Roses Are Red

‘Love it’ or ‘Hate it’ Valentines Day is nearly upon us. Social media will be full of people calling it meaningless commercialism and others will be listing the gifts and gooey romantic gestures from their loved one. Is it just a couples thing or do people still send anonymous cards (or texts) or has this all died a death?

For the card companies and businesses who produce and sell Valentines products it’s good news and pretty lucrative. I know from running a cup cake business that it’s one of my busiest times of the year although this time around I'm not making any even though I had 500 orders last year and even sold several ‘Marry Me’ cakes but I have no idea of the outcome before you ask.

As well as the gift and floristry industry the commercial food industry in the last few years has also jumped on the Valentines Day bandwagon with an array of edible treats as well as the Dine In’ meal deal which actually I think are great value for those not wanting to eat out during an expensive Valentines season. Check out Marks and Spencer’s dine for £10 or their romantic food and Gift Range.

Ever wanted to know more about the history of Valentines Day? Well here you go…

Valentines Day is named after a Christian martyr, St Valentine, and dates back to the 5th century when the Roman army banned its elite soldiers from marriage.

With cheaper postage in the 1800's it became possible for Londoners to exchange cards anonymously and the first mass-produced Valentines cards in the USA were produced and sold around 1847.

In 1835, 60,000 Valentine cards were sent by post in Britain and today we send one billion worldwide. Londoners now spend an average of £86.02 on Valentine’s Day which is more than anywhere else in the UK.

And if you are waiting for that proposal then it might be good to know that…

Around 10% of all marriage proposals happen on the 14th and in the USA, 50% of women say they would dump a boyfriend or partner that fails to produce a Valentines Day gift.

Divorce filings in the US rise by 40% every year around Valentines Day!

Anyway, I thought you might like to see some of my own favourite cupcakes and I've pinned some fab home cooking Valentine specials which might come in handy.

Enjoy and spread the love whether you are attached, hopeful or firmly single.

Will you be cooking anything special this Valentines Day?

Love Linda X