Hot chocolate covered in whipped cream

Couples’ making gingerbread houses and savouring seasonal drinks is pairs’ having crumpets and tea in Heaven while being dubbed angels. This date allows duos who are too tired or sluggish to venture outdoors, to entertain themselves at home. All it requires is a gingerbread house making kit and egg nog. People who’d like to keep the gingerbread house should be careful, however, not to eat the entire creation. In that case, it may be desirable to purchase multiple gingerbread house making kits, gingerbread cookies and/or other decadent treats.

Such a date is inexpensive. It does not add up to the cost of purchasing movie tickets, popcorn, candy and drinks. It is not near the cost of skiing admission and gas. Moreover, it does not equate to the price of a play, dinner and parking downtown. Ingredients, the only cost of this cozy date, should ring up to about $25.

This activity also takes place in a comfortable setting. One gets to sit by the fire drinking egg nog with one’s sweetheart rather than sitting in a rigid seat in a restaurant, which may be chilly due to doors frequently opening and shutting. In addition, this date involves no waiting outdoors for admission, in the cold. This environment may be suitable for romance, too; there are no servers checking up on the duo constantly, no noise and no distracting media, allowing the two to bond without interruption. On the other hand, if a pair wishes to watch a Christmas movie during their time together, this date allows the twosome to do so.

Furthermore, this date allows participants to please their taste buds. Pairs can add jellybeans, chocolate chips, icing and whatever else they’d desire in the candy department, to their delectable houses. Not everyone has a taste for egg nog, but there are many other scrumptious beverages twosomes can enjoy. These include: coffee topped with froth, milkshakes, mochachinos, hot chocolate, cider, caramel cocktails and chocolate-mint martinis.

The following are recipes for drinks couples may wish to enjoy this holiday season:

• Frothy coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Milkshakes
• Mochachinos
• Apple cider
• Caramel cocktails a.k.a. “Liquid Caramel”
• Chocolate-mint martinis

In the movie An Affair to Remember, Terry McKay says, “Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.” This is definitely the case. Winter does not have to be drab. Slush, snow and cold are factors that won’t bring down one’s mood if he or she doesn’t let it. Couples’ making gingerbread houses and drinking seasonal beverages is one enjoyable date the weather should not ruin.

The following are examples of ways couples can enjoy themselves while learning new skills:

Pottery Classes – Your learning to spin clay with your sweetheart can make you feel proud – not only of your new ability, but also of the new art piece you have created. In addition, your giving your freshly-made pottery dish to your sweetheart may even earn you brownie parts.
Toronto Potters | Toronto Pottery Classes | Throwing a Fit Pottery Studio

Dance Classes – Your adrenaline will pump as you cha-cha across the room, hand-in-hand with your other half. Your learning how to dance may boost your confidence levels while allowing you to bond with your partner.
Toronto Dance Salsa | Arthur Murray Toronto | Joy of Dance

Writing Classes – If you’re seeking to improve your writing abilities or simply for an outlet for your literary passion, then your taking a writing class with a mate is an enjoyable way to do so. Moreover, you will learn new modes of expressing your creativity.
Creative Writing Help | The Moving Pen | Toronto Improv, Sketch Comedy and Screenwriting Classes

Acting Classes – Acting classes are fun stress-relievers. You may giggle at your mate’s silliness or become completely absorbed by your own monologue lines. Whatever the case, a theatre class will allow you two to let loose and have a positive experience.
Toronto Academy of Acting | Armstrong Acting Studios | Toronto Association of Acting Studios

Art Classes – Painting, photography, drawing, you name it – anything that involves visual art is sure to provide an entertaining time. If you want to do something really creative, I suggest splattering paint across a canvas with your significant other. You could also fill balloons with paint and toss them at a blank painting. If the mood gets too serious, however, you can always throw paint at your partner.
Toronto School of Art | Avenue Road Arts School | Academy of Realist Art

Taekwondo Classes – Taekwondo classes are just one way to learn an age-old skill, as well as get some vigorous exercise with your mate. Not only will taekwondo classes leave you feeling refreshed and energized, but you will also feel a sense of pride at your learning self-defense.
Master Tommy Chang’s Black Belt World | Beaches ITF Taekwondo Schools | Jong Soo Park

Kickboxing Classes– Your taking kickboxing classes is one more way you and your sweetheart can get a thrilling work out together. The blood will flow and your hearts will race as you two learn this exhilarating sport!
Toronto Kickboxing and Muay Thai (TKMT) Academy Inc. | Toronto BJJ | Kickboxing and Fight Club

As you can see, dates don’t always have to involve an upscale restaurant and a romantic comedy. You also don’t constantly have to wear the latest brand name while out with a partner. You can get sweaty, sporting track pants and a tee, and still have a good – or even more exciting time – while out with your sweetie. After all, your new skills may just redeem you for your outfit.

We have a great party that’s upcoming that can give you a great opportunity to put some sparkle back into your dating life!

TorontoSpeedDate.com on February 11th is hosting a pre-Valentines bash in the downtown core.

Event: Pre- Valentines day bash

Where: Dazzling Restaurant 291 King Street West, Toronto Ontario

When: Feb 11th Ages 22-35 All proceeds will be going to support the Haitian Relief effort. You can expect great people, a good time, and a chance to win some prizes!

Go to TorontoSpeedDate.com to register now! Feb 11th is only a couple days away!

Although it is true that one can make any day special for their sweetheart, the approach of Valentine’s Day just holds so much excitement! Here are some tips to make this Valentine’s day -or any day, that is – memorable:

• Surprise your other half. Plan something thoughtful, whether it’s a romantic fantasy they’ve mentioned, or simply something spontaneous. An evening full of romance, out or in, or a getaway weekend for two are just some examples.
• Do something out of the ordinary. If the two of you are used to a routine, break out of it. Try pampering each other. Giving each other massages with oil or feeding each other fruit dipped in chocolate are just some ideas.
• Make your significant other feel appreciated. One can do this by writing a meaningful card or letter for their mate. (To add a surprise effect, place the love note somewhere they are guaranteed to look, and have them find it. It makes the gesture even more sweet.)

Remember that gifts on Valentine’s Day are not necessary to show your love for another. However, if one or the two of you feel like giving gifts, remember that presents don’t have to be expensive to be heartfelt. A simple box of chocolates often suffices; something home-made or something thoughtful are also good options.

My Recommendations:

This eatery provides exquisite dining for an inexpensive cost. Not only is the food tasty, the atmosphere is intimate and cozy – a perfect place for a romantic date.
7225 Woodbine Avenue
Markham, ON L3R
(905) 940-1900
www.FrankieTomatto.com

This adorable little café serves both delectable desserts and scrumptious meals. This is a great place to indulge in mouth-watering foods and make memories with your lover.
255 Bass Pro Mills Drive
Vaughan, ON L4K
(905) 738-9198
www.CafeCache.ca

Some may think that a duo cannot have an enjoyable time at home, but I beg to differ. Each other’s company is what’s most important. If a couple cares to do something entertaining indoors, there are many options available; these include back rubs, baking decadent treats, playing trivia games, ordering in food or making food for each other, painting, and so on. Not to mention, this option is the least costly and most intimate setting.

‘Hope these tips bring some spark to your Valentine’s Day and/or overall lovelife!

Beat the cold with a spectacular fire installation, gravity-defying aerial dance performances, ice sculptures and themed skating parties.”

For the few years that Nuit Blanche has been playing, I’ve yet to actually attend one of these. The above video shows just one of the highlights of the show with a blinking Toronto City Hall on display on the wee hours of the night. It’s certainly one of the many different attractions at the event, enough for you to plan that all-nighter. Remember those nights when you snuck out of your parent’s house to hang out with your friends? Do it again at Nuit Blanche 2009!

Address: All across downtown Toronto, see website for details!
Email: scotiabanknuitblanche@toronto.ca
Website: http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/independent.shtml
Parking: street and on-site parking available. Expect to walk during this trip
What’s nearby: Just about everything is since you’re walking all over the place.
Why you should go: An outside walk-around, feel like you’re sneaking away for the weekend, lots of contemporary art. it’s almost like a haloween party without the free candy for adults

Choose from Horse Back Riding...

There’s a place in Niagara called HorsePlay Niagara which has Horseback riding, Trail riding and off-road go karting for those looking for a weekend adventure.  Settled in on the Niagara escarpment, this is the only place that offers horse back riding for ages 6 and up, trails on the beach.  Trails are authentically planned over a 300 acre property in the wilderness, unlike some of the field tracks that looks like every other beaten path.  My girlfriend and I have been thinking about doing something like this and from what i’ve been looking for on the Internet thus far, this one looks to have the most amount value. 

Oh, and check out that pic below.  I’m still on the fence about what I’ll be telling my girlfriend to wear.  Check out their official website for more details.

Or you can go Go Karting in the mud! My girlfriend will love this!

Corn Roast by: Laurel Fan

This weekend on the 12th, celebrate the Fall harvest at the Riverdale farm and their Festival Barn Dance and Corn Roast.  Seeing as how I live in the city and don’t have any friends out in the country, I don’t know what to expect other than there’ll be a dance, some corn and a gool ol time, y’all.  I’m thinking about breaking out my cowboy hat that I got while at the Calgary Stampede this year, so I won’t stick out like a sore thumb.  Yeehaw!

PS:  The farm is free to get in, but you might have to buy the corn separately.

Check out the Riverdale farm’s website and official events page for more details.

Canoes by: zayzayem

The Harborfront is having some free canoe rides in their natrel pond this weekend from Saturday to Monday.  There are varying times available, so we suggest checking in with the official website and going a bit early to ensure that you get a spot.

Click here to check out their official website for more details on a free canoe ride!

Let's go to the Ex

I’ve been going to the Ex since I can remember.  Although, i don’t remember it ever going on for only two weeks or so, maybe I was just too young to realize it.  The Ex still has many of my favourite rides and attractions like the one where you hop into a small cabin that holds 4 people and it takes you over everyone, allowing you to see everything from up above.  I wish I remember what the name of that ride was (someone please email me) but it was especially better with cotton candy.

Anyway, bebe and I will be going this weekend!  Check out their official website for more details!