Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.  -George Washington

St Valentine

Short-Hand History:

St Valentine is the name of a number of early Christian martyrs and was established as a holy day by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD. In the High Middle Ages the day became associated with romantic love and has flourished to what we know it to be now- a day on which friends and lovers express their love for each other by  presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines").

It's only in the last few decades that the sweet sentiment of this day has been tarnished with flashy advertisements and stress-inducing jewelry billboards. Reclaim the essense of this day with simple, thoughtful and time honoured traditions. 

Instead of a pricey box of long-stems that die,  stop by the local nursery and buy a rose-bush.  Have it planted in an old urn with a bow and you'll have a gift that will give roses over and over again.

 Visit the pastry counter or the bakery instead of the chocolatier. You'll likely spend less for a better presentation, and baked goods often come in a pink box.

 An antique locket or pocket watch makes a lovely gift.

A vintage typewriter with a sentimental note (typewritten, of course) included makes for an original gift- better yet, leave the typewriter out, loaded with paper, and encourage guest to leave their own sentiments (use the red ink!) Other simple gifts include conversation hearts, fortune cookies and books of love poems. 

Why not buy an old-fashioned grade-school style Valentines and address them to your friends and family. Make a construction paper chain. Buy paper heart doilies and adorn them with red and silver glitter and hang them in the windows. These simple tradition are what made Valentine's day such a delight when we were children- restore this holiday as the thrilling, enchanting day it used to be! 

Top Ten Bug-Faced Cars

10. 1971 Volvo 

9. 1960 Alfa Romeo

8. 1959 Mini 

7. 1980 Land Cruiser

6. 1957 BMW

5. 1990 Mazda

4. 1965 Ferrari

3. 1955 Mercedes

2. 1985 Porsche

1. 1955 Volkswagen