The 2012 Holiday Season flew by in a flash. The marketeers turned up the heat after Labor Day, when they began the push towards Halloween and before it was over we had Thanksgiving being pitched and Christmas began sometime in July! There is something to be said for planning ahead but in 2012 there were so many people planning for some gigantic apocalypse that it was difficult to get ready for Christmas if you weren’t sure you would be here on 12/21/12. Now that all the holidays are behind us, and we are still alive and well and living on this beautiful planet earth, it may be a time to focus on Valentine’s Day early, as a commitment to ourselves, our loved ones and the planet. This is the one special holiday celebrated by many countries around the world that focuses on LOVE. With all the other conflicts and challenges that are occurring on a daily basis, isn’t it time we simply CELEBRATE LOVE?
If you are a last minute kind of person, perhaps planning ahead for this holiday is a stretch. But 2013 is the year to plan ahead for a holiday that promotes romance, and pure love.
What could be wrong with a holiday that spreads love around the world with one-of-a-kind traditions. Here in the U.S. Valentine’s Day celebrations have become a bit of a cliche, with Hallmark cards and the same staples of red roses, a heart-shaped box of chocolates, some little Necco heart-shaped candies with sentimental sayings like "Be Mine, You’re Sweet, EZ 2 Love."
In fact the production of Sweethearts for Valentine's Day begins months ahead. (There's still a chance to submit your slogan ideas for next year, however.) NECCO must produce about 100,000 pounds of the candy hearts every day in order to meet the Valentine demand, when about 8 billion hearts are sold in six weeks.
Read more: Valentine's Day History of Candy Hearts — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/candyhearts1.html#ixzz2If5gl2bn
“From Beijing to Iraq, different cultures express their love distinctly. Some dangle from cliffs while others enter kissing competitions.” My Worldly Valentine
By, Kate Springer
Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/02/13/valentines-day-traditions-around-the...
“Mass Valentine’s Day marriages where hundreds of couples say “I do” at the same time have become all the rage in recent years, easily making February 14 the most popular wedding anniversary in the Philippines. For example, in a “Love Affairs with Nature” themed wedding last year, 150 couples got married and planted mangrove trees in the rain in Palawan,” the Daily Mail reports.
Here in Southern California, many hotels and resorts have special packages for this romantic holiday for lovers. One of the all time favorite places to plan a rendez-vous is the St. Regis Monarch Beach near Laguna Beach. They cater to the lover in us all, especially the spa lover.
SPA:
This Valentine's Day, celebrate your love at the five-star Spa Gaucin at The St. Regis Monarch Beach. Enjoy an intimate couple's massage in one of our five luxurious couple's suites, each complete with a romantic fireplace and deep soaking bath. Choose between a decadent deep tissue or a soothing wellness massage to relax and rejuvenate. Post-massage, enjoy an optional 20-minute couple's bath and savor the moment with a glass of Prosecco and artisan chocolates. The 60-minute couple's massage is $350 per couple, plus $65 for the couple's bath and the 90-minute couple's massage is $520 per couple. By the way, after this, you may want to skip any other planned activities.
When we remember that chocolate was "the drink of kings" and it was used as currency, we see that it is the "edible brown gold.” The love Elixir utilized by the Olmec, Mayan and Aztec kings for more than 3000 years as an aphrodisiac and for its restorative and strengthening powers, it is no wonder how the rumors of its potential for lovers began and why it is the one gift that is expected on Valentine's Day.
DINING:
If you lean towards a richer palate and want to feast on delectable culinary creations including some by Executive Chef Raj Dixit, you can celebrate with a five-course meal at Michael Mina's four-star Stonehill Tavern. For $145 per person, they will experience some of Mina’s signature dishes like the Maine Lobster Pot Pie, including the Wagyu Strip Loin. This menu will exclusively be offered Valentine’s Day – February 14th, and 15th with seatings from 5:30-10pm.
Another delicious option is the four-course menu at Motif Restaurant. Guests can revel in stunning ocean views as Executive Chef Fredric Castan prepares a delightful menu that will make anyone swoon.This four-course dinner includes your choice of Lobster Ravioli, Braised Short Ribs, or Porcini and Wild Mushroom Risotto. Guests can finish the night with “The Heart” – Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Sorbet and Caramelized Almonds. This menu is being offered for $105 per person this Valentine’s Day, February 14th through Saturday the 16th, seatings from 5:30-9:30pm. Guests can make their reservations for either restaurant at 800-722-1543.
Check it out soon-so you can get in on the great deals.
http://www.stregismb.com
Remember to check out your favorite spa in your 'hood and make a reservation, soon!
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