By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Every Feb.14 across the United States, and around the world, people buy cards, flowers and chocolates — all in the name of love.
Valentine’s Day has long been associated with lovers. However, it has grown beyond that notion to encompass sharing thoughtfulness toward friends and family members. In fact, today, people buy cards, flowers and gifts for teachers or anyone else they may find dear.
East Windsor resident Agueda Perez Porras met her husband in college, and they have been together ever since. They have been a couple for more than 21 years and married for more than 10 years.
"I think the secret to a happy marriage is not thinking of married life as the end of your life, (but rather continuing) to enjoy the same activities as when you we were dating and (the) sharing (of) new responsibilities,” Ms. Porras said.
As for Grace Ruane and her husband, they will be part of the millions of Americans exchanging cards this Valentine’s Day.
"We always do cards. A movie date night (is planned) but we are waiting until the weekend,” said Ms. Ruane, of East Windsor.
Valentine’s Day is indeed a very busy time of the year for floral gifts.
"We are offering a variety of arrangements for Valentine’s Day,” said Patty Kraws, owner of the Country Florist and Gifts, in East Windsor. “We carry arrangements to fit everyone’s budget. In this economy, flowers are a bargain. They are more reasonable than diamonds or a night out on the town.”
The flower shop is located at 859 Route 130 in the township.
"Valentine’s Day is the single busiest day in the floral industry,” said Ms. Kraws. “We will sell over 4,000 roses. We will sell a lot of other flowers also. It is very busy as all the deliveries must go out on one day, Feb. 14. We also sell chocolates, plush animals, cards, handbags, and jewelry. Our newest handbag is made in the USA.”
Additionally, sales have been very good this Valentine’s Day season for Hightstown-based Marivel’s Florist and Gifts.
Owner Marivel Tenesaca said she decided to open her own floral shop after losing her own job a little more than a year ago.
Ms. Tenesaca said the business is growing. She has been in the floral business, creating arrangements over the past decade. She said she self taught herself through reading books as well as gaining hands on experience from previous work at other floral shops.
”(It’s been) better than last year. A lot of people know that the business is here now so we have repeat customers and new customers,” Ms. Tenesaca said.
For many people, roses are the ultimate flower for expressing romantic love.
"I typically order 70 percent red (roses) and 30 percent in different colors because there is always someone that wants something different,” Ms. Tenesaca said.
She stated, “That other color (rose) has been purple and some people request pink.”
Chocolates are also a big seller along with cards and balloons at Marivel’s Florist and Gifts.
"I have two orders for calla lilies,” Ms. Tenesaca said, which is atypical this time of year.
Noteworthy, a dozen roses cost around $75 at the store.
"Always call a local florist, you will get your value’s worth instead of calling, say, 1-800-Flowers. You will get more flowers for your money,” Ms. Tenesaca said.
Overall, children under the age of 11 are the biggest consumers of greeting cards in honor of the holiday. The maximum number of Valentine’s Day cards sold are given to teachers, followed by children, mothers, wives and last of all sweethearts, according to the Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India.
Approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas, according to A&E Television Networks LLC.
Several businesses in East Windsor and Hightstown are offering something special in honor of Valentine’s Day.
Tavern on the Lake
Tavern on the Lake is offering a special dinner menu available from 5 p.m. to closing time on Valentine’s Day. The business also will be giving out roses to its lady customers.
For further information, call 609-426-9345. The Tavern on the Lake is located at 101 N. Main St. Hightstown.
City Streets
City Streets will offer a special menu on Feb. 14, featuring Valentine’s Day themed items for lovers. The foods will contain “aphrodisiac” powers. Also on Tuesday night, each couple that purchases two dinner entrees will be given a special complimentary cocktail, the Cupid Cosmo or a Love Potion #9 Martini. Reservations are suggested but not required.
City Streets is located at 510 Route 130, East Windsor. For further information, call 609-426-9400 or visit www.citystreetscafe.com.
Americana Diner
A special Valentine’s Day menu with new dessert items from the diner’s chocolate division will be “unmasked” on Feb. 14. Additionally, each lady guest will receive a chocolate covered strawberry.
The Americana Diner is located at 359 Route 130, East Windsor. For further information, call 609-448-4477 or visit wwwamericanadiner.com.
Marivel’s Florist and Gifts
Marivel’s Florist and Gifts serves the Hightstown area. It is family owned and operated. If a customer likes the business on Facebook, it offers a $5 discount to any order.
Marivel’s Florist and Gifts is located at 409 Mercer Street, Hightstown.. For further information call 609-448-3636 or visit www.marivelsflorist.com.
Summer Hill Florist
Summer Hill Florist serves the East Windsor area, and is a family owned and operated business. The company is offering 10 percent off any phone order of $45 or more. Customers must mention code VAL12 for the discount, which expires on Feb. 13.
Summer Hill Florist is located at 46 Rembrandt Way, East Windsor. For further information, call 609-529-0031 or send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.thesummerhillflorist.com.
Hand & Stone Spa
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is sponsoring a “Love Happens Here” theme. It is offering $20 off a spa package or a $10 off a hot stone massage. There is an on-going introductory rate for new clients, which includes a 50-minute massage for $49.95; a signature hot stone massage for $69.95; or a signature facial for $49.95.
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is located at 72 Princeton Hightstown Rd., East Windsor. For further information, call 609-448-3840 or visit www.handandstone.com.

