Candy hearts, roses, chocolates? There’s got to be a more creative way to tell your honey that they’re the only one this Valentine’s Day and without emptying your bank account.

Instead of dinner at an expensive restaurant or a night on the town, why not create your own romantic getaway in the comfort of your own home.

Alma Yoss, a New Hampshire-based interior designer, who teaches in the Interior Design program at The New England Institute of Art, says you don’t have to be an expert to create a romantic setting for the evening.

First, “to create intimacy, choose a smaller area for your romantic dinner. The large formal dining room is out. Try the living room, in front of, or near a fire place,” says Yoss. Lighting is an important factor. “First, darken the space to create an intimate feeling, then add candlelight and use inexpensive floor cans to light the surrounding areas.”

For more drama, she adds, “Place the lights behind some tall plants to cast shadows on the walls to help set the mood. Then use a small fan to give movement to the leaves and the shadows.” Fragrant flowers will add to the ambiance.

Just before dinner, you’re going to want to have a special Valentine’s Day card ready. Michael Goldberg, the Assistant Chair of the Graphic Design department at The New England Institute of Art suggests using your computer to create one that is unique and original.

“The best approach is a design layout that is simple and elegant. First, find the appropriate type face. The best type face will help reinforce and express your feelings,” he says. Second, “look for imagery that visually describes how you feel. You could use a rose, a nice poem, a picture of the person or a combination of these elements.” Goldberg adds, “a good way to begin your concept would be to go to your local greeting card store and look at the variety of card design layouts to help your idea process. Finally, the design should be a sincere representation of your message. “

Once you’ve presented your sentiments on paper, then it’s time for a dinner “that should be flavorful, but doesn’t need to be elaborate,” says Yoss. “Cooking should be completed prior to the dinner so that each course can be delivered without any down time.” And always end on a sweet note. “The dessert should be complemented by good coffee. Add an after dinner cordial with a good bouquet and sip it slowly while relaxing in front of the fireplace on soft pillows.”

And be sure to include a soundtrack, says John Krivit, an Audio Production instructor at The New England Institute of Art. “Music can be an important element when setting a romantic mood.” He suggests programming an evening’s music on your MP3 player, picking up an adapter that allows you to plug in another set of earbuds for your valentine. “Then just snuggle up and listen together.”

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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EDITOR’S NOTE:The Art Institutes (http://www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 35 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

It’s hard to warm up to the idea of romance if you’re chronically cold. Even the most ardent lover can be put off by the chilly hands and feet of the object of their affections.

The benefits of feeling toasty in the winter are well documented, especially for seniors, athletes and those with joint or muscle pain. Heat reduces pain, decreases stiffness, relaxes muscles, improves circulation for more restful sleep and improves cell function. At work, warmth promotes productivity and ends the distraction of feeling cold.

Whether age, illness or good old-fashioned “thin blood” is behind your loved one’s chronic cold snap, there are plenty of products available to warm the cockles of their hearts – not to mention their frosty toes – this Valentine’s Day.

Smarter Space Heaters
Extremities, especially feet and legs, can be particularly vulnerable to cold, which slows blood circulation. Some diseases, like diabetes, leave the sufferer with particularly poor circulation in the legs and feet, which can cause a number of other health problems, including chronic leg ulcers.

While space heaters may solve the problem for many who suffer from chronic cold sensitivity, they come with their own set of problems as well. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 25,000 fires, more than 300 deaths and 6,000 serious injuries are associated with space heaters every year. Liquid fuel heaters have been known to explode, tip over, pollute indoor air and emit deadly carbon monoxide. Electric heaters can also be dangerous and tend to demand a lot of electricity to operate.

If a space heater is on your list for a chilled loved one, opt for one of the new generation electric heaters, like Cozy Legs – a flat-panel, low wattage heater that emphasizes safety and efficiency as much as comfort. Such heaters are green because they consume less electricity. Because it’s a flat panel, Cozy Legs can be mounted to virtually any vertical surface near your feet and is thermostatically controlled with a high/low switch.

Most space heaters require at least 3 feet of clearance for safety, experts advise. The new Toasty Toes from Indus-Tool actually allows you to prop your feet on it. Thermostatically controlled, the unit has three positions – flat, ergonomic footrest and vertical panel. Weighing less than 5 pounds, it’s also energy efficient, drawing just 90 watts.

Warmer Living through Electrics
Heating pads are a soothing staple for anyone who suffers from pain that is caused or worsened by cold. Look for ones that are UL or ETL rated and offer multiple intensity settings with consistent all-over warmth. Moist heating pads can be particularly helpful for arthritis sufferers. For those who spend a lot of time sitting or standing with their feet on a cold floor, the Cozy Footwarmer is a heating pad they can actually stand on or rest their feet on. The 21-inch by 14-inch rubber mat is thermostatically controlled so it won’t overheat.

Or, if your cold-footed giftee has to be on the go, consider battery-powered warming shoe inserts, like Cozy Feet. The inserts fit into virtually any shoe and can be walked on. Powered by batteries, the warmers won’t lose effectiveness like microwavable or reactive-chemical heating elements.

To learn more about smarter space heaters and warmth-giving electric accessories, visit www.indus-tool.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Smart Shopping Can Help to Reduce the Strain Of The Season

(ARA) - For many, the holiday season has become more about the mad-dash to a frenzied mall to find the elusive perfect gift than spending time with family and friends. Crowds, crying children, hectic schedules and lofty goals all lead to holiday stress that leave many shoppers literally sick. Consumers can reduce stress this holiday season by following these simple shopping suggestions.

It Pays to Be an Early Bird
Planning ahead can often alleviate anxieties relating to any number of holiday stressers. Setting aside specific days for shopping, baking, decorating and visiting friends can free-up schedules for much-needed personal time. By starting holiday shopping early, consumers can monitor retailers’ sales instead of waiting for “Black Friday” when competition for best prices among fellow shoppers is fierce.

Good Gift-giving Takes Homework
Finding the perfect present is often as easy as doing your research before hitting the stores. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that nearly half (47.1 percent) of consumers shop online, a number that has grown significantly in recent years. Visiting retail Web sites prior to shopping can help prepare consumers for future purchases.

“Many online Web sites have valuable product information to help buyers select the right present for the right person,” says Michael Hebreard, global brand manager for Harley-Davidson Footwear at Wolverine World Wide, Inc. “By featuring key styles, product information and dealer locations online, we are able to help shoppers do their research ahead of time.”

Additionally, many Web sites will also offer gift-wrapping and guaranteed delivery before the holiday.

Ditch the Crowds, Find a Destination
According to the NRF, nearly 48.4 percent of holiday shoppers will visit specialty stores to find their holiday gifts this year. Often times skipping the crowds at the mall can leave you more time to explore stores you may not have even considered for the perfect gift destination.

“Each year we see more and more shoppers visiting Harley-Davidson dealerships looking for gifts for family and friends,” says A.T. Payne, vice president and general manager for Harley-Davidson Footwear at Wolverine World Wide, Inc. “The dealerships have become one-stop shops for the Harley-Davidson enthusiast, and have selections ranging from bikes to footwear to gift wrap and everything in between.”

By stepping outside of the traditional mall, shoppers can find destination and specialty shops that have everything from boots to bows.

Take Care of Yourself
Staying healthy is the best present you can give yourself this holiday season. Flu season can start as early as October and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population will contract the flu each year. In between all the holiday preparations and shopping excursions, remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, taking a multivitamin and getting enough sleep.

By planning ahead, taking care of yourself, and thinking outside of the box when it comes to holiday shopping this year, shoppers can enjoy the ultimate gift of a season filled with a little less stress.

For additional gift ideas, visit Harley-Davidson Footwear’s Web site at www.stepintoalegend.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent