Interviews by Michelle Crouch

1. If you want more flowers for your money, find a florist in your recipient's town and call him directly. But it's harder than you think: some florists in the yellow pages and at the top of your Google search are national businesses masquerading as local ones. They even buy local phone numbers. So make sure you look for a physical address in town.

2. Our smartest customers ask for a bunch of those packets. Most of us will gladly give you extras.

PLUS: 7 Valentine's Day Waiters' Secrets

3. Put away those scissors, which can crush the stem. Instead, use a sharp, non-serrated knife to cut a quarter of an inch off the bottom of stems, at an angle. While you're at it, cut off those leaves below the water line. They breed bacteria.


4. Looking for a way to jazz up your red roses? Try pairing them with purple statice or heather. Or ask us: "What can you put in that will really make her roses stand out?"

PLUS: Top 10 Aphrodisiacs for Valentine's Day

5.

Valentine's Day is definitely celebrated by kids, but it does NOT have to be celebrated the way that adults do...with gifts! Sure Dad may bring home a flower for his child while he is picking roses up for his wife, or Grandma may send a little gift to show the child how much she is loved, it is not necessary. What is necessary however, is to teach your children about the holiday and encourage them to show their love, friendship, and appreciation towards others.
Valentines Day Gifts
Parents can encourage children to do by this having them hand out Valentine's Day cards to their classmates, sending Grandma her favorite box of chocolate, or making a drawing for Dad that says I LOVE YOU. When it comes to Valentine's Day remember it's not what you give that is important, it is just important to acknowledge your loved ones on this holiday.

"Be Mine." "Kiss Me." "Sweet Talk." Nothing signals Cupid's arrival quite like conversation hearts. This year, thanks to the landslide results of an online survey in which the candy's manufacturer solicited suggestions for new messages, one in 80 candy hearts will say, "Tweet Me."

Isn't that modern. But did you know just how vintage these 144-year-old candy hearts are?

We'll give you a short (and sweet) history lesson: The New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) debuted their Sweethearts Conversation Hearts in the 1800s. Originally called "motto hearts," their precursor was a trendy fortune cookie-like treat sold during the Civil War called a "cockle," which had printed phrases rolled up inside its scallop-shaped shell. Printing words directly on the candy was the bright idea of Daniel Chase, the brother of NECCO's founder. He also invented the machine that both pressed red vegetable coloring on the candy dough and cut the shapes. The new candies were a hit, especially wedding-day

V-Day is fast approaching and as much as we can't resist a big ol' box of See's Candies (or any chocolate for that matter!), this is one holiday where a little creativity can go a long way. And it's so simple to make or find a memorable and budget-friendly gift. Your loved ones will be touched and nothing's sweeter than that!

PERSONALIZE IT...

• M&M's. Who can resist the opportunity to design your very own M&M's! Choose from a sassy variety of colors (they even have gold and platinum shades) and dream up your own special message (this is where the fun comes in!). They'll ship them right to your beloved's door. Around $35 for a V-Day three pack.
• Stationery. Inspire your significant other to write letters (or love letters) with his or her own personalized notecards, easy to find for under $20. Write your own romantic note to your lover inside one of the cards and they'll definitely get the message!

• Jewelry. Yes, it is possible to find fabulous and affordable

A childhood favorite grows up, just in time for Valentine's Day. Related: Tips for Valentine's Day on a Budget 17 of Bon Appétit's Sexiest Dishes Top 10 New Romantic Getaways Family Valentine's Day Dinner for 4 More from Bon Appétit: Best Restaurant Dishes for Under

Need some inspiration for how to keep romance alive?
These women got creative with these cute things they did for their boyfriends. Take note and try one (or all!) of these brilliant strategies for bonding with your boyfriend or husband.

1. Dream Up a Hot Vacation


Get out of your cold-weather rut by fantasizing about a sexy European getaway with your guy. We found his vacation wishlist. While the two of you are sipping coffee and sharing the Sunday paper, take a detour to the travel section. Grab your guy's attention by reading an irresistible description of some totally romantic locale (charming old cities, a lush green countryside, gorgeous sunsets, and delicious local dishes should capture his attention pretty quickly). Then start concocting your own ultimate escape together.

2. Plan Two Hot Dates with Him


Instead of orchestrating a perfect evening you'll both love, make a deal that you'll do whatever he wants one night as long as he does the same for you the

Even if you're single (And if you've forgotten how awesome that is, here's a little reminder.) February 14th is a good day to be a chick. That's because you can get away with these decadent, pampering, self-indulgent little moves.

1. Browse Bargain Stores


A recent study found that women between the age of 20 and 40 get enjoyment out of shopping for a dress, shoes, or a bag on sale. Snagging a deal gives chicks such a thrill, in fact, that it can raise their heart rate by 39%. Hit up stores with marked down designer goods like Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and Filene's Basement, and give yourself a budget of $30-$40. The challenge of finding cute cheapo items is extra satisfying and it'll get your pulse racing, literally. Not sure what to buy? We found 10 gifts you'll totally love- and deserve.

2. Have a Sunday Fun-Day


Valentine's Day falls on a weekend this year, which means that you can actually spend the holiday having fun, rather than sitting at work doing the

Valentine's Day is a loaded holiday when it comes to picking out the right gift for your man. What you buy reflects how you see him and the relationship, so you want to get something thoughtful, creative, and appropriate for the amount of time you've been together. We know guys are notoriously tough to shop for, so our guide is full of great outside-the-box ideas for every stage of coupledom. And while you are shopping, don't forget to pick up a little something for yourself.

Less Than 3 Months

If you've just started dating, keep your gift casual. At this point, anything expensive or too personal will send a scary I-like-you-a-little-too-much message. Plan to spend around $20-$25 on something simple but sweet, like a DVD of a movie he really liked - such as The Hangover) - or a book by one of his favorite authors (A Michael Crichton novel was just published).

3-6 Months

This is a tricky in-between phase: You're an official couple, but are still getting to know