On A Budget? Cheap Valentine's Day Ideas For 2012

For Valentine's Day, you want a gift that shows just how much you care. The only problem is you've been hit by the economic downturn, and don't have a budget for lavishing expensive gifts on your sweetie. You'll be happy to know there are many cheap Valentine's Day ideas that will make your honey and your wallet happy.

Depending on where you live and the size of your budget, some inexpensive Valentine's Day ideas might include a romantic getaway. The Christmas rush is over and many places have off-season rates. If you can travel on a flexible schedule, Priceline.com might have the perfect trip at an affordable rate.

You can get inspiration for inexpensive and romantic gift ideas for Valentine's Day with a search online. Smartmarriages.com has a list of 50 Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Sweetheart (Without Looking Cheap). Depending on the weather, one suggestion is to have a picnic, either outside or indoors. Burn a CD of favorite songs - it shows you took the time to think about what your relationship means. Even though most restaurants have dinner deals this time of year, a great, loving and inexpensive alternative is breakfast in bed, lunch together or a romantic dinner that you have prepared yourself.

There are smaller, inexpensive gift ideas for Valentine's Day, too. With some planning you can select pictures of the two of you, then buy picture frames at a dollar store and present your "year in review". Or buy a number of smaller gifts from places like online stores and have "Fourteen Days of Valentines" instead of just one. Here are a few different cost-effective ideas to show your sweetie how much you care:

- Make chocolate or candy together instead of buying the over-priced box.
- Plan your garden together so you'll have beautiful flowers all year instead of just one day.
- Make your own card and say what you really feel instead of spending money on one that someone else has written.
- If you do go out for dinner, cut down on costs by having a drink or appetizers at home or, even better, plan a "very special" dessert.
- You can highlight a significant event in your relationship by starting a charm bracelet or even a "charm box" that you can buy one meaningful charm or item for each year.

Clearing your schedule so you can just talk and spend time together is perhaps the best gift of all. Once you start thinking about it, you'll see that you can find cheap Valentine's Day ideas that can actually increase the value of your relationship.

There are many Valentine's Day gift ideas for everyone and finding the right one for your budget just got easier. Evelyn Oakley found the perfect unique Valentine's Day gifts for everyone on her list.

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Who Will You Kiss When the Ball Drops in Times Square?

It is said that when Christ died on the cross, and in three days arose victorious over death, and walked out alive from his tomb, that God had figuratively put his hand on the flywheel of time, and started it in another direction. This is why the finished work of Christ is called, 'the good news,' which is exactly what the word 'gospel' means.

The question is not why we would continue to proclaim a two thousand year old event as good news, but how would we dare not to proclaim it? A new year may hold hope, but then produce only more trouble and hardship. Every year is just a notch above a gamble. Christ finished work is no gamble, but rather a destination in a place and a state of perfect victory.

At or near the end of any man's life there is no rush to replenish the riches, the size of our families or our sphere of influence. The thoughts of what our lives have meant, take precedence, even among those who, don't believe they will have to account to God.

The overriding message of any good preacher, prophet or messenger turns out to be the cross not just the clock. False prophets will always proclaim a glowing new future, while true prophets will always proclaim God's immutable system known as 'reaping and sowing' We will get back exactly what we put out.

The proclamation of the cross is a paradigm shift away from mere anticipation of a new and better year, but is a promise of a new life, year by year and into eternity. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2Cor 5: 17)

The gospel is not a mere religion but it is an entirely new path. It beckons those who are following the crowd, "...broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." (Mt. 7: 13) to step away from the throng and come into another life, a life so different it is called the Kingdom of God. A kingdom is not a religion.

It is the kingdom that first begins in individuals who submit to the King of the Kingdom (Christ) and his rules, but it doesn't stop there. This is exactly why Christianity is despised by some. It does not stop until the King returns and is established on earth. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever." (Rev 11: 15)

The only question that now looms over men is, when? This is where the matter of time comes into play. Just prior to Christ's first coming, almost all of the 167 Messianic prophecies were fulfilled, and then right on time Christ was born. The second coming of Christ has its own prophecies and any Bible based, conservative theologian, messenger, prophet or preacher of the day, knows that almost every pre-millennial prophecy of the second coming of Christ, is now fulfilled and the few remaining prophecies, are being fulfilled, even as I write these words.

Some people get frightened; others are just cranked, because while man thought he was passing through time and space with plenty of time to discover space; that is not the case. The Bible clearly assigns dominion of only one planet to man and then proceeds to warn us that it is time, specifically, our own threescore and ten or more that we will all be required to account for, no more.

Now, as the ball falls in Times Square each year it becomes clearer that the clock can be a friend or it can be an enemy. Those who believe religions are all the same, who believe the modern world's call to change the laws to allow for every prurient behavior, and the freedom to abort our own species indiscriminately across the globe, may be partying when the clock strikes twelve, but they would not be, if they knew how close the end of their own kingdoms actually are.

It is the crowd of unsuspecting, complicit and fully distracted, totally secularized people across the planet that will usher in the last days with the help of their elected or appointed leaders at the helm. As long as economies are relatively stable and personal freedoms to indulge in almost all Godless pursuits are not interfered with, the crowd will not even recognize the leaders who mislead them, until it is far too late. For the crowd, time is not on their side.

Those who stand on the sidelines warning of the nearing dangers are all the stock of Noah in the eyes of the unregenerate. They are so many quacks building boats in the desert; they are the off scouring of the planet, not worthy to be given the time of day. How ironic that the Bible calls them, the blessed of the Living God who will be accounted worthy of special recognition and rewards in the coming day. They are the trumpets and messengers of the times we are in, but much more, they are the very servants of the Keeper of Time. These words were penned to a song by the same name in 1997.

I see the time you've wasted; I see the time well used
I see when time is on your hands, and when you've little time to lose
I pour the hours upon you, for some they seem as years
For those who are suffering, and for those who live with fears

Some say that time is merely, the passage of events
Spending time in idleness, with pleasures they're content
Some fill the hours with busyness, others labor all the day
But few know who I really am, until I take them all away

I have voices all around the world, which say I'm moving fast
They raise their voices urgently, but they'll not tell you of the past
They talk of fleeting days, and life's brief fading hour
Who will hear their messages, of this worlds dying flower

I'm not the spirit of the age; I'm not pop culture's ace
I'm the driving and I am the rhythm, I'm the setter of the pace
I've swallowed up the mighty; I've brought riches down to dust
I've watched your maiden journeys, and I've turned your ships to rust

I'm a teller of stories; I'm a maker of rhymes
I'm a poet, I'm a prophet: I am the Keeper of Time

Keeper of Time © B&S Music, words by Rev Michael Bresciani 1997 all rights reserved

After giving a detailed summary of the events and conditions that would prevail on earth at the brink of his return, Christ leveled a scathing rebuke at those standing by for their hypocrisy in regard to their pet perceptions of time. Men continue to be callous about discerning time, but the clock continues on its unstoppable path as well, without regard to the indifference or the errors of man. In a scene almost as hard to imagine as, when east finally does meet west, the two, man's indifference and the clock's persistence, will collide at the second coming of Christ.

"And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, there will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?" (Lk 12: 54-56)

It is with measured caution that I will wish all a Happy New Year; however, I would rather wish you a happy new beginning in Christ if you have not already started down that path. As the ball descends downward this year, as you look around for who you might kiss, consider this.

"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." (Psalm 2: 12 KJV)

Perhaps now I can say, Happy New Year.

http://www.americanprophet.org/ has since 2005 featured the articles of columnist Rev Michael Bresciani along with news and reviews that have earned this site the title of The Website for Insight. Millions have read his timely reports and articles in online journals and print publications across the nation and the globe.

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Specialty Cakes for the Holidays

Few things are more unique and personal than the gift of food. And during the holidays, when dessert often becomes the main focus at our celebrations, our options become almost limitless. With so many to choose from for that special holiday touch, specialty cakes might be our saving grace.

Cake has come a long way since the ancient Egyptians began making breads sweetened with honey more than 5,000 years ago. Breads that were made for sustenance back then gave way to cakes that today are designed to make a splash. Specialty cakes, as their name implies, are made for a special occasion. A specially decorated cake can make a holiday meal brighter and giving it as a gift can make your visit sweeter.

Holiday cakes are versatile, particularly eye catching, full of color and flavor. You can choose based on theme, content, color, and size. Whether you're looking to make a decorating statement or a culinary one, a specialty cake could be the item that ties it all together with style.

There are several things to keep in mind when deciding on a specialty cake. Who will eat it? Is it geared for children or an older crowd, and if so, how many? How much do you want to spend? What will it be paired with? Do you want to bake it yourself?

If you want to use grandma's recipe, consider the complexity and labor associated with this feat. Baking it yourself highlights your creativity, but buying it online might be a better alternative if you're strapped for time. For example, a traditional Christmas fruitcake sells online for between $25 to $75, can be sent to anyone on your shopping list, and could arrive in a festive tin box just in time for Christmas.

Which cake is right for your holiday get-together? The list of choices varies from traditional to trendy and includes fruitcakes, panettones, cheesecakes, tarts, gingerbread and even ice cream cakes. Cupcakes are the latest trend in holiday treats; hundreds of stores catering to this niche have sprouted both as traditional stores and as online sites. The cupcake market alone is projected to grow by 26% through 2014 to more than $20 billion in sales.

"Fondant is not the only way to go anymore," says Samantha James, a line cook and professional baker in State College, Penn. The trend in holiday specialty cakes is "simple, not as busy," she adds. James' holiday favorites include pies and spice cakes, which use nutmeg and ginger. A pie is an inexpensive and delicious addition to any meal and can cost as little as $5.

Ultimately, it may all come down to desert being the big finish, the pièce de résistance, or the icing on the cake, if you will. For those occasions when only a Santa cake will do, a specialty cake will leave guests oohing and ahing all the way to next year. Proof that you can have your cake and eat it too.

Give the gift of yumminess, http://www.bienfaitcakes.com/. Baking and sending all-natural, hand-crafted, high-quality specialty cakes and corporate gifts helping you strengthen relationships, show care and appreciation, bring happiness, create good will and foster trust and loyalty. Find a delicious gift for clients, friends, family, soldiers or anyone on your list.

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Tips on Dealing With Holiday Stress

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. At this time of year the air is thick with anticipation and the aroma of treats baking. The lights that people decorate their homes with make the world seem to be a happier place. You actually see more people smiling and all of a sudden even strangers will tell you to have a nice day. For most adults that wonderful glow of the holiday spirit lasts just long enough for "It's a Wonderful Life" to be over and then reality hits them over the head.

The majority of people will begin to suffer from holiday stress right after they finish their Thanksgiving meal. What causes all of this stress? People pressuring themselves to be a great hostess, and decorate the house perfectly, and throw a great party, and buy gifts for everyone on their list, and keep up with all of the holiday traditions they have participated in every year. The stress of trying to have a perfect Christmas makes the majority of people miserable.

Stop some of the insanity and reduce a lot of your stress by doing some of the following:

i) Set a realistic budget on how much money you can afford to spend this year on gifts, the parties, the clothes, and all things concerning the holiday. This budget will allow you to keep the stress of overspending out of your holiday.

ii) Do not attempt to purchase gifts for everyone that you know or for everyone that sends you a gift. If you receive a gift from someone that you did not purchase a gift for say "thank you." That is all that is required of you.

iii) Try to buy your children one item that is on their list and make the rest of their gifts things you select. If you give children too many gifts on the big day they do not truly appreciate or enjoy playing with the majority of them.

iv) It is not mandatory that your home be decorated like one from Better Homes and Gardens. Be realistic with the decorations you put up. If it takes you more than one day to decorate you may just be going overboard.

v) It is perfectly proper to throw a holiday gathering and tell the guests to bring a dish of food. Pot luck parties are less stressful and they cost much less to throw. Your friends will still attend and they will more than likely have a better time.

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New Year Countdown to Praise

3....2.....1......Countdown to 2012

Bringing in the PRAISE!

New Year, New You, New Habits, New JOY

Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to their foolish ways.

Before we get all caught up in what goals "we" will set for the New Year, I propose we take time to sit quietly before the Lord listening to what He will speak, and then, CRANK UP THE PRAISE!

Praise ushers in His presence, because He promises to inhabit the praises of His people. His presence brings peace and blessed assurance of ALL His power and provision to dwell within us who trust in Him.

Psalm 103 sits in the center of the Word and is the heart of David crying out to His Lord,

"Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. "

This is one of the first scriptures I ever memorized. Read the whole thing. It is just so full of JOY. To break it down, briefly," to bless" means to offer thanks, praise and affection, " all that is within me" suggests my very soul, my being, my will, my affections and attitudes, my time and my mind, the very best of who I am and all that I am.

My God deserves my best. Am I willing to sit quietly and patiently before Him? Am I willing each day to worship him with my time and my presence, can I give Him my full attention and submit my will to His, instead of rushing into the same old routine? This is the beginning of "newness". He is the Source.

If we desire a New Year, a fresh start, a new beginning, there is no better way than to spend time with the One Who makes all things new!

Just look at the benefits.....Psalm 103 continues, "Who forgives all your sins, heals all your diseases, rescues your life from the pit of destruction." Hallelujah. So far, so good. Jesus' perfect atonement has accomplished total salvation, and clothed us in His righteousness.

The result? The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. SLAM DUNK! Stir up the Holy Spirit within you and CRANK UP THE PRAISE. ( No, I am not a quiet person. This quietness describes anxiety-free resting in the love of God.)

Just take a look at Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

He grants us Inward peace; the peace that surpasses all understanding. We can experience the calming peace of God in the midst of any storm when we dive into an intimacy and communication with the Living Lord of Heaven and Earth. Check it out. Step it up. His mercies are new every morning!

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things and FOR THY PLEASURE they are and were created. Rev 4:11

Put on the garment of praise! Let go of the cloak of despair. You were created to honor the King. Listen for His assignment each day.

Be willing to hear God. Hear his words of mercy and of peace. Whatever he should ask of you, yield to it. Whatever He says, believe it. Whatever He asks you to surrender, let it go.

God is our only resource. He is complete and faithful. We can have confidence in Him that whatever he should say, require or do would be right. Whatever he shall say will be to assure our peace, our blessedness and prosperity.

He loves His people. He has our welfare in mind. Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. They area plans for peace and not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.

So, standing here today, looking both forward to a new year, and back over what has passed, let us center our thoughts on God who has loved us completely, and set us free by the cross of Christ, and will empower us to live for him each day.

Remember the wonders He has done, his miracles, and judgments he pronounced. 1 Chronicles 16:12

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? Psalm 116:12

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You? Psalm 85:6

Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Make that time with your LORD each day, dear Citizen of the Kingdom. Drink deeply and become overwhelmed by His splendor and His glory.

Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise you, thus will I bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands unto your name. Psalm 63:3-4

Blessing for the New Year in Christ Jesus.

Lorraine is a Christian Speaker, Musician and Bible teacher. For lessons and inspiration, join the conversation at her blog at http://www.born2praise2.com/

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Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas: A Cheat Sheet For Guys

This article is for you if you are looking for romantic and unique Valentine's Day gifts but struggle with the creative and romantic part of this important day for relationships. Below is a cheat sheet you can use that will put you up there with Valentino in the romance department.

The pros at AskMen.com have some great ideas if you want experienced input about romantic Valentine's gifts. Their Valentine's Day Guide has options for everything from can't fail gifts to date ideas. They also offer gift advice on chocolates, flowers, pet treats, jewelry, romantic getaways, lingerie, and household items based on relationship levels from not yet committed to long-term.

Other online sites offer a wide variety of romantic Valentine's gift ideas. You will find gifts broken down into gift recipient categories - wife, girlfriend, or secretly admired, at FindGift.com. You can sort by age, price range, or type of gift if you've got something in mind|If you have something specific in mind, you can sort by type of gift, age range and price range. Look under the "I Love You" or personalized tabs for items with just the right sentiment.

Hubpages lists seven categories of gifts women want with links to some great Amazon prices. For romantic Valentines gifts that last all year long check out the Wine of the Month Club, which will send you two bottles of premium wines to enjoy together every month for around $30.

For romantic Valentines gifts on a budget you will find several smaller items that say "I love you" from the romantic to the humorous on different websites.

Valentine gifts that are romantic can be big or small, expensive or not, but the best ones are those that come from the heart. Instead of buying some last-minute generic item at the store, think about what your girlfriend or wife really likes, and build around that. Valentine's Day shouldn't be a chore, but it should be an expression of your love. Other ideas that can add to the romance:

You'll both feel good when you choose to be pampered together at a spa or bed and breakfast.Create a card, write a song, cook or do something else that doesn't come naturally to you. She'll appreciate the effort, even if it doesn't come out 100% perfect.If you're a family, find out if she would rather have time with just you or time with everyone and make it happen. No excuses. No outside distractions.

It's always nice to give the perfect gift, but perhaps the most romantic Valentines Day gift ideas are those where you actually just spend time together and show her how much you care.

It can be challenging to come up with personal and unique Valentine's Day gifts and ideas. To make loved ones feel special, Current Catalog offers many Valentine's Day gift ideas for you to show how much you care.

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Promotional Metal Pens as Holiday Event Favors

The holidays are slowly but surely approaching and for many businesses, it's not only the holiday season but it's also a time to market and advertise as much as possible. At the same time businesses also place a heavy focus on morale and team building. During the holidays businesses and companies of all types hold holiday events for their employees as well as for current customers and potential clients. Holiday events are a great way to build morale within your workforce just as they are a great way to advertise your business' name to the local community in hopes of gaining new business leads.

Throughout this holiday season if your company has holiday events planned, one of the best ways to make each event memorable and special is to offer holiday event favors. Favors can be any item but one item that works well for your workforce and your customers are promotional metal pens. Pens are always useful and you can ensure everyone who receives one will be more than thankful. Though there are all types of pens, metal pens tend to last longer and are a bit more unique when compared to plastic pens.

Using Mental Pens As Morale Builders

Businesses need morale and team players in order to be successful. Throughout the year it's important to have morale and team building activities that will keep your workforce together. However, during the holidays, holding a holiday event is a great way to once again bring all of your employees together at one place to socialize, learn about each other, and grow as an even stronger team. At your holiday event you may decide to take the time to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work in keeping the company successful. To do this you can provide a holiday event favor such as promotional metal pens. These pens can be personalized with a special message to your employees showing your sincere thanks and appreciation. Pens are a simple yet thoughtful way to build morale and show your employees that you are thankful for them.

Metal Pens For Advertising To Present and Future Clients

At the same time, your company may also choose to hold a holiday event for customers and potential customers. Holiday events meant for customers can be done in a variety of ways such as an open house at a local store or an event that includes giveaways and discounts. In the same situation, promotional metal pens are a highly suitable way to advertise your company's name while providing attendees a promotional item that they can use for a long time. Customers are sure to appreciate the metal pen and at the same time your company is able to promote its name in hopes of keeping repeat customers and gaining new ones.

When using promotional metal pens as holiday event favors, be sure to buy in bulk as this saves time, money, and energy on your end. With promotional metal pens be sure to personalize them with a special message that is unique and fitting.

When it comes to holiday event favors, nothing is more appreciated than stylish Promotional Metal Pens, personalized with your logo or special message. Perfect for customization, DiscountMugs offers you a variety of hot promotional items like Coffee Mugs, Sports Bottles, Key Chains, and more! Shop DiscountMugs to get yours today!

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