Valentines 2

Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

February 5, 2016

a Blank Slate Media/ Litmor Publications Special Section

30 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

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Valentine’s night out planning pointers Many couples go out for a night on the town in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Romance typically prevails on such nights, but there’s more to planning Valentine’s Day dates than just roses and chocolate. The following are a few tips to make sure this year’s Valentine’s Day date night goes off without a hitch.

• Make a dinner reservation.

Restaurants fill up on Valentine’s Day, so make a reservation no matter how frequently you may patronize the place you want to go to. Nothing derails a dinner date more quickly than being told there are no tables available.

• Cancel the reservation if you must. If plans change and you cannot make it, be respectful of the restaurant and call to cancel your reservation. Noshows cost restaurants substantial amounts of money, especially on popular dining out nights like Valentine’s Day. • Arrange for transportation. If you plan to open a bottle of wine or make a champagne toast while out on the town, arrange for a car service to pick you up after dinner or use pub-

lic transportation. Drinking and driving is dangerous, and local law enforcement may even have checkpoints set up to protect residents from drivers who might have celebrated a bit too much.

taurant to go get some cash, so prepare for this in advance.

• Review the menu. If you or your date has special dietary needs, peruse a restaurant’s menu before making a reserva-

• Bring cash. Few restaurants remain cash-only, but bring cash with you anyway just in case your card won’t swipe correctly. You don’t want to embarrass your date by leaving the res-

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tion so you know there’s something for both of you. If Valentine’s Day is a first date, ask your date in advance if he or she has any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

32 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

Popular love songs stand the test of time There are many different ways to convey feelings of affection. Some people pen poetry, others bestow gifts, while still others feel moved by music and lyrics. Songs have long been a popular way to convey emotions, and love songs have been performed by artists from nearly every musical genre at some point in time.

Although music is subjective, some love songs have stood out as fan favorites. Commonly featured at weddings or as the backdrop on romantic evenings, the following songs are considered some of the more popular love songs of all time. * "Love Theme From 'A Star Is Born'" (Evergreen): This Barbara Streisand classic from the hit film helped Streisand earn both an Academy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture and Grammy Award for Song of the Year. * "Up Where We Belong": Few people can forget the ending scene of "An Officer and a Gentleman" when Richard Gere sweeps Debra Winger off of her feet. The song "Up Where We Belong" by Jennifer Warnes and Joe Cocker from the movie will always be a romantic favorite. * "All My Life": Former Jodeci members K-Ci and JoJo created an enduring romantic song with this pop hit. * "Save the Best for Last": This song became Vanessa William's signature song and a smash hit. * "Be With You": Soul singer Mary J. Blige

emphasizes sticking with the one you love by being loyal. * "I Do It for You": This Bryan Adams hit was nominated for an Oscar as the theme for the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." * "I'll Make Love to You": This Boyz II Men song was one of the longest-running No. 1 hits of all time. * "Lovesong": The Cure's Robert Smith penned this song as a present to his wife, Mary, in 1988.

* "Sweet Love": Anita Baker's soulful hit helped turn her from a budding R&B singer into a household name. * "Love Me Tender": His good looks and gyrating hips helped thousands of women fall in love with Elvis Presley. However, this signature love song endeared the famed crooner to many others. * "My Heart Will Go On": Celine Dion's theme from "Titanic" became one of the most popular love songs of all time after the film's 1997 debut.

* "I'll Stand by You": This 1994 hit from The Pretenders can be interpreted as a song of romantic devotion or a commitment to friends. * "You Are So Beautiful": Joe Cocker makes the list again with this soulful 1975 hit. * "Have I Told You Lately": Originally written and recorded by Van Morrison, this song gained new life and notoriety when recorded by Rod Stewart. * "My Girl": Beloved R&B group The Temptations deliver a song about sunshine on a cloudy day in this classic. * "I Will Always Love You": Witten and performed by Dolly Parton, this song is perhaps most known for the version performed

by Whitney Houston for the soundtrack of her 1992 film "The Bodyguard." * "Time After Time": A song of devotion, Cyndi Lauper earned her first No. 1 single with this hit. * "Hey There, Delilah": A simple song of young love by the Plain White T's. * "Unchained Melody": The Righteous Brothers delivered the best-known version of this song, which helped create movie magic between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the 1990 film "Ghost." * "Just the Way You Are": Billy Joel's classic in which he tells his beloved she is perfect as-is. * "Your Song": A simple, eloquently written song of love from Elton John.

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34 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

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Affordable getaway ideas for Valentine’s Day

February, when Valentine's Day serves as the official day of love and affection, is a great to embark on a romantic vacation, especially if that getaway is to a warmer locale that can help men and women momentarily forget about the snowstorms and colder temperatures back home.

Some resorts and travel-based businesses take advantage of Valentine's Day by inflating prices to capitalize on giftgiving. However, many others use this time of year to offer specialized sales and discounts to help boost business through the remainder of the winter season. It is possible to enjoy an indulgent trip without having to spend a fortune. * Consider cruising. There are cruises that depart from various ports all year long. All it takes is a call to a cruise line or logging on to their Web sites to check the scheduling. For those unopposed to flying to a different port, you may be able to broaden your options with regard to cruise destinations and departing dates. Cruises are advantageous because they are all-inclusive, self-contained vacations. Couples who don't want the hassle of packing and unpacking several times and want their meals and entertainment planned out ahead of time might find cruising is their trip. There also is the ability to visit different ports of call all in one trip, ensuring there is never a dull moment.

• Look into winery packages. Wineries may be doing their planting and harvesting in the warmer weather, but come the winter they may be facing a slow-down in foot traffic and may be eager to attract business. Sampling different vintages and spending time in an often adults-only environment can be an ideal way to spend a Valentine's Day weekend. Make it an overnight trip and stay nearby in a hotel.

Some wineries may offer a restaurant on premises or work with a local establishment to provide package deals.

• Visit your closest city. Many people

living in the suburbs seldom make trips into downtown unless they are regular commuters for work. Even those who spend their weekdays in an urban area may never have experienced all of the little gems that attract tourists. For Valentine's Day, you may want to see your urban center through the eyes of a visitor, taking advantage of the museums, cultural centers and buildings that attract tourists throughout the year. Chances are the trip will not be costly, and you'll be close to home.

• Take in live music. There's something romantic about listening to music together. Investigate upcoming concerts in your area. Some coffee shops and bars host open-mic nights when budding artists can be heard. Check to see if any smaller venues are hosting intimate, acoustic concerts by popular bands. It can be a memorable night and one that doesn't break the bank.

• Trade time-share dates with others. Time shares are great ways to have a dedicated vacation spot that you are guaranteed during a certain time each year.

There are time-share swapping sites like TimeShareJuice.com. Find out if you can exchange your requisite time with another and take your vacation in honor of Valentine's Day. • Consider a private rental situation.

Many people who own vacation homes list them for rent when they are unoccupied.

You may be able to stay in a larger condo or space than a traditional hotel room for a smaller cost than going to a hotel. If you develop a rapport with a particular renter, you may have preference of dates and can make visiting a tropical island or another retreat a yearly Valentine's Day adventure.

Try VRBO.com to find a rental property in your desired location.

Going away for Valentine's Day need not be an expensive venture. There are many ways to save money and enjoy a much-needed romantic escape.

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Cruising is often a romantic option for Valentine’s Day vacations.

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36 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

Jewelry still a very popular Valentine’s gift You can’t buy love, but on Valentine’s Day those in love certainly like to treat the special people in their lives to some lavish tokens of affection. According to the National Retail Federation’s Valentine’s Day Consumer Spending Survey, Americans spend an estimated $19 billion on gifts, flowers, dinners, and more come Valentine’s Day. In addition to chocolates and flowers, jewelry is a popular Valentine’s Day gift. Since jewelry is often a personal taste, much like a fragrance, it can be challenging to find the perfect item.

With so many different styles, colors and pieces, it’s no surprise that so many jewelry shoppers feel overwhelmed. Some expert advice can make the process go more smoothly and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests thinking before you shop. Since jewelry is a major purchase, shoppers should first establish a budget. Consider the gift recipient’s style and look at other jewelry he or she wears.

The more informed you are be-

fore visiting the jewelry stores, the easier it will be to find a piece he or she will like and one that you can afford.

Take the time to become educated about diamonds and other gemstones. Diamonds’ value is

based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat (often referred to as “The 4 Cs”). Color ranges from the diamond being nearly white to graded down to yellow.

The cut is the way the stone is fashioned. Clarity informs con-

sumers if the stone is flawless or has specs or scratches inside of it. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond.

Diamonds and gemstones can form naturally or be manufactured in laboratories. Lab-

created gemstones may look like natural gemstones but be of lesser value.

Shop around and get referrals for reputable jewelry stores.

You can consult the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged about a particular store. Many consumers are most comfortable purchasing jewelry made in-store so they can verify the merchandise and retailer.

Check for the appropriate markings on gold, silver and platinum jewelry that indicate their authenticity. Make sure the jeweler will include certification or a grading report with the jewelry and your receipt.

No matter how much research you do, realize that there’s a chance the jewelry you purchase will not prove the perfect fit. So make sure you understand the store’s return policy and if there is a charge to have rings or other items resized.

Jewelry is a classic Valentine’s Day gift. With the right approach, shoppers can make the process of buying jewelry a lot less intimidating.

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Poetry fitting for Valentine’s Day Traditionalists who want to commemorate Valentine’s Day in the most romantic way possible may want to harken back to the days when poetry was the primary way lovers expressed their affection for each other.

Poets have been putting pen to paper for centuries, and many great works evoke the themes of love and romance.

Those will little experience writing their own poetry can always borrow heartfelt words from some of history’s greatest bards.

Robert Browning

William Shakespeare

It should come as no surprise that the man who wrote Browning was already proficient at reading and writing by the age of 5, having studied with his father, a schol- the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet would also prove ar. At an early age the young Browning became interested himself an accomplished poet. “Sonnet 18” is evidence of in poetry but didn’t write much through his formative Shakespeare’s grasp of the theme of love. years. Only after marrying fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett Sonnet 18 did Browning begin to write in earnest. “Life in a Love” is Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? one of his romantic musings.

John Keats Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Keats was an English Romantic poet who lost both of Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, Life in a Love his parents at a very young age. As Keats grew older, he And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.

Escape me? was introduced to a circle of literary men, including Percy Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, NeverBysshe Shelly and William Wordsworth. Keats decided to And often is his gold complexion dimm’d; Beloved! try his hand at poetry as well and went on to publish many And every fair from fair sometime declines, While I am I, and you are you, poems now considered among the greatest ever written.

By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimm’d; So long as the world contains us both, Tragically, Keats died from tuberculosis at the age of 25.

But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Me the loving and you the loth, “Bright Star” is one of his famous romantic works.

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, While the one eludes, must the other pursue.

Nor shall death brag thou wand’rest in his shade, My life is a fault at last, I fear: Bright Star When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st: It seems too much like a fate, indeed!

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou artSo long as men can breathe or eyes can see, Though I do my best I shall scarce succeed.

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

But what if I fail of my purpose here?

And watching, with eternal lids apart, It is but to keep the nerves at strain, Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite, To dry one’s eyes and laugh at a fall, The moving waters at their priestlike task And baffled, get up to begin again,Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores, So the chase takes up one’s life, that’s all.

Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask While, look but once from your farthest bound, Of snow upon the mountains and the moorsAt me so deep in the dust and dark, No-yet still stedfast, still unchangeable, No sooner the old hope drops to ground Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast, Than a new one, straight to the selfsame mark, To feel for ever its soft fall and swell, I shape meAwake for ever in a sweet unrest, Ever Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, And so live ever-or else swoon to death.

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38 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

Valentine’s Day flowers can go beyond roses Valentine’s Day is a great day for florists. According to the National Retail Federation, Valentine’s Day is the No. 1 holiday for florists, as 40 percent of the holiday’s dollar volume goes toward the purchase of fresh flowers.

Red roses make for popular Valentine’s gifts.

Red is a symbol of love and passion, and red roses have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Come February 14, more than half of men and women will shop for red roses, followed by roses of other colors, such as pink, white and mixed colored bouquets.

Roses are a fail-safe choice, and many men tend to feel comfortable purchasing roses. That isn’t to say other flowers do not make great gifts.

A bouquet or vase full of any of the following types of flowers can be unexpected and unique.

• Orchids: Orchids have traditionally been associated with love and beauty. Since orchids look exotic and come in various colors with bold scents, they make a romantic Valentine’s Day gift. Delicate and alluring, orchids are pretty robust plants that grow all over the world. Cut orchids may even last longer than roses.

• French Tulips: French tulips are much larger than typical tulips, so they can look impressive in a floral arrangement.

What’s more, French tulip stems continue to grow in the water even after being cut, according to floral industry experts. The stems may twist together in vases, providing something new to see each day.

• Hydrangeas: These big, dense balls of flowers are the pom-poms of the floral world. Thanks

to the wide array of colors and impressive number of blooms on each plant, they can result in more budget-friendly bouquets than roses and still provide some eyecatching colors.

• Gerbera Daisies: One can’t help but smile at these large and vividly colored blooms. They quickly fill up a vase and can look so pristine a person may actually think they’re silk. A bouquet of deep pinks can be a thoughtful Valentine’s Day offering.

• Mixed bouquets: Mixed bouquets enable shoppers to put together several different flowers and get the most bang for their buck. For a cohesive look, ask the florist to stick to one specific color.

Purple flowers look regal and may be even more impactful than red roses.

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Valentine's customs then and now Valentine's Day is a holiday during February that commemorates love and romance and also the patron Saint Valentine. The history of St. Valentine is shrouded somewhat in mystery, and there are beliefs that many different people went by the name St. Valentine. One such individual was a holy priest who served in Rome, Italy. Some historians surmise that he was jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius II, sentenced to death, and became a religious martyr. Pope Gelasius marked February14 as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom in 496 AD. Today, the Catholic church recognizes at least three different martyred saints named Valentine or Valentius.

So how did St. Valentine's Day transform from a religious holiday into one far more secular? During the third century in Rome, Claudius II decided that single men served better as soldiers if they were single and had no attachments at home in the way of a wife and family. Thusly, he outlawed marriage. St. Valentine didn't agree with the views and reportedly performed marriages for young lovers in secret. It is this which may have propelled Valentine's Day to be more about love than religious obligation.

Another legend says that Valentine himself authored the first Valentine card.

It has been rumored he fell in love with a woman -- the jailer's daughter -- while in prison and sent her a letter. He signed it, "from your Valentine."

No matter the origins of the holiday, today St. Valentine's Day has become a

day where love is celebrated. Lovers send each other cards and tokens of their affections. It is customary to go out for dinner and send flowers. Chocolates and roses seem to go hand-in-hand with Valentine's Day events.

Although certain customs have become commonplace, some customs of Valentine's Day have fallen by the wayside. One such custom is the "drawing of names" that took place in the 18th century. Names of men and women (equal numbers of each) were placed into two different containers. A lottery of sorts took place where one man's name was drawn and matched with a woman's name. The people called were called "Valentines," and the pairing was considered a good omen of these couples marrying later on.

Another lost custom was of a man wearing a paper heart with the person he loved's name written on it. The heart was pinned to his sleeve, which gave way to the expression, "wearing one's heart on one's sleeve." A woman could do the same type of thing by wearing a charm known as a love-badge near her heart.

Where now we send out mass-produced Valentine's Day cards, original Valentine's were handmade and personalized letters. Within them individuals could write their exact sentiments to a loved one.

On February 14th, people nipped by the love bug partake in many customs to show their love. How will you show that special someone you care this year?

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40 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

Frugal ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day A day set aside to shower a loved one with gifts and touching words of affection, Valentine’s Day brightens the often gloomy month of February. Established centuries ago with origins shrouded in mystery, Valentine’s Day has evolved into one of the most popular — and expensive — days of the year. Many couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with cards, gifts and nights out on the town, and such celebrations can stretch budgets.

Coming on the heels of post-holiday bills, Valentine’s Day can feel like a costly prospect. Yet, even those on a budget can enjoy a special day to remember without breaking the bank. The following are several frugal ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day. • Create your own greeting card. It can be challenging to find cards that offer just the right sentiments. Sometimes cards seem distant, too risqué or overly sentimental. Instead, create your own card. Find a decorative blank card or make one from card stock. Search through your digital photos and print one of the two of you together. Glue on a paper heart border, and then jot down some affectionate sentiments.

• Cleverly wrap favorite chocolate.

Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day, and it’s easy to spend a lot on gourmet chocolates without even knowing if your valentine will like what’s inside the box. Stick to what you know he or she

likes, even if it’s a simple chocolate bar from a convenience store. Buy a few and then wrap them in a fancy box with ribbon.

• Go out for a small bite to eat. If you’re concerned about the cost of an expensive dinner out or anticipate being restricted to a certain menu, plan to dine at home. You can opt to go out for cocktails prior or head to a café for dessert and cappuccino afterward. This way you’ll still get the experience of going out without being forced to overspend.

• Purchase a rosebush. Bouquets of roses are traditional gifts for Valentine’s Day. However, thanks to the increased demand, the cost of roses tends to increase as Valentine’s Day draws nearer. If you want to save money but still give roses, buy a plant that blooms each year. Buy a rosebush and plan to put it in the garden come spring when all danger of frost is gone.

• Turn older jewelry new again. Diamonds and other jewelry can be costly. If a new piece simply isn’t in the budget, consider repurposing an older piece of jewelry that isn’t worn as often. It’s amazing what a new setting on a ring can look like or how stones on a seldom-used necklace can be turned into fashionable stud earrings.

If you have a good amount of mismatched gold jewelery lying around, you may be able to sell it or have it melted down and turned into a beautiful new creation.

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42 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

Helpful ideas to make a long-distance relationship work Some relationships are easier than others. Long-distance relationships tend to require a little more effort, typically demanding strong levels of trust and communication.

Many people avoid long-distance relationships because they take much more effort than a more traditional partnership.

However, sometimes people find themselves in a situation where their partner is forced to relocate, be it for school, a military deployment or a temporary work transfer. Rather than give up on the partnership, many couples try to make their now long-distance relationship work. The following are a handful of ways couples can do just that.

• Set goals. Establish a plan with your partner that puts you both on the same page. If you haven't already done so, talk about how you see this relationship continuing and what you have in mind for the future. If you both are striving for the same goals, the distance between you may strengthen your commitment to each other.

• Establish rules and guidelines. Figure out how you want to steer this longdistance relationship. Address issues like how will you split the traveling and lodg-

ing during visits and how often will you get together.

• Maintain contact. Because you simply cannot pop in for a visit on a whim, put the bevy of technological tools at your disposal to good use. Video chats are a popular way to bridge the distance. Make every attempt to talk each day or even just send a brief text message that you're thinking about your significant other.

• Do things together. This may seem impossible because of the distance between you, but you can make "dates" where you do the same things at the same time -- only in different locations. Rent the same movie and watch it simultaneously, then discuss. Start a book club and debate about the plot and characters.

Compete in a digital version of Scrabble or another game. Turn on Skype or Facetime and enjoy a meal together while discussing your day. There are many different ways you can remain in each other's lives even when miles separate you.

• Send surprise care packages. Maybe he enjoys cookies from that bakery down the road. Perhaps she is missing the java you used to get together at the local coffee shop. Ship a care package with favor-

ite goodies and pack it with an item that is your own and carries your signature scent.

• Set up a half-way meeting point.

Perhaps you cannot always get all the way to each other's home bases. Plan a vacation that is midway between where you both reside so it's neutral and undiscovered territory in which you can make special memories together.

• Focus on the positive. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Think about the positive things in your relationship rather than what may bring you down. Keep in mind that time will be limited when you visit each other, which means you may be less likely to fight and more likely to enjoy all the moments spent together fully. Long-distance relationships can still be romantic. The distance may create an air of mystery. If you enjoy your private time and space, a long-distance relationship enables you to spend time with your partner and then go back to your normal schedule.

Although long-distance relationships are challenging, many people do make them work until they can be reunited once again.

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Exploring the connection between the heart & love Hearts and Valentine’s Day are forever intertwined. One of the most recognizable symbols of love is the modest heart, and hearts adorn candy boxes and cookies while paper hearts are pinned to doors or windows as a symbol of Valentine’s Day. Young valentines may share candy hearts printed with silly sentiments.

A symbolic heart bears no resemblance to an anatomical heart, and yet it is used to represent the deepest feelings of affection a person can share. Some may wonder just how the emotions of love became tied up in the shape of a heart, even though it’s widely known that the brain, and not the heart, governs affections.

In ancient times, people believed that the heart was the center of all human emotions. Since the heart is prominently located in the center of the chest and the middle of the body, it became the cornerstone of human feelings.

Love is considered to be one of the most profound and strongest human emotions, therefore it was reasoned that the feeling must emanate from the heart.

Surprisingly, the heart has not always been the only organ associated with love.

During the Middle Ages, the heart was deemed a useless organ. Followers of the Greek physician Galen theorized that the liver actually was the seat of the soul and love.

The first depictions of a symbolic heart date back to the 11th century, when the heart was drawn to resemble a pinecone held upside down with the point facing upward. The scalloped heart that is more familiar today first arose in the early 14th century. Around the same time, the heart was depicted with the point facing downward and the indentation at the base.

Naturally, as time passed and more

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was learned about human anatomy, it became obvious that the brain was the seat of all emotion and thought processes.

However, as the brain was something intangible in a living body in ancient times, and the beating heart could be much more readily monitored - with a pulse rate speeding up when a person is excited or aroused - it’s easy to see how the link between the heart and love has endured.

Although the human heart is not bright red like symbolic hearts, that was the color chosen. Red has long been associated with passion, so it made sense to depict the heart in a bright red hue.

Many other theories have been offered regarding the symbolic heart and its representation of love. While there’s no definitive correlation between love and hearts, the heart has become an accepted symbol of the emotion and the season of romance.

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

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46 Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2016 • Valentine’s Day Dining & Gift Guide

Best Foods for Valentine’s Day Dining

Enjoying a delicious meal together is popular for couples on Valentine's Day. The National Restaurant Association predicts that more than 70 million Americans will visit a restaurant on Valentine's Day this year. This statistic is what helps catapult Valentine's Day to the second most popular holiday for dining out, preceded only by Mother's Day. Restaurants love Valentine's Day as well, but more for the profits they can bring in and not necessarily for the romance in the air. Many restaurants capitalize on people's decisions to dine out with a special menu -- one that is often a bit more expensive than their traditional fare. That's because price is often no matter when it comes to impressing your Valentine. This year, February 14 falls on a Tuesday, typically a slow day for dining out. So restaurants will also benefit from added revenue on a traditionally slow business day.

Couples browsing through Valentine's Day menus may want to be selective when choosing their menu options. Certain foods are thought to be aphrodisiacs, which can incite feelings of love and passion later on in the evening. Some of these foods include: • Almonds: The aroma of almonds is purported to arouse passion in women.

Antiquity almonds were also once regarded as fertility symbols.

• Asparagus: Going back to the 17th century, asparagus was believed to stir up lust in women and men. It could be because folic acid and a host of vitamins in the vegetable boost histamine production necessary for certain components of amorous affections.

• Avocado: The shape of an avocado suggests something anatomically male, which is why it is often considered an aphrodisiac. Catholic priests in Spain once forbade parishioners from eating the fruit. It is rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which can help boost energy levels and the immune system.

• Bananas: It's hard to ignore the shape

47

Together in love.

of bananas and how they may seem sexual in nature. But it's not the shape alone that earns them their status as an aphrodisiac.

They also contain chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme believed to enhance the male libido.

The Maile Lei-Inspired Na Hoku Solitaire Diamond • Figs: These fruits have long been associated with love and fertility. The look The Na Hoku Solitaire Ring starts at $1,350 of figs is thought to symbolize female reproductive organs, and Adam and Eve wore fig Matching Bands with Diamonds start at $699 leaves to cover their private areas. Perhaps the sweet taste is enough to conjure sweet Available in 18K White or Yellow Gold or Platinum affections.

• Oysters: The high zinc content of oysters is thought to increase libido and sperm production. Oysters are perhaps the best known aphrodisiac food.

While certain foods are known to stimulate romantic feelings, there are some foods that can repel a person away. Avoid these foods when dining.

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NaHoku.com • Garlic: The potent aroma of garlic can come out through the pores when perspiring and remain on the breath even after rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth.

NAHO-08848-2_Solitaire-HCP.indd 1 • Notorious gut-busters: If there is a certain food that tends to cause you gastrointestinal discomfort (spicy foods, creambased sauces, milk products), avoid them at all costs. Your date likely won't want to wait through emergency trips to the restroom.

• Onions: Flavorful, but also strong in aroma, this seasoning may also cause gas to form in the digestive tract. That may lead to some embarrassing bodily noises.

• Seeds and nuts: Small particles of food may become lodged in the teeth and Dine From Our Regular Menu. cause a goofy grin when smiling. Poppy seeds are prime culprits.

Enjoy Music and Make the most of a Valentine's Day meal out by choosing foods that will put you in Dancing All the mood for romance and not detract from the special mood of the night.

Night Long!

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