As we celebrate Valentine's Day—the day of love—we're struck by those common cliches: “;Love makes the world go round,”; “;Love conquers all”; and “;Love heals all wounds,”; to name a few.

Love seems to know no bounds. Religious saints and prophets hold love in high regard, with many scriptures and teachings surrounded around the emotion that can bring such great sorrow and pain.

The Beatles tried to convince us that “;All You Need is Love”; in the '60s. And music and films have continued to explain the phenomenon throughout the centuries, capturing both heartbreak and bliss of a force so potent it has the power to sweep us off our feet.

Love has different definitions in the dictionary, but I'd describe falling in love as a magical experience that entails making your heart feel as if it will burst out of your chest, and causes butterflies to bounce off the walls of your stomach while causing your mind to drown out every other thought. Never mind that anyone diagnosing these conditions would find cause to worry about such a malady.

The experience of love can be hindered by the weight of expectation and sentimentality, but nonetheless, throngs of couples will attempt to express their feelings with candy, flowers, elaborate gifts and romantic dinners for two on the one day that pays tribute to amour.

Just remember, romance must not be restricted to one day. With a little effort and creativity, every day can be like Valentine's Day. Here are a few lists to direct your thoughts.

TEN “;MUST-SEE”; ROMANTIC MOVIES

Whether tales deal with unrequited love, love at first sight, passion or tragedy, the plots in romance films draw us in. Maybe we're seeking our own “;happily ever after”; and the films give us hope, or we need help relating to the difficulties and sacrifices associated with relationships and take comfort in others' pain. Whatever the reason, these films allow us to escape into a love-filled fantasyland, even if only for a few hours.

1. “;Shakespeare in Love”;
2. “;Titanic”;
3. “;The Notebook”;
4. “;Like Water for Chocolate”;
5. “;Ghost”;
6. “;P.S. I Love You”;
7. “;Love, Actually”;
8. “;Don Juan DeMarco”;
9. “;Say Anything”;
10. “;Moonstruck”;

APHRODISIAC FOODS

Try incorporating these delicacies into a Valentine's Day meal to enhance or intensify sexual desire and set the mood for love:

» Oysters: High in protein, oysters were considered an aphrodisiac food dating to ancient Greece. They are a good source of zinc, a mineral required for testosterone production.

» Bananas: Rich in potassium and B vitamins essential for sex hormones.

» Strawberries dipped in chocolate: Strawberries are red, the color associated with love and passion, and are also high in vitamin C. Chocolate perks up mood centers in the brain, so why not combine the two? Add whipped cream for fun.

» Asparagus: Provides a good source of potassium, fiber and vitamins A, B6 and C, for an extra boost of energy.

» Garlic: Stir some garlic in a pasta sauce or other dish to spice up the evening and increase sexual desire. But beware: Use too much, and its scent could have the opposite effect of chasing your beloved away.

SET THE MOOD

Altering lighting and adding romantic decor can provide a change of scenery to reignite passion:

» Wake the senses: Aromatic candles, rose petals and music can help set the tone. Sprinkle petals down hallways, on beds, tabletops or include them in candle holders.

» Light the way: Candlelight screams romance, but there are other options, as well. Consider placing thin fabric over lampshades to create a soft, diffused, sexy glow. Or try colored light bulbs to set the mood—red for intensity, a soft pink for gentle romance.

» Bubbly options: Consider drawing a bubble bath for two. An array of bath salts, oils and lotions are available to enhance the experience with scents and tactile sensations. Consider placing a nearby basket filled with these goods, including fluffy towels and washcloths, to keep everything close at hand. Rose petals or flowers can also be set floating in the tub. Consider placing a tray of romantic foods alongside the tub and chilling a bottle of wine or champagne for the occasion.

SPREAD THE LOVE

Valentine's Day is a time to profess one's love. But, if there isn't someone special in your life right now, remember that the day of love doesn't need to focus on lovers alone. Remember and acknowledge parents, children, friends and even pets—those folks and critters who make life worth living.

PASSION POTION

Love potions can take the form of scintillating fragrance or mood-setting cocktail. Halekulani pays homage to Cupid with “;For the Love of Cocktails”; today at the Lewers Lounge, where five specialty cocktails were created for the occasion.

The cocktails “;Ultimat Obsession,”; “;Lewer's Tryst,”; “;Forbidden Fruit,”; “;Seductive Sparkler”; and “;Moulin Rouge”; will be available at $12 each from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. to patrons 21 and older, along with a sweet and savory bar menu available through 12:30 p.m.

Pianist Noly Pa'a will serenade with romantic melodies.

Dress to impress your loved one and meet the dress code of collared shirts and slacks for gentlemen and evening attire for women.

Try re-creating the spirit of romance in the lounge by mixing your own drink. Here is one of the recipes to try:

Ultimat Obsession
1/2 ounce Ultimat Vodka
1 ounce Grand Marnier
1 ounce lemon juice
1 teaspoon grenadine'