Hey, Cupid! Over Here!

Valentine's Day is the most roman­­tic day of the year. That’s a lot of pressure for most of us romantically-challenged types. Whether you’re paired off or single, here’s some fun ways to give Cupid a hand and create a little love magic.

• Studies show that over 10,000 marriages every year got their start during a coffee break. Find a great place to grab a snack, fill your cup -- and your heart --here.
• Talk about Risky Business: 64 percent of men in the U.S. don’t make advance plans for Valentine’s Day with their special someone. Don’t be one of them:
• Find a great restaurant here.
• Take her to a museum, gallery or other cool cultural event.
• The Taj Mahal is history’s ultimate love gift. Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built it as a memorial to his wife. Work began in 1634 and went on for 22 years, requiring the labor of 20,000 workers. You don’t need to get that crazy, but ­shop for a terrific present here
• Men love getting flowers too. One survey found that 63 percent of men questioned said they loved it when a woman sent flowers to their office. Order your bouquet here.
• One bit of folklore claims that if a woman sees a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it means she’ll marry a sailor. If she sees a sparrow, she’ll marry a poor man but be very happy. If she sees a goldfinch, she’ll marry a millionaire. Find places to birdwatch here.
• Cast a spell! Place a rose under the pillow of your intended while they sleep to help draw them to you. Here’s where you can buy a perfect bud.

To increase feelings of love between you and your special someone, share an apple. Find one grown locally.

Interested in someone, but too chicken to talk to them? Carry a few black
peppercorns in your pocket or purse to increase courage. Buy them at a local grocery store.

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