Considering that my boyfriend proposed to me last year on Valentine’s Day (in the bathtub, no less) one might assume 2010 would be a tough act to follow. Not so, however, because I love these nifty heart-shaped handwarmers he gave me: they’re practical, whimsical, and even a little nerdy, thanks to the science behind them. Add to this the fact that they are resuseable, and for me, that’s a winning combo.
Yes, Valentine’s Day came early in our house simply because – while it has been cold lately – it could easily be 80 degrees here in Texas by the time February rolls around.
The top photo in this post is a before/after shot of a couple of the handwarmers. Each vinyl heart is filled with red-tinted sodium acetate. Snapping the circular metal device inside the heart triggers a phase change in the super-cooled liquid. Suddenly – as though struck by Cupid’s arrow – pink crystals form and rapidly spread through the heart as it magically (yes, magically, science is magic, too!) transforms from liquid to solid, producing heat as a byproduct. Cool, eh? Well, warm, if you want to be literal.
The heart-shape is actually quite practical, since the pointy end of the heart tucks right into the corner of your pocket. To reuse the handwarmers, you simply simmer them in nearly boiling water for about 15 minutes. (I like to put them back in my pocket to cool, thereby gaining another use.)
If there’s someone in your life you’d like to keep warm, I highly recommend these handy little hearts as a fun gift.
Do you have Valentine’s Day plans, yet? I did some digging around to see what is available in the Dallas – Fort Worth area, and found some rather unusual celebrations going on, such as:
- A Valentine’s-themed haunted house called “Blood, Chainsaws & Valentines” (Texans love haunted houses!)
- Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga (Hindi-styleTwister?)
- An after-hours museum exhibit entitled, “The Science of Love” which offers wine-tasting and hands-on exhibits (They didn’t say what the hands would be on…)
- An improv comedy show, featuring a humorous “Love Day Battle of the Sexes” (Well, I hope it’s humorous. I’ve known some couples who conduct distinctly un-humorous ‘battle of the sexes’ competitions.)
- An Elvis impersonator performing a special “Love Me Tender” concert. (You’ve gotta love Elvis.)
- A “Paw-ty” for dog lovers, featuring pet photography, treats for humans and pets, and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Canine Valentine (It all benefits a local Dalmatian rescue society, too.)
- A vaudeville style Valentine’s performance at a swanky hotel, featuring burlesque, comedy, music and acrobats.
As for me, I’ve no idea what I’m gonna do for my man this year on Valentine’s Day. Luckily, there’s still time to plan. What about you?
Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
….Glossy pink floating valentines…….
Those are gorgeous pictures.
Also, I would totally go to Blood Chainsaws and Valentines, that is very cool
Gail: Were you able to find any of these handwarmers? I’ve been using mine a lot! And, yes, it was a sweet proposal.
Woofmutt: I love the combination of pink and red. Every February I rediscover it and find myself wearing those 2 colors together.
Paula: This is my second February in Texas and it has snowed both times. Brrr!
Jyllian: We didn’t end up going to the haunted Valentine’s day thingy. Alas, it was one day only and we couldn’t make it. I think it’s a great idea, though.
Thanks all for stopping by and commenting on my blog. Comments really make my day! :) ~Tui
Love the handwarmers. Wish I had some for tomorrow :-P
Being relatively heartless I don’t approach Valentine’s Day from a romantic perspective. Though I like the gray, still middle of winter I do get a kick out of the pink and red splash of Valentine’s Day. In a lot of ways it’s like a carnival coming to town; a mix of color, junk food, and soon to be discarded trinkets.
Wonderful! I’m going to have to get some of these heart handwarmers.
and how cool is that about your boyfriend proposing to you on valentine’s Day in the bathtub!?! LOVE it!
And you <3