Valentine's Day might just be a Hallmark holiday for most (and for me as well), but this year it was much more than that. I got to witness my two good friends get engaged!

A Turkish traditional engagement ceremony is a little bit different. Once the groom and the bride decide that they would like to spend the rest of their lives together, through sickness and health, through the good and the bad, the groom's family -- parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and good friends -- get together and go over to the bride's house to ask the bride's father for his daughters hand in marriage. It is a very special moment for both families.

The bride's family prepares by getting the house ready for all those people. They provide all the food that will be consumed and the Turkish coffee tradition that will be needed during the time of the asking. Usually the oldest male from the groom's side will ask the oldest male from the bride's side for the daughter's hand in marriage. Once the fathers agree, the rings will be exchanged and the ribbon will be cut by one of the oldest males.

So on February 14, 2013, my friends decided to set this date as their engagement ceremony and I was honored to share this day with them. My favorite was the little favors they handed out to the people at the end. They gave out heart-shaped seed paper with love notes printed on them. 

Happy Valentines Day Everyone! I hope all of you are still keeping your New Year's fitness resolutions, even throughout this promotional candy and chocolate-filled day. Most of you find this day to be cliche and full of "cute" gestures, some are truly in love, and others just find this to be another "Hallmark holiday." As for me, I think Valentine's Day is cute; however, the older I get the less I feel the need to buy gifts to show my love. For me, it is more about making fun crafts with my daughter, or suprising her with a small gift. The day is almost over here at Motivators, but we all had a blast!

While Valentine's Day may seem like another Hallmark holiday with over-priced cards, candies, heart shaped balloons and a line out the door for teddy bears, chocolate, and flowers, I still think it is an important day to think about all the people that we love and are very important to us.

Eric and I learned years back that Valentine's day is best spent at home. Our Sophmore year of college was our first Valentine's day together (YIKES) and we were going to do it big. His parents were in town so we were going to celebrate together at the best italian restaurant in town! We made reservations well in advance and arrived on the early side. Little did we know, the reservation was not going to be honored and the wait was an hour after we thought we reserved our table. We decided to have Eric's parents wait at the restaurant, while the two of us drove around to find another option. WRONG! Everyone was out, and everywhere was booked. We killed enough time so that when we came back to the restaurant it was almost our time to be seated. PHEW!

The food was delicious as always, but the service was terrible. We were rushed in and out and all swore we would never let it happen again!

With that being said, we now spend the actual night of Valentine's day at home, with a home-cooked (kinda) meal, and reserve our own Valentine's day for either earlier or later in the week. Tonight, Eric is in charge of the main course, and I will take care of the sides. I am looking forward to a nice, relaxing night with my Valentine because it's not about where you are, but rather who you are with that counts!

Although we should remind our loved ones everyday, we all get busy with work, school, children, appointments and just plain old life, that we sometimes forget. I encourage you all to use this day to phone a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, send an e-card to your high school buddies and even smile a little bigger at the grocery check out.

And DO NOT forget to get that special person in your life a little something... let's say, FLOWERS! (What else would they put in their promotional vase?)

The Beatles said it the best, "all you need is love!"

Valentine's Day is slowly creeping upon us. This year here at Motivators, the sales department is really trying to step up the decorating for all the Holidays.  The previous years, I have been told, have been dismal at best.  It is not for a lack of effort by our wonderful sales manager Laurie, but she can only do so much without full cooperation! I have taken the lead this year starting with Valentine's Day.  Hanging around the sales department are hearts and baby cupids!  Also every week each sales member gets three fill-in-the-blank conversation paper hearts.  You can give them out anonymously or to whoever makes you smile that day!  What will you do for your coworkers this Valentine's Day? Check out some of these ideas: Valentine's Day Promotional Products.

Even if you don't have a sweetheart this Feb. 14, you can still make someone's day. Giving out Valentine's Day goodies is a great way to spread some love and promote your brand at the same time. Let's take a look at the top five giveaways for V-Day:

1. Conversation Hearts

What would Valentine's Day be without these adorable treats? Conversation hearts have been a favorite for what seems like forever. Plus, they're available in snack bags, making them the perfect office giveaway.

2. Chocolate

Nothing screams Valentine's Day like chocolate. Hand out small boxes at your store or shop to really impress your customers!

3. Teddy Bears

They may be a little pricier, but teddy bears make a lovely Valentine's Day gift. Leave one on each employee's desk for an adorable surprise this Feb. 14!

4. Pencils

Teachers looking to do something cute for their students this Valentine's Day will love products like Motivators' mood heart pencils. They're affordable, fun and can be used in-class.

5. Seed Paper

Seed paper makes a wonderful giveaway for a variety of occasions. Imprint heart-shaped seed paper with your company's name for an eco-friendlier Valentine's Day gift. Recipients will love watching their plants grow.

What other promotional products do you recommend for Valentine's Day?

In Japan, women typically give out chocolate on Valentine's Day. And one company, FabCafe, is helping Japanese ladies truly customize their gifts.

According to Design Taxi, "FabCafe is holding an event where participants will be able create chocolates that are molded to look just like them." Here's how it works: Employees scan the buyer's face to create a silicon mold that is then filled with chocolate. The result? A one-of-a-kind piece of chocolate; a "face in sweet chocolate form."

The concept is cool, but it begs the question: Would you eat a chocolate version of your partner's face?

With yesterday being Valentines Day many treats were going around the office, and ofcourse many are hesistant on eating that 2nd piece of promotional chocolate, trying to hold onto their New Years resolution.  Well not my daughter! She indulged in Valentines Conversation Sweethearts, , chocolate truffles and cupcakes. What was even better is that she wanted to share these things with her little cousin, ( I believe that was partial to me telling her about the dentist and what happens when you dont take care of your teeth). All in all, we had a great day! We learned to share, try delicous treats, and learned about the dentist.

People suffering from Bieber fever all over the world are quite jealous of one little girl this morning.  Six-year-old Avalanna Routh, who's battling a rare form of cancer, scored a date with the highly sought after pop star just before what's arguably the most romantic day of the year:  Valentine's Day.

According to MSNBC, the young Boston girl was flown to New York City [Monday] to spend the day with Bieber "after an online campaign and a report by NBC Boston affiliate WHDH caught the eye of the pop star."

Their interaction was one of mutual admiration; MSNBC reports that the two signed autographs for one another, messed around with Bieber's hair, and played promo games. Afterward, Bieber felt compelled to Tweet:  "That was one of the best things I have ever done," he wrote. "She was AWESOME. Feeling really inspired right now."

Routh, who continues to fight an aggressive yet rare form of cancer called ATRT, claims she's loved the teen heartthrob since before she was born.  That's why she's affectionately referred to as "Mrs. Bieber" -- a term which spurred worldwide trending of the hashtag #MrsBieber once news spread about their special rendezvous.

I hope everybody had a great Valentine's Day filled with flowers and chocolates and teddy bears and jewelry! And for those of you who are busy like me and who plan to celebrate this coming three day weekend I have some great ideas.  Instead of going out to dinner again or going to the boring movies you should consider something outside the box. Here are some last minute fun ideas that will make your weekend special. 

1.  Photography-Filled Afternoon 2. Pottery Painting 3. Couples Massages 4. Wine Tasting 5. Laser Tag 6. Plan a Day Trip out of town 6. Create a treasure hunt 7. Zoo in the Winter

If you weren't planning on it or didn't consider it, you should surprise your partner and extend Valentine's Day to the weekend. Plan something extra special!  The best part is now all the candy and goodies will go on sale so you can spoil your partner all over again!

Ah, the beloved Google Doodle.  It's helped us celebrate the holiday season, New Year's Day, and even Jim Henson's 75th birthday.  But today's Doodle is extra-special; it sends out a message about true love this Valentine's Day.

The adorable animation shows a boy who's trying his hardest to court his crush.  He showers her in gifts, but to no avail.  How does he finally win her over?  Check out the clip below to find out!

Perhaps what stands out most is the video's finale:  All sorts of relationships, including one same-sex couple, are represented as animation pieces come together to form a collage.

What do you think about the special-edition Google Doodle?  Share your thoughts below!