From at least the time of the Aztecs, chocolate has been seen as an aphrodisiac. So we assume that it has been connected to Valentines day for many centuries. However, that isn’t the case. The roots of Valentine’s Day are ancient but still quite unclear. It’s possible it originated in the pagan Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia. Then morphed into a much tamer Christian feast day in A.D. 496, when Pope Gelasius I commemorated a martyred saint, Valentine. Or saints. In the third century, the Roman emperor Claudius II executed two men named Valentine on Feb. 14th, albeit in different years. It’s all rather confusing.
By the mid-19th century, Feb. 14 had become the day in Britain (and the U.S.) on which people expressed their affection by exchanging lavish cards decorated with lace, ribbons and plump, bow-and-arrow-wielding Cupids.
Chocolate has been around for centuries, but not in the tasty bars and tantalizing truffles you’re used to. For much of its early history, chocolate was used as a bitter elixir, often ground up with chili pepper or cinnamon by the Ancient Aztecs and Mayans to make it more palatable . The Aztecs are often credited with making the connection between chocolate and love, or at least lust, when 16th-century ruler Montezuma noticed that his ability to “please the ladies” was enhanced after drinking cocoa. Rumor has it that he drank three gallons of the chocolate-y drink a day to increase his libido. Claims like that make chocolate the perfect V-Day gift.
Food of the Gods
The scientific name of the cocoa tree is Theobroma cocoa in Greek: literally translated as ‘Food of the Gods’. What better way to spoil someone than offering them a treat good enough for Gods? Modern day gifts include chocolate roses, chocolate gift baskets and even boxes of chocolates.
Chocolate offers powers of love
The Aztecs created a beverage named ‘Xocolatl’, containing cocoa, honey and vanilla, which was believed to give special powers and arouse passion. The Aztec king would drink this potion before entering his harem, leading Spanish explorers to conclude that this ‘chocolate’ must indeed give special powers of love.
Chocolate to enhance your mood
Historical anecdotes are now supported by scientific evidence. Chocolate – ‘the love drug’ – contains phenylethylalanine. This releases endorphins in your brain, resulting in the same happy feeling you experience when in love.
With Easter less than a week away, there’s a lot of planning to do. After you’ve made the deviled and dyed the eggs, hid the eggs now it’s time to put unique Easter Baskets together. Seriously, why should kids have all the fun? We’ve found a fun assortment of Easter presents any adult will love.
The guide for Easter gift baskets for adults are similar to the kids baskets. All items should fall under at least one of the following parameters: spring-themed, edible (or drinkable), indulgent, and/or fun. And if the items check every box, even better!
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This Halloween has the potential to be epic: the holiday falls on a Saturday (which means we get an entire day of yummy candy, silly costumes and fund crafts) and best f all, there will even be a full moon (spooky!). There are a few things that will set Halloween 2020 apart from all other years — most notably, the coronavirus pandemic and everything that comes with it. But just because we need to remain socially distanced this year doesn’t mean Halloween is canceled — it just means we need to be creative and have fun quarantine Halloween ideas.
We’ve put a list of the best ways to safely celebrate Halloween in 2020. From creating fun Halloween games to cooking a spread of yummy, spooky snacks, these ideas will help you have the best Halloween yet. Forget everything you know about how October 31 is traditionally celebrated; these quarantine Halloween ideas will help you have a spooky socially distanced celebration right at home. All you need to do is put on your costume, eat some candy, and get ready for a haunting Halloween house party. BOO! (more…)
Everyone has a sweet tooth that they can’t hide, which makes candy gift baskets the perfect gift for any friend, loved one, or colleague. Candy is the perfect gift for any and all occasions. In all seriousness, who doesn’t love candy? Be it chocolate, gummies and everything in between. It’s loved by young and old alike. Making and sending candy gift baskets is the perfect low-cost idea for all occasions.
So what exactly are candy gifts? Candy gifts range from candy bars, homemade candies, chocolates and dozens of other sweet treats. Even if you don’t know their favorite sugary treat, you can’t go wrong with candies. We’ve put together some fun candy gift ideas for the people in your life who love everything about indulging in sweet treats. Cheers!
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