According to the History Channel, the history of this day of romance is murky, but it contains traces of both ancient Roman religions and early Christianity. There are several legends about who St. Valentine was: our favorite is that he was a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree that, since single men made better soldiers, young men were not allowed to marry. The priest married young lovers in secret until he was caught and put to death. Or, as another legend has it, while Valentine was in prison, he fell in love with a young girl, to whom he wrote the ancient equivalent of love letters, signing them, ‘from Your Valentine.”

"I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I've ever known."
Walt Disney

"Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. "
H. L. Mencken

Interesting, albeit useless, factos about Valentine's Day courtesy of BrainCandy

About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In days of yore, women subjected themselves to undergarments with boning and other forms of torture to accentuate an hourglass figure. Well, hourglass figures are as inviting as ever and luckily, the underwear industry has access to fabrics that support, accentuate, and glorify all body types.

We women are much more likely to be critical of our bodies than are the men who love us. You see a few extra pounds—they see inviting cleavage and curves. Attitude plays a role too. If you act like you feel unattractive, he may start to think so too. If you’ve got it—flaunt it and be a little adventurous this Valentine’s Day with lovely lingerie meant just for you.

A few things to consider: choose an underwire bra that will encase and support your breasts. Don’t be afraid of plunge bras—they are amazingly sexy on large-breasted women. And, to be really daring, try a balconette style that will give you the heaving bosom look of romance novels.

So what do we suggest?

Freya is known for beautiful styling in larger sizes. Their Mille Underwire Balconette Bra comes in lush pink or the ever-sexy black and is a perfect Valentine’s Day choice.

Fantasie’s Belle Underwire Balcony Bra gets kudos from customers for it’s flattering fit. It’s pretty gorgeous too.

The Wacoal Renaissance Full Figure Embroidered Bra is perfect for low cut necklines. The embroidered roses are a lovely special touch.

Did you know that men love to see women in strapless bras? Judging from our customer feedback, women love this Goddess Cantilevered Strapless Bra too.

Lunaire’s lovely Picadilly Lace Bra features tantalizing sheer lace. Add the High Cut Brief for a sexy Valentine’s Day ensemble.

Okay—if not on Valentine’s Day, when can you go naughty but nice?

Shirley of Hollywood Lace Shelf Bra is as daring as you want to be and a sexy invitation to your man.

Match it with the Lace Thong Pantie to show him you're in the mood.

We can’t say it enough—sexy is not about supermodel perfection. It’s about how you feel and how he feels about you. Don’t think of sexy lingerie as an indulgence—think about it as a Valentine’s gift to both of you!

Quick Tip: Why not download and print our complimentary sizing chart, fill it in with your sizes, and give the guy a clue.

It’s Valentine’s Day---give him the best gift of all---you wrapped in heart-stopping sexy lingerie. We’ve done some research on what men think of lingerie (and yes, they do think about it) so that you can be the best wrapped gift he’s ever received.

According to Robb Ksiazek, who writes about fashion, lingerie can initially seem a bit intimidating unless you keep in mind that there are only a handful of supermodels and then there are the rest of us. As he writes in an article on EzineArticles.com, “Your body is beautiful no matter what shape and size it is… You can find intimate apparel the way you want it to fit your body.”

An article by Jon Gammon in GoArticles.com, reminds us that men are all about visual stimulation.

We know this is the season to buy sexy underthings for the woman in your life. But let's face it--not all men are quite up to the daunting challenge of sizing and selecting bras and panties. You can still put the oooh-and-aaah in Valentine's Day with a sexy gown--a gift for both of you to enjoy!

Arianne's Stella Chemise is trimmed in coy laceand beaded applique will show her she's a star in your eyes. Pair it with the Extra Low-Rise Bikini Panties .

If flowers are on your gift list, how about something sensuous and floral like
Oscar De La Renta Rose Garland Babydoll?

Is she more the cotton type? You don't have to sacrifice sexy with Claire Pettibone's Athena Cotton Gown. It's got lots of ribbons and lace and a high slit on both sides.

For more gift-buying ideas, check out our gift-buying guide. And have no fear--if you think she's sexy enough to buy lingerie for, she'll feel sexy too, and that goes a long way towards an evening of romance.

Now that we’ve all eaten too much and generally over-indulged, it’s time to kick into resolution mode and get in shape. According to the American Council on Exercise, even walking as little as one hour per week will cut the risk of heart disease in women in half. So, let’s get moving.

If you’re a lapsed exerciser or a beginner, setting some goals will help you get started. Whether you want to lose weight, gain strength, trim inches, or generally feel healthier, give yourself some realistic attainable goals and you’re more likely to succeed.

Find a program that works for you—we’re not all meant to be in an advanced spinning class five days a week. There are so many alternatives—from that ubiquitous half-hour ladies’ workout to yoga, pilates, cycling, aerobics, step, and team sports. For some, walking 30 minutes a day several times a week can be enough to make you feel more energetic and healthier.

To keep from getting bored, try to vary your routine. If you work out at a gym or class a few times a week, add in walking, running, bike riding, yoga or a sport for variety. If your exercise is all outdoors, you’re giving yourself a great excuse not to work out on lousy weather days---so plan on something you can do indoors as well.

We don’t all have the room or money for a personal in-home gym, but we all have room to get on the floor for some crunches or to stand in front of the TV for stretching exercises.

Realistic goals and a program you actually enjoy will go a long way towards success keeping this year’s fitness resolutions. And of course, it helps to have the right underwear for the job. This is no time for the dainty demi bra or little silk teddy.

Start with a sports bra that offers essential support, comfort, and breathable, moisture wicking properties.

We love the Donna Karan Underwire Sports Bra for its never-fail support, side-support panels to avoid chafing, and comfortable underwire. It’s especially good for larger-breasted women.

Champion has come up with a great idea with their Comfort Zip Sport Bra. HerRoom customers give it high marks for support, comfort, and that easy-on front zip.

With Gossard’s Shock Absorber Multiway Sports Bra, the name says it all. Shaped and padded straps that can adjust to crossover position, molded inner support panels, and very breathable, moisture-wicking fabric makes this the choice for high-intensity workouts.

ExOfficio’s Bikini Brief is designed for women on the go—they’re stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking for the toughest workout.

ExOfficio also makes a seamless version with a no-tag waistband, fast-drying fabric, and odor resistance.

So, now that you’ve got the right stuff, see you at the gym. Really.