(ARA) - Valentine's Day is no longer just a romantic day that is reserved only for lovers - it has grown to include friends and family with widespread celebrations. Try a role reversal with either friends or family members and give the usual cook a well-deserved break. Small and thoughtful acts can have a large impact this holiday.

People's lives are crazier than ever with having to juggle work, children and personal relationships. "I feel that the most valuable thing we can do for those we love is to do something a little out of the ordinary such as a Valentine's Day family dinner," says Andrea Alexander, academic director for The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Austin. "It does not have to be an expensive or time-consuming event but rather, a moment to share thoughts, feelings, smiles and laughter."

(ARA) - Do red roses mean more than you're willing to admit? Does the jewelry you're giving your loved one send the correct message? What is the appropriate gift to show your mother that you love her on Valentine's Day?

As the holiday of love quickly approaches, many of us are trying to find the right gifts for our loved ones. For new couples, maybe a gift of red roses in full bloom, which means "I love you," isn't what the man is ready to give, or the woman is ready to receive. For couples who have been together for a long time, a lasting gift like a living plant might convey your love better than cut flowers, which wilt quickly and then are thrown away.

(ARA) - Even though the holiday shopping boom of Black Friday is over, there's still time left in the season to wrap up holiday gift buying for that long list of friends and loved ones.

Steve Kemble, "America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru" and General Growth Properties (GGP) gift-giving expert, offers these tips to keep your shopping strategy sharp and savings high as the countdown to the holidays continues:

(ARA) - 'Tis the season for that that burning, uncomfortable feeling in the chest that often follows a big meal, which can result from indulging in food and drink. And no time can be more frustrating than the holidays for those who suffer with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), or acid reflux disease. The large amounts of food we eat during the holidays, and the types of food served can be a recipe for disaster for the 50 million Americans who experience frequent heartburn.

For many people, heartburn symptoms of GERD is more than just a pain at a party - it can disturb their days and nights.