Ah, chocolate! So many different kinds to choose from, and all of it delicious! But where did it originate – and is it really an aphrodisiac?

The average American consumes 11.7 pounds of chocolate a year. To get an idea of how much – imagine almost 12 packages of butter as being made of solid chocolate – or about the size of your average well-fed house cat. That is a lot of chocolate! (And it won’t stop meowing for some reason.)

The treat so loved worldwide has very humble beginnings. The cacao bean begins life inside a fruit, called a pod, on a tree in the tropics, primarily in remote areas of West Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America.

These delicate, flower-covered trees need much tending and, when farmed using sustainable methods, grow in harmony in tropical forests beneath other cash crops such as bananas, rubber or hardwood trees. Grown on small family farms, the beans leave cocoa farms by hand, in carts, on donkeys or rugged trucks to be sold to a local buyer and then to processors abroad. Once in the factory, they are ground, pressed, heated and stirred to create luxurious chocolate.

3,000 years ago, the ancient Meso Americans discovered the seeds which would be processed into what we now know as chocolate on the cacao tree, found in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. They mixed the ground seeds with seasonings back then, to make what they believed to be a health elixir – a bitter, spicy drink that could be considered the World’s first Cocoa drink.

The pods that the cacao seeds grew in were considered by the Mayans to symbolize life and fertility, and so the Mayans often used the symbol of the pod in their religious rituals. They called cacao “The Food of the Gods”. The Aztecs also believed the plant had magic properties, and that it could bestow wisdom and power. They also thought it to be a great source of nutrition – and most interestingly, used it as an aphrodisiac, which today’s science says isn’t so far off!

The Spaniards were the first to introduce sugar to chocolate – and thank goodness they did, or else we wouldn’t be enjoying all of the sweet confections available to us in the present. They also added new spices to the health elixir the Mayans and Aztecs enjoyed, and the modified beverage quickly spread throughout Europe like wildfire, enjoying a reputation as “the drink of the elite” for centuries.

Leave it to the French, however, to further the food’s reputation as an aphrodisiac! Casanova – the infamous womanizer – drank chocolate before seeing his lady friends, and as word of his romantic prowess spread, so did the romantic reputation of chocolate, inspiring much erotic art and literature in the French royal court.

In Barcelona in 1780, finally the first machine-produced chocolate was made. It was still in liquid form, however; smooth, solid eating chocolate would not be available until British chocolatier Fry & Sons developed the first solid chocolate bar in the early 1800s.

So when did Valentines Day chocolates begin to become a tradition? Richard Cadbury, founder of Cadbury Chocolate, introduced the first box of Valentine chocolates in 1868. However, the chocolates must have been dark, because the first milk chocolate was not brought to market until 1875, when a Swiss chocolate maker named Daniel Peter introduced it.

Chocolate became so popular around the world that during World War II, the U.S. government shipped cocoa beans to the troops. Even today, the U.S. Army includes chocolate bars in their rations. Chocolate has even been taken into space by NASA.

So is chocolate an aphrodisiac? Chocolate contains a small amount of phenylethylamine, which has been linked to the regulation of physical energy, mood and attention. A tiny amount of this chemical is released during moments of emotional euphoria, elevating heart rate and blood pressure. There’s no evidence that this chemical in foods elevates the level of the chemical in humans – however, the extra dopamine boost that you get from the caffeine and sugar in chocolate, combined from the happiness of eating such a yummy treat, might put you in a better frame of mind, which can only be a good thing when it comes to romance! Also, some scientists have said that chocolate causes the release of oxytocin, aka “the love chemical”, which causes us to bond with one another. Final analysis? It never hurts to believe!

And it can even help, if it gets you to eat a little chocolate: Dark chocolate (as opposed to milk or white chocolate) contains healthful flavonoids similar to those found in tea, red wine, fruits, and vegetables. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can improve blood vessel flow and may improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity to help reduce the risk of diabetes. But beware, chocolate candy has plenty of saturated fat and sugar, so enjoy small portions of as part of a healthy diet.

If you do happen to overindulge, just remember, these “Chocolate holidays” only come a few times a year, so just get back to your healthful eating plan as soon as possible – and take a nice, long walk outside to get your motivation and energy back in line. That always does a body good!

Tour a Chocolate Factory in San Francisco (video – RealPlayer required)

Will he forget her birthday?

Remembering important dates are not at the top of most men’s to do list.  In fact, birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates can come and go without being acknowledged by some men as no more than just another day.

There are always exceptions where you will find a man who knows how important these dates are to others. He may even make a concerted effort to remember. But in most cases, he may not consider remembering dates as one of his priorities.

Here are five dates he is guaranteed to remember, without constant reminders by you, others, his smart phone and all the other myriad of methods to remind him of dates he should not forget.

1.  His mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day

It may not be surprising that most men will remember their mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day.  I grouped these dates together to make a point that he will very likely remember any dates associated with his mom.  

We all heard of the term “mama’s boy”, but in essence most men hold their mother near and dear to their hearts –as well that they should.  

Of course mothers are at the top of the list for daughters as well, but usually women do not have problems remembering dates that are important to them, including their mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day.

Not to change the subject,  but some women may even go so so far as create other dates for men to remember, for example when they had their first kiss, the anniversary of their first date and other similar type dates.

Johnny Depp and his mother.  He will have no problem remembering her birthday.

Russell Brand and his mother.  He will remember her on Mother’s Day. Most of us will remember our mother on her special day.

2.  Date of the next football game.

Remembering the date of the next football game is a given for many men.  The football game does not  have to be a big one like the Super Bowl, or those special playoff games.  

I once listened to a radio pod cast called NFL radio, where all the discussion centered around football.  The season was ending and one of the announcers stated he would watch NCAA or another football series until the regular season returned.  It was as if he was addicted to watching football and needed a football fix  to hold him over until NFL returned. Proof perfect that football is included at the top of a man’s priorities.

Without a doubt, most men will remember the date of the next football game.

He will remember the next football game without any reminders from you.

3. Valentine’s Day

You may think that this is one of the dates he is sure to forget, if he has a significant other.  But I beg to differ.  If not for all the hoopla made about Valentine’s day by retail establishments, this may be the case, but sometimes right after New Years, stores bombard us (men included) with Valentine Day displays.   

You can thank these commercial establishments for helping your man remember that February 14th is an important date.  It’s  a date he has to remember and he also has to give you something special on Valentine’s Day.

Christmas is grouped with Valentine’s Day as another date he will remember because of all the attention Christmas gets universally. In other words and to put it nicely,  he would have to be living under a rock not to remember Christmas.

4.  Job interview date

Most of us would probably remember a job interview date, so men are included in this group.  It is very unlikely that he will forget his upcoming job interview date.

Getting that big break in the job market is important to him.  He will not forget the date of his job interview.

Even in two paycheck homes, men see themselves as the primary breadwinner, even if in some cases their partner or signicant other may be making more money than they are. So it is not surprising that he will not forget his job interview date.

5. The date he drove his first car. 

I watched an episode of The Amazing Race where the challenge was to race a car around obstacles driving a professional race car in the shortest time. Even more exciting, was the fact that there was a professional race car driver in the passenger seat while the contestants drove.

In some cases the teams were made up of a man and a woman.  Absolutely 100% of the women let the men take the car racing challenge.  The men were , of course, excited to take the challenge.  Even more interesting was that there was one man who did very poorly at this driving challenge.  However, even if the woman had taken the challenge instead of the man, his ego would have probably been ruined which is not worth risking over a television show.

A man may not remember the specific date he drove his first car, but he will have a general idea of the date. Whenever he either sees a car that reminds him of that car, he may think back to that day when he first took a spin in his very own car.

He will remember the date or year he drove his first car.

There are other dates men may remember.  The five dates above are those he is guaranteed to remember.  So when these dates roll around, rest assured knowing he’s on his own in remembering these dates, and will do just fine.

The most beautiful thing when see your mother smiling and happy with the mother gifts received from you. Your mother’s feelings of love will be stronger, like waves in a vast ocean that will never break.

Mother is protective of her children. If someone is insult her children, the mother would be sad. When children are hungry, then the mother will try to find the best food until these children isn’t hungry. How large the services of a mother to her/his children? The mother is willing to change her foot become head and her head turned into a foot so as her children happy.

How a child can handle mother with good? The child who is seditious often scold he/she mother by using harsh words and rough. A seditious child who will put the mother into nursing home when his mother is old. A seditious child who would hurt or kill his mother. Very sad mother have children who are seditious. The child who doesn’t know reciprocation towards his mother. The child doesn’t remember while he/she still a child his mother often distress. When the child has been adult, he/she makes distress her mother. Very suffer, when a mother have children of seditious.

There is good mother and there is bad mother. Bad mother wouldn’t care for their children and she’s take care himself. Bad mother would hit, hurt, and killed his son. Bad mother would leave her children for no apparent reason. Bad mother wouldn’t give milk to the children and she will give milk in the bottle. Those are some examples of a bad mother to her children.

Good mother would love her children. Have you been heared fairy tales from your mother when you go to sleep? Have you ever go to school with your mother? Have you ever studied are accompanied by your mother? Did your mother demanded that you return his services? Of course not. Your mother did it with sincerity and patience. You must have awareness to love your mother more than anything.

On 22 december is memorial mother’s day. A very special day for mother. Let’s we are dedicated our love and devotion to mother. Mother who have given our birth to this world. Mother who have raised us. Our success today because of the success of a mother who educate us. We have to thank the mother.

Happy Mothers Day

What I liked about this episode: The plot itself seemed like something that’s been done before. But, there were a couple things that really won me over about this episode. The first was the involvement of “Mom’s” sons and how they were working against her. I especially liked the one who apparently doesn’t think his mom can do anything wrong.

The other part of this episode I thought was pretty neat was how many actual robots the future Earth supposedly has (including ceiling fans); forcing everyone to live like cavemen. That was actually entertaining at times; especially when the professor shows off his newest invention (a rock tied to a stick).

The twist at the end with Bender and why he decides to quit the rebellion was also something very memorable and funny.

What I didn’t like about this episode: The episode seemed somewhat incomplete. After all, she attempted to take over the world, you think there would have been some closure to that; even if it was some sort of sham trial and she gets acquitted. I didn’t like how they ended it.

Final Opinion: Overall, this isn’t a terrible episode. There were a couple things I would change but it was still very funny and entertaining to watch.

We bless mother’s day on additional Sunday of May month. We accept called this day to admire mothers and motherhood. We wish to accomplish this day appropriate for her. We wish to accomplish her feel blessed and appreciative for all that she has done for us. On this day we acknowledge her and acknowledge her for all that she keeps on accomplishing throughout the year.

With Mother’s Day advancing near, humans generally alpha annoying about the ability that can be presented to their mothers. Flowers accept been a acceptable allowance on Mother’s day and they are still advised as the mark of priceless emotions. A agglomeration of red roses are acceptable abundant to appearance the adulation and amore for her. Some humans even accede orchids as they are the attribute of abundance and beauty.

Flowers are on huge demands on this day. We can apprehend blitz on a florist shop. And if we reside far from the ancestors it is actual difficult to forward them in a abbreviate aeon of time. But in today’s technology apprenticed apple we can artlessly buy it on internet. We accept a lot of allowance boutique & florist beginning on the internet. Now we don’t even accept to anguish about the means for sending the gift. They ensure accelerated and appropriate supply of the flowers at the doorstep. Most of the florists bear the ability throughout the country. They accept a able arrangement with lots of bounded florists. Some online florists even bear internationally. FernsNPetals delivers flowers in 150 countries of the world.

So this year it doesn’t amount in which bend of the apple you are living, don’t overlook to forward flowers to your mother on mother’s day. All you accept to do is acquisition a accounted online florist (see who can agreement the supply of the ability on accustomed date and time. Read the testimonials provided on their websites) and baddest the best flowers which you anticipate your mom will adulation and just forward her. It is her day. Try to accomplish it a actual appropriate and memorable one!

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2011 marks the 100th commemoration of the historical celebration. According to our study, was acclimatized in Spokane, USA by Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. Aged abandoned sixteen if her mother died in childbirth, Sonora and her ancestors have been brought up by their father, a Civil War veteran.
The chance goes that whilst animate to a Mother’s Day abode in 1909, Sonora had the afflatus to accredit a day to honour fathers. Accepting to her animate campaigning, the historical was acclaimed the immediately after yr in Spokane on Sunday, 19 June 1910. Ultimately Sonora’s advanced led to accepting official recognition.
Today, is still acclaimed on the third Sunday in June in around fifty nations throughout the world, including the United kingdom and USA. In 2010, barrage on 20 June, 100 years and one day in truth ashamed Sonora captivated the ancient Father’s Daycelebration. 
Other nations absolve Father’s Day but on acclimatized canicule in the year. For example, in Australia and New Zealand, Father’s Day is acclaimed on the ancient Sunday in September, and in Scandinavia on the additional Sunday in November.
All through the world, accouchement often absolve by sending cards and adeptness to their ‘Dad’, in additional words the man who is a ton of impacting in their lives – be it their acclimatized father, step-father, or grandfather.
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2011 marks the 100th commemoration of the ancient celebration. According to our analysis, Father’s Day was acclimatized in Spokane, USA by Sonora Louise Sensible Dodd. Aged abandoned 16 if her mom died in childbirth, Sonora and her ancestors ended up brought up by their father, a Civil War veteran.
The possibility goes that though animate to a Mother’s Day abode in 1909, Sonora had the afflatus to accredit a day to honour fathers. Accepting to her animate campaigning, the historic was acclaimed the following 12 months in Spokane on Sunday, 19 June 1910. Sooner or later Sonora’s state-of-the-art led to Father’s Day accepting official recognition.
Today, is however acclaimed on the 3rd Sunday in June in around 50 nations world-wide, which include the United kingdom and USA. In 2010, barrage on 20 June, one hundred a long time and 1 day in truth ashamed Sonora captivated the ancient Father’s Day celebration.

I know many people that join the birth day gift for mom with the mother’s day gift. Don’t do it. She deserves the two gifts. And you could always find a gift to buy her. After all, she is a woman.

My first suggestion would be to put aside for a few moments the tax and gift cost. Try to think your mother wants or what she needs. No body knows your mother better than you. For example, my mother loves everything related to cats. She has a huge cat collection of cats statues and I get her a new one each year – I admit cat lover gifts are easy to find.

If you have figured out what your mother would like as a mothers day gift, decide on your budget and start searching for it. Start looking for the best gift as early as possible. This way, you will be able to make a comprehensive market research and buy the best gift at the best price.

If you haven’t thought of a specific gift to buy for mother’s day, do one of the following, and I guarantee you will find a gift for your mom:

1. Search for gift ideas in online gift stores. Try searching for: “gifts for mom” or “personalized unique gifts”

2. There are several gifts which will always be perfect gifts for mother’s day. These are
Jewelry, picture frames, bath spa gift baskets, designer diamond pendants, american express gift cards and visa gift card.

Image via Wikipedia

1- Breakfast in bed- Whether or not you’re any good at cooking, breakfast in bed is a great way to show your appreciation for Dad. An omelette, or pancakes could be served with fruit, toast, and a hot drink. This is easy for anybody to make! Even if your cooking skills could do with some work, pancake mixtures can be bought cheaply in any supermarket.

2- A letter of appreciation- What better way to show your apprecation for your father than writing it all down? If you write him a sincere letter saying thank you, he will be touched! Be sure to include personal things, such as particular moments you are thankful for.

3- Fix something- If there’s a shelf thats been sitting at your parents house, broken, for months, then for father’s day, you can show you care by fixing it while he’s out! This gift is personal, and shows that you’ve thought about what he needs- which beats any gift basket!

4- A craft- If you’ve got a talent, you can use it to make something unique for fathers day! If you can paint, why not paint him a portrait? If you like scrapbooking, make him one of your holiday together, or if you like gardening, plant him a little bush in his back garden! There are countless ways you could use your personal skills to make him a gift, and the chances are you already have the materialsat home!

5- An IOU token- You could make your father a token, or bunch of tokens, which promise him services from yourself. For example, you could offer to mow the lawn, cut his hair, cook him dinner, clean out the shed, do the washing up… or any other ideas!

Fathers day gifts are definitely better when they have some thought in them, and the above ideas are personal- and free!

We dearly love these little girls. When we see them they run to hug us, and tell us over and over how much they love us. To them we are Pam and Pop, their Mace grandparents and our daughter is their Sissy.

After the first of the year their mother left the state and took our girls. We did not know where they were for a while. Our son was heartbroken and determined to get his daughters back.

With details I can’t explain here, we finally got our girls back two weeks ago. My son brought them to work to see me. After not seeing them since Christmas Eve, I was afraid as young as they were they would not remember me. I was wrong. They called my name and enveloped me in sweet kisses all the while repeating over and over these words, “I love you. I missed you.”

Mother’s Day was a special day for the Mace house. Our son had to work so our daughter picked up her nieces and brought them to our house. They had yet to be reunited with their Pop, and when they saw him hugs and kisses were planted on his rough cheeks while his strong arms embraced his granddaughters, his Mace Girls.

Once in the house another reunion took place as our happy dogs covered our girls with wet kisses. Their sweet laughter and happy voices flowed through our home. Happy little girls who knew they were safe and well loved. My Mace Girls.

The day was spent around the family table eating a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, blueberry biscuits and apple turnovers. Then outside for a silly game of baseball, throwing balls for the dogs and finally playing in piles of leaves.

We ended with a bubble bath and clean clothes before returning them to their father. Hugs and kisses made the rounds again as happy, tired, little girls were secured in car seats under the watchful eye of their Sissy.

What the future holds is anyone’s guess. I think these precious little girls still have a lot to go though in their lives. But for now they are happy in the love of their father, their grandparents on both sides and their Sissy. The love we have for them will remain consistent, a stable anchor in a rough world. They will always be my Mace Girls and they will forever be loved.

All the below photos owned by PR Mace.

Savanna and Brianna taking their bath

Savanna in her clean clothes after her bath.

Brianna in her clean clothes and wet hair.

My husband Craig with our daughter (Sissy) and Savanna.

Craig with all his Mace Girls. Shanna, Brianna and Savanna.