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.

1. Christmas at Black Creek

Until December 23rd, 2010: Enjoy food, music and performances in Christmas by Lamplight and Sunday Christmas Dinners. This is a great place to bring your kids too! Reservations are required so make sure to book in advance.

2. The Toronto Zoo’s 35th Annual Christmas Treats Walk

Sunday December 26th, 2010: This is a ONE DAY ONLY event on Boxing Day that you do not want to miss! Starting at 10:00am, this outdoor event will have free hot chocolate for everyone during the walk. Tickets are half price all day and you can also donate to the food bank.

3. The Toronto Zoo’s 8th Annual New Years Eve Family Countdown

Friday December 31st, 2010: A non-traditional way to enjoy New Years Eve with our loved ones. The annual countdown features surprise performances, special animal visits and great food! This is a good option for couples with small children, nothing better than a little family fun to start off 2011!

4. Fun at Harbourfront Centre

December 2010- February 2011: For those of you who love music, beautiful Holiday decor and skating, check out 1 Love T.O: Holiday Party Edition with DJ DLUX and JEDI, Saturday, December 18th, 2010. And do not worry about not knowing how to skate, the Harbourfront Centre offers training and a “mini-rink” for those who are inexperienced, I assure you will still have fun.

5. Kensington Market Winter Solstice

Tuesday December 21st, 2010: The event formerly known as the Kensington Market Festival of Lights allows for couples to enjoy the artistic side of the Holiday in Toronto. For those of you who like to see creative, unique work, go ahead and invite that ‘special someone’ out for a day of fun.

6. Trail of Lights at Downsview Park

Friday November 26th – Sunday January 2nd, 2011: With Christmas decorations along a paved path, you can enjoy a casual stroll  through Downsview Park on Wednesday nights or drive through the Trail of Lights. Whether you are with family members or your partner, it will be a beautiful experience.

7. Winterlicious

January 28th – February 10th 2011: Tickets go on sale December 16, 2010Includes 150 participating Toronto restaurants offering inexpensive meals that you can enjoy throughout the season. Go to the website for a full list of the restaurants and booking information: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Winterlicious?Openform

8. Nathan Phillips Square

November 2010- March 2011: Open to the public throughout the winter, this is one of Toronto’s most popular rinks where you can enjoy skating, food, and carolers singing during your stay. If you and your partner love being around other love birds, this is definitely the place to be.

9. Niagara Falls CAA Festival of Lights

December 6th, 2010 – January 31st , 2011: This can be the perfect getaway for couples during the Holidays. You can enjoy your time skating around in the TD Rink at the Brink or enjoy amazing performances at the Christmas Concert Series! Whatever you and your partner choose, you will definitely have an amazing time.

10. Shamrock Lodge Winter Weekend Getaway

December 2010 – March 2011: The package includes 2 nights accommodation, 1 candle light dinner and 2 breakfasts for about $240 per person. A weekend in Muskoka could be a  romantic getaway or a family holiday getaway. Children under 10 are free, for more information contact (705) 765-3177.

Have a great holiday!

PS:  Love In Toronto is also working on a video too, stay tuned!

Daters who do not want their admirers to be disappointed this season should…

1. …remember bits of conversation.
In doing so, one may recall certain items a partner said he or she liked or wanted to own. Such concepts make good potential gifts;
or
2. …surprise them.
If one’s romantic companion has not mentioned anything he or she needs or desires, a gift associated with this partner’s interests and tastes may please him or her;
or
3. …ask their friends.
If certain daters are absolutely stumped about what to get their honeys this season, seeking the advice of their significant others’ friends may be useful. These people may suggest ideas one had never considered, or, depending on the length of the relationship, may know one’s partner more thoroughly than his/her mate does.
or
4. …avoid the typical.
If one does not want to give the regular game console or designer purse this year, purchase or make something that one would not ordinarily consider. Some ideas include a trip to the spa, a photo shoot with or without one’s mate, a getaway, or tickets to a concert;
or
5. …try something sentimental.
A present that encompasses warm memories with one’s mate may delight him or her. Examples of such gifts are: a photo album of priceless times together, a collage, a painting of one’s significant other or of the duo together, a scrapbook of meaningful objects and memories, and so forth;
or
6. …treat their mates.
Another enjoyable gesture one could possibly present a significant other is pampering. Such romantic gifts encompass back rubs, foot rubs, home-made dinners, facials, and the like.

Gift-giving to a partner is only as difficult as one makes it. Creative, thoughtful thinking is really all that’s required for one’s significant other to be pleased with his or her holiday present. No over-thinking is necessary. If some mates are insatiable when it comes to presents this holiday season, however, at least they will realize their flames put thought into their gifts.

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.”

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

Winterlicious has been extended for another two weeks until February 28th, 2009!

Due to this overwhelmingly positive response, the City of Toronto is officially extending the prix-fixe program by two weeks. Select restaurants have chosen to opt-in to the extension of the program and will be offering their menus from February 16 – 28, 2009.(from the Toronto.ca website)

For more information, please visit Toronto’s official website for more details.  Their website can be found by clicking HERE.

Last year, we published some tips to help you with your Winterlicious experience.  You can find that article by clicking here: “Going to Winterlicious? Here’s some friendly advice!”

Of course, you should also check out the official website for details.

Sometimes the best idea is the oldest, most cliché idea. I find myself quite often enjoying an activity that has been around for many years, so it has been tested with time. An excellent example is skating. Skating is an activity fit for many purposes – from transportation to community-wide events, to family expedition, and of course a romantic outing. Whether out on a lake or in a recreation center, a skating couple can feel that special bond even as being a part of the public. After skating, of course, one must drink hot chocolate – it’s traditional, it’s sweet, and it gives a couple that extra chance to bond. And hey, it’s inexpensive.

Skating as a dating idea is quite romantic, even though not overbearing. This sort of romance is the type that is not premeditated, but comes naturally – perhaps when the couple joins hands on the ice or skates synchronically with elegant movements. It is a sort of an art form or dance that is public, yet dear and intimate to those skating.

Skating also allows the couple to bond in a way that life in an urban city does not always allow. Supporting each other on ice shows a sign of trust for each other that is not always expressed with words. And if you’re beyond being wobbly on the ice, you can always show off some impressive moves.

After a day outside in the cold wintry air, warm up with your date by drinking a hot beverage, such as hot chocolate, cocoa, or tea. The warmth of the drink is all the more reason to wrap your arm around your date while taking sips. Not only is this date private, it is also sweet, both romance- and taste-wise.

Use this coffee date as a chance to get to know your partner’s true identity. Find out who he or she really is through long conversations, humorous stories, and the revealing of personal secrets. You may even discover romantic ways to surprise your significant other in future instances. You may uncover hidden facts about your companion that will help you plan such romantic encounters.

It is easy to see that skating and the drinking of hot beverages make a great combination for the ultimate romantic winter date. Both are inexpensive and allow a couple to create a deeper bond with each other. They also learn to develop trust for each other by skating together and keeping each other from falling. Secrets about your date can be revealed over hot chocolate or coffee that can be turned into tools to appeal to their romantic side. Take your significant other out for skating and hot chocolate and you are guaranteed to be pleased.

For information on public skating rinks in Toronto, click here.

Hot chocolate is available in your local living room or coffee shop.

Written with the help of Olga Andriyevska