Next week the world will celebrate Valentine's Day. The story goes that Valentine was a priest, martyred in the third century, put to death for defying Emperor Claudius's decision to forbid marriage because he believed single men to make better soldiers. Finding out that Valentine secretly continued to perform marriages for young lovers, he was imprisoned where he apparently sent a letter to his jailor's daughter, signed "From Your Valentine". Two centuries later, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St Valentine's Day. As romantic as this patron saint of marriage, and couples was, V-Day continues to be celebrated today by lovers, best friends and family, making it the second-biggest card-sending holiday of the year.

I challenge you to uphold this long time tradition of sending love and light to your special ones by giving tokens and treats with your whole heart. Here are my top 10 V-Day treats for 2012, with a twist:

10. Create excitement - Hide a token under the pillow. My #1 pick for this token is a spa day. I'm not biased; I simply know that in this current economy, life can be tough. Give a gift of luxurious wellness; include a sauna visit, the Hanakasumi body treatment and an anti-aging Collagen-Hyaluronic facial. This promises complete relaxation and rejuvenation.

9. Seal it with a kiss - Don't underestimate the power of a great kiss. Many of us go to sleep, leave the house or go off to work without actually taking five minutes to kiss goodnight or goodbye. Give a 'movie star' caress that will be on their mind all night and day.

8. Bathtub sexy - Draw a bubble bath and take one together. Something about the soft fragrant foam, the warm bubbling water, low lighting and the love of your life washing your back spells the sexiest bath for two ever. Start the day with a beautiful ritual that will set the tone for a memorable V-Day 2012.

7. Share breakfast - Prepare and eat it off the same plate in your PJs. Not only will you eat less this way, but you'll reconnect through appreciation of breaking your fast together. The gift here is in giving thanks to your Almighty for providing all your needs.

6. Express gallantry - Open doors; wait and walk together, hold hands. This goes both ways; let's be gallant, be each other's guardian. We know we're not invalids, but it is the thought that counts.

5. Send flowers - Choose their favourite flower; send a handwritten note. It can be a single rose or a fabulous bouquet. Whatever your budget, ensure you send a visual display of your love. Whether it is a card or a letter, say what you feel and take the time to write it yourself.

4. Secret rendezvous - Plan to meet for an early dinner, select your yummiest food memory and recreate it. For me, it's sharing a hot, cheesy, Italian, thin-crust pizza from Raffaele's Gourmet Pizzeria. Romance galore!

3. Mutual massages - Take a shower together and go straight to bed. Skin is warm and silky soft; you jump into bed with oils and give each other a slow, smooth foot rub. Learn reflexology and pressure points, and implement. The reaction is priceless.

2. Love diaries - Start a love diary on your special one; reveal what you wrote about them. Relationships are tough, especially given the challenges of modern-day life in Jamaica. There is much to be said for taking note of the good, the beautiful and the exceptional. Love diaries are fantastic tools to create tangible logs of what you enjoy about being together. Share your thoughts, or give as a gift next year. I guarantee tears of joy.

1. No disturb sign - Self-explanatory. If you have any doubts about what I mean, consult Beres Hammond.

And you're probably waiting to hear how all of this is good for your skin? Feeling happy and loved produces endorphins; these hormones relax you, induce holistic wellness and rejuvenate skin cells. No need to break the bank to treat the special someone in your life. Happy Valentine's Day!

WIN! WIN! WIN!

This week you can win the most advanced SOTHYS customised Anti-Aging Serum and Cream, by answering the following question via email: Who is the weekly contributor of Under the Dryer's Beauty Page? Deadline for submission is Monday February 13,2012. Please include your full name, address, mobile telephone number, date of birth and age.

Email your answers to marketingpromotions@jamaicaobserver.com.

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