Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyCupid's countdown clock is ticking and you have only four days left before the romantic weekend of the year. If the down economy has you thinking about skimping on your sweetie, you may not have to.
Chocolate is a Valentine's Day staple and a luxury lately according to
Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale. The candy factory expects to do a rush of last minute orders from men who forgot to get their significant other a special treat.
"People order flowers before candy but chocolate is a comfort food," said Jennifer Cerreta.
The company said no matter what a person's budget, people typically love giving and receiving chocolate. The chocolate factory is offering sweet deals.
Flowers are the most popular Valentine's Day gift, but some florists across the Valley are hurting this year.
The owner of fresh cut romance in Phoenix told ABC15 normally he would do about 200 Valentine's Day flower orders. This year though, with the weak economy and the fact the holiday falls on a weekend, he stands to do only about half that.
"What kind of hit is that? One that hurts," said Kevin Holt, the owner of Fresh Cut Romance in Phoenix. "In dollar terms that translates to about $8000 to $10,000 for a flower shop our size that's significant".
Here are some ways to save on Valentine's Day flower arrangements according to Flowers.com:
Budget bouquets:- Use shorter-stem roses.
- Place six or seven roses in a smaller vase or container.
- Give a single rose. include a touching message.
- Try a mixed spring flower bouquet.
- Deliver a hand-tied bouquet with mixed flowers and colors.
- Take a petite bud vase and place a few blooms or a single bloom in it.
-Gather a bouquet of one type of flower such as tulips, gerbera daisies, lilies, carnations or mini carnations.
- Float a single blooming orchid in clear glass or present a few stems of orchids.
- Consider potted flowering plants such as primrose and african violets.
Source: aboutflowers.com
Shermans Travel is offering some deals to romantic destinations and several sales will even let you travel into spring. Plus, for those of you who are more inclined to simply relax together this season, we've also uncovered several priced-to-sell spa-resort stays, too. Many of these vacations offer excellent value, with prices from under $99.
Editors' favorite romance and spa sales include:* under $99: Romantic all-inclusive Caribbean & Mexico resorts
* $149/+: Luxury resort stays on romantic Florida beaches & more
* $239+: Sexy Miami hotel with spa, flight, 3-night stay included
* $299+: Balcony cabin on 4-night celebrity beach cruise from Miami
* $499+: Caribbean 7-nt cruise w/Montego Bay, Caymans & more
* and many more!
