This Valentine’s Day be your own Cupid

Valentine’s Day is traditionally known as a day for couples to show and share their love and affection, but is that just the view peddled by the media and greeting card companies? We at PANDORA don’t believe that you need wings and an arrow to fall in love!

We believe that Valentine’s day is a day to celebrate the things you love, celebrate the love of your friends, family and colleagues because under all the hearts and flowers, overpriced teddies and gaudy red and white stuff that you will never use - the real reason why we all give Valentines some measure of attention - is that it’s a day of recognition.

It’s a day that reminds us to be grateful that we are loved, and that we love in return! Its validation that we exist and matter!

So don’t, hide, mope or ignore Valentines, no matter what your situation – take the opportunity to celebrate love. It’s the healthiest of emotions; it helps you grow when you need a boost, and picks you up when you’re feeling down and best of all, scientists have proved it’s as good for your health as vitamins! So even if you don't have a date this Valentine's Day, don't stay at home and pout.

Here are some great easy ways to make this Valentines unforgettable:

1. Have a chocolate fondue party
One of the great things about Valentine's Day is the chocolate, and there's no more fun way to eat chocolate than at a fondue. You just melt some down, dip whatever you want into it and enjoy it with a couple of friends.

2. Go shopping with your girlfriends
There’s nothing like a fun outing with the girls to the mall to lift your mood. Why not pop into your nearest PANDORA store and help each other select the perfect charm to celebrate this day and your friendship.

3. Organise a battle of the sexes
Round up a group of single friends, including men and women, and play a boys-versus-girls board games like 30 Seconds, putt putt or Wii. You might be single for now, but who knows who you might meet.

4. Treat yourself to a spa treatment
Help yourself unwind and relax with a back massage and that much needed manicure or pedicure you’ve been wanting for so long. It will rejuvenate and re-energise you.

5. Volunteer
Valentine's Day is all about love, and nothing spreads the love faster than a little volunteer work. Find a place to volunteer for a few hours, or even just spend some time with an elderly relative.

6. Journal
Catch up on your journal or diary entries and be sure to include all the truly special moments and the blessings in your life. Then pop into your nearest PANDORA store and make up your own unique bracelet by choosing a charm to reflect each special moment of your personal journey: a heart for your true love; a dog for your favourite pet; a suitcase for the best holiday ever; zodiac signs for each of your children; or a house for the home you built.

7. Take a yoga class
If you're feeling heartbroken this Valentine's Day, a yoga class will literally teach you how to relax and open your heart again.

8. Walk a puppy
If there aren't any humans nearby who are looking for love, give your heart to someone of a different species. Animal shelters often need help exercising their animals – and who knows, you may even decide to adopt one full time!

9. Host a scary movie marathon
If you're single, watching romantic movies on Valentine's Day might put you in a bad mood. Instead, get a group of friends together and watch some fun horror flicks.

10. Update your PANDORA wish list
Just because you don’t have a date on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you won’t ever find someone special to shower you with affection. Spend some time updating your PANDORA jewellery wish list on www.pandora.net, so when your Prince Charming comes along he knows exactly what it is that you like.

For more information visit www.pandora.net or call 011 706 2377.

ABOUT PANDORA
PANDORA designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished and modern jewellery made from genuine materials at affordable prices. The PANDORA jewellery is sold in more than 55 countries on six continents through over 10,000 points of sale, including close to 500 PANDORA branded concept stores.

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, PANDORA employs over 5,000 people worldwide of whom 3,600 are located in Gemopolis, Thailand, where the company manufactures its jewellery. PANDORA is publicly listed on the NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen stock exchange in Denmark. In 2010, PANDORA’s total revenue was DKK 6.7 billion (approximately EUR 895 million). For more information, please visit www.pandoragroup.com