Let Me Count the Ways: A Few More Love Notes
Roses are red, violets…aren’t as popular. About 189 million roses were produced for Valentine’s Day last year, according to IPSOS FloralTrends. The blooms account for 54% of the fresh flowers purchased for the holiday, with mixed flowers (23%), carnations (10%) and other single flower types (11%) rounding out the bouquet. Red roses are by far the most desired, making up 64% of purchases. Men buy the majority of the flowers for the holiday, comprising 65% of the overall purchases. They’re most likely to buy for their wife or significant other, while women are most likely to be thinking of their mom.
Does the Easter Bunny know about this? To expand its seasonal reach, Just Born Inc. is now marketing Peeps for Valentine’s Day. This isn’t surprising, considering there are 65,000 Peeps Fan Club members who the company says like to use the marshmallow candies to make personalized gifts. If chocolate hearts are too pedestrian for you, check out the Peeps Valentine’s Day Decorating Kit, which comes with a 4-pack of pink Peeps marshmallow Hearts, one tube of either red or white Cake Mate decorating gel, and on-pack decorating ideas, for about $1.99.
Well, of course Captain Kirk is tops. Today show host Meredith Viera, “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson and once and forever starship commander William Shatner top “flirtologist” Jill Spiegel’s list of well-known flirts who “engage and inspire.” Spiegel, author of “Flirting For Success” and “The Flirtologist’s Guide To Dating” (http://www.flirtnow.com) also cites actress/comedy writer Tina Fey, Virgin entrepreneur Richard Branson and actor Jack Black on the list.
Are swine eligible to compete? Orkydpearls.com is sponsoring a love note contest just in time for Valentine’s Day. The five most romantic notes will be selected by a panel of judges and winners will receive orkydpearls.com’s limited edition 12-mm baroque pearl necklace, valued at over $200. But get inspired quickly: Entries are due Feb. 8.
Hey hey, goodbye. Virgin Mobile USA is partnering with Vibes Media to launch a text adventure game testing whether players on a virtual Valentine’s Day date have the goods to take their relationships to the “next level.” The “Virgin Mobile Dump’d! Text Adventure” game will be available to Virgin Mobile’s 4.6 million customers from Jan. 15 through Feb. 16.
