Roses are a wonderful flower to receive and to give, and they are full of subtle, and not so subtle meaning. With Valentine’s Day later this week, soon to be followed by Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation, weddings, engagements, and all sorts of special events coming up, roses are sure to be in high demand.

Sending roses is full of subtle, and not-so-subtle meaning, so consider the meaning of the color of roses before making a selection on what to send:

• Red – A traditional symbol of love and romance, it’s the classic way to say I LOVE YOU. Red roses are popular for romantic occasions, engagements, and as declarations of love and devotion.
• Pink – A symbol of grace and elegance, pink roses are an expression of admiration, appreciation and joyfulness. Pink roses are often sent when a relationship is not yet ready for declarations of love.
• Yellow – This sunny color evokes warmth and happiness, and are a symbol of joy and friendship. Send yellow roses to friends, family members, and anyone with whom you share a special happy moment.
• White – Representing innocence and purity, white rose are traditionally associated with weddings and new beginnings. It is also a symbol of honor, reverence, and remembrance. White roses are often seen at wedding and funerals.
• Orange – This energetic color is representative of desire and enthusiasm, and orange roses symbolize passion, excitement, and a fiery romantic passion. Orange roses are appropriate for passionate relationships.
• Lavender – This unusual color is a symbol of enchantment, and this color is often used to express the giddy feelings of love at first sight. Send lavender roses the first time you send flowers, along with the promise and excitement of what could be.

If you have a special occasion that you are celebrating, don’t forget to pick up some roses for yourself!

Photo credit: SXC

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When romance and an unlimited budget go hand in hand, Valentine’s Day is not quite as daunting as it is when you’re rich in love, but poor in dollars.  This year, spend more time and effort than money and create a romantic experience for the love of your life.

Here are 7 suggestions that are practically FREE:

1. Eat by candlelight. Whether it’s lobster and filet mignon or a cheese pizza, bring out the good china (if you have some) and light a few candles.  Heck, why not light a lot of candles.  Everything tastes better by candlelight.
2. Put on some music.  Whether it’s background music during dinner, something soft and sexy to dance to, or a real sexy bump and grind for a little playful stripping, music has long been the language of love.
3. Bubble bath a deux.  When you can’t afford the bubbles that go in a champagne flute, you can still pick up the kind that go in the tub.  Spring for some lush smelling products, and then shut out the real world and let the steamy water work its magic.  Before long you won’t know which is steamier –the water of the two of you.
4. Wish upon a star.  Whether it’s a falling star or merely the first star you see that night, wishing upon a star expresses the desire and hope for a shared future.  Sure, you may be struggling this year, but wishing for a bright future that you share together is a wonderful sign of love and commitment.
5. Write a love letter.  Think it sounds sappy?  Not a chance.  I was cleaning through some boxes the other day and came across a love letter from many moons ago.  It still warms my heart, and bring a tear to my eye, after all these years.
6. Find a romantic view.  Share a sunset or sunrise, look out at the water, catch a glimpse of the country or an urban view.  The important thing is to share the beauty of the moment with someone you love.
7. Create a memory.  Be honest about both your love and your financial circumstances and find a way to create a memory that you’ll be able to look back on fondly.  Go for a walk, dream about your future, watch a movie, or hold hands.  Live and love in the moment, and you’ll look back on it for years to come.

Do you have a practically FREE way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?  Please leave your ideas in the comments.

Photo credit:  SXC

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