Columbia Shop
2117 E. 7^th Ave.
Ybor City, FL 33605
(813) 248-4961
www.columbiarestaurant.com/ybor

If you have a foodie in your life, then shower them with some of the most amazing Columbia Restaurant-inspired gifts. Located next to Ybor City’s famous Columbia Restaurant, the shop features gift baskets beginning at just $39.95 as well as hand-crafted dishes that are perfect for any home. The famous Columbia Restaurant 1905 Dressing is also available for just $4.95 as well as sangria mix and pitchers perfect for any occasion. But, if there is too much to choose from, then pick up a gift card or shop online for even more ideas.

El Molino Gourmet Coffee Shop
2012 E. 7^th Ave.
Ybor City, FL 33605
(800) 531-9587
www.elmolinocoffee.com

If that special someone is a coffee aficionado, then Ybor City’s famous El Molino Coffee Shop is the place to go. El Molino is a family owned and operated business that has been serving some of Tampa’s best coffee for decades. The shop has gourmet espresso varieties that begin at just $7 a bag. For gourmet coffee drinkers, the selection choices include Kona, Celebes, Brazilian and much more — all for under $10 each. But that’s not all. There are several options in coffee flavors that include hazelnut, chocolate and snickerdoodle and many more. Coffee isn’t the only gourmet beverage at El Molino’s. Select tea varieties are also on hand including earl grey and British breakfast. El Molino also has a variety of coffee and tea accessories.

“POPera” – Florida Opera Festival
David A. Straz Jr. Center
Ferguson Hall
1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 229-7827
www.strazcenter.org

Dates: Feb. 14-17

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love with “POPera” with the Florida Opera Festival at the Straz Center. Opera lovers will thoroughly enjoy famous music from Broadway favorites as well as scores from world famous operas. The international selection will include some of the best musical works ever to be made and create a loving atmosphere for Valentine’s weekend.

Russell’s Western Wear
6027 N. Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 877-1363
www.floridawesternwear.com

For cowboys and cowgirls looking for a unique gift for their Valentine, Tampa’s Russell’s Western Wear is the place to find the perfect gift. Russell’s has cowboy boots at an affordable price for men and women beginning at just $59.99. Also available are Western-style jackets and vests for men and women for under $100. But, every Western fan of course needs an authentic hat available in all shapes and styles. Russell’s also sells accessories such as belt buckles and jewelry.

Related: The Trendiest Tampa Bay Boutiques That Opened in 2012

Wisteria
2718 S. MacDill Ave.
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 835-8630
www.wisteriaantiquestampa.com

Tampa’s well-known trendy antique store Wisteria is just the place to find the perfect gift for someone who likes artistic pieces. The shop also features unique desk accessories, handbags and other collectibles. For ladies, there are also handbags and other priceless accessories that will be unlike any other gift. Prices on these antiques are very reasonable and definitely unforgettable.

Related: Best Places To Buy Local Art For Less Than $100 In Tampa Bay

Bethany Cohen is a resident of Tampa and enjoys sharing her love for the city with others. Bethany loves traveling and learning about new cultures. She currently writes for Examiner.com. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

(credit: Thinkstock)

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to declare one’s passion for a certain someone or to reaffirm that passion. It’s also a good excuse for a party that can fit any budget, and if you’re a single looking for a chance to meet someone, choosing the right place to party could bring about a good chance of that. Or if you’d rather just enjoy a stiff drink in relative solitude, there’s something for you too.

(credit: Thinkstock)

Valentine’s Day can be a tricky day to observe properly. Flowers and candy? Candlelight dinners? A romantic getaway? Luckily, the Tampa Bay area has plenty of options to please everyone, whether they prefer a quiet time in the country or a few nights in the middle of Tampa’s lively Ybor City or even the full-tilt party mode of Florida’s largest casino.

Don Vicente De Ybor Historic Inn (Credit, Mike Hennessy)

Don Vicente De Ybor Historic Inn
1915 Republica de Cuba
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 241-4545
www.donvicenteinn.com

Located in the heart of Tampa’s famous Latin district, this boutique hotel dates back to 1895 when Ybor City’s founder Don Vicente Ybor built it as a planning and development office. A few years later, it became a healthcare clinic that helped Tampa residents until it closed in 1980 and sat empty (except for pigeons and an occasional vagrant) until developer Jack Shiver took it over in 1998. After two years and two million dollars worth of work, the old clinic became a unique boutique hotel. With only 16 rooms, the Don Vicente is all about quality over quantity and substance to back up its style.

Related: Getaway Guide: One-Tank Trip to Lakeland

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &Casino (Credit, Mike Hennessy)

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
5223 N. Orient Road
Tampa, FL 33610
(866) 502-7529
www.seminolehardrocktampa.com

Located on a tiny piece of property owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock proudly lays claim to being Florida’s best casino. With the state-of-the-art gaming facilities such as slot machines, blackjack and electronic versions of roulette, the Hard Rock has enough action to keep anyone happy. There’s also plenty to choose from when it comes to food and drink from the fine dining of Council Oaks Steaks and Seafood to the casual dining of the Hard Rock Cafe to the convenience of the food court, which offers a wide variety of fast food choices. All of that is built around the luxurious hotel rooms designed to meet Triple A’s Four Diamond standards.

Valentine’s Day can be stigmatized as a commercial holiday meant to help sell cards, flowers and candy. However, it’s interesting to know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day has vestiges that date back centuries before Christ and takes on various forms all over the world. While the notion of expressing one’s love on Valentine’s Day is basically the same, different countries have their own traditions for this beloved holiday.

Italy
 

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Italy has a long history when it comes to Valentine’s Day traditions, celebrating it as a Spring Festival. Couples would spend the day surrounded by the beauty of springtime in natural settings like tree arbors or ornamental gardens. Their time was spent listening to music, reading poetry or strolling through the garden. 

Another tradition in Italy’s Valentine’s Day history was the notion that the first man a girl sees on Valentine’s Day would be the man (or look like the man) she would marry within a year. Unmarried girls would wake up extra early to sit by their window to look for men who walked by. 

While the candy tradition in the United States usually consists of some sort of heart-shaped box of assorted candies, the traditional candy gift for Valentine’s Day in Italy is a chocolate-covered hazelnut called a Baci Perugina. The candy is accompanied with a small piece of paper that contains romantic poems in four different languages.

South Korea

Photo Credit JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images

Although the traditional Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, South Korea celebrates similar days of love on the 14th of every month. Each monthly celebration has its own significance and traditions depending on the corresponding holiday. 

The actual Valentine’s Day holiday tradition is meant for only women to be the givers of chocolate to their significant other and the following month it’s the men’s turn. March 14 is named White Day and men are meant to give their female counterpart a non-chocolate candy. April 14 is marked as Black Day and is geared towards those who are not in a relationship. The tradition for Black Day is for single people to mourn their single lives, hence the name of the holiday. Single people are supposed to eat jajangmyeon noodles, which are black in color, on April 14. While the tradition of women giving chocolate to their partners on Valentine’s Day is a widespread tradition in Eastern Asian countries, South Korea takes the tradition a step further than other countries with a bigger amount of chocolate given.

Great Britain

Photo Credit Mark Large - WPA Pool/Getty Images

 
Britain and Italy have a few similarities in their Valentine’s Day traditions: Both had similar stories about how the first man a woman saw on Valentine’s Day morning will be the one they will marry. However, Britain also has traditions all its own. 

While many countries’ citizens deliver handwritten notes and poems to their significant others on Valentine’s Day, paper Valentine’s were so popular in England during the 19th Century that they gave way to the production of mass-produced greeting cards we see today. In earlier times, a tradition for women the night before Valentine’s Day was to secure four bay leaves to each corner of their pillow before sleeping and to eat hard boiled eggs with salt while removing the yokes. This tradition was meant to provoke dreams of their future husbands on Valentine’s Day eve. Women would also write names on pieces of paper wrapped in clay balls to be dropped into water and the ball that rose to the surface first would be their future husband.

Denmark

Photo Credit Matt Cardy/Getty Images

People of Denmark referred to Valentine’s Day cards as “lover’s cards” and they were once made from transparent material that reflected a picture of a lover bestowing a gift to his or her significant other when it was held up to the light. Instead of the red roses many Americans associate with Valentine’s Day, Danish people give white flowers that they call “snowdrops.” People used to give pressed white flowers to their Valentines, but these days they have switched to bouquets. While love poems and romantic notes are given on Valentine’s Day, the Danish people also write unsigned, funny poems on neatly cut paper called “gaekkebrev.” If the girl is able to guess who sent it, she will receive an Easter Egg later in the year. Denmark takes its Valentine’s Day holiday pretty seriously and many people tend to take off work or book parties to celebrate this love-filled holiday.

France

Photo Credit FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images

 
France is often referred to as the most romantic place in the world but the country’s older Valentine’s Day traditions are anything but lovey-dovey. In the past, the French custom called “drawing for” or “a lottery of love” would gather single people in houses facing opposite one another and make them call out the name of their hopeful partner through the window. Women who were jilted by their hopeful Valentine would gather to burn the images of the ungrateful lovers in huge bonfires. The bonfire events would turn pretty ugly, with women yelling and hurling abuses into the fire. Because the ritual would turn into an ugly event filled with ridicule, the French government eventually banned this practice. The St. Valentin Village located in Indre has held a festival since the 1960s to celebrate Valentine’s Day every year from February 12th to the 14th.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working on her Master’s. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

For fresh couples or even those who have gotten past the seven year itch, an important part of staying in love is spending time together, doing things you both enjoy. The activities are limitless; you might just need a few ideas to spark your imagination. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here is a short list of great couples’ activities that you can do year-round. 

Dining Together

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become your own restaurant of the month club. Explore new dining-out ideas and pick the ones that sound most interesting to both of you, then make a reservation and get ready to have a night on the town. Stick to the same day every month to ensure you will always have time to dine together. This is a great opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places or new types of cuisine you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Build in a few romantic nights and feel free to embarrass other diners by making out shamelessly at the table.

Educate With Love

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Do both of you have an interest in do-it-yourself household projects or photography? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make sushi, wood working or Italian. Adult-education classes represent a great way for the two of you to expand your horizons and knowledge base together, plus acquire a practical skill of value. Make sure to choose an interest you both share and find ways of enjoying it outside of class, too.

Have A Breakthrough 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Couples-only retreats offer you the opportunity to not only explore your relationship but also enjoy activities like hiking, boating, couple’s massage or yoga together. An added plus is being with other, like-minded couples and forming new friendships, which are healthy for any relationship. Look for weekend retreats in interesting locations either close to home or far away, then suspend your current reality and enjoy being together in a completely new environment.

Have A Ball 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Pursue a sports activity together, such as golf, bowling, paddleball or running. Make time to go to the gym or take tennis lessons. Some couples enjoy friendly competition, while others prefer to play games together as if they were little, goofy kids. Whatever your sports style might be, find physical pursuits you both can share that will help you keep both your bodies and your relationship fit and healthy.

Have An Adventure 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become tourists in your own home town by visiting sight-seeing destinations and attractions, like boat or bus tours, museums and landmarks. Pretend you don’t speak the language and ask people to take your picture together. Re-visit your own personal landmarks, too, like the place where the two of you met or the houses you both grew up in.

Take Time Out 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Make the world go away by closing the door, shutting off the phones and dimming the lights. Remember that the little, day-to-day moments you share are just as important as the time you plan around activities together. Be a universe of two and spend some time remembering what brought you together in the first place. Congratulate each other on how terrific you are and celebrate being a couple, in any way you choose.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

(credit: Thinkstock)

Valentine’s Day, named for Saint Valentinus, has been celebrated in the West since the 14th century. Known as a day of love and romance, it can also be stress inducing if you don’t know where to go for a date. These classy restaurants offer some unique and romantic dining experiences as well as fabulous food. Read on to discover some of the hottest Valentine’s Day spots in Tampa.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Tuesday’s Hours: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Nature Shop has gained the respect of many in the Tampa Bay area. This shop is very big on customer satisfaction and is always willing to help customers with Valentine gift ideas around the shop. From rose baskets to Zen orchids, the Nature Shop has many flower arrangements to choose from. Can’t come into the shop physically? Luckily they also do same day delivery—this means you’ll have some extra time to look really sharp tonight. Give them a call or visit today and they’ll be happy to treat you.

Tuesday’s Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What better way to show your sweetie some love on Valentine’s Day then with a couple of Sweetie’s mouthwatering treats? This family owned bakery has a wide selection of goodies at hand for the special occasion. Here you will find over 20 different flavors to indulge in as well as great customer service. As an added bonus, Sweetie’s Delights is offering plenty of affordable treats today.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

If you’re looking for last minute jewelry bargains or other fashion accessories, Love That Boutique is your go to spot today. Located in the Winthrop Town Center, this boutique has plenty of beautiful jewelry, fashion bags, adorable bling tops and other cute fashion finds. Love That Boutique items are affordable and never exceed over $50. Customers can come in with $20 and still leave with a nice gift and money for a cup of coffee next door.

This family owned flower shop in Tampa has been around for 27 years, has been recognized as one of FTD’s top members, and even has a master florist on board. With all of that recognition, you know that Bloomingdays will have your back when it comes to your last minute Valentine’s Day shopping! Don’t hesitate to tell the florists about any gift ideas you may have. These guys are big on ideas; they’ve made flower arrangements to look like beer mugs, birthday cakes and even cupcakes. Throw in a little stuffed animal with your arrangement and you have yourself the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Everyone’s heard the way into a man’s heart is through his stomach, and luckily Debbie is nice enough to supply you with delicious goodies. Debbie’s Chocolate Delight has many customers cheating on their everyday chocolate bars–can you blame them? Why give your Valentine something everyone else is getting? Instead go for a nice edible frame with your picture in it, an edible chocolate box filled with candy or if you’re feeling extra lovey-dovey today, a custom made Valentines Day basket. Those who are looking for a gift on a budget will be glad to know that Debbie’s prices are just as yummy as her chocolates. Put down the cliché heart-shaped boxes and head down to Debbie’s Chocolate Delight today.

After you wow your sweetie with your amazing gift, bring him or her to a show at one of Tampa’s best movie theaters or out to dinner at one of Tampa’s best wine bars

Geraldine Sanchez is a student, fashion blogger, and freelance writer struggling with a case of restless fashion syndrome. She is currently curing it with large doses of retail therapy throughout the Tampa Bay area. Her expertise is on shopping and style. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

When women are asked what they seek in a man, most will say a guy who has a great sense of humor. Show her yours by taking her to see a romantic evening of dinner and comedy with Tim Wilkins, a clean comic, while giving her all the Valentine trappings of a tender heart. Tim Wilkins is a 20-year veteran performer of stand up comedy who has appeared at Side Splitters for the past 18 years. This holiday show will hit on relationships, love, children, fatherhood and a dead-on impression of Barack Obama. Wilkins has toured as an opening act with renowned musicians of rock and pop music and has been featured on most TV networks. In 2008, Wilkins released his second CD: Tim Wilkins-Live @Sidesplitter’s.

Side Splitters also has an open mic program for amateurs who just want to have fun on stage or career bound comics looking to find that special opportunity in the spotlight.

(credit: rutheckerdhall.com)

Barbra & Frank: The Valentine is a lunchtime repast and show. Actors/vocalists Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzaldo play the famous icons in a tribute to Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra. These world-class performers truly capture the look, feel and rapport of the singers in this stage show coming to Clearwater from Las Vegas. Owens has the voice and look of Streisand, while Anzaldo shines with the cocky swagger of a young Sinatra. Video clips, memorable music and lines true to the characters make this show much more than just celebrity impersonations. For the boxed lunch, choose a ham, turkey or veggie sandwich, plus potato salad, cookie, coffee, tea and soda service. Quantities are limited, so ordering early is advised. Pre-show dining is in the exquisite Margarete Heye Great Room. Sandwiches, snacks and two full service bars are located in the Grand Concourse. The East Side Café is open for relaxation under the oak tree before the show (weather permitting).

Ruth Eckerd Hall is one of Tampa Bay’s best concert halls. With continental-style seating sloped and staggered, almost everyone has a center seat with no support columns in the way and no obstructed views.

Related: Best Tampa Theaters And Concert Halls

(credit: strazcenter.org)

Celebrate Valentine’s Day before the show with fine dining at Maestro’s Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. The restaurant is located above the Jaeb Theater and overlooks the downtown Tampa skyline. Maestro’s chefs create a unique menu for each show. A four-course meal with a bottle of wine or champagne is available for $100 per couple, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations are limited and can be made at (813) 229-7827.

Celtic Woman: Believe brings the romance of angelic voices on high, as newest member Susan McFadden joins vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt in performing classic Irish songs in a unique musical all-female ensemble performance. Music that is uplifting and inspiring shares Irish culture in their sixth project, a new studio album CD accompanied by a live concert DVD that was just released on January 24. Their American tour to support the new release started February 3 in Nashville, TN, and ends in Las Vegas on April 29 with Tampa being their eighth performance along the way. The stellar group has been featured on PBS; viewers will have exclusive access to the best seats in the house by pledging support to their local station.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit organization. Located downtown on the east bank of the Hillsborough River, this large performing arts complex includes five theaters. Each venue has a unique personality, hosting a wide variety of world-class events. The 2,610 seat Carol Morsani Hall, where Celtic Woman: Believe is performed, has excellent sight lines combined with impeccable acoustics, and is considered one of the best theater venues in the world.

Bring your date to an exotic tradition on St. Pete Beach. Now in its the sixth year, Arabian Nights is a party evening of belly dancing from the Middle East. What could be more sensual or more romantic than belly dancing? Hip Expressions Dance Studio presents a show with 10 to 25 dancers in solo and group numbers performing a Valentine’s Day theme. Dancers will come from St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota and beyond to share their classic art. Ilona Sakovich, owner of St. Petersburg Nights, explained that In Middle Eastern culture, belly dancing was done by men for women before they got married. In our culture, it has now become a dance that women perform for men. Reservations are encouraged; seating for the buffet in the dining room may sell out. All-you-can-eat extensive homemade menu features Eastern European and Middle Eastern dishes, including soft drink. There will be a full bar with selection of imported beer, wine and 25 varieties of chilled vodkas. Walk-ins accepted; show can be seen from the large bar area.

This unique, 150 seat, family-owned restaurant near the scenic beach shore is a perfect place for a sunset stroll and romantic dinner, with live entertainment, music and the largest dance floor on the beach.

Classical music lifts the spirit with a performance of Romantic Obsessions – Tampa Bay Symphony. Mark Sforzini is the conductor, featuring Bedrich Smetana, Ma Vlast (The Moldau); Richard Wagner, Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde; and Hector Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique. The Tampa Bay Symphony is a not-for-profit organization.

The historic Palladium Theater is an integral and important aspect of our community, now a part of St. Petersburg College. It consistently brings top quality, affordable productions to the public, provides a facility for area creative people to present innovative performing arts, nurtures local artistic growth, and creates opportunities for students to perform and work with other professional theater groups.

Related: Guide To The Tampa Bay Symphony

Sarah Dees is an accomplished artist, writer, educator, and entrepreneur, with over twenty-five years of professional experience. Sarah attended Eckerd College for two years, and graduated with a BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York City. She is a freelance writer in Tampa Bay. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

12 red Roses in vase arranged with Babies Breath and ferns – $70
24 red Roses in vase with small amount of green -$160

4 Red Roses with 4 red Carnations mixed with Babies Breath $54.99
12 red Roses in vase with Babies Breath and ferns – $89.99
18 red Roses in a vase with green- $134.99

12 red Roses in vase (Roses no green) – $60.00
24 red Roses in vase (Roses no green) – $114.95

4 Red Roses and 4 Red Carnations in vase – $34.99
12 red Roses in vase with some green – $69.99
Old fashion way. Dozen long stemmed roses in Box – $50.99

12 red roses arranged in vase – $72.95
24 red Roses in vase (roses only no green) – $124.95

12 mid stem Roses in vase – $59.95
12 long stem red Roses in vase – $89.95

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

There are many rumors as to how exactly Valentine’s Day originated. Many people believe it is a holiday created purely by greeting card companies to sell flowers and chocolate. But my girlfriend assures me that is just not true, and if I believe it then I can get used to sleeping on the couch. Others murmur rumblings of Christian martyrs and Popes and love. Not together, or necessarily in that order.

When looking back historically, most people will cite Christianity as Valentine’s Day’s origins. There were numerous early Christian martyrs named Valentine, with a couple — Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni — honored on February 14th itself. No romantic elements arise from any of these Christian figures or their history, however.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The first recorded instance of associating Valentine’s Day with romantic love comes from Geoffrey Chaucer in 1382, from his “Parlement of Foules“:

For this was on seynt Volantynys day
What euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

The internet translates this to:

For this was Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.

Written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia, Chaucer’s poem spread through England. So very romantic, even taking into account that both Richard II and Anne of Bohemia were a ripe 15 years old at the time.

On Valentine’s Day in 1400, the French established a “High Court of Love” to deal with love and betrayal, as well as violence against women. Judges at this court were selected by women based on a poetry reading. Some of these poems survive to this day, and many people consider them the first ever valentines. The oldest of which is from Duke of Orléans to his wife, which was in French and very short, so I didn’t include it here.

Fast forward a couple of hundred years to 1784. The first soon-to-be-cliché love poem is found in an English nursery rhyme compilation:

The rose is red, the violet’s blue
The honey’s sweet, and so are you
Thou are my love and I am thine
I drew thee to my Valentine
The lot was cast and then I drew
And Fortune said it shou’d be you.

Isn’t that sweet?

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The transition from lovely day of expression to capitalism at its finest kicked off around 1797, when a British Publisher came out with The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, a collection of writing and verses for men who couldn’t create their own. A giant was born. By the 19th century, paper valentines had become so popular in England that they were produced in factories. Lazy men rejoiced. The first mass-produced valentines in the U.S. were produced shortly thereafter, by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, utilizing the resources in her father’s stationary store.

Fast-forward to modern day. In the United Kingdom, 1.3 billion pounds are spent annually on cards, chocolates, flowers and hopefully awesome hot air balloon rides. The U.S. Greeting Card Association, which is apparently real, approximates that nearly 200 million valentines are sent each year, yet somehow I only accumulated three Scooby Doo valentines in third grade.

Now, with the advent and flourish of the internet, love has become even easier and more passive. E-cards, flower delivery websites, love coupons and more have allowed men all over the world to procrastinate caring about their significant others until the very last moment.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Valentine’s Day approaches each year like the monster from Cloverfield: quiet at first, but you know it’s there, and suddenly it is everywhere, wreaking havoc from all angles. Then before you know it, it’s all over, and you probably died (or didn’t die) kissing some girl in a park.

Maybe it isn’t that extreme, but Valentine’s Day is inevitable, and for those of us that fall into the “single” or “considering buying friends” or “lying about my relationship on Facebook to try and make my ex jealous” categories, Valentine’s Day is usually spent trying to distract ourselves from our loneliness.

If you are one of the millions of singles just counting the days until February 15th, this article is for you. Let’s take a look at some ways you can cope with couples coddling each other while you freeze your lonely butt off in your cheap peacoat and beanie, lacking any sort of human contact. I’ll discuss ways to distract, occupy and consume yourself while you suffer through this artificial holiday.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Go Out With Other Lonely Coworkers: Remember, you’re not alone. Well, you are, but you’re not the only solo-Valentine. Everyone’s deeply hidden sadness can be cured with a few Jack and Cokes and some Dave and Buster’s skee ball. Or, better yet, Big Buck Hunter. Take out your rage on a few digital deer. With the proper mix of overpriced alcohol and shame you could be headed for an awkward morning after next to a coworker. All Vallow’s Eve (as we sometimes call Valentine’s Day) falls on a Tuesday, so embrace the morning after as a hungover hump day.

Just Play it Totally Cool: Thanks to social media, your ex(es) can track your one-person Valentine’s Day from afar, while they celebrate their newfound love aboard their significant other’s yacht. You must have a rebuttal. Photoshop yourself into some pictures with Rihanna, or on Maury for a paternity test with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It’s much easier than ever to make yourself look busier and more popular than you actually are. Take advantage of fake retweeting a celebrity to make it seem as though they are trying to talk to you. Example:

RT @LadyGaga Hey @kyleayers, can’t wait for our Valentine’s date tonight. Kisses!

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Reconnect With Your Kids: If this option is even remotely a possibility for you, then I suggest you power down your laptop, get in your Civic and be a better parent.

Watch an Entire Television Series: Watching a single movie has too high of a probability of reminding you of that special someone, plus movies are about two hours long, which is more than 20 hours too short to consume your entire Valentine’s Day. I recommend The Wire or The West Wing, both of which avoid too many malicious relationships, and also have enough episodes to last you until Arbor Day (which I will now google to see exactly when it occurs).

There are numerous ways to make your Valentine’s Day as painless as possible. Find a way to distract yourself, and remember that Valentine’s Day is a competition. So make sure you’re having (or looking like you’re having) a better time than every single one of your exes.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Hollywood is forever in search of the next big hit. Sometimes us movie-goers get something so fresh and exciting that we flock to theaters in droves. More often we get enjoyable retreads of last year’s enjoyable retreads. At least we know what’s coming, from the summer action blockbuster, the holiday family movie and, this week, the Valentine’s Day romance.

In our love letter to the love scene, we’ve gathered up the worst romance movie clichés. Maybe Hollywood will finally put these to bed — and start writing some fresh love stories.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

Kissing In The Rain

The rainy-day kiss is a romance classic, and cinematographers have all sorts of fun with it. Sure, The Notebook’s dock scene set millions of hearts aflutter. Sure, Spiderman and Mary Jane’s upside-down kiss was all the sexier with the cascading water and epic flashes of thunder. The device definitely works aesthetically. But the overuse makes it seem like most great romances occur only in Portland, during weather disturbances.

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Fixing It All With A Stunt

We know that for the sake of a story, everyone’s romantic problems have to be solved in quick satisfying bursts. But since Hollywood also likes to make sure that couples hit huge roadblocks in their relationships, this can make for some utterly ridiculous solutions to big fights/character flaws. Did one of you make a huge mistake? Just hold a boombox outside of the window. Has one of you been a complete jerk to the other? Just sing a song from the rooftops. Or sing it on an airplane!

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Valentine’s Day, like New Year’s Eve and Independence Day, is a holiday that sometimes seems to let us down. It’s supposed to be fun — even magical — but we’re often left wondering why we were ever so excited. It just doesn’t live up to the hype. And it’s worse for those unattached types, who have to suffer through what might also be called “Singles Awareness Day.”

Instead of getting down and out about your Valentine’s Day situation, gather a group of friends and celebrate not having to fake smile when someone gives you a giant red stuffed bear! Here is a stellar menu for an “I Love My Friends But Hate Valentine’s Day” party!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Roasted Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:

* 15-20 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus 15-20 full basil leaves
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 2 ounces goat cheese
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Mix together the garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Place the halved Roma tomatoes on a sheet pan and brush the tops of the tomatoes with the oil mixture.

4. Roast for about 40 minutes or until softened and the edges begin to darken.

5. Toast the bread slices in the oven until just lightly browned.

6. Spread each piece with goat cheese.

7. Top with a tomato half and a basil leaf.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Baked Brie

Ingredients:

* One wheel of Brie cheese
* Honey
* Pumpkin seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place the wheel of Brie on a small baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is oozing out from the bottom.

3. Place the baked Brie on a serving platter.

4. Top the brie with about 1/2 cup of honey and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

5. Serve with pieces of crusty bread or crackers.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Parmesan Popcorn

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Pour the oil into a deep, heavy-bottom pan and heat briefly.

2. Add the kernels, cover the pot and shake it over the heat until the kernels pop.

3. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and add the butter. Toss to coat

4. Add the grated cheese and garlic powder. Toss again to coat.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Spiked Chocolate Fondue

This may not be a traditional Valentine’s Day party, but you can still have a Valentine’s Day-themed dessert! This one has a little liqueur to kick up the flavor and fun.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your single heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, heat the cream.

2. Add the chocolate and liqueur, stir until melted.

3. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

credit: http://www.thefoxjazzclub.com

The Fox Jazz Club

5401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 639-0400
www.thefoxjazzclub.com
The Fox Jazz Club is the place to listen to jazz music in Tampa. One of the best jazz clubs in Tampa, the Fox Jazz Club offers live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. They have two house bands that rotate every week: On Que Players and Off the Cuff. They have a back lounge featuring jazz musician Kym Purling. The Fox Jazz Club is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

credit: http://www.skipperssmokehouse.com

Skipper’s Smokehouse

910 Skipper Road
Tampa, FL 33613
(813) 971-0666
www.skipperssmokehouse.com/index.html
Skipper’s Smokehouse offers live music nightly including jazz and bluegrass. It’s one of the best jazz clubs in Tampa. There’s also a local “open jam.” Some of the best in jazz – even Grammy winners – have performed at Skipper’s. Skipper’s is open Tuesday through Sunday.

credit: http://www.thegardendtsp.com

The Garden

217 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 896-3800
thegardendtsp.com
The Garden is one of the best jazz clubs in Tampa. World-famous musicians like Ringo Starr have been known to enjoy a lunch or two at The Garden. The Garden plays host to live jazz music and is known for having some of the best jazz musicians around. Check out trombonist Buster Cooper every Friday, 7 to 11 p.m. The Garden is open seven days a week. On Friday and Saturdays, it’s open until 2 a.m.

credit: http://www.tampajazzclub.com

The Tampa Jazz Club

Mainstage Theater in the HCC Performing Arts Building
Corner of E. Palm Ave. and N. Avenida Republica de Cuba
Tampa, FL 33605
www.tampajazzclub.com/index.html
The Tampa Jazz Club is one of the best jazz clubs in Tampa. Since 1995, this nonprofit organization has been holding Sunday jazz concerts and providing some of the best jazz music around.

By Stephanie Geary

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Every Valentine’s Day, people scramble for flowers, candy and restaurant reservations. It’s so stressful, so annoying… so anti-Valentine’s Day! In lieu of buying a bunch of love-themed stuff and shoving it in your sweetie’s face, woo them with a romantic, home-cooked dinner. It’s intimate and special. More than a phone call to a local restaurant, it shows that you care.

Cooking dinner at home can be stressful and time consuming. We’ve put together an impressive, but simple, menu for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. These three delicious courses are each brimming with aphrodisiacs; they’re guaranteed to put any couple in the mood. You’ve been warned!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Valentine’s Day Singles Party.

Photo Credit: Christine Hinrichs

Spinach And Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese And Figs

Arugula and Figs are the aphrodisiacs in this dish! It’s easy to toss this salad together while the rest of your dinner is cooking away.

Ingredients:

* Large handful of spinach leaves
* Large handful of arugula leaves
* 1/3 cup chopped figs
* 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Drizzle of balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the spinach and arugula in a large bowl.

2. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add the chopped figs and crumbled goat cheese and toss to coat ingredients with dressing.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Saffron Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

Saffron is expensive, but a little bit goes a long way. This “vegetable gold” adds the romance to your main course!

Ingredients:

* 1/4 teaspoon (a small pinch) saffron threads
* 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, use more if needed
* 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
* 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 golden beets, peeled and diced
* 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
* 1 large shallot, cut into half-moon shapes
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Line a baking sheet with foil.

3. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with about a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.

4. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet in an even layer.

5. Bake until softened and browned, about 35-40 minutes.

6. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable broth with the saffron threads on medium low heat. Let the threads steep in the warm liquid for about 15 minutes.

7. In a larger saucepan, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and add the couscous on medium heat. Toast until just browned.

8. Add the saffron liquid and cook couscous according to the directions on the package. Add more liquid if needed until the couscous is cooked.

9. Fluff with a fork. The saffron will give the couscous a lovely, yellow color.

10. Serve the couscous alongside the roasted vegetables and round off the meal with a piece of crusty bread.

11. Top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate is always a surefire winner. Extra points if you feed each other the dipped morsels.

Ingredients:

* 7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your in-love heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt together the chocolate and cream.

2. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Has Valentine’s Day got you down? Is meeting that special someone proving more difficult than you ever thought it could be? Maybe it’s time to change your approach to dating.

Dating websites have come a long way since Match.com launched in the mid-1990s. And the stigma of meeting someone online is all but gone. These days, dating sites offer many opportunities to make a good first impression without the pitfalls of the dreaded “pick up.” You can be sure that the person on the other end wants to meet someone too. With all the personalization features these sites offer and the traffic they receive, the right person is probably out there somewhere right now.

Here are the top 5 dating websites that can change your dating life with just a few clicks:

Photo Credit: Match.com

Match.com

www.match.com

Arguably the best known of the matchmaking websites, Match.com boasts a membership of over 20 million. The site uses your profile to personalize the matches that it delivers to you. It also offers a high level of search customization; the Mutual Match function, for example, allows you to find people who are looking for someone like you. While viewing member profiles is free, a subscription is needed to contact someone (member conversations happen via email, chat and instant messaging). Membership plans range from one to six months.

Photo Credit: Plenty of Fish

PlentyofFish

www.pof.com

POF (as it’s typically called) relies on profiles created through a “chemistry test.” This test tracks five personality dimensions, each of which contributes to building a romantic relationship. Members can view profiles and send messages to people who interest them. The heavily used and well organized forums are there for the viewing without even signing up. Video and audio chat capabilities are also available. The site is free to use, though a paid version may improve one’s chance at a love connection.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Most of us will never date a celebrity. And, in certain cases, that’s just fine.

Nightmare celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the, er, winner.

Select a category below and get started…

Most of us will never date a celebrity. But we can dream, right?

Hot celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the winner.

Select a category below and get started…

Related articles

• Best Movie Theaters in Tampa (tampa.cbslocal.com)
• Best Of Tampa Sushi Restaurants (tampa.cbslocal.com)

credit: http://www.haymanjewelry.com

Hayman Jewelry Company

305 E. Madison St.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 229-2297
For more information
Map it

Since 1933, local Tampa residents have been relying on the Hayman Jewelry Company for all their jewelry needs. Family-owned and operated since its inception, Hayman Jewelry is one of the best jewelry stores in Tampa, thanks to its quality service and products. The full-service jewelry store carries not only designer jewelry as well as estate and traditional styles, but also custom-designed pieces. The store provides jewelry repair, appraisals, engraving and more. Hayman is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The store is closed Saturday and Sunday.

credit: http://www.sell-gold-tampa.com

Arthur Yates and Sons Jewelers

1708 S Dale Mabry
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 253-2164
For more information
Map it

When you’re looking for a place to sell your old gold jewelry, Arthur Yates and Sons Jewelers is where to go. One of the best jewelry stores in Tampa, Arthur Yates and Sons Jewelers will match any competitor’s price to buy your old gold jewelry and include 10 percent of the difference. Family-owned and operated, Arthur Yates and Sons Jewelers also carries a wide selection of diamonds, pearls, rings, bracelets and designer jewelry. And if you have a Rolex you’re looking to get rid of, Yates and Sons will buy that, too. The store is one of the “best-known dealers of preowned Rolex watches” in the Tampa area. Yates and Sons is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

credit: http://www.shopbondonline.com

Bond Jewelers

8092 Citrus Park Dr.
Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 286-6569
For more information
Map it

Family-owned Bond Jewelers is one of the best jewelry stores in Tampa. The store has one of the largest selections of diamonds in the Tampa area. In addition, Bond Jewelers also carries top jewelry designers like Simon G, John Hardy and Yvel. Because Bond entered into a buying group in 1983, customers can purchase items at more competitor prices, as well. Bond Jewelers is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

By Stephanie Geary

Looking for a fun night out with your date? Splitsville offers dining and entertainment that you both will love. They have a variety of delicious food that will please everyone; from pizza and salad, to steak and sushi, you can never go wrong! What is unique about this restaurant is that there is a bowling alley inside! You can dine and bowl or just dine if you choose. They also have two bars if you decide to order drinks. Also, late night offers a dance floor with music you just can not turn down. Make sure that you dress to impress, (for your date of course) but there is also a casual dress code. Annnnnd… If you do not want to get stuck on the waiting list for a lane, you can make reservations so your fun night out will be stress free and fun!

Grille 54

Grille 54 is a locally-owned bar and grill restaurant with two locations: Trinity and Citrus Park. Grille 54 has a very romantic atmosphere with delicious American/Italian/Asian cuisine, a full bar with lots of TVs and free valet parking.

BJ’s Brewhouse

 BJ’s Brewhouse at Citrus Park Mall is a great place for a first date or celebrating 30 years of marriage. BJ’s has a wonderful atmosphere; you can sit in a booth inside or at a table in the mall patio while feasting on a very eclectic menu. The inside is very nice but ladies it does get chilly so you may want have a wrap or jacket with you.

BJ’s is guaranteed to give you an amazing experience. They have online ordering and curbside take out, if you choose to enjoy your meal at home. Also, don’t be afraid to bring the whole family, they have a full kid’s menu including entrées, sides and desserts.

The “Brewhouse” in the title really does live up to its name. The beer that they brew is delicious and there is a type for every kind of beer drinker. With everything from BJ’s LightSwitch Lager® to Tatonka® Stout, they have a style for you. Check out the full menu and beer list on the website.