A Romantic Date on Valentine's Day - Floral India

Dating your sweetheart on the Valentine's Day is actually the most favorite way to rekindle the passion of your love. Love birds can start planning about unique and out of box dating ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day eve in well advance to have a romantic and unforgettable time with their soulmate. Think of something which your beloved is never gonna forget. Plan about something which will turn into an indispensable memory which you both will cherish for a lifetime.

No worries for those who haven't yet found their date. They can start registering themselves to various online and offline dating services to ensure that they do not miss out on the fun and thrill the couples enjoy on the Valentine's Day.

In case you are searching for a memorable Valentine's Day dating idea, here are some awesome tips to stimulate the creativity cells in your heart, mind and soul!!

Jump onto Adventure Sports

Adventure sports can add thrill to the Valentine's Day date. If you and your love dare to try out adventures, make a plan to jump onto the thrill!!

You two can go for para gliding, trekking, river-rafting, ice-skating, scuba-diving or any other sport that is easily accessible in your vicinity and have a fun moment. This will also strengthen the bonding and trust between you two while supporting each other to take onto the adventure.

Cook for Your Beloved

You two would have rushed to restaurants time and again to have a taste of exotic cuisines. Nevertheless, on this romantic eve cook the dinner with all your heart and soul for your companion. It's surely gonna win the heart of your love! Cook his/her favorite dishes and serve it. You can have a look into recipe book in case you need some tips to add to the taste. Decorate the dinning table with beautiful flowers to add aroma to air of love celebrations.

Rush to Your Favorite Picnic Spot

Picnic is all time favorite Valentine's Day dating idea to have fun and light moments with your partner. Pack your favorite foods, snacks and drinks at home and rush to the picnic spot. You can also think of cooking at the picnic spot which will enrich more joy and fun to your date. Look for the activities you two can enjoy in that spot like sliding on the incline together, enjoying a swing, sky-drive and many more. Places located at the bank of a river or lake with boating are the perfect picnic spot for a romantic date. Watching sunset together at a beach and spending the whole night holding the hand of your lover, lying on sand and talking to each other would be even more romantic.

Long Drive to Tour Your City

You may go for a long drive to take a tour of your city with your soulmate on the Valentine's Day eve. Crossing every nook and corner of the city, you may show each other your favourite spots where you grew up, played in your childhood, your school or college where you spent the best days of your life, the places where you hanged out flanked with your pals. Stop at the roadside eateries and share some interesting stories about your life to have a light moment while having some snacks, ice cream. This way, you two will get to know each other well and will strengthen your relationship and bonding between you two will get stronger. Apart from these, you may visit historical monuments, museums, art galleries and other places where where you rarely visit once in a while because of time and opportunity constraints. That's how you will wave the thread of beautiful memories which you would never forget.

Movie and Candle Light Dinner

Going for a romantic movie and having a candle light dinner on Valentine's Day is an ideal and most romantic idea amongest the love birds. Rush to the favourite restaurant of your partner and order for favorite exotic cuisine. You may also order specially to decorate the dining table with rose petals and Diyas floating in water pot. You may also choose to go for theater to watch a romantic play or a live concert for a change. Write a romantic poem and read out for your beloved holding your lover's hand. It's gonna create an eminent and more bewitching impression.

Valentine's Day Flowers - Floral India

Just like people, flowers come in hundreds of shapes and sizes. When it comes to Valentine's Day gifts, carefully selecting the flower varieties and colors you send will result in a thoughtful, customized gift your sweetheart will treasure. The first step is to consider your sweetheart's preferences:

• What colors does he or she like? Men respond well to vivid, crisp colors such as red, orange, purple and blue. Women tend to relish pastel tones of pinks, peaches and lavenders.
• Does she have any favorite flowers? What are his hobbies? Your florist can create arrangements that revolve around your sweetheart's favorite hobby, sport or pastime.

Popular Valentine's Day Flowers

Red roses symbolize passionate love and are a favorite for Valentine's Day. Other beautiful Valentine's Day flowers to send this year:

• Lilies
• Tulips
• Gerbera Daisies
• Hydrangea
• Orchids
• Fragrant flowers such as gardenias, freesia and hyacinths
• Callas
• Succulents
• Roses in a variety of colors. Ask your florist for some unusual varieties that can really make an impression; there are so many fabulous choices that will impress your Valentine with your creativity: orange roses are hotter than hot; peach roses; lavender roses; and pastel roses.

Popular Valentine's Day Colors

While red is a traditional Valentine's Day color, other combinations also will wow your sweetheart. Here are popular colors and color combinations for this Valentine's Day:

• Purples
• Oranges
• Hot Pinks
• Radiant Orchid, Pantone Color of 2014
• Spring Pastels such as romantic, muted hues of smoky lavenders and dusty pinks
• Purple-pink combos
• Purple-red combos
• Vintage whites and ivory, blush pink, grey and silver
• Orange, yellows and reds are “too hot to handle”
• Lime greens, oranges, hot pinks with accents of dark eggplant blooms
• Your sweetheart’s favorite color

Valentine's Day Floral Design Styles

• Low centerpieces in square containers embellished with beaded wire
• Fresh flowers casually designed in simple glass vessel
• Compact designs
• Pavé rose arrangements (short stems tightly grouped to form a flat, uniform surface of beautiful rose buds)
• Natural and organic looks
• Floral arrangements displayed in geometric glass containers, such as cubes and cylinders.
• Containers in exciting, funky color palettes, such as fuchsia, bright orange, Nile green, or peach
• Small vases connected together to display single blossoms
• Arrangements with braided foliages accents or lacey bear grass accents
• Flower stems designed inside the clear glass vase
• Handled baskets for plants

Send Flowers to Your Man

Men love flowers and plants, and more than a third of women buy their husbands floral gifts for Valentine's Day.

• Bold colors
• Succulents
• Terrariums
• Proteas
• Birds of Paradise paired with orange carnations and purple statice
• Tropical flowers such as birds of paradise with orange roses and a single red rose. Ask your florist to arrange the flowers in a clean contemporary vase with some bold foliage
• Plants, such as anthuriums, bromeliads or cacti
• Sunflowers
• Rainbow Roses
• Orchids
• Beautiful preserved mosses in natural grays and lime green add great texture to any floral arrangement or dish garden

Send Flowers to Your Mom

One-fifth of American adults give their mothers flowers or plants for Valentine's Day.

• Flowers in her favorite color
• Soft or vibrant colors depending on her personality
• A lovely mix of blooms, such as lilies, spray roses, alstroemeria and gerberas with beautiful foliages for texture and contrast.
• A sweet, pastel colored bouquet of freesia and spray roses.
• For a "hip" mom, send something bright and spirited, such as orange or hot pink roses and tulips.
• Roses
• Fragrant stargazers or Casablanca lilies
• Carnations
• Anthuriums
• Hydrangeas
• Orchids
• Freesias
• Plants such as azaleas or kalanchoes

Create a Romantic Destination with Flowers

Florists can play an important role in helping romantics be creative. If you can't actually go to a desired destination, why not create it at home? Flowers can take you places and help you relive fond, romantic memories ... whether it be reminiscing about a Caribbean honeymoon, creating a relaxing spa retreat feel, or reliving a wine country getaway - flowers can set the stage for a romantic evening.

Valentine`s Day: Love And Flowers, Or Why Bother?

Like your birthday and New Year`s Eve, Valentine`s Day is another way of judging the state of your relationship. Some of you will get gooey cards and flowers. Some of you will get blank stares and this: ``Valentine`s Day? You`re kidding.``

- Marlene: ``I left my husband in mid-October 1989. I was 29 with two boys, 7 and 14. My options were somewhat limited as to where I could move, but the local gas-station owner had told me that if I ever needed a place, I could move in with him. I called him at work to see if the offer was still good.

``Sure enough, he said, `Come on over.` I had known him for two years, and he was always a good shoulder to lean on. I am a nurse and was just working on a fill-in basis and also taking a couple of courses at a nearby college.

``He took the kids and me in with open arms. He gave me money for school, for clothes, lunch and baby-sitters; and, of course, free gas. I cooked for him and cleaned as well as did laundry and ran errands. And I did my fair share of baby-sitting his two children from his previous marriage.

``We got along well. We would talk forever. But we never slept together. Then he came home on Valentine`s Day with a dozen roses, a box of candy and a diamond heart necklace. And he stood there smiling from ear to ear. Finally he said: `These are for you. Like it or not, I`m falling in love with you.` And he softly kissed my cheek.

``The passion was brewing. We were no longer just friends. We made love all night long, and exactly six weeks later, I was expecting our baby. Now, the baby has red hair, my Valentine`s Day reminder.``

- Liz: ``Larry and I were married nine years ago. But he insisted I get a baby-sitter for the Saturday night after the 14th so we could celebrate. First he presented me with a beautiful gold necklace. Then we had dinner at a charming restaurant known for its excellent food. When our waiter asked if we were going to the play at a nearby theater, I was surprised to hear my husband say that we would be.

``The entire evening we talked and held hands. We were not rushed or interrupted. It was like we were dating again, and I felt truly loved and very special. He`s not a very romantic man, but when he decides to show me how he feels, I get the message. Loud and clear.``

- Carla: ``The first year we were together, he sent me roses, which I don`t consider such a big deal. In fact, I think it really shows a lack of imagination. But what he wrote on the card was very special. He wrote: `This is the first time I ever had someone on Valentine`s Day I cared about.`

``Now we`re married and I don`t get anything for Valentine`s Day. I really don`t think my husband loves me less than he used to when we were dating. I just think he believes that now that we`re married, he doesn`t have to `bother` anymore. What a pity.``

- Diane: ``My fiance had been in the Army for 18 months and in Germany for over a year, and I never knew when he`d be able to call. But when I got to work on Valentine`s Day, within five minutes, he called. An hour and a half later, I received a dozen long-stemmed red roses. I was thrilled. I wasn`t even sure if he`d remember.

``Being in the field, it`s easy to lose track of time. I was so excited. This was the first time I had ever received flowers, let alone roses, from anyone other than my father. Even though Eddie wasn`t home, it was the best Valentine`s Day I ever had.``

The Meaning Of A Single Rose - Floral India

Many feelings can be expressed by flowers, and this non-verbal language is very popular nowadays. Each one of us has sent at least one message to someone with the help of a flower. Sometimes whole conversations between two lovers are spoken through flowers.

The most meaningful flower of all is considered to be the red rose. A single red rose is now usually used to send a message of love. There are also many messages that can be sent through single roses, like :

• Single White Rose
  This is used by someone that wants to say 'I'm sorry' to his/her significant other. It also has some other meanings. Since medieval times, white roses are considered to be a symbol of light, purity and innocence. So sending a single white rose may also mean that you consider that person to be pure, or that your love is very pure.
• Single Yellow RoseThis expresses happiness and love. Sending a single yellow rose to your other half means that you are happy with your love and relationship. But be careful because single yellow roses have two meanings! They can also express jealousy, so sending someone one can mean that you are jealous. The best thing to do is to attach a note to the rose, explaining exactly what you mean.
• Single Peach Rose 
  Used to send a message of friendship to a best friend or even to a lover.
• Single Purple Rose 
  Expresses beauty. So if you want to tell someone he/she is beautiful send him/her a single purple rose.
• Single Pink RoseThis is an elegant way of thanking someone because this is what pink roses transmit: gratitude.
• Single Black RoseThis literally says 'it is over'. This is a way of ending a relationship - sending a single black rose together with a note.
• Single Red Rose
  the single red rose is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic. Even from the ancient roman times, lovers give each other red roses. In those times, roses were the symbol of the Roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love, so ever since then a single red rose clearly states 'I love you'. 
  
  Also the red rose petals are used to symbolize love, and to create a romantic atmosphere. They can be left to float in the bath tub, or simply spread throughout the house or near the fireplace. If your lover is away, you can add some rose petals to your letters.

Red Roses have been a continuous source of inspiration for artists everywhere and thousands of paintings and poems have been written inspired by roses or by a single red rose. It has been said that a single red rose speaks volumes, so choose the finest rose and send it to someone you love now.

Flowers: Rose & Roses, Flower Tips, Flower Care

Most individuals could not defy a rose's beauty and aroma. These flowers are considered a bit hard to grow, but anybody can begin rose gardening in the convenience of their own backyard. 

To be sure that your most treasured roses are in the pink or even red of their health, just follow these tips on coping with every rose health perplexity: 

1. Black Spots on Foliage 
This disease is usually known as black spot. Black spots occur as circular with fringed edges on leaves. They make the leaves yellow. The answer is to get rid of the infected foliage and collect any fallen leaves around the rose. Artificial sprays may be used to stop or treat this type of rose disease. 

2. Stunted or distorted young canes 
Called powdery mildew, this is a fungal disease that blankets leaves, stems and buds with wind swept white powder. It causes the leaves to roll and become purple. Spray with an organic antifungal to treat this fungal disease that could destroy your rose garden. 

3. Injured underside of leaves 
A disease of roses called rust is characterized with orange-red blisters that turn black in the fall. In spring, it blisters new sprouts. This disease can even live through winter. What you can do is to pick up and toss away leaves that are infected in the fall. Organic anti-fungal spraying every 5 to 7 days may help. 

4. Malformed or stunted leaves and flowers 
What probably caused this is the occurrence of spider mites. They are small yellow, red or green spiders on the underside of the foliage. They suck juices from leaves. The application of a strong stream of water may help in treating this infestation. 

5. Weak and blotched leaves with tiny white webs under them This might be the work of aphids. They are tiny soft-bodied insects that are normally brown, green or red. Sometimes clumped under leaves and flower buds, they suck plant juices from the delicate buds. A strong stream of water from a garden hose may help roses to endure these bugs. 

6. Flowers that don't open or are distorted when they open. 
Thrips could be the cause behind this distortion and unopened flowers. It is defined with slender, brown-yellow bugs with bordered wings flourishing in flower buds. These bugs also suck juices from flower buds. You should cut and get rid of the infested flowers. Using neem oil spray may also treat this problem of your roses. 

Diwali in North India - Floral India

In the North, Diwali festivities start at Dussehra. There are numerous legends and local customs associated with this festival, but common to all is the lighting of homes, pathways, temples, and even government buildings, with hundreds of small clay lamps and candles. Firecrackers, thought to frighten away evil spirits are also used with abandon, which makes this a particular popular festival for children. On Diwali day, shops remain open till the afternoon, believing that good sales on Diwali day predict a prosperous year ahead. In the corporate sector, the process of buying and distributing Diwali gifts begins several days before the big day, and slowly picks up pace. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit-pieces. 

In north India, around every street corner can be found the temporary stages for holding the Ramlila - a dramatic rendition of the story of the Ramayan, which continues for several evenings, culminating in the defeat of Evil (Ravana) by Good (Ram). In Himachal, as in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, gambling with cards picks up and reaches peak on the night of Diwali. Although traditionally Diwali is not celebrated by the Sikhs, they do participate in the festival to the extent of making a trip to the Gurudwara, and then lighting candles in the evening and letting off fire crackers as well. 

Puja 
Houses are decorated and a Lakshmi puja is organized. Often the women of the house do "aarti" to their husbands, garlanding him and putting a "tika" on him, while praying for his long life. In some houses, there is a ritual of immersing a silver coin in a tumbler of milk. The milk is then sprinkled lightly in the rooms of the house. Prashad is kept in front of the idol throughout the night. 

Diya Patterns
In Himachal, every indoor corner of the house is lit up carefully, and a large diya, bigger than usual, is kept in the temple or puja place and is guarded all night through. In Bihar and UP, it is not always one large diya, but four smaller ones, intricately shaped, which surround the puja place and the women of the house sit guard all night to ensure they do not go out. Even the diyas placed outside, around the house are jealously guarded and re-lit at once, if the wind puts them out. 

Diwali Recipes
Some of the Diwali specialties made are: "patandas" - dosa like but made of flour and eaten with shakkar (jaggery powder) and ghee; "askloo" - pakodas made out of rice atta and eaten with either shakkar ghee or chutney; "poodas" or "mal poohas"-- which are made of flour and sugar syrup and eaten with a chutney.

Brighten up This Diwali with Diyas and Candles - Floral India

Diwali is associated with lights and illumination and hence aptly called as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is symbolized with lighting up the houses with diyas and candles. As everyone knows that exchanging of gifts is an age old tradition in Diwali. It is the time where people meet their loved ones, relatives and friends and gifts are considered a token of love and good wishes. Diwali Diyas and Candles are one of the most beautiful and popular gift items during this festival. 

Diyas, candles, lamps are available in varied designs, shapes and sizes. The market is flooded with attractive designs of diyas. The hand made diyas are beautifully crafted , with painted patterns and studded with sequins, beads, and glasses. Besides the clay diyas, metal diyas are also available. There are brass, copper, bronze and even silver and gold diyas. These are intricately carved and available in varied shapes. Markets, diwali melas, haats, showcase a multitude of handcrafted diyas made by ceramic and handicraft artists throughout the country. Diwali diyas are one of the major attractions. Multicolored and vibrant colored diyas look fabulous. 

Like diyas, candles are also given as gifts during diwali. The most exquisite candles in the prettiest designs, colors and shapes are found in the market. Candle holders with dazzling designs together with the candles bring in an element of elegance and royalty as well. There are tea light candles, votive candles, fragrant candles, and also multicolored floating candles.

Diyas and candles are ideal as diwali gifts. Diwali is incomplete without lighting diyas and candles. Besides decorating the house, illuminating the entrance way, diyas are also required to perform the evening Lakshmi puja. Gift giving is utmost importance on the occasion of Diwali. Presenting beautiful diyas and candles is a way of communicating respect, friendship, and appreciation.