In Dallas, chocolatier Andrea Pedraza, who loves designer high heels, molded her pedestrian passion into chocolate form. Her most well-known creations are chocolate pumps done in the style of Christian Louboutin shoes.

Prices for the pumps range from $30 to $55, but more if you fill the heel with more chocolates.

Pedraza says men buy the chocolate pumps the most, so she keeps extras on hand for last-minute shoppers.

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Valentine’s Day is a great time to check out that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try, and whether you’re looking for a big blowout or an intimate little nook, the perfect Atlanta restaurant is awaiting your reservation. These five restaurants have always come through in the past with Valentine’s Day menus and are safe bets for a romantic evening in 2013. Check out each restaurant’s website for additional information and availability closer to the big day.

Enjoy your dinner with a view (Credit, Keely Herrick)

The Shed At Glenwood
475 Bill Kennedy Way S.E.
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 835-4363
www.theshedatglenwood.com

You’re in Atlanta, so there is something undeniably warm and sweet about the warm, hearty fare at The Shed. From specialty sliders to mussels, the New American menu offers comfort food for a cozy evening. Whether you go for the beef tongue tacos or stick with the local favorite Brussels sprouts, you won’t forget your night at The Shed. However, after a few bubbly drinks or cocktails like the Violet Sublime, the memory might have a fuzzy glow!

A glass of bubbly and dessert (Credit, Keely Herrick)

Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint
200 Peachtree St.
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 230-5853
www.sweetgeorgiasjukejoint.com

No listing of Atlanta restaurants would be complete without a genuine Southern food hot spot like Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint. The restaurant plans to offer a fixed-price Valentine’s Day option as it has in the past, and sweet treat cocktails like The Juke, The Sneaky Sneaky and Miss Ceely’s Fruit Punch are a sure-fire bet to start a festive night out. And really, what Southern girl can resist live jazz and a crispy crawfish tail?

Related: Best Bars With Great Rum Selections in Atlanta.

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Valentine’s Day is almost here, and for many in Atlanta, that means the same old song and dance. In 2013, it doesn’t have to be that way. While flowers, chocolates and a stuffed bear are safe gifts, maybe it’s time to think out of the box and get something unique for your significant other. Thankfully, there are many boutique and specialty shops in the metro area that have gift items you won’t find anywhere else. Use this guide to make Valentine’s Day 2013 special and unique.

Miller’s Rexall (Credit, Rick Limpert)

Miller’s Rexall
87 Broad St. S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 523-8481
www.millersrexall.com

It may seem a little strange to suggest that you go to a drug store to do Valentine’s Day shopping, but Miller’s Rexall in Atlanta is much more than a place to get your prescription filled. From remedies to curios and exotic medicines, Miller’s has that special gift that will put a smile on your loved one’s face. Get your man some “Forever Young” or “Testo Powder.” Your wife or girlfriend will get a chuckle out of “Fire Up for Females” which is said to put the passion back in your love life. If Valentine’s Day is a bust, get some “Run Devil Run” potion. It will send the negativity out of your life.

Related: The Best Boutiques That Opened In Atlanta In 2012

Heart-shaped Valentine’s Day cake (Credit, Rick Limpert)

Piece of Cake
3215 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 351-2253
www.pieceofcakeinc.com

Looking for that perfect non-traditional Valentine’s Day present? Look no further than something that can satisfy the sweet tooth of your loved one and also will make quite a statement. With five locations around the Atlanta area, Piece of Cake will make that perfect cake for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion. It has been featured on “The Today Show” as a perfect gift for any occasion. The heart-shaped cakes for Valentine’s Day are always one of the best sellers, so order yours today.

Related: The Best Salsa Clubs in Atlanta

(credit: Thinkstock)

With plenty of choices for romantic day trips or overnight stays to choose from, Atlantans can celebrate Valentine’s day locally, within a day trip to resorts throughout the region or for overnight stays at luxury and nature destinations. If a wedding is on the agenda, choose from elopement packages to elegant events at these venues.

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It’s either one of the most anticipated or dreaded days of the year for singles. I’m talking about Valentine’s Day. February 14th is right around the corner and it’s time to start making some plans. Whether you are on a date or hanging out with friends, Atlanta has a lot of choices for making Valentine’s Day 2013 a night to remember.

Valentine’s Day can be stigmatized as a commercial holiday meant to help sell cards, flowers and candy. However, it’s interesting to know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day has vestiges that date back centuries before Christ and takes on various forms all over the world. While the notion of expressing one’s love on Valentine’s Day is basically the same, different countries have their own traditions for this beloved holiday.

Italy
 

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Italy has a long history when it comes to Valentine’s Day traditions, celebrating it as a Spring Festival. Couples would spend the day surrounded by the beauty of springtime in natural settings like tree arbors or ornamental gardens. Their time was spent listening to music, reading poetry or strolling through the garden. 

Another tradition in Italy’s Valentine’s Day history was the notion that the first man a girl sees on Valentine’s Day would be the man (or look like the man) she would marry within a year. Unmarried girls would wake up extra early to sit by their window to look for men who walked by. 

While the candy tradition in the United States usually consists of some sort of heart-shaped box of assorted candies, the traditional candy gift for Valentine’s Day in Italy is a chocolate-covered hazelnut called a Baci Perugina. The candy is accompanied with a small piece of paper that contains romantic poems in four different languages.

South Korea

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Although the traditional Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, South Korea celebrates similar days of love on the 14th of every month. Each monthly celebration has its own significance and traditions depending on the corresponding holiday. 

The actual Valentine’s Day holiday tradition is meant for only women to be the givers of chocolate to their significant other and the following month it’s the men’s turn. March 14 is named White Day and men are meant to give their female counterpart a non-chocolate candy. April 14 is marked as Black Day and is geared towards those who are not in a relationship. The tradition for Black Day is for single people to mourn their single lives, hence the name of the holiday. Single people are supposed to eat jajangmyeon noodles, which are black in color, on April 14. While the tradition of women giving chocolate to their partners on Valentine’s Day is a widespread tradition in Eastern Asian countries, South Korea takes the tradition a step further than other countries with a bigger amount of chocolate given.

Great Britain

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Britain and Italy have a few similarities in their Valentine’s Day traditions: Both had similar stories about how the first man a woman saw on Valentine’s Day morning will be the one they will marry. However, Britain also has traditions all its own. 

While many countries’ citizens deliver handwritten notes and poems to their significant others on Valentine’s Day, paper Valentine’s were so popular in England during the 19th Century that they gave way to the production of mass-produced greeting cards we see today. In earlier times, a tradition for women the night before Valentine’s Day was to secure four bay leaves to each corner of their pillow before sleeping and to eat hard boiled eggs with salt while removing the yokes. This tradition was meant to provoke dreams of their future husbands on Valentine’s Day eve. Women would also write names on pieces of paper wrapped in clay balls to be dropped into water and the ball that rose to the surface first would be their future husband.

Denmark

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People of Denmark referred to Valentine’s Day cards as “lover’s cards” and they were once made from transparent material that reflected a picture of a lover bestowing a gift to his or her significant other when it was held up to the light. Instead of the red roses many Americans associate with Valentine’s Day, Danish people give white flowers that they call “snowdrops.” People used to give pressed white flowers to their Valentines, but these days they have switched to bouquets. While love poems and romantic notes are given on Valentine’s Day, the Danish people also write unsigned, funny poems on neatly cut paper called “gaekkebrev.” If the girl is able to guess who sent it, she will receive an Easter Egg later in the year. Denmark takes its Valentine’s Day holiday pretty seriously and many people tend to take off work or book parties to celebrate this love-filled holiday.

France

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France is often referred to as the most romantic place in the world but the country’s older Valentine’s Day traditions are anything but lovey-dovey. In the past, the French custom called “drawing for” or “a lottery of love” would gather single people in houses facing opposite one another and make them call out the name of their hopeful partner through the window. Women who were jilted by their hopeful Valentine would gather to burn the images of the ungrateful lovers in huge bonfires. The bonfire events would turn pretty ugly, with women yelling and hurling abuses into the fire. Because the ritual would turn into an ugly event filled with ridicule, the French government eventually banned this practice. The St. Valentin Village located in Indre has held a festival since the 1960s to celebrate Valentine’s Day every year from February 12th to the 14th.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working on her Master’s. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

For fresh couples or even those who have gotten past the seven year itch, an important part of staying in love is spending time together, doing things you both enjoy. The activities are limitless; you might just need a few ideas to spark your imagination. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here is a short list of great couples’ activities that you can do year-round. 

Dining Together

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Become your own restaurant of the month club. Explore new dining-out ideas and pick the ones that sound most interesting to both of you, then make a reservation and get ready to have a night on the town. Stick to the same day every month to ensure you will always have time to dine together. This is a great opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places or new types of cuisine you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Build in a few romantic nights and feel free to embarrass other diners by making out shamelessly at the table.

Educate With Love

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Do both of you have an interest in do-it-yourself household projects or photography? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make sushi, wood working or Italian. Adult-education classes represent a great way for the two of you to expand your horizons and knowledge base together, plus acquire a practical skill of value. Make sure to choose an interest you both share and find ways of enjoying it outside of class, too.

Have A Breakthrough 

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Couples-only retreats offer you the opportunity to not only explore your relationship but also enjoy activities like hiking, boating, couple’s massage or yoga together. An added plus is being with other, like-minded couples and forming new friendships, which are healthy for any relationship. Look for weekend retreats in interesting locations either close to home or far away, then suspend your current reality and enjoy being together in a completely new environment.

Have A Ball 

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Pursue a sports activity together, such as golf, bowling, paddleball or running. Make time to go to the gym or take tennis lessons. Some couples enjoy friendly competition, while others prefer to play games together as if they were little, goofy kids. Whatever your sports style might be, find physical pursuits you both can share that will help you keep both your bodies and your relationship fit and healthy.

Have An Adventure 

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Become tourists in your own home town by visiting sight-seeing destinations and attractions, like boat or bus tours, museums and landmarks. Pretend you don’t speak the language and ask people to take your picture together. Re-visit your own personal landmarks, too, like the place where the two of you met or the houses you both grew up in.

Take Time Out 

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Make the world go away by closing the door, shutting off the phones and dimming the lights. Remember that the little, day-to-day moments you share are just as important as the time you plan around activities together. Be a universe of two and spend some time remembering what brought you together in the first place. Congratulate each other on how terrific you are and celebrate being a couple, in any way you choose.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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Carithers has been voted Best Florists Atlanta-Metro for 12 consecutive years. With several locations in the Atlanta metro area, this is the place to go for a superb bouquet of flowers. Whether you want a traditional Valentine’s Day gift of a dozen long stem roses or a more playful bouquet of white lilies or fresh tulips, Carithers will help you chose the right gift for the lady in your life. Last minute shoppers will also be relieved to know that this florist offers same day order and delivery.

Related:  Best Places In Atlanta For A First Date

Does your sweetheart have a sweet tooth? A box of mini cupcakes from CamiCakes may be the perfect gift. The newest creation at this bakery is the black and white cupcake. A chocolate cake topped with white chocolate buttercream frosting and capped with a Hershey’s Kiss, this is the perfect edible treat for Valentine’s Day. Those really strapped for time will love that these cakes come wrapped in cute pink boxes with brown ribbon, so no extra stops will be needed to pick up wrapping paper or bows. If you have time to drop by the store, CamiCakes always has ready-made cupcakes to package up. Non-procrastinators can order in advance with 24 hours notice and organized planners can even request some custom decoration on their cakes with enough notice (something to keep in mind for an upcoming birthday or anniversary).

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Jewelry is always welcome for Valentine’s Day, and frankly, any other day ending in “y.”  The Solomon Brothers, Ivan, Howard and Anthony, were raised in Cape Town South Africa, one of the world’s leading diamond districts. Trained through the Gemological Institute of America, they have served the Atlanta area for over 25 years. Their stores carry loose diamond as well as designer settings, pearls and watches. Whether you are looking for a tennis bracelet or are finally ready to “put a ring on it,” Solomon Brothers has an excellent selection accompanied by expert advice.

Flowers By Lucas is family owned and has been serving the Atlanta Metro area since 1967. A favorite arrangement for Valentine’s Day is the Heart and Soul bouquet for $79. The beautiful floral arrangement is made entirely of red roses in the shape of a heart and surrounded by baby’s breath. Ferns add a splash of green and the bouquet is displayed in a tall red vase decorated with ribbon. If your relationship is a little greener, try the Little Pink Me Up arrangement of pink roses and lilies starting at $67. Every arrangement is available at three price points: as seen online, deluxe and premium.

If your sweetheart is the Indie type who loves eco-friendly gifts, then a purse from Re-Inspiration Store may be just the ticket. The design company Baabaazuzu takes men’s suits and turns them into one-of-kind handbags that are sold at this Atlanta boutique. Shaped in a hobo style and finished with vintage jewelry and a satin lining, it is a special and unique gift that will be cherished. If she already has plenty of purses, Re-Inspiration sells a variety of recycled items turned beautifully-crafted pieces in the forms of mirrors, make-up bags, lamps, garden art and picture frames.

Now get out there and get a gift for your loved one before it’s too late!

Alicia Edwards received her BS and MBA from Florida A & M University and her Associates Degree in Fashion Studies from Parsons School of Design in New York. She is a freelance writer in Atlanta covering fashion events, trends and interviewing style makers. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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For more than 20 years, Cafe 290 has brought live jazz music to the Sandy Springs area of Atlanta. In the past, the likes of Jamie Foxx and the Ohio Players have graced the stage at Cafe 290. The small room, along with great acoustics, make this place something special. Pay a small cover on V-Day for a world-class jazz experience with your honey. Enjoy great food and one of the best bars in Atlanta.

Related: Best Live Music Venues in Atlanta

One of the best French restaurants in Atlanta is also an incredible value. Zagat-rated Le Giverny’s wine selection is hand-picked by the staff. For Valentine’s Day, live acoustic music will fill the dining room, and love will most certainly be in the air. Try the trout, or Truite Grenobloise, one of the restaurant’s most delicious specialties. Feel free to order off of the regular menu on Valentine’s Day, leaving great steaks and chops to contend with the holiday menu.

A great dinner and an evening of blues music is always on tap at Blind Willies. Every week, Blind Willie’s brings in national blues acts and mixes in local talent to create a fresh, soulful sound nowhere else in Atlanta can compete with. Come in for an early Valentine’s Day dinner, or come in at 10 p.m. for music and drinks. Expect to pay a cover, but with music of this caliber, it’ll be worth it. Blind Willie’s is an Atlanta treasure and a great choice for a night out on with a special someone.

Related: Best Jazz Clubs in Atlanta

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It’s been around for 20 years, but the Northside Tavern is still one of the best kept secrets in Atlanta for live music. From live blues to its famous “Give it Back” concerts, an evening at the Northside Tavern is a great night out. It’s no exception on Valentine’s Day as lovebirds from all over town flock to the tavern for sweet, bluesy tunes that’ll inspire you all night long.

Handmade pastas and live music make Davio’s tastiest tune-sampling spots in town. An Italian steakhouse inspired by the flavors of northern Italy, Davio’s showcases live music each week and Valentine’s Day will be no exception. Come for a memorable dinner or show up for a drink, but stay and enjoy the beautiful live music. Dinner reservations are recommended.

Rick Limpert is a freelance writer/photographer in Atlanta. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

The proprietor of this shop is a third generation patissier-confiseur-glacier, which translates to pastry-candy-ice. In addition to the highest credentials, this shop offers delicious truffle, rocher, marzipan and fondants in addition to other confectionaries and baked goods. If you can’t decide between chocolate and a baked good, don’t worry, many of the pastries come dipped in chocolate for the best of both worlds. Around Valentine’s Day heart-shaped boxes of treats are offered. As a beacon of diplomacy, the owner shares his secrets in one of the several classes the store offers.

Related: Best Bakeries in Atlanta

(credit: sugarcoatedradical.org)

What is so radical about Sugar Coated Radical? Other than being radically delicious, the store is dedicated to using only direct and fair trade organic ingredients and post-consumer recycled and locally sourced materials. Some of the more drastic selections include plum caramels, saffron-rose-pistachio white bars and blueberry and pink peppercorn bars. The staff loves creating custom works for your special event. If you are visiting on the day before Valentine’s, please bring your patience and expect a well-tended-to line.

Known as Savannah’s Best Candy Store, River Street Sweets has expanded from its Savannah roots and now has several locations in the metropolitan Atlanta area, with a location in Phipps Mall. In addition to the world famous pralines, River Street Sweets offers fudges, bear claws, chocolate-covered pretzels and nuts, and truffles. If savoring the shop’s goods on one occasion is not enough, you can join the sweet tooth club and receive goodies in the mail on a monthly basis.

Although Schakolad Chocolate Factory is a franchise, it maintains a local flair by making  products fresh and on-site in Atlanta. The attention to the needs of special customers led Schakolad to become Atlanta’s only Kosher-certified chocolate maker. Customers will also find an extensive assortment of vegan, sugar-free and carb-free delights. In addition to assorted chocolates and cake truffles, you can even rent chocolate fountains.

(credit: thechocolaterie.com)

What sets the Chocolaterie apart from other chocolatiers in Atlanta is the beauty of its products. From the brilliant royal blue of the Dazzling Blue Butterfly Truffle to the green pear-shaped Spiced Pear Delight Truffle, the products dazzle not only your tongue but also your eyes. This makes Chocolaterie an excellent source for weddings or special events. In order to know what to expect beside  truffles and bars, call the store to obtain a listing of seasonal offerings.

Find more: Atlanta Candy And Confections Directory

Sebrina Bush is a freelance writer in Atlanta. She is covering Food & Drink. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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This North Georgia retreat is close enough to the Metro Atlanta area to be accessible and just far away enough to feel like you are on a mini vacation on a French Villa.  ­There are many services to choose from on the menu: facials, hydrotherapy, massages, nail care and couple’s treatments.

When you book spa services or spa overnight packages, you get complimentary access to the following:  spa co-ed whirlpool, dry sauna, wet eucalyptus steam, indoor swimming pool with resistance jets and fitness classes. Afternoon tea is served daily from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The couples suite romantic journey ($825 for two) lasts for four hours and includes an 80 minute ultimate couples massage, an intimate  Jacuzzi tub for two scattered with rose petals and surrounded by candlelight. His and her facials are provided at each other side. After a  lunch is served in your private suite, your “alone” time is enhanced by a bottle of Moet Chandon and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Spa Sydell originally opened as an exclusive day spa in Buckhead and has now expanded to four other locations around the Metro Atlanta area. The ambiance and quality of the services is seamless at each location. Spa Sydell offers gift certificates from $5-$250, you can add a lunch option as well for $20 (don’t forget to include gratuity). A salon favorite is the microdermabrasion plus vitamin C peel, great for treating sun damage and blemishes. Something worth noting: the gift certificates must be used in one visit.

Ideal Image specializes in laser hair removal from the following areas: facial, bikini and surrounding areas, underarm, eyebrow, leg and arm.  Services are available for men and women of all skin complexions and treatments are only provided by staff with medical expertise (nurse practitioner or physician assistants.) Gift certificates are available and vary depending area and type of skin that will undergo treatment.

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The Spa on Paces is a full service day spa located in Buckhead. You can purchase services individually or as  a series of 6 at a discounted rate. Treatments range from eyebrow tints to a deluxe evening  in which a car from Atlantic Limo picks you and your date up, takes you to the spa for hours of treatments, then dinner at Aria before dropping you home.  Gift cards are available from $25 – $1023 and the increments should cover gratuity.

The Spa at Evergreen is located inside the Marriott Evergreen in Stone Mountain Park.  It offers day and overnight spa services including: massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments. Of special note, The Spa at Evergreen has a MAC pro artist on staff available for wedding and special events. The peppermint hot stone massage is a winter favorite for customers. The special treatment warms your body and soul with refreshing peppermint and warm basalt lava stones: 50 minutes for $10 or 80 minutes for $140.

If you prefer a quaint and quiet atmosphere, then Beverly’s Day Spa is the perfect option. This day spa is in a Victorian Style home built in 1906, located in Old Town Woodstock, about a 30 minute drive from Downtown Atlanta. Four spa packages are available from a $136 two and a half hour service that includes a massage, classic spa facial and shampoo to a four and half hour $281 package that includes a body polish, full massage, European Facial and a healthy spa lunch.

Alicia Edwards received her BS and MBA from Florida A & M University and her Associates Degree in Fashion Studies from Parsons School of Design in New York. She is a freelance writer in Atlanta covering fashion events, trends and interviewing style makers. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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There are many rumors as to how exactly Valentine’s Day originated. Many people believe it is a holiday created purely by greeting card companies to sell flowers and chocolate. But my girlfriend assures me that is just not true, and if I believe it then I can get used to sleeping on the couch. Others murmur rumblings of Christian martyrs and Popes and love. Not together, or necessarily in that order.

When looking back historically, most people will cite Christianity as Valentine’s Day’s origins. There were numerous early Christian martyrs named Valentine, with a couple — Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni — honored on February 14th itself. No romantic elements arise from any of these Christian figures or their history, however.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The first recorded instance of associating Valentine’s Day with romantic love comes from Geoffrey Chaucer in 1382, from his “Parlement of Foules“:

For this was on seynt Volantynys day
What euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

The internet translates this to:

For this was Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.

Written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia, Chaucer’s poem spread through England. So very romantic, even taking into account that both Richard II and Anne of Bohemia were a ripe 15 years old at the time.

On Valentine’s Day in 1400, the French established a “High Court of Love” to deal with love and betrayal, as well as violence against women. Judges at this court were selected by women based on a poetry reading. Some of these poems survive to this day, and many people consider them the first ever valentines. The oldest of which is from Duke of Orléans to his wife, which was in French and very short, so I didn’t include it here.

Fast forward a couple of hundred years to 1784. The first soon-to-be-cliché love poem is found in an English nursery rhyme compilation:

The rose is red, the violet’s blue
The honey’s sweet, and so are you
Thou are my love and I am thine
I drew thee to my Valentine
The lot was cast and then I drew
And Fortune said it shou’d be you.

Isn’t that sweet?

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The transition from lovely day of expression to capitalism at its finest kicked off around 1797, when a British Publisher came out with The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, a collection of writing and verses for men who couldn’t create their own. A giant was born. By the 19th century, paper valentines had become so popular in England that they were produced in factories. Lazy men rejoiced. The first mass-produced valentines in the U.S. were produced shortly thereafter, by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, utilizing the resources in her father’s stationary store.

Fast-forward to modern day. In the United Kingdom, 1.3 billion pounds are spent annually on cards, chocolates, flowers and hopefully awesome hot air balloon rides. The U.S. Greeting Card Association, which is apparently real, approximates that nearly 200 million valentines are sent each year, yet somehow I only accumulated three Scooby Doo valentines in third grade.

Now, with the advent and flourish of the internet, love has become even easier and more passive. E-cards, flower delivery websites, love coupons and more have allowed men all over the world to procrastinate caring about their significant others until the very last moment.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

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Valentine’s Day approaches each year like the monster from Cloverfield: quiet at first, but you know it’s there, and suddenly it is everywhere, wreaking havoc from all angles. Then before you know it, it’s all over, and you probably died (or didn’t die) kissing some girl in a park.

Maybe it isn’t that extreme, but Valentine’s Day is inevitable, and for those of us that fall into the “single” or “considering buying friends” or “lying about my relationship on Facebook to try and make my ex jealous” categories, Valentine’s Day is usually spent trying to distract ourselves from our loneliness.

If you are one of the millions of singles just counting the days until February 15th, this article is for you. Let’s take a look at some ways you can cope with couples coddling each other while you freeze your lonely butt off in your cheap peacoat and beanie, lacking any sort of human contact. I’ll discuss ways to distract, occupy and consume yourself while you suffer through this artificial holiday.

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Go Out With Other Lonely Coworkers: Remember, you’re not alone. Well, you are, but you’re not the only solo-Valentine. Everyone’s deeply hidden sadness can be cured with a few Jack and Cokes and some Dave and Buster’s skee ball. Or, better yet, Big Buck Hunter. Take out your rage on a few digital deer. With the proper mix of overpriced alcohol and shame you could be headed for an awkward morning after next to a coworker. All Vallow’s Eve (as we sometimes call Valentine’s Day) falls on a Tuesday, so embrace the morning after as a hungover hump day.

Just Play it Totally Cool: Thanks to social media, your ex(es) can track your one-person Valentine’s Day from afar, while they celebrate their newfound love aboard their significant other’s yacht. You must have a rebuttal. Photoshop yourself into some pictures with Rihanna, or on Maury for a paternity test with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It’s much easier than ever to make yourself look busier and more popular than you actually are. Take advantage of fake retweeting a celebrity to make it seem as though they are trying to talk to you. Example:

RT @LadyGaga Hey @kyleayers, can’t wait for our Valentine’s date tonight. Kisses!

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Reconnect With Your Kids: If this option is even remotely a possibility for you, then I suggest you power down your laptop, get in your Civic and be a better parent.

Watch an Entire Television Series: Watching a single movie has too high of a probability of reminding you of that special someone, plus movies are about two hours long, which is more than 20 hours too short to consume your entire Valentine’s Day. I recommend The Wire or The West Wing, both of which avoid too many malicious relationships, and also have enough episodes to last you until Arbor Day (which I will now google to see exactly when it occurs).

There are numerous ways to make your Valentine’s Day as painless as possible. Find a way to distract yourself, and remember that Valentine’s Day is a competition. So make sure you’re having (or looking like you’re having) a better time than every single one of your exes.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

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Hollywood is forever in search of the next big hit. Sometimes us movie-goers get something so fresh and exciting that we flock to theaters in droves. More often we get enjoyable retreads of last year’s enjoyable retreads. At least we know what’s coming, from the summer action blockbuster, the holiday family movie and, this week, the Valentine’s Day romance.

In our love letter to the love scene, we’ve gathered up the worst romance movie clichés. Maybe Hollywood will finally put these to bed — and start writing some fresh love stories.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

Kissing In The Rain

The rainy-day kiss is a romance classic, and cinematographers have all sorts of fun with it. Sure, The Notebook’s dock scene set millions of hearts aflutter. Sure, Spiderman and Mary Jane’s upside-down kiss was all the sexier with the cascading water and epic flashes of thunder. The device definitely works aesthetically. But the overuse makes it seem like most great romances occur only in Portland, during weather disturbances.

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Fixing It All With A Stunt

We know that for the sake of a story, everyone’s romantic problems have to be solved in quick satisfying bursts. But since Hollywood also likes to make sure that couples hit huge roadblocks in their relationships, this can make for some utterly ridiculous solutions to big fights/character flaws. Did one of you make a huge mistake? Just hold a boombox outside of the window. Has one of you been a complete jerk to the other? Just sing a song from the rooftops. Or sing it on an airplane!

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Valentine’s Day, like New Year’s Eve and Independence Day, is a holiday that sometimes seems to let us down. It’s supposed to be fun — even magical — but we’re often left wondering why we were ever so excited. It just doesn’t live up to the hype. And it’s worse for those unattached types, who have to suffer through what might also be called “Singles Awareness Day.”

Instead of getting down and out about your Valentine’s Day situation, gather a group of friends and celebrate not having to fake smile when someone gives you a giant red stuffed bear! Here is a stellar menu for an “I Love My Friends But Hate Valentine’s Day” party!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Roasted Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:

* 15-20 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus 15-20 full basil leaves
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 2 ounces goat cheese
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Mix together the garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Place the halved Roma tomatoes on a sheet pan and brush the tops of the tomatoes with the oil mixture.

4. Roast for about 40 minutes or until softened and the edges begin to darken.

5. Toast the bread slices in the oven until just lightly browned.

6. Spread each piece with goat cheese.

7. Top with a tomato half and a basil leaf.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Baked Brie

Ingredients:

* One wheel of Brie cheese
* Honey
* Pumpkin seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place the wheel of Brie on a small baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is oozing out from the bottom.

3. Place the baked Brie on a serving platter.

4. Top the brie with about 1/2 cup of honey and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

5. Serve with pieces of crusty bread or crackers.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Parmesan Popcorn

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Pour the oil into a deep, heavy-bottom pan and heat briefly.

2. Add the kernels, cover the pot and shake it over the heat until the kernels pop.

3. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and add the butter. Toss to coat

4. Add the grated cheese and garlic powder. Toss again to coat.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Spiked Chocolate Fondue

This may not be a traditional Valentine’s Day party, but you can still have a Valentine’s Day-themed dessert! This one has a little liqueur to kick up the flavor and fun.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your single heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, heat the cream.

2. Add the chocolate and liqueur, stir until melted.

3. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Every Valentine’s Day, people scramble for flowers, candy and restaurant reservations. It’s so stressful, so annoying… so anti-Valentine’s Day! In lieu of buying a bunch of love-themed stuff and shoving it in your sweetie’s face, woo them with a romantic, home-cooked dinner. It’s intimate and special. More than a phone call to a local restaurant, it shows that you care.

Cooking dinner at home can be stressful and time consuming. We’ve put together an impressive, but simple, menu for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. These three delicious courses are each brimming with aphrodisiacs; they’re guaranteed to put any couple in the mood. You’ve been warned!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Valentine’s Day Singles Party.

Photo Credit: Christine Hinrichs

Spinach And Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese And Figs

Arugula and Figs are the aphrodisiacs in this dish! It’s easy to toss this salad together while the rest of your dinner is cooking away.

Ingredients:

* Large handful of spinach leaves
* Large handful of arugula leaves
* 1/3 cup chopped figs
* 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Drizzle of balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the spinach and arugula in a large bowl.

2. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add the chopped figs and crumbled goat cheese and toss to coat ingredients with dressing.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Saffron Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

Saffron is expensive, but a little bit goes a long way. This “vegetable gold” adds the romance to your main course!

Ingredients:

* 1/4 teaspoon (a small pinch) saffron threads
* 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, use more if needed
* 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
* 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 golden beets, peeled and diced
* 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
* 1 large shallot, cut into half-moon shapes
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Line a baking sheet with foil.

3. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with about a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.

4. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet in an even layer.

5. Bake until softened and browned, about 35-40 minutes.

6. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable broth with the saffron threads on medium low heat. Let the threads steep in the warm liquid for about 15 minutes.

7. In a larger saucepan, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and add the couscous on medium heat. Toast until just browned.

8. Add the saffron liquid and cook couscous according to the directions on the package. Add more liquid if needed until the couscous is cooked.

9. Fluff with a fork. The saffron will give the couscous a lovely, yellow color.

10. Serve the couscous alongside the roasted vegetables and round off the meal with a piece of crusty bread.

11. Top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate is always a surefire winner. Extra points if you feed each other the dipped morsels.

Ingredients:

* 7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your in-love heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt together the chocolate and cream.

2. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Has Valentine’s Day got you down? Is meeting that special someone proving more difficult than you ever thought it could be? Maybe it’s time to change your approach to dating.

Dating websites have come a long way since Match.com launched in the mid-1990s. And the stigma of meeting someone online is all but gone. These days, dating sites offer many opportunities to make a good first impression without the pitfalls of the dreaded “pick up.” You can be sure that the person on the other end wants to meet someone too. With all the personalization features these sites offer and the traffic they receive, the right person is probably out there somewhere right now.

Here are the top 5 dating websites that can change your dating life with just a few clicks:

Photo Credit: Match.com

Match.com

www.match.com

Arguably the best known of the matchmaking websites, Match.com boasts a membership of over 20 million. The site uses your profile to personalize the matches that it delivers to you. It also offers a high level of search customization; the Mutual Match function, for example, allows you to find people who are looking for someone like you. While viewing member profiles is free, a subscription is needed to contact someone (member conversations happen via email, chat and instant messaging). Membership plans range from one to six months.

Photo Credit: Plenty of Fish

PlentyofFish

www.pof.com

POF (as it’s typically called) relies on profiles created through a “chemistry test.” This test tracks five personality dimensions, each of which contributes to building a romantic relationship. Members can view profiles and send messages to people who interest them. The heavily used and well organized forums are there for the viewing without even signing up. Video and audio chat capabilities are also available. The site is free to use, though a paid version may improve one’s chance at a love connection.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your spouse or significant other. From Atlanta, there are some dazzling destinations to spice things up for a great romantic escape.If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, look no further than these fabulous finds.

An escape package at Chateau Elan Inn in Braselton is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one. All lavish guestrooms feature over-sized bathtubs and ultra modern conveniences. Romantic retreat packages vary in price and can include meals, wine delivered to your room and relaxing spa treatments. A couple’s massage is highly recommended for Valentine’s Day, but call ahead to book one because they sell out quickly. Winery tours are also available for an added charge, but well worth the cost. Chateau Elan is a short 40-minute drive from Atlanta, but miles away from the hustle and bustle of daily pressures. With sweeping panoramic views and a staff that caters to your needs, Chateau Elan is the perfect romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day.

Forest Hills Mountain Resort is charmingly nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to Dahlonega in North Georgia. From horseback riding to soaking in your own private hot tub, Forest Hills is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with your loved one. Accommodations range from rustic cabins to bi-level suites. The luxury cabins are spectacular. The cabins include your own hot tub, cozy fireplace and relaxing wraparound porch boasting spectacular mountain views. There’s even a couples-only dining room for sharing quiet meals together. Carriage rides and spa services are available for an added charge.

Related: Best Places In Atlanta For A First Date

The St. George Inn is the perfect spot to rejuvenate and unwind for Valentine’s Day. It’s located just five hours by car from Atlanta and is certainly worth the drive. This charming and quaint bed and breakfast inn is centrally located in historic St. Augustine. The unique property is a hidden treasure that includes 25 rooms and suites, many with wooden rocking chairs, private balconies and sweeping views of Old St. Augustine. Upon arrival, the innkeeper and his warm and welcoming staff personally greet you and escort you to your room, which offer old world charm sprinkled with modern conveniences like wireless Internet access and modern private baths. The biggest plus of the St. George Inn is its location. Simply walk out the front door and stroll to St. Augustine’s finest restaurants and shops. It’s simply the perfect getaway for your and your valentine.

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

The Cloister at Sea Island is a spectacular five-star getaway nestled along the sands of the Atlantic Ocean in South Georgia. The serene retreat is perfect for couples seeking a beach vacation for Valentine’s Day. It’s located midway between Savannah and Jacksonville. The Cloister was rated a Top 100 Resort, and is the epitome of luxury. Accommodations at The Cloister range in price from 700 sq. ft. river view rooms to the spectacular 2,200 Sea Island Suite that includes one king bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms, a living room with a fireplace, library and a private balcony. The Mediterranean-inspired resort is home to The Cloister Spa, The Cloister Beach Club and The Sea Island Yacht Club. However, the best thing about The Cloister at Sea Island is the impeccable service beyond compare. For a true Valentine’s Day treat, escape to a romantic getaway at The Cloister at Sea Island.

For couples that have just one night to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a quick in-town stay at the luxurious St. Regis is just the ticket to romance. The St. Regis is centrally located right in Buckhead, within walking distance to Atlanta’s finest restaurants and shopping. All first class rooms boast the finest custom furnishings and artwork. The resort is so luxurious that it was awarded the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award. The pampering Remede Spa and desirable Buckhead location make the St. Regis a prime in-town destination for couples looking for a quick, but memorable escape on Valentine’s Day.

Related: Best Day Trips For Families Around Atlanta

Jackie Kass is a freelance writer from Atlanta with more than twenty years of writing experience. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Most of us will never date a celebrity. But we can dream, right?

Hot celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the winner.

Select a category below and get started…

Most of us will never date a celebrity. And, in certain cases, that’s just fine.

Nightmare celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the, er, winner.

Select a category below and get started…