business also offers some unique home based business opportunities on the net. You can take up them as a part time or spare time home-based business activity, which can turn out to the most ideal home based business for women. There are many home décor online stores which offer home based business opportunities to women, Milano Direct is one such home decor online store which has offered the best home based money making business opportunity to thousands of women on the net.
Besides the net there are some other home decorating business opportunities which can be taken up in your spare time. For example you can sign up as a sales representatives with a company specializing in home decor or home decorating products and have shows where you present the itemsand sale them. You can offer these shows in your own home or go into other people’s homes. These shows can be a great deal of fun and a way to earn a handsome amount.
If you have a flair for interior decorating and are of independent nature you may want to start a home decorating business all your own. There can be a number of items you can specialize in like draperies, kitchen remodeling, carpeting, art and accessories, or color scheme choices, just to name a few, as the focus of your home decor business. The possibilities are endless plus you can also have your own home decorating ideas to integrate them for the home decor home business concept.
For starting the dome décor business the contacts with the following can be of much help:
• Interior designers
• Home builders and contractors
• Architects
• Art galleries
• Carpet companies
• Paint companies
• Antique dealers
• Lighting specialists
• Furniture stores and dealers
These contacts can help you to be in touch with the prospective clients. Which means you can get to work more quickly, and often with more upscale clients than you could reach on your own, especially when you’re just starting a home decor home business.
You don’t have to be a business person to make any plans for your home decor home business. You just have to think carefully and put in as much of research as you can. Learn what people are looking for right now in terms of interior decorating. Go to different furniture stores, home décor stores to see what they’re stocking. You can also talk with owners and also with the customers what’s hot and what items they would like to buy.
Only after you do proper research and clear what you want to get into you can go ahead with the formalities.
I wish you good luck in all of your ventures into the home décor business.
Author’s Bio
The author contributes topic on www.milanodirect.biz/stay-at-home-business.asp“> home decorating business opportunities to various web publications. He has worked as a part time editor in some business portals. Currently working for www.milanodirect.biz/“>www.milanodirect.biz
Boost Profits: Market to the Gay Community
Research shows that the gay and lesbian market is worth cultivating, no matter what your product or service. Despite the cultural changes during the past fifty years the gay and lesbian market is still relatively untapped. According to GLINN (the Gay/Lesbian International News Network) from 1996-1998 the annual value of the gay and lesbian market was 514 billion dollars. Online research conducted by Community Marketing Inc. in San Francisco from 2001-2003 showed that gay and lesbian travel accounted for 54.1 billion in annual spending in the United States alone. This research also concluded that approximately 76% of gay and lesbian household incomes are above the national average of $40,000 per year.
The incredible “Dual Income, No Kids (DINK)” buying power of the gay and lesbian population is stirring things up in business these days. It is changing the fields of marketing and public relations, as well as economics. In light of recent gay marriage laws passed in Massachusetts and other similar laws on the table in other states, the newest financial explosion has happened within the gay and lesbian wedding industry. There are many ways gay friendly businesses can learn to speak directly to the gay and lesbian community in order to share the wealth.
Advertising to the Gay Community
A report on mygayweb.com says 78% of gay online users prefer to buy from companies that target market to the GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender) community. The first and most important step.is researching this target market by finding gay/lesbian newspapers, magazines, community centers, web sites, expos, or conferences. Once you decide where to advertise, maintain a strong and consistent advertising presence within the community itself. This will produce loyalty.
Gay and Lesbian consumers deeply appreciate being treated with the same respect and consideration as anyone else. Comfort in expressing their lifestyle, flexibility with products and services and creativity in your approach will form a bond of trust between a company and its’ gay and lesbian clients. A business will gain a reputation for openness to gays and lesbians and as word of mouth travels you may receive hundreds of referrals. In the gay and lesbian community trust is an important and marketable commodity.
Community Action
In order to further a bond of trust, gay and lesbian patrons expect to see gay friendly practices in action. The creation of anti-discrimination policies in the work place, involvement in AIDS education, and support of gay rights initiatives are a few examples. Honest communication is also imperative. Gay and lesbian clientele want to rest assured that, if necessary, a protocol is in place for reporting inappropriate behavior or comments from staff. They want reassurance that no matter who assists in a sale the company provides a safe and respectful space at all times.
Symbols of the Gay Community
There are signals a gay friendly business can send out that are discreet and specific. These signals can be presented in a way that does not offend more traditional clients or draw attention to a business located in a more conservative area. An effective way to reach gay and lesbian customers is to learn the symbolism of the community. The use of a small rainbow flag or pink triangle in the form of a sticker on your window or as an icon on your web site will send a message to the gay and lesbian population of your town or city. There are a wide variety of market specific themes and images available to businesses that choose to call themselves gay friendly. If there is a gay or lesbian group in the area ask for any promotional materials they may offer, to gain a better understanding of the lingo, symbolism, and specific needs of the GLBT community.
Any Business Can Be Making More Money
Acceptance, reliability, personal attention, and excellence are qualities all consumers want in a buying experience. Gay and lesbian customers are no different than straight ones. They want all of the same services, from caterers to photographers, from flowers to cars, from cruise packages to tailors and dressmakers. Any business has the ability to reach out to this market and embrace thousands of new clients.
Including the gay and lesbian community in your marketing and PR strategy can help generate profits never before imagined. Use the positive outlook of respecting all clients and providing great service to all as a way to boost the company’s reputation and income.
The gay population is a lucrative market. Learn how to speak the gay community’s language, familiarize yourself with gay community organizations, and create a gay-friendly workspace. With these steps you will be well on your way to selling your products and services to this profitable market sector.
About the Author
Marianne Puechl is co-owner of www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, the first exclusive gay and lesbian wedding registry on-line. The site includes a directory of over 4,000 screened, gay-friendly businesses nationwide and in Canada. RWN was launched in 2000, and the first GLBT Wedding Expo will occur in Boston, Massachusetts on May 2, 2004.
THE 200 POINT SYSTEM
With so many different diets available, how are we to know
what works and what is safe? The only way to be sure is to
discover the author’s background and the research behind
the diet’s methodology. Every good diet should give a
background about the author and his/her credentials and
experience in the fields of nutrition and biochemistry.
However, even a vast resume does not mean a credible and
safe diet. But it does suggest, at least, that the author has
some knowledge of nutrition. Providing research behind the
diet proves that the diet is not something the author
invented, so long as the research is not self-serving and
altered to fit a hypothesis.
Some diets may not need a great deal of tests and studies
behind them, simply because they are based on
fundamentals. For example, many women’s magazines
have articles on dieting and weight loss, but they are
common sense suggestions that most people concerned
about weight should know already: “Eat smaller meals”, “cut
down on sugar and fat”, etc., are typical philosophies. More
structured diets should give some scientific reasons for its
suggested success, preferably case studies and research
performed on everyday test subjects, as well as athletes.
Since we have established the importance of eating a
balanced diet in accordance to selecting healthy foods and
obtaining RDA minimums, it is possible now to rate the
diets in accordance to those specific criteria. Begin with a
score of 200 and subtract 10 points from the total for each
statement below in which the diet concedes. An ideal diet
should maintain a score of 200, but a score of 160 or
greater is acceptable.
1. The diet does not include the food groups in adequate
amounts. Some fad diets eliminate one or more of the food
groups. Do not deduct 10 points if a food group’s nutrients
(e.g., carbs, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) are
adequately substituted with that of another food group.
2. The diet does not provide at least 45% of its calories from
carbohydrate sources. In order to prevent ketosis, at least
150g of glucose/day is required. That’s 33-50% of total
calorie intake on a 1200-calorie diet. Keep in mind that is
the minimum. For highly active individuals, that amount
should increase to 60% at times, i.e., immediately after
exercise.
3. The carbohydrate content exceeds 20% concentrated
sugars. At least 80% of carbohydrate sources should be
complex, and preferably in the form of vegetables, seeds,
and legumes.
4. The protein content exceeds 30%. A very high protein
intake is unnecessary, it places additional strain on the
urinary system, and it is a poor source of energy. Thirty
percent is more than adequate, even for growing children
and teenagers. The only group that requires higher protein
intake are those who recently suffered a severe injury (e.g.,
leg amputation), infection, or surgery. However, these
individuals will be under the care of a physician with a
special high protein diet.
5. Protein content accounts for 15% or less of total calories.
Although unnecessary in large amounts, protein still has
many vital functions, including tissue repair and the
formation of enzymes.
6. Fats exceed 30% of total intake. Besides increasing the
risk of cardiovascular disease, high fat diets have not been
demonstrated to decrease weight better than other methods
of ‘proper’ eating.
7. Total fat consumption is less than 15% of total calories.
Fat in moderate amounts is essential for a healthy diet, and
such a diet provides taste to many foods. Fat intake below
15% for long periods, for most individuals, is unrealistic.
Fat intake that is too low can also be detrimental to children
and teenagers who require ample kcalories for continued
growth.
8. Total fat consumption is less than 25% essential fatty
acids, and saturated fat is more than 30% of total fat
consumption. Deduct 10 for each.
9. The diet does not suggest common foods, meaning
foods you should be able to obtain at any grocery store or
market.
10. The foods for the diet are expensive or monotonous.
Some diets require the purchase of ‘their’ foods or
expensive ‘organic’ foods only obtained through health food
stores. Some foods taste so bad they are difficult to
tolerate repeatedly (e.g., seaweed). Deduct 10 for each.
11. The diet consists of an inflexible meal plan. The diet
does not allow for substitutions or deviations, requiring a
person to live under ‘house arrest’ with the same food
selections every day.
12. The diet provides less than 1200 kcalories per day.
Less than that and the body’s basic functions may not be
getting the energy, vitamins and minerals needed to work
properly, and the dieter almost is certain to feel hungry all
the time. Diets below 1200 kcalories should be reserved for
those under the supervision of a dietitian or licensed
physician.
13. The diet requires the use of supplements. If the diet
provides adequate energy and it is well balanced,
supplements are unnecessary. ‘Fat accelerators,’ such as
ephedrine, may increase the rate of weight loss, but the diet
should be able to stand on its own merit. Some diet clinics
promote a vast array of herbal preparations and fat
accelerators, and this is where these clinics make their
money - not in their knowledge and ability as nutritionists.
14. The diet does not recommend a realistic weight goal.
Diets should not be promoting the body of a Greek god or a
supermodel. They should not be suggesting that a person
lose 100 pounds (even if 100 pounds overweight). Nor
should diets recommend weight loss below an ideal
weight.
15. The diet recommends or promotes more than 1-2
lbs/week weight loss. Do not expect to lose more than 1-2
pounds of fat a week - it is physically impossible unless
chronically obese, at which point 3 pounds may be
possible. If more than two pounds is lost per week, the
body change is due to a loss of water and/or muscle tissue.
Gimmicks that promise 10 pounds in 2 weeks are either
simply not true or else something other than fat is being
lost. Also keep in mind that the more fat a person wishes to
lose, and the less a person has, the more difficult and
slower it will be to lose additional fat.
16. The diet does not include an evaluation of food habits.
Dieting should be a slow process by which a person
changes normal eating habits. It should not include looking
for quick fixes and quick plans promising short cuts and
extreme changes - a person would never stay with these
programs and such diets do not work long-term. The
number of kcalories eaten, and the food selections and their
amounts, should be reevaluated on a regular basis…
perhaps once every 1-2 months to determine the program’s
effectiveness.
17. Regular exercise is not recommended as part of the
plan for proper weight loss. Weight loss occurs twice as
fast with exercise, and without exercise there is a greater
tendency to lose lean muscle tissue as well as fat. This is
not ideal.
OVERVIEW OF VARIOUS DIETS
Low Carbohydrate Diets: Ketosis occurs, and this presents
the same problems as fasting. Once glycogen stores are
spent (which happens quickly with athletes and those who
exercise regularly), glucose must be made from protein
sources, and there is greater wear on the kidneys as a
result. Even on a high protein diet, some protein will be
taken from body tissues in order to produce enough energy
for the nervous system and regular activity. The onset of
ketosis is an indication that this process has begun and it is
not a positive aspect, regardless of what pro-high-fat
authorities indicate.
Great weight loss on a low-carb diet is evident because of
the fact that carbs hold water in the muscles at a ratio of 1:3.
As carb intake decreases then so, too, does water retention.
Much water flushes as a result of lack of glycogen to hold
water molecules. Moreover, by increasing protein intake,
excess nitrogen flushes with even more water since the
kidneys use water to dilute the concentration of nitrogen.
Once leaving a low-carb diet and the muscles refill with
glycogen, fluid concentrations increase and the dieter
regains some of the weight.
Low calorie diets of 400-600 kcalories that consist primarily
of protein have the same problems as fasting and
low-carbohydrate diets: proteins are used for energy and
weight loss comes largely from water. Low-cal diets must
be supervised properly by a medical professional and only
as a last resort for those who cannot seem to lose weight by
other methods. However, even those individuals tend to
regain most of their weight back once they return to a
balanced diet.
Beverly Hills Diet - a diet consisting of grapefruit, eggs, rice,
and kelp; it is deficient in minerals and vitamins.
Cambridge Diet - a very low kcalorie (300-600 kcal/day);
protein/carb mixture with mineral imbalances; the dieter is
close to fasting.
Complete Scarsdale Diet - this diet is unbalanced
nutritionally; some days are calorically restricted; the dieter
alters portions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; the diet
consists of low carbs (20-50 g/day), and high fat and
protein; the diet has a high meat (saturated fat and
cholesterol) content.
Dr. Atkin’s Diet Revolution - this diet is unbalanced
nutritionally; some days are calorically restricted; the dieter
alters portions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; carbs are
very low (20-50 g/day), whereas fat and protein are high;
there is high meat (saturated fat and cholesterol)
consumption.
Dr. Linn’s Last Chance Diet - this diet has a very low
kcalorie intake (300-600 kcal/day); it consists of a
protein/carb mixture with a mineral imbalance; the dieter is
close to fasting.
Dr. Reuben’s The Save Your Life Diet - this is a calorically
dilute diet consisting of high fiber (30-35g/day); the diet is
low in fat and animal products; there is poor absorption of
minerals because of too much high fiber.
“Fake” Mayo Diet - this diet consists of grapefruits, eggs,
rice, and kelp; it is deficient in minerals and vitamins.
F-Plan Diet - this is a calorically dilute diet consisting of
high fiber (30-35g/day); it is low in fat and animal products;
there is poor absorption of minerals because of too much
fiber.
LA Costa Spa Diet - this diet promotes weight loss of 1-1_
lbs/day; there are various plans of 800, 1000, and 1200
kcal/day composed of 25% protein, 30% fat (mostly
polyunsaturates), and 45% carbohydrate; the diets includes
the four food groups.
Medifast Diet - this diet is balanced nutritionally, but
provides only 900 kcal/day; use of liquid formulas makes
this diet monotonous and expensive.
Nutrimed Diet/Medifast Diet - this is a nutritionally balanced
diet, but it supplies only 900 kcal/day; the use of liquid
formulas makes this diet monotonous and expensive.
Optifast Diet - this diet is nutritionally balanced, but
supplies only 900 kcal/day; use of liquid formulas makes
this diet monotonous and expensive.
Pritikin Permanent Weight-Loss Diet - this is a nutritionally
unbalanced diet; some days are calorically restricted; the
dieter alters portions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; the
diet consists of high protein (100 g/day); unless the foods
properly chosen, it may be low in vitamin B12.
Prudent Diet - this is a balanced, low kcalorie (2400
kcal/day) diet for men; it is low in cholesterol and saturated
fats; a maximum of 20-35% calories are derived from fat
with an emphasis on protein, carbohydrates, and salt; there
is ample consumption of fish and shellfish, and saturated
fats are substituted with polyunsaturated fats.
Quick Weight Loss Diet - this diet is unbalanced
nutritionally; some days are calorically restricted; the dieter
alters portions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, although
there is low carbs (20-50 g/day), and high fat and protein;
there is high meat consumption (saturated fat and
cholesterol) with this diet.
San Francisco Diet - this diet begins at 500 kcal/day,
consisting of two meals per day of one fruit, one vegetable,
one slice of bread, and two meat exchanges; the second
week limits carbohydrates, with most food coming from the
meat group and with some eggs and cheese, and a few
vegetables; week three includes fruit; in week four there is
an increase in vegetables; week five the dieter add
fat-containing foods (e.g., nuts, avocados); week six
includes milk; week seven includes pastas and bread,
where the diet is maintained at about 1300 kcal/day; this
diet avoids the issue of saturated fats and cholesterol.
Slendernow Diet - this diet is unbalanced nutritionally;
some days are calorically restricted; the dieter alters
portions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; the protein is
generally high (100 g/day); unless foods are properly
chosen, there may be a deficiency in vitamin B12.
Weight-Watchers Diet - this diet is balanced nutritionally, at
about 1000-1200 kcal; use of high nutrient-dense foods are
consumed; economic and palatable food makes it one of
the most successful diets with no real health risks.
Wine Diet - this diet is about 1200 kcal/day, containing 28
menus together with a glass of dry table wine at dinner;
besides the medicinal components of wine, it is believed
that individuals reduce portion sizes when wine is
consumed with a meal; the diet is low in cholesterol and
saturated fats; there is a focus on fish, poultry, and veal with
moderate amounts of red meat.
Yogurt Diet - this diet consists of two versions, being
900-1000 kcal/day, and 1200-1500 kcal/day; plain low-fat
yogurt is the main dairy dish, consumed at breakfast, lunch,
and as a bedtime snack; the diet is high in protein, and it is
low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates.
Diets that do not provide 100% of the U.S. RDA for 13
vitamins and minerals:
Atkins
Beverly Hills
Carbohydrate Craver’s Basic
Carbohydrate Craver’s Dense
California (1200 kcal) California (2000 kcal)
F-Plan
I Love America
I Love New York
Pritikin (700 kcal) Pritikin (1200 kcal)
Richard Simmons
Scarsdale
Stillman
Brian D. Johnston is the Director of Education and President
of the I.A.R.T. fitness certification institute. He has written
over 12 books and is a contributor author to the Merck
Medical Manual. An international lecturer, Mr. Johnston
wears many hats in the fitness and health industries. You
can visit his site at http://www.ExerciseCertification.com
September is that ritualized time of year when children of all ages leave home for school. This week, our twenty-two year old daughter left home for what seemed like the zillionth time. This time it was to return to college, and this time she left total chaos in her wake. She had transferred to a new school and her hitherto well-understood leaving and packing process seemed forgotten. It was as if she had never been away before. She experienced periods of anxiety followed by times of elation. According to her, she needed everything new and there were several significant altercations as her stepfather and I pointed out that what she already possessed was perfectly fine. She took an extra job to earn money for what she wanted and she vacillated between pride in her accomplishments and anger that we weren’t giving her all that she asked for.
At times, I burst with pride at the many wonderful things she did. Other times, I wondered where this “bratty” young woman came from. She refused help with packing and for a week the entire house looked like a college dorm, although historically, her college room unlike her room at home, was in fact military neat. As parents who had been through school starting with several children before her, as well as many with her, we found ourselves surprisingly torn about how much help to give her. Should we impose the much-needed structure that we thought she would benefit from, or should we respect her growing edge and let her do things as she saw fit? We wanted to maintain our feelings of good will and send her off with our support and blessings, but could we? Would she let us?
Some days were easier than others. Sometimes she snapped at us. Other days we snapped at her, and still other times, my husband and I snapped at each other. It was clear that her new adventure was both exciting and scary for her. Since the decision to transfer to a new school was all hers, she tried to hold her anxiety inward and present a brave face to all.
Her new roommate was someone she had known in her old school, but they had not known each other well. The girls, or shall I call them young women, made most of their own arrangements and although they lived in different cities figured out how to drive the several thousand miles they needed to go together.
My husband endlessly and obsessively fretted and worried about the details that he knew they would have to deal with. He made lists that the girls barely paid attention to as he worked out banking and travel links, downloaded map quest, and tried to instill a sense of order, all with little acknowledgment or thanks from the qausi independent females. Our other children had been far more generous in their responses to our efforts, as had she in the past, so the girls’ behavior was difficult to take.
I focused on stressing academics, lecturing as little as possible and I tried to keep in check and remain silent about my constant terror surrounding their journey. ‘Do you have your charger for your cell phone’ was about as verbal as I got. Did I say it one hundred times, or just think it? I am not sure.
Finally the big moment came. A good-bye celebratory lunch and off they went. Relieved, that they were on their way, I wanted to applaud how well my daughter had done. As her car pulled away, the all too familiar feeling came over me. My heart broke and the well-remembered September tears rained down my cheeks. She may be almost all grown up, but she’s still my baby. I imagine I will smile and cry during these bittersweet moments forever.
The house is quiet now — and clean. Order has been restored. I tell myself I like the quiet. And, I do. So why do I find reasons to go into her empty room so often? I guess I miss her presence, chaos and all. I imagine I always will.
Life is too hard to do alone,
Dr. D.
Dorree Lynn, PH.D.
About the Author
Dr. Dorree Lynn is co-founder of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Psychotherapy and a practicing clinician in New York and Washington, DC. Dr. Lynn served on the executive board of the American Academy of Psychotherapists and she is on the editorial board of their publication, Voices. She is also a regular columnist for the Washington, DC newspaper, The Georgetowner. Dr. Lynn is a noted speaker and well known on the lecture circuit.
Valentine’s Day brings with it the message of love and reinforces its universal spirit. With strong reminiscences from the past, today, Valentine’s Day is tagged as global day. Transcending physical boundaries, it has percolated through different regions, cultures and communities. The continuation through centuries reiterates the immense popularity of the Day, whose influence has been growing in leaps and bounds in the wake of commercialization. Hence, what began as a day to commemorate the martyrdom of St. Valentine and his sacrifices in the name of love has come to include within its corpus a gamut of celebrations, festivities and traditions.
Essentially symbolizing a day for lovers, the popularity and appeal of the day is cross-generational. Valentine’s Day might be a celebration between anyone and anywhere. For instance, it might be an expression between a grandfather and his grandson, between an idol and his devoted follower, or it maybe an occasion to reinforce the spirit of love between long-distance lovers or long-lost heartthrobs.
Although twentieth-century celebrations reveal a stark contrast with earlier days, the numerous symbols linked with day remain intact. The red rose, being a symbol of passion and love, is the traditional Valentine’s Day flower. The yellow rose symbolizes friendship. The symbol of Cupid, the son of the goddess of love, with a bow is another popular feature. As a sign of love, the heart is also linked to Valentine’s Day celebrations. Depicting the message of love and loyalty between mates, doves are an eternal part of Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Along with the expression of love, gifts are the major attractions for the day. It could be anything from a bouquet of flowers to an assortment of chocolates to heart-shaped candies. A diamond ring as a gift is symbolic of the sentiment associated with the day. Valentine’s Day is a unique day that is celebrated with pomp and grandeur. This might involve a quiet candlelight dinner between lovers, an extravagant party sprayed with champagne, a scrumptious dinner in restaurant and a display at the movie theatre, a flashy discotheque, and many more celebrations.
In the U.S., the day particularly gained prominence after the Civil War. There are narrations of the exchange of cards and greetings between the people and their worshipped heroes and generals. From the second half of the twentieth century, the practice of exchanging cards also came to include gift-giving rituals. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated amongst lovers and loved ones with a spree of revels.
It is often said that Valentine’s Day, marked by ostentatious displays, has become a victim of commercialism. Despite of all such claims, the glorious prominence of the event in today’s materialistic world, stricken by tensions and pressures, bears testimony to its unaltered status. The message of love still remains the untarnished essence for the day.
Valentines Day provides detailed information on Valentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day Gifts, Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets, Valentine’s Day Cards and more. Valentines Day is affiliated with Mexican Holidays.
