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.

For the Ladies:
For a first date, you want to look appealing, but you don’t want to dress too extravagantly. If you adorn your face with plenty of makeup and wear your best outfit, you may look fantastic; however, this will only set unrealistic expectations in your date’s mind of how you usually look. In fact, if you prepare for your second date by applying low-key makeup and wearing casual clothes, your sweetie may wonder where the original you s/he met went. This is why simple, yet classy looks are most appropriate for a first date; think business casual.

Makeup
Avoid dark, smoky eyeshadow on the first date. Neutral colours accentuate your eyes while still adhering to your down-to-earth look.

One chic and low-maintenance makeup look I recommend for an initial romantic evening is:
• The Frosty Lower Eyelid

One can achieve the “frosty lower eyelid” by lining her upper eyelid with black eyeliner and her lower eyelid and inner corner of the eye with silver eyeliner. This look will help one appear natural while still looking striking.

For a different effect, try metallic, sky blue or lavender eyeliner on your bottom lid.

• The Nude, Red, or Pink Lip
When the eyes are not highlighted with shadow, you won’t look like you’ve gone overboard by applying a bold colour to your lips. Red lips make one stand out; alternatively, pink lips play it safe, and the nude lip completes the plain look.

Keep your outfit simple, yet elegant for a first date. What you wear may also depend on the venue. If you’re going out to a restaurant, do not wear jeans! However, if you and your crush plan on going somewhere more laidback, jeans may be acceptable. Please reserve the slinky red dress and fauxe-fur jacket for a more formal event, preferably when you and your love interest have gone exclusive.

Don’t forget: You can also make a bland outfit more dazzling by adding accessories!

Gents:
Face
Please, please shave your beard for a first date, unless your date favours a little scruff. There is no bigger turn-off – appearance-wise – than a man who doesn’t care to impress his romantic companion by grooming.

Clothing
Men, it is important to look dashing without appearing as though you’re about to propose.
A dress shirt and some formal pants would look great if you’re going to a restaurant, but don’t overdo it by wearing a blazer. However, if the date is at a more casual hotspot, then a T-shirt and jeans will do.

Men & Women:
Scent
Unless you are personally familiar with the person you’re going on a date with and his or her likes or dislikes when it comes to body mists, do not wear a strong scent. Many people are sensitive to smells and one’s first date experience may be ruined if s/he is sniffling constantly due to the other’s wearing of a strong odor. A simple shower will suffice, but if you feel like kicking up your personal scent a notch, try a light fragrance.

As a general guideline, wear something stylish that makes you feel comfortable. You want to be able to be yourself while being confident. Good luck on your first dates, ladies and gentlemen!

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!

 From the official Toronto.ca website:  “The WinterCity Festival wouldn’t be complete without Toronto’s favourite winter gastronomic celebration. Now in its eighth delicious year, Winterlicious again offers two popular programs for you to savour.

Winterlicious Culinary Events
10 mouth-watering culinary events featuring some of Toronto’s diverse cuisine and notable chefs.

General Reservation Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010

Please remember… You MUST cancel your reservation at least 48 hours in advance if you cannot keep it.”

The show has an extended run and will be going on for a few more weeks, check their website for more details.

Will post more after the show!

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

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.

Casa Loma photo by: Chris Lancaster

On Sunday, September 20th, Casa Loma will be holding a Royal Brunch buffet served in the Conservatory and Library area.   Brunch also includes Castle admission!

Great Date Idea:  Stay the night at a nearby hotel and get on out to Casa Loma.  Excellent anniversary or special occasion.

See the Casa Loma website for more details!

Rivoli. Upstairs at the pool hall

This is one of Toronto’s most popular pool halls, Upstairs at the Rivoli.  If you enjoy pool and want to get into a more sophisticated and laid back mood, check this one out.  I’ve been told from one of our readers that this place is home to a lot of pool sharks too!

Here’s the letter we got:

“Hey Love In Toronto!  Love the website, thought you might want to know that there’s a great pool hall that my girlfriend and I met at called Upstairs at the Rivoli.  It’s a great place, friendly staff (we’ve been going there for a bit now and got to know some of the people) and it’s a great social activity between me and my girl.  Anyway, thought you should know.  Oh, there’s also some great food there too, which we like to stop by once in a while for brunch.

Pool Lovers”

Thanks for the tip, Pool Lovers! We’ll pass that on to our readers!

Check out Upstairs at the Rivoli’s website for more details.