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Monday 4th of December 2023

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Valentines

How Chocolate Became An Essential For Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

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.

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.

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.

Content courtesy of History, Chicamastyle & NFH 

 

 

 

 

History of Valentine’s Day: Do you understand the origins of Valentine’s Day?

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

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.

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).

Content courtesy of History & NFH

 

 

Valentine gift

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

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

Valentine,s day getaway special
Valentine’s gift for her
Valentine’s gift for him
Valentine’s gift shop 
Valentine’s history

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

Valentine Gifts for Her 

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

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 

Valentine Gifts for Him

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Even if gift-giving is your love language, finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the guy in your life isn’t easy. The challenge: You want something as sweet and heartfelt as your love, but still something he’ll find practical enough for day-to-day life. Browse through these unique Valentine’s Day gifts for him to find the best of both worlds.

There’s something for every kind of relationship, whether you’re celebrating your first Valentine’s Day together as boyfriend and girlfriend, or if you’ve been married to your husband for more years than you can count. All gift ideas, regardless of price or functionality, are packed with the same level of romance because, remember, you’re shopping for Valentine’s Day after all.

But really, you know your guy best. So if he’s the type to swoon at a personalized print (anniversary pushpin world map) or a funny gift catered to his interests (homemade hot sauce kit), then stick to what he already knows and loves. No matter which gift you pick, there’s no doubt that he’ll love it because it came straight from your heart.

Smart Gadget

A guy who is tech-savvy loves innovative and trendy gadgets. Grab headphones or iPods or DSLR. According to research, women prefer to gift their man technology things. So go ahead and grab the best we have in store for you.

Chocolate

Since ages men are known to lure their women with chocolates and roses. How about we turn this tradition the other way round and surprise him? This Valentine’s make your man feel special and excite him with A romantic dinner date with chocolates will make your Valentine a perfect date. After all, his happiness is what matters to you and he loves you, even more, when you take efforts.

Rich Delight with Personalised Gifts

You know your man better than anyone else. And you know this wonderful basket of personalized gifts will brighten up his mood. A basket of chocolates with a light bottle and a calendar with a  picture of both of you on them will light up his eyes and take him by surprise.  It’s going to make him happy and he’s going to see how much effort you’ve put into this to find that perfect picture of both of you through that album which is brimming with your selfies.  So do not wait, order this combo pack now!

Lens Coffee Cup

Your perfect pictures on Facebook and Instagram look absolutely adorable and gorgeous. Photo credits? The love of your life! He takes huge efforts to click those magnificent pictures of yours through his Camera or Phone. Now it’s time to show him how much that means to you and how much he means to you. For the photographer in him, we have the perfect gift kept with us. A wonderful Lens Cup that can hold his hot beverage would definitely surprise him, make him grin wide and then comes that hug you’ve been waiting to get.

Relaxing Spa Combo

Whether it’s your boyfriend or husband, or your special date, this Valentine’s Day, let him know that he deserves to feel relaxed and soothe him with this special Relaxing Spa Combo set. You know he works really hard at his work, you know he’s skipping dinner just to see you! So why not give him that massage, and let him ease his muscles with this set.

Content courtesy of Valentine’s Day Special & Nairobi fashion hub

The 1st Date

Posted on by Linda Wairegi

It’s the month of love for most people even though others really dread it. I put up a WhatsApp status about Valentines being right around the corner & I was told to stop stirring the pot.

So if you’re brave, it means that you’re shooting your shot at the moment. Hoping that your crush or crushes, if you’re into polyamory, say yes to you.

So your crush has said yes & now you’re wondering about what’s next.  So here are a few tips

  1. Make sure that you ask out your crush to a public place. They’ll feel more comfortable & you don’t have to worry about them changing their mind.
  2. Don’t keep calling & texting them like you’re losing your mind. You don’t want to look like clingy and or desperate.
  3. On the date, don’t drop all your emotional baggage on them. It’s definitely not the moment to tell them that your mother has never loved since your child or your dad borrows money from you so he can blow it on liquor.
  4. Instead, make her laugh & keep it light. So she can loosen up around you and have fun.
  5. Don’t become too sexual on your her. This isn’t the moment to tell her about how you’ve been fantasizing about her since you met her.
  6. Don’t give her back-handed compliments e.g. you look nice but you’d look better with make-up.
  7. Don’t tell her that you love HER since it’s pretty self-explanatory. It’ll come off bad.
  8. Don’t drink yourself silly
  9. Don’t invite your friends since you don’t always have time to catch up. So you want to kill two birds with one stone. 

The Day After Valentines

Posted on by Linda Wairegi

The city has been caked in red with lots of balloons & roses to liven up all the restaurants.

Men crying foul because his date ordered fries, chicken burger & finished up with a chocolate brownie and caramel. Of course, she’s petite but she eats like a rabbit. 

Likewise, rose vendors have hustled through the day & all the extra coins are making their pockets heavy.

While, every love song has been playing on loop at your favourite radio station & you’re tired of hearing John Legends’ voice. 

Definitely, Facebook is filled with ‘I can’t believe he did it,’ ‘my bae is better than yours,’ ‘love conquers all,’ or ‘love is for birds.’

Whereas, your man has gone underground then you’re plucking off your red press-on nails as you breathe fire. If he did everything right, then, you’d be walking on sunshine.

Here are a few phrases, he might tell you and how to decode them.

a) It’s just a day I don’t know why you’re turning it into such a big deal. Since, you’re a not a big deal to me, I want you to drop this right now.

b) I’m busy till next week. I want to be alone. It’s not even a real holiday.

c) My phone died. Furthermore, I have limited imagination and don’t feel like making up excuses about missing Valentines.

d) Why can’t you treat me instead? Si life is all about equality nowadays. Similarly, I’m trying to push your buttons.

e) Ati a gift… I’ll give you the gift that never ends.  Of course, I’ll confuse you with sex so you can leave me alone.

f) I know what you like & I wanna treat you right. Definitely, it’s going to be an awesome day. 

g) You’re not really putting everything into one day. I thought that you weren’t like the other girls. Naturally, I’m trying to guilt into you giving me a pass on Valentines.

h) Why waste money on such silly things? In fact, I’m super broke & well I can’t really eat flowers so why waste money on that.

i) Is it a real day? Si i celebrate you every day. Finally, I wish you could stop bothering me with this nonsense.

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