The December holidays are over now and cold weather has set in for most of us.  January is a time to sit back, relax and enjoy a less hectic time of the year.  It is a time to enjoy your family and cold weather activities.  You have a couple of weeks before you need to think about the next event on the calendar.  That event is Valentine's Day!

Here is a little bit of information you may find interesting concerning the lover's day.  Did you know that Americans began exchanging handmade valentines in the 1700's?  A woman named Esther Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in the United States.  Some people called her the "Mother of the Valentine".  She created elaborate cards made with ribbons, lace and colorful pictures.

According to the Greeting Card Association, there are an estimated 1 billion Valentine's Day cards sent each year.  Approximately 85 percent of the valentines are purchased by women.  Guess that isn't too surprising!

I found this fun map of the US on the Estately blog that shows by state what Valentine gifts are most popular.

If you are looking for a gift for someone special you might want to check out some of these beautiful items:

Red Lampwork Heart Earrings

Red Czech Heart Earrings

Silver Diamond Chip Earrings