Just over two weeks until the big day for flowers, candy, and giant teddy bears!

New Hampshire has many great Valentine's Day events to get everyone into the Cupid-mood. Check out the NH Events Calendar for Valentine gatherings coming soon! While shopping last weekend, I perused Valentine card selections and cute, fuzzy, stuffed toys for my kids! Another great Valentine's Day idea for kids or adults is publishing a love note in the newspaper! It's a fun expression and makes a nice keepsake!

Every year The Greeting Card Association reports about 190 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged across the U.S. The National Retail Federation predicted 2012 would be a record year for V-Day spending over the last decade. Post holiday consumer reports noted total Valentine's Day spending had indeed risen by 12% over 2011. Shopping trends included a 42% increase for jewelry and an 18% increase for flowers, as well as a heightened interest in "gifts for him" over "gifts for her."

There are many Valentine's Day cynics out there--scoffing at the "greeting-card holiday" for its commercial nature. I won't deny its consumer appeal, but I don't focus on it either. With the high-tech, immediacy requirements on life in the 21^st Century, I don't mind a reminder once in a while, to stop and consider the people I love and care for. I love my family all year round, but on February 14^th, I am reminded to say so at least once more than usual, and to spend some time or, sure, a little money, on making them feel special. Is that so bad?

This year, NH.com would like you to think about your Valentines, any person or people who make your life a happy one! Enter the NH.com Valentine's Day: Say "I Love You" Contest, sponsored by Merrimack Flower Shop & Greenhouse, to win a wonderful Valentine prize for your Cupid! To Enter, simply write a love note to someone you care about--Your significant other, your kids, your parents, your friend, someone important to you. Take the time to say "I love you!" No need to meter a Shakespearian sonnet here, just consider who makes your life special and why (example: To Mom: Thank you for always having an extra hug for me. Happy Valentine's Day!).

Prizes include: 6 pairs of Chunky's Cinema movie admission passes, 3 $20 Merrimack Flower Shop & Greenhouse gift certificates, and 4 $14 coupon codes toward a future purchase at NHDailyDeal.com! Additionally, one lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a certificate valid for two dozen long stem roses from Merrimack Flower Shop & Greenhouse!

Even Valentine's Day cynics can get into the warm-fuzzy spirit with the Say "I Love You" Contest, there's nothing commercial in edifying love.

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