Showing posts with label Valentine’s. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine’s. Show all posts

Saturday, February 14, 2015

How To Rock Being Single On Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day you are probably dreading being alone, again. More so if you have no luck in the dating department despite having met up with more people than you can count in your lifetime. Or perhaps this could be the first time you will have to face this day alone – post break up.


bunnyvia gratisography.com


If you are the latter, you’re going to absolutely hate the flowers, chocolates and the lovey-dovey display around every corner you turn. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Who says you need to have a significant other to be happy this Valentine’s Day?


Life is too short to waste your time searching for the one just so that when this day comes around every year, you can be like everyone else who seemingly have it all together. Instead, why not take this day (or any other day, really) to celebrate your singleness?



Love Yourself


The first thing anyone should learn to do is to love one’s self. That’s easier said than done as most of us are too hard on ourselves, preferring to hate ourselves for all our flaws, particularly after surviving a breakup.


Don’t think that this is an exercise where you have to love yourself first before someone else will (the world doesn’t work like that) but there is some merit in getting to know and to be kinder to yourself, more so when you are not feeling your best.


By loving yourself, you can learn to be by yourself and to take pleasure in it. By taking care of yourself, you can rest and not crash and burn when submitting to the world’s demands. By appreciating yourself, you’ll be in a better position to understand others and a bit more empathetic in identifying with them especially when they are going through a tough time themselves.


Treat Yourself


One of the best ways to love yourself is to treat yourself to nice things every once in a while because you deserve it. So go ahead and have that ice cream cone (in the flavor you like) on a hot day or a whole tub of it when you are feeling down. You can afford to have a tummy now – no one is going to complain.


Don’t be afraid to splurge on that nice clothing you see at the window display or have a nice sit down dinner after doing a good job at work. Grab candy that remind you of your childhood, without feeling childish about it.


Treating yourself can also mean doing things for yourself and by yourself. You don’t need approval from anybody either. There is no greater joy than to watch that movie you have been waiting for since the first trailer release instead being dragged to yet another horror film or chick flick you have little interest in.


Improve Yourself


As mentioned before, there’s nobody and nothing holding you back from doing things for yourself. Likewise, you are in the best position to improve yourself as a single. Of course, improving yourself is subjective like advancing your career, changing your job, or giving back to the world by volunteering.


But it can also be the little things like learning how to cook (very useful skill to have regardless of your sex) or how to do your own plumbing. It can be taking up a new, challenging, or obscure hobby. It can be learning to play an instrument or a new language. Heck, you can even go back to school to pursue that course you like.


You have all the time in the world to enhance yourself. As they say, YOLO and your single life is the best time to do everything you’ve always dreamed of.


Find Yourself


As you go about on your quest for self-improvement, you will eventually "find" yourself. I can’t guarantee that it will a straightforward road but in due time you’ll find out. Somewhere down the road, you will find that you have changed from your past self and perhaps emerged as a better, stronger, wiser you.


Take the opportunity to travel because what could be a better way to experience the world, tick off your bucket list, and find yourself, than a soul-searching journey into the unknown? There’s nothing holding you back from exploring the world. You have no ties and being unattached, you don’t have to report in every two seconds or reply a message when you’re dead tired from a great day outdoors.


Be Yourself


Embrace your looks, your quirks, your thoughts, your beliefs, whatever it is that makes you, you. Find that which defines you. Do things that you know you will enjoy based on your interest instead of what others want or expect from you. If that includes bingeing on a snack and a 5-season series, on your couch, in your pajamas, do it unabashedly and unapologetically.


As a single person, you have no one to impress and you do not need to meet other people’s expectations. You do not have to dress up for anyone but yourself – choose to do it on the days you feel like it for yourself. Scratch that. Dress however you want as you think best reflects yourself.


Remember, you are your own person. Be so busy being youself as you go about finding, improving, treating and loving yourself that you realize that being single is just as fun, if not better.



How To Rock Being Single On Valentine’s Day

Friday, February 13, 2015

40 St Valentine’s Day icons

40 St Valentine


A set of 40 vector St Valentine’s Day icons. Free PSD and AI designed and released by Tamara.


The post 40 St Valentine’s Day icons appeared first on Freebiesbug.



40 St Valentine’s Day icons

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Freebie Release: 15 Valentine’s Day Patterns by Freepik

If you haven’t gotten the hint yet, Valentine’s Day is this Saturday. Whether it’s for business or for your own personal use, chances are you’re probably in need of some Valentine’s Day inspired resources. Well, you’re in luck.



We’ve teamed up with our friends over at Freepik to help celebrate Valentine’s in style. Ranging from your traditional lace Valentine’s card pattern to a few more modern and classic patterns, there’s 15 lovely Valentine’s patterns for you to choose from.


They are available in AI, EPS and JPG format for your use. The best thing about it? It’s all completely free. So take a look at the selection of patterns available below and consider this your early Valentine.


Click on each of the image to download their specific pattern, or click the download link at the bottom to download them all at once. For more freebies, click here.

















Download Valentine’s Day Patterns


Download This Freebie Here



Freebie Release: 15 Valentine’s Day Patterns by Freepik

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

20 DIY Ideas For A Priceless Valentine’s Day Gift

Valentine’s Day is approaching and nothing says “I love you” better than a gift made with your own hands. This Valentine’s Day, why not take a break from the usual boxed chocolates and greeting cards? Instead, get your craft on and let your creativity take flight.


In this collection, I’ve put together 20 beautiful and creative do-it-yourself crafts that will show your loved one how much you care. Here, you’ll see up-cycled jars, paper fortune cookies and other goodies to help you get to the heart of it. These DIYs aren’t that difficult but they require a bit of your time. Surprise that special person in your life with any of these lovely creations.


For more on Hongkiat.com:


Valentine Heart Jars


You can turn your old mason jars into romantic V-Day vases for flowers. Just a little bit of paint and decorating makes all the difference.



Cherry Jam Heart Pie Pops


Nothing says love like food. If you’re someone who loves to bake, why not treat your love with these mini cherry jam heart pies?



Rustic Valentine’s Love Banner


The best part about this tutorial is that you don’t need to sew. All it takes is some perserverance and glue.



Matchbox Valentine with Duct Tape


If you’re on a budget, here’s one way to get creative. Using tape you can decorate matchboxes and fill them with candy for your perfect match.



Valentine’s Day Macaron Gift Box


This is a handy tutorial for creating an awesome gift box for macarons (a delicious treat). If macarons aren’t your thing though, you can always use this gift box for something else.



Valentine’s Sewn Paper Garland


Decorations can help set the mood for an occassion. This paper heart garland is pretty easy to make and it will go with any sort of interior.



Paper Fortune Cookies


Why not take your fortune into your own hands on the 14th of February? Create some paper fortune cookies and write your own predictions for you and your loved one.



Pallet Art and Doily Mantel


For the crafty environmentalist, this pallet art tutorial can help you tell someone special how you feel about them. It also makes a great decor for your home later on too.



Yarn Wrapped bottles


These yarn bottles are suitable not just on Valentine’s Day but for weddings as well as they can lend a romantic feel to your surroundings. You can always get creative and put some paper flowers in them as a refreshing present.



Burlap Gift bags


This quick and easy craft project showcases how to create some adorable gift bags. You can fill these up with all sorts of things which makes them quite versatile.



Pom Pom Bouquet


Pom poms are not just for cheerleaders. Here, you can create an everlasting bouquet for Valentine’s Day. A lovely little alternative to live flowers.



12 Months of Date Nights Gift


If you’re part of a couple, sometimes it gets difficult trying to figure out what to do for dates. Create your own collection of pre-planned date nights and surprise your significant other.



Throw Pillow


If you can sew, this DIY project would be a piece of cake. A sweet throw pillow covered in hearts would be a great addition to when you’re watching movies together.



Love Bug Cupcakes


This is a swarm of bugs that you probably wouldn’t mind. Follow this tutorial that teaches you how to put together these sweet love bug cupcakes that makes full use of hearts.



Love Mug


A humble mug and a little creativity can say a lot about how you feel. Here, you can create your own DIY love mug which features this simple design. If you wanna take it up a notch, why not create your very own design?



"You’re The BALM"


If you’d like to include a little humor into your gift then this is a great way to do it. This adorable lip balm package combines thoughtfulness with puns.



Valentine Love book


There’s nothing quite like looking back on your memories together and seeing how far the two of you have come as a couple. Create a cool photo album featuring your love story with your own hands!



Giant paper Rose Flower


If you’re not one for a boring old bouquet of roses, take it to the next level with this DIY. This giant paper rose is a cool decoration idea and is a cute option to traditional flowers.



Floating Heart Backdrop


This Valentine’s Day hearts are everywhere, even in the air. This guide can help you create these floating hearts to help surprise your partner.



Ombre Cork Heart


Give discarded wine corks a second life with this tutorial. Put together your own heart with some corks and a little paint to bring some love into your home.




20 DIY Ideas For A Priceless Valentine’s Day Gift

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

10 Random Facts About Valentine’s Day You Probably Didn’t Know

Valentine’s Day is coming soon and the obligatory exchange of roses, chocolates, dinner and date rituals will begin come mid-February. Meanwhile I get thrown a challenge to write about 10 interesting things I didn’t know about Valentine’s Day.


The bad news is I can’t write about the usual stuff like how Valentine’s day got its name or what the color or number of roses in a bouquet symbolizes. The good news is I get to extend the scope to cover love, February 14th, traditions, weird facts and quirky deviations. Whether you’re 1/2 of a couple or if you’re living up the single life, there’s actually quite a bit about love that most of us don’t know.


More on Hongkiat.com:


Here are 10 nuggets of info about the Day Of Love you can share with your better half over candlelit dinner.


1. The Phrase "Wearing Your Heart On Your Sleeve" Came From A Real Event


The saying "wearing your heart on your sleeve" is a common expression used to indicate the feeling of love. We’ve heard this so many times before but do you know its origins? There are plenty of different stories but my favorite is the one that takes places during the Middle Ages.


(Image Source: Fabrics And Frames Furniture)


There was a Roman festival held anually in honor of Juno, the queen of Roman gods and goddesses. Men would draw names to determine who would be their potential sweetheart. These men would then wear the name on his sleeve for the remainder of the festival. This makes it quite similar to being a lady’s champion during a jousting match.


2. Chocolates Is Synonymous With Valentine’s Day Gifts Because Of Cadbury


Chocolate and Valentine’s Day go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly. It’s an image that many of us are used to seeing but just where did this tradition come from?



(Image Source: Valentines Images)


Richard Cadbury from the Cadbury chocolates family is responsible for the earliest box of Valentine’s Day chocolates. In 1868, he gave chocolates to his beloved in a heart-shaped box. He apparently also made the boxes more unique by using his own paintings to decorate the box lid.


3. The Longest Marriage on Record Spans 8.5 Decades


If you have come across more breakups and divorces than everlasting love and successful marriages, this might cheer you up. The official world record for the longest marriage for a living couple belongs to Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher, who were married for a total of 86 years and 290 days, before Mr. Fisher passed away. Talk about a marriage that lasts a lifetime.



(Image Source: Pozitivnap)


However, there is a couple in the UK who have been married for 88 years, it’s just that the marriage betwen the 108-year-old and his 101-year-old wife wasn’t officially noted. But who’s keeping score?


4. Pets Can Be Your Valentine Too


There are very few things that we can say that we really love in this world. For most of us, pets aren’t just pets, they are family. So, it’s really not surprising to find out that come Valentine’s day 2015, pet owners in the US will be spending 3 million on their gifts for their pets.



If you think that is a lot to spend on a pet, it’s only a fraction of what couples will be spending on each other — USD18.9 bilion’s worth — for Valentine’s Day.


5. There Is Such A Thing As A Record-Breaking Kissing Event (And There Is More Than One)


Here’s a little interesting fact: kissing increases a person’s pulse to at least 110 beats per minute (bpm). Well, people in the Philippines came together to get their hearts pumping by locking lips at a particular event called Lovapalooza.


(Image Source: China Daily)


More than 5300 couples came together in a mass kissing record attempt back in 2004. This was to beat the previous Guiness World Record of 4445 couples held by Chile. Unfortunately, this record was beaten by a similar attempt in Hungary where 5,875 couples kissed at the Elisabeth Bridge in Budapest in 2005. Not to be outdone, 6124 couples locked lips in Pasay to reclaim the record back for the Phillipines in 2007.


6. Vengeance From The Jilted Got This Valentine’s Day Custom Banned


In France, there used to be a Valentine’s Day custom called “The Drawing For Love”.


Single people of various age groups would enter into houses that were opposite each other and call out through the windows till they paired up. If a male wasn’t happy with his partner, then he could leave her and pair up with someone else.


The women who were left single would build a large bonfire and conduct ceremonial burning of the pictures of men who left them high and dry — cursing was included. Of course, it’s easy for feelings to spiral out of control (whether good or bad) and when things got out of hand (as expected), the custom was eventually banned by the French government.


7. The Chinese Has An Alternative Valentine’s Day Inspired By Lost Love


It is better to have love and lost than never to have love at all. The Qixi Festival is a celebration of love that is based on the love story between a weaver girl and a cowherd. The weaver girl was actually a celestial being; the cowherd, mere mortal. They fell deeply in love and had two children together before they were forced to part, separated by a river until the end of days.


(Image Source: Wikimedia)


Magpies took pity on the two and form a bridge for them every year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, reuniting the two and their children for a brief but special moment. Today, the festival is also known as the Magpie Festival as well as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. It inspired similar celebrations in Japan, Korea and Vietnam.


8. South Koreans (Sort Of) Celebrate Romantic Holidays Every Month


In South Korea, the 14th of every month marks a romantic holiday of some sort. That’s 12 presents to prepare. Here’s a quick list of what’s celebrated every month in order: Candle Day, Valentine’s Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day (seriousy), Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.


Black Day, celebrate on April 14th is the one aimed primarily at single folks. Singles will come together and eat Jajangmyeon, a noodle served with a black bean sauce (like this one below).



(Image Source: Wikimedia)


They also dress in black, wear black accessories as well as black nail polish. It isn’t all gloomy though; think of it as an annual support group where people eat and talk about their singlehood… until they pair up and become a couple.


9. Singles Get Their Own Day In China


If you didn’t know, Valentine’s day is also Singles Awareness Day. But we’re going to talk about China’s single’s day instead. Celebrated on Nov 11, Singles Day (aka Bachelors Day) is more famously known for online shopping, than it is for moping around because you don’t have a partner to buy you roses.


Nope, rather than wallow in self-pity, singles (and even those who are part of a duo) sit behind a computer and shop til they drop with China’s version of "Black Friday" sales.


(Image Source: Miui)


Scratch that, it’s way bigger than any Black Friday sale you know of. In 2012, China spent billion on Single’s Day; by 2013, that rose to .75 billion. In 2014, China spent billion on online shopping bargains — all within 24 hours. Who needs love when you can shop from the comforts of home instead?


10. You Can Help End Gender Violence Via The Other V-Day


Valentine’s Day is a day to show the people around you that you care for them but how about this year, you show the world you care? V-Day is an activist movement that helps raise awareness to end violence against women and girls. It started out as a benefit back in 1998, in New York, inspired by the work of Eve Ensler, the playwright and activist behind The Vagina Monologues.



Since 2012, V-Day had been organizing major campaigns all over the world to help put a stop to gender violence, particularly on February 14th. This year it is no different. You can join or contribute to their efforts, and find out more by checking out their page: 1 Billion Rising Revolution.



10 Random Facts About Valentine’s Day You Probably Didn’t Know

Friday, January 23, 2015

20 Meaningful Valentine’s Day Gifts For Couples

Valentine’s day is fast approaching and it’s the perfect time to think about what you’re going to give to your significant other. It is another great opportunity to show your other half just how much you love them. The best gifts are usually the ones which both of you can enjoy together.



So, today I’ve put together a unique showcase of 20 gifts for couples for Valentine’s Day. Featured below are a variety of things from personalized presents to more practical items that still show them that you care. The best thing is that you can also use these ideas not only for Valentine’s day, but for your anniversary and other special events in your life as a couple.





Engraved His or Hers Mason Jar. These awesome jars are the perfect solution for a hot summer day! You can order this personalized versions which comes with an inscription on each jar with your name and name of your loved one. [Get it here – .98]





TID Watch No.1. These watches are a great match for any couple: white for her and black for him. The watch is a combination of minimal design with the functionality of a regular wristwatch. [Get it here – 0]





Personalised ‘My Favourite Hello’ Key Ring. Keeps your keys safe with this classic keyring that reads “You are my favourite hello and my hardest goodbye”. You can put your own special message on it too. [Get it here – .69]





Magnetic Photo Rope. Use this awesome magnetic photo rope to decorate your room with photos of the one you love! It’s modern, sleek and minimalistic. It’s also suitable for any interior. [Get it here – ]





Cover Case for iPhone (Jazz Lady and Mr. Cool). If you’re an Apple lover, why not get some sleek iPhone cases that complement each other? This particular set will show off just how stylish you are as a couple. [Get it here – .99]





Personalized His and Hers Pillowcase Set. There’s nothing like waking up next to the one you love. Well, you can still claim your side of the bed with these adorable matching pillowcases. [Get it here – .98]





Smartphone Projector. It’s nice to look back on memories that you’ve captured together. This Smartphone Projector will help make Valentine’s Day even more memorable for you while you reminisce together. [Get it here – ]





Personalized I Love You Message In A Bottle. Why not declare your love in a more traditional way on Valentine’s Day? This romantic message in a bottle will help you do that. [Get it here – .98]





LOVE Toast Stamp. If you’re looking for a subtle way to express your love, why not try this toast stamp? You can also use this for your other cooking experiments. [Get it here – .56]





2-Piece Heart Shape Tea Infuser. This Valentine’s Day everything is going to be heart shaped! Even tea infusers. [Get it here – .84]





Mr. and Mrs. Can Coolers Gift Set. The couple that hangs out together stays together. These coolers that say Mr. and Mrs. are a fun gift for any couple. [Get it here – .47]





I Love You: Activity Book for Couples. This ‘I Love You Activity Book’ offers you a lot of funny, sometimes even silly games to play with your loved one. It’s a great book of ideas to bring you closer together. [Get it here – .95]





Sushi Valentine Cushion. This Sushi heart cushions will be something nice to hold onto while you cuddle on the couch. A great gift for your loving foodie as well. [Get it here – ]





Personalised Story Library Card Print. Every couple has a story to tell yours. Tell your special story by filling in this library card with the special moments you have shared together so far. [Get it here – £20]





Bluetooth Sleep Mask. You can listen to the music or take long night calls from your loved one using this particular sleep mask. A handy gift for long distance love. [Get it here – ]





Personalised Couple’s Treasure Hunt. This fun personalized treasure hunt game is a perfect way to have a bit of fun on V-day. Definitely a fun time to be had that will be remembered forever. [Get it here – .23]





Love Shaped Mirror. If you’re a couple who stay together, why not spread the love in your own home? This mirror would be great for that. [Get it here – 0]





Personalized Mug Set. This is an adorable mug set that would work for the foodie couple. Having your names printed under the words, “We go together like milk and cookies” only adds to the appeal. [Get it here] []





Parrot DIA Smart Digital Photo Frame. This smart digital photo frame displays the images from your iPhone. This is one of best modern photo frames as you can change the picture with your fingertips when you want to. [Get it here – 0]





ODD COUPLE T-shirts. Forget about those dull couple t-shirts with words “he is my better half”. Take a look at these creative t-shirts by threadless with creative prints available for both men and women. [Get it here – .95]







20 Meaningful Valentine’s Day Gifts For Couples