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by: Sandra Elzie
Since my day to blog fell on Valentine’s Day, I was planning to give you some history about Saint Valentine and his day. But, the more I researched, the more I came to realize that it was a little dry and ….well, boring. So, I decided to talk about something that would be of more interest to most of us. Chocolate.
Do you have any idea how much chocolate is sold in America for Valentine’s Day? According to Nielsen, we will purchase…and consume…more than 58 million pounds of chocolate. Can you guess the only other holiday to sell more? No, not Christmas, but Easter with 71 million pounds of chocolate being sold. But, back to Valentine’s Day. We also purchase more than 8 Billion little, pastel conversational heart-shaped candies. Can anyone say, “Sugar Overload?” Just as a side note, 40% of the world’s almonds and 20% of the world’s peanuts are used by candy makers for the chocolates they make for Valentine’s Day.
Americans like to not only give tons of yummy chocolate to our sweeties, but we like to give it in red, heart-shaped boxes….over 35 million of them. Oh, and we can’t forget cards. This (and Mother’s Day), are the two biggest card-selling days of the year.
Roses? More than 100 million roses are sold for this holiday. A nation-wide survey revealed that women would rather receive one perfect red rose than a dozen and although men prefer to receive chocolate, women prefer to be taken to dinner. The average man will spend more than $130 on his sweetie…with some spending a LOT more if they tuck an engagement ring in with the roses.
Oh, and don’t forget the pet! At least 3% of pet owners give cards to their dogs & cats!
All I can say is that candy, roses & dinner sure beat what they had to go through in the 17th century. It was believed that eating a hard-boiled egg and then pinning five bay leaves to her pillow would make a young girl dream of her future husband.
Personally, I prefer Henry David Thoreau’s theory. “There is no remedy for love but to love more.”
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by Sandy Elzie
Happy Valentine’s Day. I love that some give their cards to their pets. I think I prefer dinner, too, but chocolate is always appreciated.
My man gave me a dozen red rose bushes one Valentine’s. Got to love that.
Morning all! My dear hubby, an unabashed romantic, went to Chick-fil-a this morning to get heart-shaped chicken biscuits. Even better? I didn’t have to fix breakfast for the kids. He’s avoiding chocolate since I’m attempting to lose weight, (What timing, right?) but the silly man has wrapped a gift for every hour on the hour.
Mary, I like those dozen rose bushes–that’s my kind of man, there–going straight to the source, right?
Happy Valentine’s Day, all!
Good morning Jane!
I have yet to give Jack (the resident feline owner of my home)a card, but some of the verses would fit him to a T. You know, how my life would never be the same w/o him and how he brings so much joy into my life?
You know one thing I like about cats over dogs? I used to have a dog, but he loved chocolates as much as I did & I can’t tell you how long his body could stretch just to grab one off the table. Jack could care less…..my kind of pet.
Hi Mary,
Wow! A dozen rose bushes. That’s love to the 12th power that keeps on giving, year after year. (and all you have to do is prune them….unless yard service came along with them?)
Hi Sally,
What a guy! Boy did he start your day off right. And then a gift an hour? I can’t imagine. I bet he’s the gift at around ten o’clock after the kids are in bed. (I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you)
I can honestly say that giving my pet a Valentine’s card has never, ever occurred to me
Hubby had a simple card waiting for me on the bathroom vanity this morning and I had his on the breakfast table. Honestly, my day is complete.
Hi Deb,
My card to hubby was at the breakfast table & his was laying on my desk. We’re planning lunch out instead of dinner today….too much hassle w/ crowds otherwise. And since I’m working out a few times a week to tone up & lose a few pesky pounds, he dare not give me chocolate. (g)
Oh, and Debbie, it’s good to have you back after the accident. Keep improving & get that story finished! See you soon at the gym.
58 million pounds of chocolate! I think I gained weight just reading your post, Sandy, LOL. Actually, I’m off sugar right now, too, so you can lower that number just a tad. I think I’m getting a card. Hubby usually can get me in tears with that gesture.
Sally sounds like she’s having a great Valentine’s. Way to go.
Love the cute pics.
I think some of my favorite Valentine’s Day memories are those from elementary school where everyone got a Valentine. I would come home and read each one, even keep those that were especially cute or fromt he “right” person.
Good post Sandy,
Lunch out sounds wonderful! My card was on the table as was his. I’m happy now. Don’t need another thing!
Yep, Susan, I, too, loved going home and reading the cards – even more fun, or should I say nerve wracking was going through the pack to find the perfect valentine for each person in class!
Linsey,
Yep, 58 million lbs & up until this year, one of them would have been sitting beside my card.
Hubby signed my card this year from the one who loves me only. That comes from a little thing we do back & forth occasionally…..
I love you, I Love you more, I love you best, I love you only. (what can be said after that?!!!)
Hi Susan,
YES! I remember those days. I also remember stressing about giving a special boy one that said “I love you” or whether or not he’d give me one. Ah, yes, fond memories. (g)
Hey Maxine,
Remember the boxes we used to make in class w/ the slots in the top?
Guess my self-esteem was weak in those days….I always wondered if I’d get as many as everyone else.
Fun post, Sandy. One of my favorite Valentine’s Day gifts was the $50 Amazon card I received from an old boyfriend last year. I guess he was trying to ease his guilt.
My preference would be a dozen pink roses, a huge box of chocolate, AND dinner out. Yep – I want it ALL. 
Which might explain why I am still single…
At the drug store this morning, I saw this huge heart filled with chocolates. The package is about the size of a coffee table.
Pam, LOL LOL you’re a hoot. Girl, you’re just particular…not any “Joe” will do, right? I love the idea of an Amazon card…works well for me! (Honey, are you reading this blog today? hint, hint)
It just sounds like you’re looking for the perfect guy who wants to give you the brass ring…and there’s nothing wrong with that in the least. Have a great one.
Oh Tammy,Linsey mentioned earlier about gaining weight just by reading about all the chocolate. I know what she means……a HUGE box of chocolates? I’d need to throw a party so my guests could help me eat all those calories. (g)
Hope you have a great day.
I admit, I’m responsible for part of that 58 million pounds.
Last year was a big one for hubby and I. 25 years we had dated. I received 25 roses and a beautiful figurine of Mickey giving Minnie a heart shaped box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers behind his back. Hubby knows how much I love Disney.
My philosophy: It’s good to celebrate special times.
Happy Valentines Day!
Wow, Sia, how special. Not 2 dozen roses, but 25! I love that he also gave you the Mickey/Minnie figurine. After the roses are gone, you have something special to remember the day. You’ve got a keeper there. Have a great day.
Dear Sandy, I plead the fifth.
Sandy, I am going in the kitchen to fix myself a hard boiled egg right now! THe leaves will follow. Future husband, reveal thyself. *laughing* I, for one, am grateful for all of the chocolate and heart-shaped boxes, roses, and engagement rings that go along with this day. Love is alive and well, as is romance. There is nothing better! Lindy
Hey Sandy! I love all the things going on with our readers. Everyone has a plan and are making the best of this crazy day.
I have to say that this year is a first for me. I know I’ve gone out on Valentine’s Day but I honestly don’t remember them. Since The Kid, we’ve done something with him or stayed home. This year will be a first (that I can remember) where hubby planned dinner and a movie (all by himself – AND he is taking me for Sushi – he hates sushi). We are getting ready to leave in a few and I kind of feel giddy about it. Sounds silly because I’ve always been happy with the other Valentine’s Days. This one just fits our year and I am seriously looking forward to it.
I wish all of you guys the very best today.
Big hugs to everyone.
Tami
Lindy,
Good luck with that old tradition! At least the hard boiled egg is good for you. (g) Hang in there girl…you’ve got good things coming in the future and we’ll all cheer for you.
Tami,
Raw fish? I’ll take chocolate, thanks anyway. Seriously, I hope you guys have a fantastically romantic evening and many, many more to come.