Travel.Food.Wine.Family.Life
Game of Thrones fans will enjoy getting a little extra love this Valentine’s Day with this set of cards you can print out and share!
Melt your loved one’s heart with the Night King, break some Night’s Watch vows with Jon Snow and Ygritte, conquer the seven kingdoms with Daenerys or make someone the moon of your life with Khal Drogo and Daenerys!
Click on the images below and they’ll open in another window where you can save them to your computer!
It’s that time of year — Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, which means men everywhere are starting to sweat a little.
Well, some men. There are a few out there that are excellent at knowing just what to give their wives. Men who listen to the cues their wives (intentionally or not) give off about things they love or want or desire. With my husband I’ve been very lucky. He’s surprised me with everything from an iPad to favorite wines to a gift card from my favorite jewelry store.
But what about those wonderful men who aren’t quite so certain? Or just don’t have that built in radar that picks up on the “oohs” and “aahs” their ladies send out? I’ve been in that boat, too, and they are tough waters to navigate. I can recall when requests for a beautiful locket on Mother’s day, so that I could wear my children’s baby pictures, turned into a not so attractive necklace with a big gold “Mother” hanging on my chest. In the end I learned to simply purchase gifts for myself and put them under the tree from him. Unfortunately, this led to some unhappiness on his part, and eventually led to my not getting anything from him on holidays because I had probably “bought something from him already.” What is a girl to do?
I am now a firm believer that if they ask what you want, TELL THEM. Don’t dance around it or hint — just tell!
And if they don’t ask? Then this year I suggest you get a little help from your new friends at Helzberg Diamonds. Helzberg wants you to leave nothing to chance this Valentine’s Day! Whether you want to drop little hints or nudge him in a specific direction, they’ll help any man on the trail towards the perfect gift — one that comes in a burgundy box.
Helzberg Diamonds is having a Hint Like Your Mean It Sweepstakes. Do not miss out on the chance to win either a $1,000 Helzberg gift card or a 14 carat white gold STARRA diamond pendent (retail value $549.99). Whether you leave the sweepstakes entry page up on his laptop screen, or you take things into your own hands and enter yourself, it’s time to foolproof your Valentine’s Day. Simply visit Helzberg.com/sweeps and enter to win great prizes! You can also enter by completing an official entry form at any Helzberg Diamonds retail store. The sweepstakes runs from January 20 to Valentine’s Day so as you navigate the gift-giving waters this season of love – let Helzberg lend a hand with #HelzbergHints.
Besides the sweepstakes, you also may be surprised with a little bling by sharing how you hint for what you’d really like this Valentine’s Day using #HelzbergHints on Instagram or Twitter.
Helzberg Diamonds can be found on multiple social channels, listed below.
https://twitter.com/
http://www.facebook.
http://pinterest.com/
http://instagram.com/
I know I’ve already completed my own entry to win, and now that I’ve navigated around their site a bit, I have some specific ideas of what my wonderful man could gift me this February 14, in the off chance he doesn’t already have a clever idea. Plus it couldn’t hurt to know what I would buy with a gift card, should I be lucky enough to win. Good luck ladies! And thank you Helzberg Diamonds for this compensated opportunity!
Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: Merrie is the mother of two beautiful children, newly married, a scrapbooker, a baker, and always fun to be around!
Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to propose. As this special day approaches, men across the country are struggling to find the best way to pop the question. Take a load off boys, because Green Bride Guide eco-wedding expert Kate Harrison has some engaging tips for a Valentine’s Day proposal your inner romantic will love.
“For a great proposal, the key is to be both thoughtful and creative,” says Green Bride Guide founder Kate Harrison. “Like your wedding day, your proposal should be all about her, so put her first in every way and you can’t go wrong.”
· No one likes to say they got engaged next to the laundry machine. Pick a location or restaurant that she loves or take her to your favorite green spot. Whether a mountaintop or an organic restaurant, your soon-to-be fiancée will appreciate a carefully selected location.
· Look the part. Shower with your organic bath products, wear an outfit you know she loves, and put on a non-toxic deodorant or cologne (check the Environmental Working Groups Skindeep database to see how yours ranks today).
· Make it a party. Surround her with the people she loves the most for an engagement with an audience. Keep some chilled organic sparkling wine on hand to pass around after you pop the question.
· Create a count-down to Valentine’s Day with little gifts each day like fair trade chocolates, heart-inspired socks or underwear, movie tickets, and love notes.
· Does she love an audience? Purchase tickets to a concert or theatrical presentation and propose in front of a crowd.
· Custom make a puzzle that says “will you marry me?” when it’s complete.
· Go vintage. Buy a Lite Brite board on eBay and write the words “Marry Me” in pretty colors.
· Shower her with organic, fair trade or locally grown flowers. You can buy freeze dried petals online and sprinkle them in the tub, on the bed, or even in the car. Use them to spell out “Marry Me” or tie a note to a bouquet.
· Light up the bedroom with soy, palm or beeswax candles.
· Get nerdy. Create your own original poem, write your own song, or make a YouTube video to ask for her hand in marriage.
My husband proposed while I made him a tuna sandwich for lunch one afternoon. Not as romantic as I expected. What was your proposal like?
One dream I have is to renew my vows with my husband. We’ve been married 15 and a half years and would love to have all our family on a tropical island celebrating this type of occasion. Dreams can come true for some of you interested in reliving that special day in Hawaii!
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is helping couples fall in love all over again this Valentine’s Day with a series of complimentary vow renewal ceremonies for guests. Ceremonies will be conducted by a non-denominational kahu, or Hawaiian officiant, and each couple will be presented with a certificate to commemorate the day’s events.
“We’re bringing our popular vow renewal ceremonies to the most romantic day of the year to give our guests an extra special way to celebrate their commitment in paradise,” said Barry Wallace, senior vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. “Whether they’ve been together one year or 50, participation in one of our vow renewal ceremonies will rekindle the romance and let couples relive that special day when they first said ‘I do.’”
Travelers can participate in complimentary Valentine’s Day vow renewal ceremonies at the following Outrigger Hotels & Resorts properties. Space is limited so reservations are required for all ceremonies and will be taken on a first come first serve basis. I’ve stayed a few different Outrigger Resorts before, and back in 2006, we were on the island of Kauai staying at the Kiahuna Plantation and I can attest to it’s ultimate beauty!
Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation (Kauai): February 14, 2012, 4 p.m.
On the lush Garden Island of Kauai, registered guests of the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation participating in the Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal Ceremony will exchange vows in a beautiful garden setting, amidst green lawns, a reflective pond, exotic orchids and swaying palms. Accompanied by the soft serenade from a Hawaiian slack key guitar, couples will learn about the traditional meaning and significance of Ha, “the breath of life,” as they exchange their vows. Participants will receive a fresh flower lei and a special photograph to celebrate the occasion. Three special Valentines Day ceremonies are scheduled at 10 am, 11:15 am and 12:30pm. Couples must be registered Outrigger guests of Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. Space is limited to six couples per ceremony and participation is subject to availability. For reservations, please call (808) 742-6411 or email kpr@outrigger.com.
Outrigger Reef on the Beach (Oahu): February 14, 2012, 8 a.m.
Guests at Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach can renew their love for one another at the edge of iconic Waikiki Beach. Starting with a performance of hula and Hawaiian song, couples will be blessed with a gentle sprinkling of sea water then recite their vows in Hawaiian. Each participant will receive a fresh flower lei and a glass of Champagne or mimosa to celebrate the occasion. A special commemorative photograph will be given as a memento of this unforgettable event. Vow renewals are open to registered guests of Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Space is limited and reservations are required to participate in this ceremony. For reservations, please call (808) 923-3111.
Keauhou Beach Resort (Hawaii Island): February 14, 2012, 9 a.m.
At Keauhou Beach Resort, Outrigger guests on Hawaii Island are invited to participate in a vow renewal ceremony at the water’s edge. Prior to the start of the ceremony, couples will string kukui nut leis to present to each other as part of the ceremony. After an introduction on the historic and cultural significance of the Keauhou and Kahaluu area where the resort stands, couples will be given a sea water blessing and recite their vows to one another in Hawaiian. The ceremony concludes with a Hawaiian chant to complete the event.
Vow renewals are open to registered guest of Keauhou Beach Resort, Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona, Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff, Outrigger Fairway Villas and Outrigger’s Kohana Coast Condominium Collection. Space is limited to eight couples and participation is subject to availability. For reservations, please call (808) 324-2540.
The Kapalua Villas Maui (Maui): February 14, 2012, 11 a.m.
On Maui, couples will begin their vow renewals with the exchanging of fresh flower lei to symbolize an unbroken circle of love. Held at Merriman’s Kapalua atop Kapalua Resort’s stunning Maui coastline, the ceremony starts with the blowing of the traditional conch shell and a soothing ukulele serenade, followed by a special Hawaiian chant with English translation. Vow renewals are open to registered Outrigger guests of The Kapalua Villas Maui, Outrigger Napili Shores, Outrigger Royal Kahana, Outrigger Maui Eldorado, Outrigger Aina Nalu and Outrigger Palms at Wailea. Space is limited to eight couples and participation is subject to availability. For reservations, please email dina.edmisson@outrigger.com.
“Renewing your vows is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, so make your reservations now,” said Wallace. For room reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll free at 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) within the United States, Guam and Canada or visit www.outrigger.com.
Chocolate mousse is my all time favorite chocolate dessert. It’s so creamy and light and one of our local restaurants makes it to perfection! There are 2 problems with it though. First is that after a filling meal, I don’t have room for dessert! And, two, I’m trying to eat better and not load up on unnecessary calories.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I am over-joyed to tell you what I’ll be making for my family! Bonus: it’s got less calories and fat than the average mousse! Here’s how: Use fat-free milk in place of 2% milk and JELL-O Chocolate Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding and COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping in place of the regular products. This results in a savings of 60 calories, 3.5 g of fat, and 3 g of saturated fat per serving! The taste? You’ll have to try it yourself!
What You Need
1-1/2 cups fat-free milk, divided
2 squares BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1 pkg. (2.1 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping, divided
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
MICROWAVE 1 cup milk and chocolate squares in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min.; whisk until chocolate is melted. Add remaining milk and dry pudding mix; beat 2 min. Refrigerate 20 min.
WHISK in 1-1/2 cups COOL WHIP; spoon into 6 dessert dishes.
TOP with remaining COOL WHIP and berries.
Did you know the scientific name for chocolate means “food of the gods”? Find out more fun chocolate facts and recipes at the Kraft Foods chocolate center.
