Godiva Chocolates

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Valentine's Day is just around the corner guys and I want to give you suggestions for the best gifts to give women to make a lasting impression on her. This is a very important and special day for women and any special gifts you give her will win her heart.

A lot of guys are confused as to what to get a woman for Valentine's Day. They may just take the easy way out and just get flowers or a romantic card. Well, you can do better than that. You want to stand out from the rest of the guys. In other words, you want to impress her so much, she will never forget you.

Here's a list of gift ideas for Valentine's Day that are guaranteed to win her heart:

Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure.

Find out her favorite color of roses and surprise her with a bouquet of roses.

All women love chocolate, so a box of Godiva chocolates would be an excellent gift.

Starbucks gift certificate.

Most women love to wear lingerie. It makes them feel sexy. Get her a gift certificate for a lingerie store such as Victoria's Secret.
Movie theatre tickets or tickets for an upcoming concert would be a good gift.

Sterling silver anklet or bracelet is sure to impress.

You can't go wrong by giving her scented candles. They love them!
Women love to take bubble baths. Buy her some bubble bath. Hopefully, you can join her in the tub to soak in the bubbles, if you know what I mean.

Ambercrombie & Fitch T-Shirt or Sweatshirt.

There you have it! Now go out and get her something. These gifts don't necessarily have to be with your sweetheart. They can be for someone who you wish was your sweetheart.

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Since Xocai made it's appearance in the marketplace the chocolate world (and also the fitness food world, the diet industry and undoubtedly your e-mail inbox) has been buzzing with the idea of "healthy chocolate." While there definitely are benefits to dark chocolate and unquestionably benefits to a number of the ingredients utilized in the unique "healthy chocolate" the very simple continues to be that the most effective way to get healthy, slim down, have more vitality and prevent possibly uncomfortable side effects is to simply eat a healthy diet, workout and for God's sake indulge yourself every now and then.

The entire notion of a "healthy chocolate" is laughable and rather reminiscent of the notion of a "cookie diet". One who expects to slim down through eating only cookies can't possibly expect as many health rewards from their diet as they might were they to simply get up exercise and eat proper meals in the first place. That said - is there any reality to the "healthy chocolate" stories which are floating around on the web?

Xocai is a product owned by MXI Corp. Their business framework operates similar to that of Mary Kay, they recruit resellers who are paid out a portion of revenue and compensated with bonuses and allowances for product sales volume. Regrettably due to this method numerous resellers are quite happy to tell you absolutely whatever you are prepared to hear in order to make their sale.

Xocai is a popular new toy on the chocolate market being pushed everywhere you look by anybody and everybody that has subscribed to their resellers program. What about the actual product though? Most Xocai items incorporate dark chocolate. There are several benefits of including a small amount of dark chocolate in to your daily diet. These health benefits include reduced blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, enhanced blood circulation and lowered probability of infarction. So now we've got the benefits that may be found in Xocai along with plain old high quality low-cost dark chocolate. Exactly what does Xocai have that regular dark chocolate hasn't got? The greatest bragging point of Xocai or "healthy chocolate" is the ORAC values of ingredients in the particular products.

What are ORAC values? ORAC values are Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity units, a means of calculating the antioxidant values of particular ingredients. Antioxidants like those present in dark chocolate are beneficial for a lot of reasons but specifically for neutralizing free radicals in the body (which according to popular belief slows aging.) So back to those ORAC levels in "healthy chocolate." It's well known that dark chocolate has high levels of anti-oxidants, we also are aware that particular "superfoods" include high levels of antioxidants too. Fruits like the acai berry and blueberry are regarded as two of those "superfoods" and contribute significant amounts of antioxidants in supplementation to the already large levels of antioxidants in dark chocolate. It is basically a matter of mathematics then when it comes to the question of why Xocai has such large antioxidant values, whenever you blend several items with high antioxidant values it only adds up that the ORAC levels are going to be greater than one of those items alone.

Is Xocai a sensational revolution in healthy chocolate? Most likely not. Does Xocai offer some gains that can't be obtained in standard dark chocolate? Possibly, however were you to consume a few acai berries or blueberries with your dark chocolate you'd probably take in just as many antioxidants as you would with the Xocai mixture and pay a substantially smaller amount of your paycheck. The truth is, if you are searching to become healthy think about foregoing the chocolate all together and augment your diet with all-natural berries along with other foods high in antioxidants like standard unsweetened cocoa powder, cranberries and spices.

Then why the hype? Healthy chocolate is a unique product on the market which includes two of our favorite words, healthy and chocolate. Even though our minds realize that this could never be the sensation we would like it to be we persuade ourselves that it is...or else we're persuaded by the countless Xocai resellers. While Xocai does absolutely incorporate natural ingredients and health and fitness benefits it's not a staple of a nutritious diet and regrettably numerous "healthy chocolate" sales reps are pushing it as such. Xocai is not only not an efficient to way diet but it is a very costly one. The soundest way to diet is and always will be eating healthy unprocessed foods and integrating physical exercise into an everyday routine. It also needs to be mentioned that the jury is still out on whether acai berries really do offer any kind of slimming benefits at all without the inclusion of thermogenic additives.

Well since there are some advantages to Xocai are there any negative effects? The so called "healthy chocolate" includes acai berries that in addition to antioxidant advantages also have the natural quality of cleaning the bowels. This can lead to diarrhea and increased bowel movements. It's also entirely possible that anyone who has a serious allergy to pollen could have a serious allergic reaction to acai berries causing itching eyes, congestion and a rash. While there is little data available about the specific adverse side effects of Xocai in general it could be well worth noting that every website in searching range about Xocai also ends up having a "buy your healthy chocolate here" link on it too.

Xocai is the most recent idea, the follower to the acai berry diet, that was the follower of the cookie diet, that was the follower of the Hollywood diet and it is certain that there will be a newer idea to follow Xocai when it's moment passes. Meanwhile I recommend that you use caution but most importantly use your common sense. A healthy chocolate with absolutely nobody telling you about their unfavorable experience but simply everyone publishing their remarkable experiences with reseller links? Even Godiva have their critics.

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Chicago is a big-time sports town with die hard fans for their Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and the World Champion Chicago White Sox. Even if you don't like baseball, you'll have the time of your life just like Ferris Bueller as you take in a Cubs game at Wrigley. The Windy City does a nice job blending in the new while maintaining its old world charm. Incorporated as a town in 1833, Chicago has grown to be the nation's third-largest city (with a population of more than 3 million), the birthplace of the first skyscraper and one of the few international US cities. Chicago today offers a truly cosmopolitan flare that adds to any visitor's big-city adventure - a beautiful city in the Midwest heartland that radiates a spirit of energy.

With 77 neighborhoods (yes, we did say 77), you can go from one to the next in a split second before you realize you're in a different area with completely new sights and sounds. Having unmistakable character, each of this city's neighborhoods brings a whole new array of shops, restaurants, attractions, historical elements, and intrigue.

Shopping on Michigan Ave. is truly magnificent, so make sure you work that into the plan.

Chicago is also known for its deep dish pizza, so you must try some while in town. Yes, the toppings are buried under the sauce, but trust us...it is fantabulous and worth the 40 minute wait. We like Gino's East and Giordanno's, but as you will see there are many other solid choices.

Whether you want to cozy up in a casual neighborhood bar or don your best black dress for some late night cocktails, Chicago has it all! Here are just some of our journeyPod Picks:

RiNo - A sleek River North lounge (the name's a spin on this), RiNo boasts low-slung seating, spotted "pony" chairs, kudo horn chandeliers, exposed beams and a bar top made with the midsection of a 200-year-old tree. Open till 4 a.m., RiNo lures locals and celebrities for after-hours action with a relaxed vibe. The music ranges from the latest hip-hop to 80's flashbacks, and the drink menu features everything from PBR in a can, to signature martinis and VIP table bottle service. No promises, but those of you hoping to beat the hefty cover are advised to arrive earlier than 11pm. And for all you girls out there - the restrooms contain goodies galore (you'll find everything from cosmetics to lollipops.) RiNo is located at 343 W. Erie St. (at Orleans St.).

Carol's Pub (Lincoln Park) - Talk about a traditional honky-tonk, Carol's Pub will remind you of the days when country music (and Uptown), belonged mostly to hillbillies. Drawing an eclectic crowd from early morning to early morning, this bare-bones venue with cheap booze and an "anyone's welcome" vibe is irresistible! Founded in 1973, Carol's Pub features dart tournaments on weeknights, and a house band on weekends. The bar menu offers basic beverages - namely beer, mixed drinks and Jaeger shots; and food options that include your typical bar eats like burgers, pizza and hot wings. If you're in a karaoke swinging mood, stop by on a Thursday night. Carol's Pub is located at 4659 N. Clark (at Leland St.).

Rockit Bar and Grill (River North) - Perhaps as penitence for making so many folks wait behind Le Passage's velvet rope, Chicago club impresarios Billy Dec and Brad Young opened up this new Wild Wild West meets big city multi-level space with upscale bar and grill. Promising a laid-back vibe that "checks the attitude at the door," Rockit is a great destination if you're in the mood for fussied-up comfort food and a Western-chic late-night lounge scene. Boasting a large first-floor dining area and an upstairs lounge with pool tables and plasma TVs, which celeb-designer Nate Berkus (you know you've seen him on "Oprah"!) has designed - you'll find comfy chocolate leather chairs, wood tables and exposed brick walls adorned with rustic elements. Specialty "Rocktails" include fruity concoctions like the Bomb Pop (raspberry and lemon vodkas, blue Curacao, lemonade and grenadine) and the Rockit Root Beer (Stoli Vanil, Godiva white-chocolate liqueur, and root beer). The place is located at 22 W. Hubbard St. (bet. Dearborn State Sts.).

Fulton Street Lounge (West Loop) - Nestled among the warehouses of the West Loop (and right next to high-end dining spot Follia) and in the thick of the booming Fulton Market District, this spot draws the beautiful people for after-work cocktails and late night libations. The open setting allows local crowds to build without ever getting too cramped, and the chic minimalistic décor adds class (and not haughty-taughty-ness). Groups here tend to convene on the comfortable plush seating at low, game-style tables; or find their way to the summer patio. Check out the lounge's creative, seasonal martinis. Found at 955 W. Fulton Market.

Suite Lounge (Old Town) - Expect a New York loft-like atmosphere when you arrive at this 1,800 square-foot space with a drink list that reads more like a dessert menu (think: martinis rimmed with graham cracker crumbs, Pop Rocks or frosting). Boasting a 20- to 40-something crowd, the space features two bars, tables and booths, and several private nooks for those who want to seclude themselves from the scene. Suite Lounge features house and trance and electric lounge style music influenced by Ibiza DJs. Know this: despite its sexy interior, Suite Lounge encourages a surprisingly relaxed attitude towards dress - jeans are the standard for men and women, and you can wear your Pumas without a hassle. The lounge is located at 1446 N. Wells St. (at Schiller St.).

D.O.C. Wine Bar (Lincoln Park) - Although the name refers to the European wine designation, it also happens to be the initials for Dunlays on Clark - which boasts geometric design elements like large porthole windows, a high lumber ceiling and a shiny metal backbar and skylight. Perfect for wine aficionados who are interested in sampling reasonably priced wines from around the globe, D.O.C. featuers 150 international bottle choices, with 30 by the glass offerings. The wine bar's menu includes small plates of choices like duck quesadillas, buckweat crepes and pizza. If you're coming to socialize, find a seat at the bar or couches surrounding the fireplace or at the banquettes lining the wall. If you're interested in a more private setting for deep conversation, try the intimate and sexy scarlet-drenched back room! Psst... On Sundays, all flights are half-price; Mondays, the 20 for $20 special offers a good variety of choices at a deep discount. D.O.C. Wine Bar is located at 2602 N. Clark St. (at Wrightwood Ave.).

J Bar (River North) - Talk about an upscale martini lounge. Located in the sleek and luxurious James Hotel, this lounge boasts modern design elements, candlelit cocktail tables and plasma TV screens to set the swanky scene that begins with the velvet ropes outside. Boasting "deconstructed" versions of traditional cocktails (like the signature James Hotel martini - that features blue raspberry vodka, elderflower cordial and served in a martini glass coated in a hard, raspberry candy shell. Remember: anchoring the south end of Rush Street's nightlife, J bar is an early evening or a late night destination. James Hotel can be located at 610 N. Rush St. (at Wabash Ave.).

reserve (West Loop) - Looking for a swanky, fashion-focused lounge, an elite atmosphere and first-class bottle service? reserve is where you go! Just make sure you dress in your very best designer threads so that you can make it past the door. Bling-bling and bottle service are definitely the name of the game at this place. With gleaming red tiles, a wall of bamboo and sexy crimson Asian-inspired décor elements, this bi-level venue is always attentive to its 20- to 30- something crowd that typically reserves tables and orders bottles of champagne (that range from $120 to $1,000 a bottle). Tuesdays are SIN DR ("Service Industry Night Done Right") nights geared toward fashion and service industry elite, requires no cover charge and complimentary cocktails from 10 to 11 p.m. Other times, if you're looking for reduced or comp. admission, just send an RSVP email to info@reserve-chicago.com and you'll be good to go! reserve is located at 858 W. Lake St. (at Peoria St.).

The Wild Hare (Wrigleyville) - Calling itself the reggae capital of America is not too much of a stretch for The Wild Hare - ya' mon! Every night of the week, local, national and international bands make their way to the stay at this club (which has doubled in size over the last ten years and invested over $100,000 into its sound system). In a given month, you'll find everyone from Shabba Ranks to other such renowned performers as Rita Marley and Tony Reble traveling from Jamaica to perform here. This place still draws a large crowd who's always in the mood for a little Red Stripe (Jamaica's favorite beer), the signature house rum and great music. DJs spin between sets or when no band is booked and cover charge can be as high as $20 for big-name performers such as Yellow Man. The Wild Hare is located at 3530 N Clark Street (Cross Street: Addison Street).

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