As the relationship changes, so do the Valentine's Day gifts

(ARA) - Do red roses mean more than you're willing to admit? Does the jewelry you're giving your loved one send the correct message? What is the appropriate gift to show your mother that you love her on Valentine's Day?

As the holiday of love quickly approaches, many of us are trying to find the right gifts for our loved ones. For new couples, maybe a gift of red roses in full bloom, which means "I love you," isn't what the man is ready to give, or the woman is ready to receive. For couples who have been together for a long time, a lasting gift like a living plant might convey your love better than cut flowers, which wilt quickly and then are thrown away.

Here are some tips to determine what gifts might work well for your relationship.

A new relationship
* Spending time together and discovering new talents is what makes a new relationship so exciting. Consider cooking a special meal for the two of you to enjoy together, or make a favorite food item for your sweetheart, like brownies or a cake.

* Flowers work for any relationship. If you aren't ready to go the red roses route, consider an arrangement of her favorite type of flower, or roses in her favorite color. Online flower companies have Valentine's Day specials, and you can find flower coupons for discounts or free delivery at CouponHeaven.com.

Still in the honeymoon stage
After you've known each other for a while, and enjoy spending every waking minute together, you start to pick up on your partner's personal tastes. An extra level of thoughtfulness is conveyed through the giving of a creative and specialized gift.

* Jewelry gifts provide a beautiful way to show how much you care. Diamonds are a traditional favorite for expressing a long-lasting message of love, but other gemstones may be a better fit for the current phase of your relationship. For example, if you want to promote your faithfulness, weaving sapphires into your gift would be a brilliant idea. You can check out what's available in your local stores or better yet, shop online and find discounts with jewelry coupons. Be sure to leave extra time for delivery if you choose a personalized gift.

* Cologne and perfume also make excellent Valentine's Day gifts. You can refresh your loved one's supply easily by shopping online - just make sure to look for coupon codes for free shipping or an extra discount.

Happily ever after
* Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity for established couples to reconnect, and giving your loved one a gift that inspires a memory from happy times in your relationship works well. For example, consider finding a bottle of the wine or champagne you drank on your first date, or at your wedding.

* Being comfortable with each other is what works for happily-ever-after couples. Consider booking a couple's massage, so you can both enjoy the gift of time spent together in blissful relaxation.

Best friends forever
* Finding a non-romantic gift for your best friend doesn't have to be difficult. Just pay attention to their special interests and cater to them. For example, browse the bookstore for a copy of their favorite book. Or if they're into sporting events, think about getting tickets to an upcoming home game or a jersey shirt as a gift.

* Family members will appreciate gifts that bring back memories of time spent together. If you're creative, a scrapbook of time spent with your mom would make a wonderful gift. Or a digital photo frame preloaded with family photos will put a smile on your dad's face.

Of course, it's easy to show how much you care this Valentine's Day. A simple hug will go a long way.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Happy Valentines Day from Bridge Chiropractic!

Bridge Chiropractic


Bridge Chiropractic, PC
13712 NE 20th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98686

Phone: 360-574-5944
Bridge Chiropractic, PC
605 SE 164th Ave.
Vancouver, 98684

Phone: 360-567-120

Healthy eating year round for head-to-toe beauty

(ARA) - From award shows to a simple coffee run, movie and television stars are known for looking photo-ready at any moment. While their appearances may seem difficult to maintain, experts behind the scenes say achieving head-to-toe beauty simply starts with the foods we eat.

Carrie Latt Wiatt, nutrition consultant to Hollywood's elite and author of "Eating by Design: The Individualized Food Personality Type Nutrition Plan" and "Portion Savvy," works daily with celebrities like Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson and other red carpet beauties to ensure their bodies are always ready for high-profile events.

"You can work toward desired health and beauty goals by following a balanced and portion-controlled eating regimen that can be maintained year round," says Wiatt. "A healthy diet can help keep skin looking more youthful, hair more vibrant and waistlines trimmer. No matter the occasion, following this approach offers long-term success."

With so many glamorous events, such as weddings, vacations and dates, dotting the calendar each year, a long-range view on beauty is especially important. One in three women begin to prepare for moments like these a month or more in advance, according to a new poll by the Florida Department of Citrus.

Wiatt fully understands how strongly women feel about looking their best at key moments and says the tips she shares with her clients are the same she would share with others.

"The first thing I tell my clients is to keep a food journal to identify and eliminate diet de-railing habits, such as late-night snacking, sugar addictions or baked goods at the office," says Wiatt.

With increased awareness of daily food consumption, Wiatt then works to integrate the following healthy lifestyle habits into daily regimens:

* Fill up on fiber. Dietary fiber can help keep you feeling full for longer. An entire medium grapefruit has 4 grams of dietary fiber, some of which is soluble fiber (pectin), which helps support healthy cholesterol levels. Enjoy half a grapefruit for breakfast and another half after your evening workout.

* Prepare your portions. Be mindful of portions by downsizing dishes at home. Measure correct portions the first time, so you have a visual blueprint in your mind.

* Shake up snack time. Eating well is all about flavor, texture and variety. For an energizing afternoon snack, try pairing a fruit or vegetable you love with a serving of walnuts to add protein, omega-3 fatty acids and a satisfying crunch.

* Eat your way to great skin. Your overall diet and health regimen may contribute to smooth, supple skin. The vitamin C found in Florida grapefruit and 100 percent grapefruit juice supports collagen production to help keep skin looking youthful, glowing and picture-perfect ready for whatever the day throws your way. Collagen breakdown in the skin may contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.

* Eat smarter. To regulate caloric intake, practice mindful eating instead of automatic eating. First, consult your brain: are you feeling hunger or boredom? Second, wait five to 10 minutes after experiencing diet-derailing cravings to see if they pass. Finally, when its mealtime, take your time and monitor for satiety - then stop when you are satisfied.

"The results of a balanced diet can be rewarding - especially when you reach a point where you're no longer afraid to reach into the closet, try on a favorite outfit and know you'll be ready for those planned or spontaneous special moments," Wiatt adds.

Visit www.GoFloridaGrapefruit.com for more healthy lifestyle tips and delicious recipes featuring nutrient-rich grapefruit.



Bridge Chiropractic, PC
13712 NE 20th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98686

Phone: 360-574-5944

Bridge Chiropractic, PC
605 SE 164th Ave.
Vancouver, 98684

Phone: 360-567-1205
Toll Free: 866-DRPAUL1 (866-377-2851)
E-mail: drpaul@bridgechiropractic.com