Every year on February 14th, we commemorate romantic love, friendship, and appreciation. People send messages of love and affection to partners, family, and friends on February 14th in observance of this day. People started sending personalized cards to express their emotions instead of just sending love notes. The sender handcrafted each of these exquisite cards by hand and individually customized them to express their affection for the recipient. The heartfelt verse that would typically be included in cards would extol the recipient’s attractiveness and how much they were loved. Cards for Saint Valentine’s Day were embellished with illustrations of Cupid, hearts, and flowers and finished with lace and ribbon. These images, which continue to be recognized worldwide as symbols of love, are still in use today.
How Valentine’s Day Began Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the third century, is the inspiration behind Valentine’s Day. St. Valentine is the subject of numerous legends that developed over time to become what we now know as fact. Many Romans were turning to Christianity during Valentine’s lifetime, but the pagan Emperor Claudius II imposed stringent regulations on what Christians could and could not do. Claudius forbade Roman soldiers from getting married because he thought they should be wholly loyal to Rome. This marked the beginning of St. Valentine’s reputation as a person who valued love by having him wed these soldiers in covert Christian rituals.
Valentine was ultimately apprehended and imprisoned for his crimes against Claudius. Valentine provided care for his fellow inmates as well as the blind daughter of his jailer while he was incarcerated. According to legend, Valentine healed the girl of her blindness, and his last act before being put to death was to send her a love letter inscribed “from your Valentine.” Valentine was put to death on February 14th, 270.
What inspired Valentine’s Day? St. Valentine’s Day wasn’t declared on February 14 until more than 200 years later. Rome had already converted to Christianity at this point, and the Catholic Church was adamant about eradicating any remaining pagan practices. Every year, a pagan fertility ritual took place in February. The Pope banned this celebration and declared February 14 to be Saint Valentine’s Day, adding this feast day to the Catholic Calendar of Saints. The first person to associate St. Valentine with passionate love was the medieval poet Chaucer. This was the start of the custom of courtly love, an often-secret ritual of expressing love and appreciation.
The legend of a High Court of Love, where female judges would render judgments on matters of love on February 14 each year, evolved as this habit spread throughout Europe. According to historians, these events were actually get-togethers when individuals read love poems and played flirtatious games.
Signs for Valentine’s Day People started sending personalized cards as an extension of the practice of sending love messages. These lovely handmade cards were prepared by the giver specifically for the recipient to express their affection. Typically, cards would include a poetic verse that extolled the recipient’s beauty and how much they were loved. Valentine’s Day cards included cupid, hearts, and flower illustrations, and they were adorned with lace and ribbon. These symbols of love are still in use today and are well-known all across the world.
The Modern Valentine’s Day Most nations commemorate Valentine’s Day, but several cultures have created their own customs to mark the day. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in certain cultures as a day to celebrate love among friends and family members rather than romantic partners. Some customs involve leaving candy and gifts for kids, while others involve people showing each other thanks. With millions of Valentine’s Day cards being exchanged each year, Valentine’s Day is most frequently linked with romantic love. Couples spend special time together, and gifts of flowers or a solitary red rose are delivered along with romantic words to loved ones.
A picnic, special home-cooked meal, or dinner are popular ways for couples to commemorate Valentine’s Day. The meal is frequently presented with romantic symbols like hearts and flowers, and many restaurants have special Valentine’s Day dinner deals. A luxurious hotel stays in a picturesque setting is another common Valentine’s Day activity that enables a couple to unplug and spend quality time together. Valentine’s Day is frequently picked as the ideal day to declare love and commitment because marriage proposals are also very common on this day. Some marriage proposals are made in quite original ways, such as after reaching the summit of a mountain or by displaying a message on a billboard. Anyway, it is done, Valentine’s Day marriage proposals are often sweet and special.
How Chocolate Developed Into a Valentine’s Day Must-Have Is it due to the purported aphrodisiac properties of chocolate, or is it just a way for candy manufacturers to increase their sales of sweets during the slow period between Christmas and Easter? Many lovers around the world associate Valentine’s Day with conversation hearts, an abundance of truffles, and chocolate boxes in the shape of hearts. Nevertheless, where did this custom originate? Valentine’s Day originated in Roman times, although presenting chocolates as gifts is a much more recent phenomenon. Valentine’s Day is actually named after two distinct Roman saints by the same name who had nothing to do with romantic love.
The purpose of Valentine's Day is to honor da individuals in your life who matter the most to u Sending a flower quip or joke along with a romantic bouquet or box of chocolates can always make the recipient grin, whether it's your partner, daughter, or close friend.@chicamastylepic.twitter.com/rizuuOf4RQ
There is no evidence to support the persistent tradition that the first St. Valentine was a priest who performed illegitimate weddings for Emperor Claudius’ soldiers. Geoffrey Chaucer first made reference to St. Valentine’s Day as a love occasion in his writings in 1382. The focus on illegal but chaste courtly love changed during the medieval era, and it is at this point that some of the well-known iconographies start to appear. Knights would present roses to their maidens and sing songs of praise for their beauty from a distance. There was no thought of trading sweet gifts because sugar was still a valuable commodity in Europe.
Who Was the First Person to Create a Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box? The majority of the English-speaking world had adopted the idea of Valentine’s Day as a festival honoring romantic love by the 1840s.
The Victorian era, with its strict social mores, was Cupid’s heyday. People lavished each other with expensive cards and presents and cherished the idea of courtly love. Richard Cadbury, a British chocolate manufacturer and heir of a prominent family, entered this love-obsessed conflict and was in charge of sales at the time. In order to obtain pure cocoa butter from whole beans, Cadbury recently updated their chocolate-making process.
As a result, the drinking chocolate it produced was more delicious than most Britons had ever experienced.
As a result of this procedure, there was extra cocoa butter, which Cadbury used to make a lot more types of what was then referred to as “eating chocolate.” Richard began selling the new chocolates in exquisitely painted boxes that he himself created after recognizing a fantastic marketing opportunity for them. From there, it was a short step to placing the well-known pictures of Cupids and roses on heart-shaped boxes. Even though Richard Cadbury didn’t actually patent the heart-shaped box, many people think he was the first to make one The boxes, according to Cadbury’s marketing, serve two purposes: The box itself was so lovely that it could be used repeatedly to preserve keepsakes, from tresses of hair to tokens of affection, after the chocolates had been consumed.
It’s the season of love 💖 and we can’t think of a better way to express your love than sharing a bottle of Amarula Raspberry Chocolate liqueur with your nearest and dearest. Who are you going to indulge with? #RealMarulaOnlyAmarula#TheSpiritOfAfricapic.twitter.com/qOweavzOjm
Up until the start of World War II, the boxes became more and more complex. Cadbury boxes from the Victorian era do, however, still exist, and many of them are priceless treasures cherished by collectors or beloved family heirlooms.
Valentine’s Day falls on February 14 each year. Candy, flowers, and presents are given and received between loved ones all around the United States and in other countries on Valentine’s Day. But who is this enigmatic saint, and where did these customs originate? Discover the origins and significance of Valentine’s Day, from the spring-welcoming Lupercalia ceremony of the Romans to Victorian England’s card-giving traditions. What’s the origin of Valentine’s Day? The origins of the festival and the life of its patron saint are obscure. We do know that February has long been regarded as a month of love and that the origins of St. Valentine’s Day can be traced to both Christian and ancient Roman customs.
However, who was Saint Valentine and how did he come to be connected to this traditional ritual? At least three martyrs with the names Valentine or Valentinus are revered by the Catholic Church. According to one narrative, Valentine was a priest who served in Rome in the third century. Emperor Claudius II forbade young men from getting married because he believed that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and kids. Realizing the injustice of the law, Valentine defied Claudius and proceeded to secretly marry young lovers. When Valentine’s deeds were discovered, Claudius gave the order to have him executed. Others assert that the bishop Saint Valentine of Terni is the actual source of the holiday’s name, Outside of Rome, Claudius II also executed him by beheading.
According to other legends, Valentine may have been murdered for trying to aid Christians in escaping from the oppressive Roman jails where they were frequently beaten and tormented. One story has it that a Valentine who was imprisoned sent the first “valentine” message himself because he fell in love with a young girl who may have been his jailor’s daughter and visited him while he was incarcerated. She allegedly received a letter from him before he passed away, signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase that is still in use today. Despite the ambiguity surrounding the legends surrounding Valentine, they all highlight his attractiveness as a sympathetic, valiant, and most importantly romantic figure.
Valentine would rank among the most well-liked saints in England and France by the Middle Ages, possibly as a result of this reputation.
Origins of Valentine’s Day: A Pagan Festival in February While some think that Valentine’s Day is observed in the middle of February to mark the anniversary of Valentine’s passing or burial, which is thought to have happened around the year 27 A.D., others assert that the Christian church may have chosen to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan holiday of Lupercalia. Lupercalia, a fertility festival honoring Romulus and Remus as well as Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, was observed on February 15 the ides of February.
To start the event, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would assemble in a sacred cave where it was said that a she-wolf, or lupa, had taken care of the infants Romulus and Remus, the city’s founders. The priests would offer a dog for cleansing and a goat for fertility. They would then cut the goat’s skin into strips, bathe it in the blood of the sacrifice, and proceed through the streets, lightly slapping both ladies and agricultural fields. Roman women didn’t fear touching the hides because they thought it would increase their fertility for the upcoming year, but far from it.
Legend has it that all the city’s young women would place their names in a large urn later in the day. Each bachelor in the city would select a name and be partnered for the year with his preferred woman. Most of these encounters resulted in marriage.
Meaning of Valentine’s Day: A Day of Romance and Love When Pope Gelasius proclaimed February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day at the end of the fifth century, Lupercalia was forbidden despite having survived the early growth of Christianity. But it wasn’t until later that the day was unmistakably linked to love.
The concept that Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance in the middle of February was strengthened during the Middle Ages by the widespread belief in France and England that February 14 marked the start of the birds breeding season. In his poem “Parliament of Foules,” written in 1375, the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to refer to St. Valentine’s Day as a day of love celebration. He wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to pick his spouse.” Although written Valentine’s did not first appear until about 1400, Valentine’s greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages.
The oldest recorded Valentine that is still in existence today is a poem that Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote to his wife in 1415 while he was held captive in the Tower of London after being defeated at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is currently included in the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) It is thought that a few years later, King Henry V commissioned John Lydgate, a writer, to write Catherine of Valois Valentine’s letter.
What Is Cupid? On Valentine’s Day cards, Cupid is frequently depicted as a naked cherub shooting love arrows at unwary couples. However, the Greek god of love, Eros, is where the Roman god Cupid first appeared.
He was reportedly born to Nyx and Erebus, Aphrodite, Ares, Iris, and Zephyrus, or even Aphrodite and Zeus, according to various accounts of his birth (who would have been both his father and grandfather).
Greek Archaic poets described Eros as a gorgeous immortal who played with people’s emotions. He used golden arrows to stir feelings of love and leaden ones to stir feelings of dislike. He wasn’t depicted as the cheeky, chubby boy he had become on Valentine’s Day cards until the Hellenistic era.
The customary greetings and presents on Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is also observed in Kenya, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia in addition to the United States. Around the 17th century, Valentine’s Day in Great Britain started to become widely observed. Friends and lovers of all social groups would frequently exchange tiny mementos of affection or handwritten notes by the middle of the 18th century, and by 1900 printed cards had begun to take the place of written letters as a result of advancements in printing technology. When it was frowned upon to communicate one’s feelings directly, pre-made cards provided a simple means of doing so.
When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. pic.twitter.com/Nou9lf6U19
The popularity of mailing Valentine’s Day greetings increased as postage costs decreased.
Early in the 1700s, Americans most likely started sharing handmade valentines. Esther A. Howland started selling the first mass-produced Valentines in America in the 1840s. Howland dubbed the “Mother of the Valentine,” created intricate works of art using actual lace, ribbons, and “scrap,” or vivid images. Valentine’s Day is now the second-largest card-sending occasion of the year, with the Greeting Card Association estimating that 145 million cards are sent each year (more cards are sent at Christmas).
The Most Romantic Places In Kenya Every Couple In Love Should Visit Are you in love? Exploring the world is a fantastic thing! And traveling with the person you love is the best way to take a break from your everyday life, and rediscover your passion.
Romantic getaway dinner and vacation’s doesn’t always have to be in western courtiers in places like Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Ubud, Bali, Paris, Cinque Terre, Italy, Tupai Atoll Kauai, Hawaii, Kyoto, Japan, The Maldives, Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany, Santorini, Greece .
Surprise your loved one with a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day in Kenya. Have the time of your life at Kenya’s most romantic vacation destinations from North coast South coast, central to Western Kenya from lovable cottages to deluxe beach resorts private villas and experience the all-inclusive facilities such as unique cuisine, butler service, spa treatment, boot ride, scuba diving and infinity pools, candlelit dinner and private beach.
We have selected our favorite places for romantic getaways on Valentine’s Day for you. The surroundings are ideal for a perfect romance, long conversation, cosiness and relaxation.
1. Mfangano Island Camp
Mfangano Island is a small island, populated by local fishermen and this wonderful intimate lodge – you can reach it by private charter from the Masai Mara or from Nairobi. Mfangano encompasses rustic island luxury, and offers a true insight into the variety Kenya offers, it makes a great combination with a safari camp or beach holiday, and is truly unique in style and location.
There is 24 hour power, and an open sitting room with a bar and dining room decorated in ethnic style. Fishing is a highlight here, and Mfangano can provide all of the equipment there is also bird watching, walking trails, boat rides and traditional excursions in a ‘long boat’, visits to nearby Luo villages and school are also included in the price.
Location: Lake Victoria, Southern Kenya No of rooms: 6 rondavels Style: Island luxury in Africa’s largest lake thatched rooms with private verandah overlooking Lake Victoria Highlights: Culture, fishing, utter privacy, truly wild environment Dining: Eaten together or separate
2. Saruni Rhino
This extremely secluded and very intimate camp within the Sera Conservancy of the Samburu in Northern Kenya, is one of the most boutique and rustic chic camps you will visit.
There are only 3 rooms within this camp. Banda one is the largest suite which can sleep up to 4 people – perfect for families or groups of friends. There is a large outside communal space and the only thing you will share is the bathroom. Banda two is the smaller and original Kauro Banda. with a natural stone outside shower and running water. There is a spacious sandy terrace out on the front of the Banda over looking the ‘lugga’ (dried up river bed). Finally Banda number 3 is the perfect accommodation for families. Two en suite rooms with their own bathrooms and flushing loos. Like the other two Bandas, this Banda has a large veranda with stunning views of the ‘lugga’ which is often frequented by wandering elephants, plenty of plains game and an array of birdlife.
Each room has stunning views of the river bed – or ‘lugga’ – and the overall location of this camp is incredible for elephant and rhino viewing. On occasion you will be sitting with gin and tonic in hand in your room, or by the pool with your own personal sighting of these magnificent animals.
Location: Samburu, Sera Community Conservancy, Northern Kenya No of rooms: 3 rooms Style: Rustic boutique chic! Highlights: Game drives in Samburu and Sere Conservancy, meeting the Samburu tribe, swimming pool, massages, wonderful hosting – PLUS tracking the endangered black rhino on foot. Dining: Flexible dining options, but usually three course meals served in main area, although private dinners in room, and bush dinners are also available What’s the difference: The most hilarious charming Samburu staff and guides in Kenya. Wonderful infinity pool, rustic chic luxurious room with views of the river bed, fabulous elephant and cat experiences in Samburu National Park.
3. Elsa’s Kopje
Elsa’s Kopje (named after Elsa the lioness) has long been famed as one of Kenya’s most luxurious retreats, with sweeping views over the buffalo and elephant filled savannah, an infinity pool, and exquisite food, it certainly lives up to its reputation.
The lodge is almost invisible to the eye as you approach, it is built into Mughwango Hill and only naturally sourced materials were used. Elsa’s was built above the site of George Adamson’s original campsite, and Elsa the lionesses grave is not far away. Each private cottage is enormous, with large verandahs, spacious bathrooms, and plenty of space for afternoon siestas and wildlife viewing from your room.
Elsa’s Private House is ideal for families or those guests after a little more luxury, with two bedrooms, a comfy main sitting and dining room, and a private garden and pool – you will also have an expert guide who will privately guide you throughout.
Elsa’s Honeymoon suite is the ultimate in romance, with three levels and breathtaking views, the perfect cottage to while away your days after an exciting morning of game viewing.
Activities at Elsa’s include day and night game drives, bush walks, bush meals and sundowners, cultural visits, day excursions to the Tana River, line fishing, swimming and massages.
Elsa’s Kopje works hard to preserve and promote community conservation, working closely with the Tharaka people, based near the southern boundary of the park – the lodge buys their handcrafts, promotes dancing performances which revenue money for the tribe, and finances the building of local schools through clients donations and from the lodge, Elsa’s Kopje also buy fresh produce off the farmers and employs a number of staff from the local Kanjoo community.
Location: Meru National Park, Northern Kenya No of rooms: 6 cottages, 3 honeymoon suite, 1 two bedroom cottage, 1 private house (2 bedrooms) Style: Luxury cottages with sweeping views Highlights: Remote wilderness, exceptional guiding, good food, George and Joy Adamson Dining: Eat at separate tables under the stars or in the cosy dining and sitting area What’s the difference: Views over Meru National Park with excellent game viewing and museum dedicated to Elsa the Lion from Born Free, and George Adamson. The Luxury Safari Company Award for: Closest Lodge to the site of most of George Adamsons work.
4. Nairobi Tented Camp
The first and only tented camp inside Nairobi National Park – Deep within a riverine forest minutes from Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Wilson Airport and Nairobi City is a true wilderness experience. Visitors can arrive into Kenya and get ‘straight under canvas’ within 30 minutes of leaving the airport. Nairobi Tented Camp is an authentic tented camp in the heart of Nairobi National Park.
It is the first accommodation of any sort to be allowed in this unique safari destination. It is also the first tented accommodation in Nairobi. There isn’t anywhere else in the world like it; a wilderness escape where you can savour the thrill of camping in the heart of thick bushland right on the doorstep of Nairobi.
With sweeping plains on one side and Nairobi city on the other, Nairobi National Park is a wildlife haven unlike any other, with guaranteed sightings of rhino a reason in itself to visit, and Nairobi Tented Camp offers guests the opportunity to really get to know this unique destination and its wildlife.
International visitors will leave Jomo Kenyatta airport and within ten minutes start their wildlife encounter, with the last 20 minutes of their short half an hour journey filled with the excitement of their first game drive in Kenya.
Location: Nairobi National Park, Kenya No of rooms: small bush camp Style: Comfortable and rustic bush camp Highlights: The only camp in Nairobi National Park, fun and friendly atmosphere Dining: In the mess area
5. The Majlis
The Majlis is a small luxury beach hotel which looks directly at Peponis across the channel. Beautiful beaches and views combine to make this hotel tranquil and idyllic. The hotel is decorated with the true Italian flare of its owner, and is heart breakingly beautiful. The 25 suites are divided between three villas, all directly on the beach, with huge verandahs overlooking the white sand and azure water of the Indian Ocean.
From the Majlis you can do everything, but a visit to Shela or Lamu town is a must, and making the most of the lodge’s exceptional restaurant is a definite.
From the Majlis, one can also do the most fantastic dhow safari. The relaxing and luxurious dhow will sail you towards the Tana River Delta, here you will be collected by a guide from Tana Delta Dune Lodge, a luxurious boutique lodge (one of Kenya’s hidden jewels) – here you can spend the day, or even a night, enjoying delicious food, a friendly atmosphere, the sheer feeling of wilderness, and you might spot a few crocodiles and hippos while you’re there – before returning by dhow back to The Majlis.
Location: Manda Island, Northern Kenya Coast No of rooms: 25 suites Style: Colonial settlers residence, set in the beautiful Shela town Highlights: Peponis bar, the food, people watching from your sunbed or lunch, Shela Beach Dining: Flexible dining options
6. Manda Bay
Manda Bay is a small boutique hotel famous for it’s private location and fabulous hosting and atmosphere. All of the bandas are on the beach, and Manda’s atmosphere is that of barefoot luxury and utter freedom to be yourself and relax. The buildings are in keeping with the local style, and built out of natural materials.
There is a central dining room, with furniture crafted out of Lamu antiques, the large bar and sitting room are on the waterfront, and the game room encompasses a fresh water swimming pool. Manda Bay can also offer beach and bush experiences, as well as a huge array of water sports, for those more active, although to relax here is to truly unwind.
Location: Manda Island, Northern Kenya Coast No of rooms: 16 Style: Luxury beach bandas, with private beach Highlights: Family atmosphere, fun hosting Dining: Flexible dining options What’s the difference: Romantic, breezy and remote – this lodge is totally unique and offers every water sport and activity under the sun, of which our favourite was the sunset dhow cruise with bitings, just magical. The Luxury Safari Company Award for: Best beach lodge in Lamu.
7. Water Lovers
Water Lovers is a small and charming boutique hotel which feels small and intimate, with a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean. The turtle shaped infinity pool is inviting during the hot days, and there is plenty of space for all guests to be totally private and exclusive. Each cottage has a private ocean view verandah, and cuisine is exotic and delicious. Each cottage has air conditioning, fans, mosquito nets and a mobile and sim card to use for the duration of your stay. The interiors are Swahili in style, and bright and welcoming.
Water Lovers can organise kite surfing, snorkelling, big game fishing, tennis, and much more, as well as organising personal functions such as weddings, functions and events.
Location: Diani, South Kenya Coast No of rooms: 6 cottages, 1 family cottage suitable for four Style: Boutique hotel right on the beach Highlights: Private bit of beach in front of the hotel Dining: Eat separately by the sea, or the candlelit pool What’s the difference: Small intimate and owner run this little gem offers a fantastic spa, wonderfully friendly staff and a little piece of paradise for those wanting understated luxury and privacy. The Luxury Safari Company Award for: Best small beach lodge in Africa.
8. Desert Rose
Desert Rose is the only luxury lodge situated in the far North of Kenya, overlooking the semi-arid wilderness. Desert Rose is eco friendly and culturally integrated with the Samburu people, a wonderfully charismatic tribe. The main lounge and pool area has been hand crafted to blend with the indigenous gardens, and landscaped to enhance the dramatic views one gets from the lodge.
All of the en-suite bathrooms are open air, and each cottage is designed around natural features. All food is home cooked and home produced. Activities here include camel safaris, wood workshops, fishing on Lake Turkana, staying overnight in a houseboat on Lake Turkana.
There are also journeys by road, either north to Lake Turkana for fishing and an adventure into this rugged part of the world or towards the Ndoto Mountains for some wild rock climbing.
Location: Lake Turkana, Northern Kenya No of rooms: 5 Style: Remote desert lodge Highlights: Desert, Lake Turkana, true unexplored untouched wilderness Dining: Eat together in the open dining room What’s the difference: It doesn’t get more remote than this – enjoy walking through uncharted territory from one of the most remote lodges in Kenya. The Luxury Safari Company Award for: Most remote location.
9. Ol Malo House
Ol Malo House is a new addition to this beautiful game sanctuary and offers guests complete and utter privacy, with all the benefits of the numerous activities offered at Ol Malo, all of which can be done with your own private guides and trackers.
Built on the rock out of olive wood, with thatched roof and hand crafted furniture, with the hub of the house being a beautiful sitting and dining room complete with open fireplaces. Off this are three double bedrooms, and a further three double cottages create plenty of space for twelve guests to stay together in complete and utter privacy. The infinity pool is sure to draw all the family, and the verandah is perfect to survey those wide-open vistas, and ideal for al fresco dining.
Location: Privately owned game sanctuary, Laikipia, Northern Kenya No of rooms: 6 bedroom house Style: Luxury private house Highlights: Samburu people, conservation and flexibility in activities, private guide and meals Dining: Meals eaten in your private house
10. Tawi Lodge
Tawi Lodge is located on a private conservancy of 6,000 acres, just five minutes from Amboseli National Park, and is a successful new addition to the luxury lodge circuit in Kenya. The lodge is an eco-friendly operation which takes maximum care of the environment and it’s people. Each cottage has it’s own wooden decked verandah with views of Kilimanjaro, which can also be seen from your enormous bathtub. Tawi cottages also have fireplaces and butlers.
The style of the lodge is peace and tranquility, from the comfort of some seriously luxurious cottages, from which you can enjoy a sundowner or drink whilst watching elephant amble along the foothills of Kilimanjaro. Relax before dinner by the campfire or at the bush bar, and take in the nightsounds and stars.
Enjoy exciting game drives or relax by the pool after a massage – night game drives are also a must.
Location: Amboseli National Park, Southern Kenya No of rooms: 12 Style: Cottages with views of Kilimanjaro Highlights: Elephant viewing, swimming pool Dining: Eat together or separately, bush meals
This year, put down the flowers and give your sweetheart a romantic holiday to remember with personalized Valentine’s Day gifts.
As February 14 rapidly approaches, people around the world are already making Valentine’s Day plans whether writing love letters, or preparing gifts in an effort to show their significant other just how much they care. And while there are plenty of wonderful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, nothing quite says, “we’re together” like coordinating gifts. One for you, and one for them: It’s an easy way to demonstrate the bond you feel inside, on the outside.
Check out great valentine’s day ideas for gift and holidays below
Don’t limit Valentine’s Day gift-giving to your romantic partner include the other loves of your life with these gifts for your BFF, kids, neighbors, and more, forget the predictable box of chocolates and dozen long-stemmed roses. Celebrate this Valentine’s Day by wrapping up one of these clever gifts with a built-in health benefit (A personalized cutting board for healthy homemade meals, perhaps?). And because the day shouldn’t be limited to only romantic partners, why not shower all the loves of your life your kids, best friend, co-workers on the 14th?
Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub Online Digital Team
There are so many women in your life: sisters, wives, girlfriends, mothers, grandmothers, daughter, friends the list goes on and on. With so many powerful women surrounding you, you’re going to need plenty of gift ideas for women when special occasions come around.
Valentine’s Day gifts are all about knowing her. The classic chocolate and flowers are a good start, but an extra-thoughtful present is something a little more strategic. We rounded up 45 of the best Valentine’s Day (or holiday-time, because romance is a year-round phenomenon) gift options to make sure she feels the love, no matter what she’s into.
There’s something about wearing pretty lingerie that always elevates my mood. I absolutely love the black bralette and underwear I got. The lace is so beautiful, the fit is perfect, and it’s super comfy!
Personalised Prosecco & Chocolates
This Personalized Prosecco & Chocolates set would make a fabulous gift for a really special occasion! The sleek black bottle complete with the high quality silver label (which is made from water resistant paper stock with waterproof inks and is highly resistant to scratching) can hold any name and message of your choice. A box of 16 scrumptious truffles complete the set. Everything comes presented in a satin-lined red gift box. The fine Italian Prosecco has a crisp taste with the bubbles releasing hints of peach and apple which create a fresh and light feel on the palate. You can personalise the bottle label with any name (up to 25 characters) and a message (up to two lines of 40 characters each).
Personalised Teddy Bear in a Gift Tin
Show a very special loved or little one just how much you love them with this super cute and cuddly Personalized Teddy Bear! This beautiful teddy is soft, snugly and engraved with a personalized message on his stylish heart shaped tag. He’s even presented in a stylish gift tin, so you don’t need to wrap him up! This adorable little bear has patchwork details on one of his ears, chest and feet and a cute patterned ribbon around his neck. The perfect present for any occasion, give someone a unique and truly thoughtful gift this year!
Luxury Spa Gift Box – Tuberose & Jasmine
The stresses and strains of everyday life can often leave us feeling worn-down and over run. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just switch off and unwind! Now you can with this lovely relaxing Luxury Spa gift! The combination of Tuberose and Jasmine essential oils complement one another perfectly to produce a sweet, exotic, floral fragrance. Feel the weight being lifted from your body as the aromas gently fill the air, soothing your mind.
The bath soak grains help ease tension in the muscles relaxing the body. Whats more, the soak grains have been imported directly from the Dead Sea giving them a far higher concentration of minerals than ordinary sea salts. Thus, leaving your skin feeling more nourished and moisturised. As well as the box of bath soak grains which come with a wooden spoon, this set also includes soap and a matching dotty candle. So, whether youre having a peaceful bath or a nice hot shower, youre bound to feel revitalised! This soothing, sensuous aroma will leave you feeling relaxed and energised!
Content courtesy of Prezzy box & Nairobi fashion hub
Better late than never. On Valentines Day, lots of sweet vibes are in the air and you need a little aphrodisiac.
These are foods that stimulates sexual desire and they don’t taste bad either. So here’s a list of what you should be snacking on.
Strawberries, looking a perfect red heart, it’s an edible Valentine. Rich in antioxidants & Vitamin C that helps increase blood flow
Dark Chocolate, it tastes makes you feel happy and releases endorphins. It almost feels like you’re falling in love.
Red Wine, it contains anti-oxidants and has masculine notes just like male pheromones. Also, it increases a woman’s’ desire to be with a man.
Saffron, it increases sexual desire. A long time ago, people believed that if a woman ate for a week then her lover would find irresistible.
Hot Chilies, when eaten they help you release endorphins and make you feel happy. Besides, they’ll help raise your body temperature & get you in the mood to strip down to your bare essentials.
Avocado, it promotes sexual health because it’s rich in beta carotene, magnesium and vitamin E. It’s also shaped like a woman’s uterus especially when cut in half.
Bananas, its packed with potassium & B vitamins and they help with sexual hormone production. Indian fertility gods are offered bananas as sacrifices.
Pomegranates, it’s a symbol of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. RIch in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Helping men suffering from erectile dsyfunction improve their performance.
Vanilla, it smells amazing and its aroma will make you feel sensuous. You can use it in your bath to get you in the mood.
Honey, the nectar of Aphrodite. It’s a sensual experience eating honey since its sticky and sweet. It has a nutrient called Boron that helps increase sexual energy.
Coffee, it acts as an automatic stimulant on a daily basis. It excites the body, mind, mood & other things.
Pineapple, it feels sweet & juicy going down your throat. Loaded with Vitamin C so that you feel like you’re on seventh heaven and rich in antioxidants. It has manganese that fights impotence in men.
Marijuana, it can be a potent aphrodisiac that increases sexual pleasure. However, it can also decrease sexual arousal & lead to a low sperm count.
What are meaningful gifts for Valentine’s Day? A gift from the heart speaks volumes, so give them a unique handmade item or something personalized to show just how much you care. For the best Valentine’s Day gifts, celebrate with a gift that holds significance for you and your sweetheart. Discover heartfelt jewelry for her or personalized bar ware for him and much more,Set the mood for a romantic evening! Shop for unique collection of personalized romantic gifts to find the perfect way to show the one you love how much they mean to you. Customize your romantic gifts for anniversaries and birthdays to make the night even more memorable, or create one-of-a-kind Sweetest Day or Valentine’s Day gifts your sweetheart will swoon over, for example you can buy sentimental glass keepsakes or picture frames her/him.
Valentine’s Day Gift for Her
Buy your Husband or Boyfriend a Valentine’s Gift as unique as your love for each other. Whether he’s a suave Gentleman in need of some new personalized cufflinks, undergarments for a true romantic or needs a few tips, location where you can buy those gift don’t worry we’ve got you covered! For more male gifts to tickle his fancy
Valentine’s Day Gift for Him
Are you looking for best place to shop for gifts during this valentine’s day don’t worry we got your back ,below are some of the gift shop where you can buy valentine’s day gift for her and him,”A home is a man’s castle.” So it deserves to be filled with lovely home gifts that complement your decor and furnishings.
1.Keswick Books & Gifts Ltd 2.House of Leather & Gifts 3.Signature Kenya Gifts 4.The Banana Box Company 5.Gift World Kenya 6.Purpink Gifts & Florist 7.Rupa’s Gift Centre Ltd 8.Gifted Hands Kenya 9.Rupa’s Gift Shop 10.Blueline Gifts 11.Inscribed Gifts Kenya 12.Langata Link Shops 13.Mt Kenya Sundries Ltd 14.Blue Rhino Ltd 15.IML Corporate Gift Shop 16.Pablo Gift Shop Nairob 17.Pablo Gift Shop Mombasa 18.Corporate Gift Center Limited 19.Kenyan Curio 20.Six Eighty Gift Shop
Do Kenyan’s really know the history of valentine’s Day? Every February 14, valentine day is celebrated in Kenya and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.
The Legend Of St.Valentine The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Origins Of Valentine’s Day A Pagan Festival In February While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial–which probably occurred around A.D. 270–others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.
Valentine’s Day ( A Day Of Romance) Make Love not War Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”–at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.
Valentine’s greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine’s note to Catherine of Valois.
Typical Valentine’s Day Greetings In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions at a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.
Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.
Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub & History.com
