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.
• Let your significant other know they’re 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:

-Frankie Tomatto’s – this place has 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

Café Cache
-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

Home
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!

Sex and the City is a movie that allows its viewers to escape the boundaries of the rule-oriented dating scene that has become dominant in recent times. It helps one to think outside the box, coming up with all sorts of possibilities, rather than jumping to conclusions. Instead of thinking, “Because s/he’s not doing x, it must mean y,” the plot of Sex and the City causes us to think, “S/he could not be doing x for a lot of reasons. I won’t rush to assumptions; I will find out why.” I feel this film promotes healthy thought in adults who are involved in the dating scene. This optimistic film will come as a refreshing release to the cynical few out there who think negatively about their love lives.

Sex and the City tells the story of a woman who thought she’d never fall in love. She ends up surprising herself by getting wed to her boyfriend of 10 years – and being thrilled at the anticipation of married life. Sex and the City follows the lives of the commitment-phobic, the happily wed, the dysfunctional family, and the skeptical, so everyone can relate. It teaches us about forgiveness and understanding and asks us to challenge our opinions on cheating. The viewer steps outside the black-and-white perspective she sees through the lenses placed on her by North American society. She realizes there are gray areas that exist. Is cheating acceptable if one has been physically and emotionally distant in a relationship for months? Is it forgivable if you feel your partner is genuinely a good person and a trustworthy mate?

That’s not all that we can learn from Sex and the City. This movie is great to see on a date, because it demonstrates effective ways of problem solving with a partner. Not only does it challenge common opinion, but is humorous as well. Certain outrageous scenes will make it impossible for you not to laugh your pants off. You will cry, chuckle, and gasp throughout this movie.

I highly recommend that couples rent this motion picture and curl up to watch it. Even though it may be considered a chick flick, the most macho of men will appreciate its comedy and in-your-face moments. Have your tissues ready! Sex and the City is the perfect romantic comedy. It deserves a 10/10.

The intimate nature of a date such as this allows a couple to bond not only physically, but emotionally. Massages, bubble baths, and foot rubs make this date sizzle. Aphrodisiacs such as chocolate-covered strawberries or wine are a great touch. He or she is sure to be moved by your selflessness and romantic side. By treating each other like royalty, a pair practices the “give-and-take” nature of relationships in an enjoyable way. It also can illustrate the fact that the two are always there to soothe or console each other when they are having rough days.

What materials does one need to make this dream date come true?

• Massage oil
• Bubble bath/Mud bath
• Candles (to create a peaceful atmosphere)
• Wine
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries
• Exfoliating cream

*Please note that these items are just suggestions and you can choose from many spa treatments to make this date unique such as manicures, pedicures, face masks, and mud baths.

Although idealistic, an at-home spa date is very practical. Not only is it inexpensive, but you don’t have to leave your home! This means you don’t have to spend extra money on gas or public transportation and that you and your mate get to enjoy this wonderful date indoors in a warm, dry environment. There could be no better place for a date in the winter in Toronto, when the temperatures hit the negatives and the snow is violently blowing about.

Coffee

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, go to http://www.toronto.ca/parks/recreation_facilities/skating/skating.htm.

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

Written with the help of Olga Andriyevska

Playing board games with a date is always thrilling, because it allows a couple to compete with each other in a non-threatening way. Not only are these games amusing, but they are intellectually stimulating, instead of the typical movie date which may cause a duo to be passive. For the ultimate challenge, try playing a trivia game to test your IQ levels. One perk about this date is that one gets to see his or her sweetie’s relatives’ personalities come to life as the competitive juices flow.

Another great way to pass the time on New Year’s Eve is by baking sweets with your other half. Baking with a significant other gives one an opportunity to act silly with him or her, such as by put some cookie dough or icing on one’s partner’s nose just for laughs. It also is a chance to exchange humorous stories with a love interest or for your companion to discover more about you by asking your family to reveal something about yourself. Finally, by baking together, a couple will produce many tasty treats they can enjoy with the happy memories of making them on their minds.

As the night goes on, watch the countdown to midnight at Nathan Phillips Square on the Tube to build up your and your date’s anticipation for the new year. By doing this, one gets to snuggle up with a date and couples get to bond by sharing their resolutions for the New Year. For a traditional touch, serve your date champagne once the clock hits twelve. The stroke of midnight gives couples who haven’t had their first kiss yet the opportunity, and couples that have been together for ages a sweet moment together.

The holidays are a time to fill one’s house with chatter and celebration. what better excuse to indulge on a large quantity of delicacies than on a holiday? Also, a holiday potluck will allow a large group of people to enjoy multicultural foods at the same time as relieving the hosts from making most of the food, leaving more time for hanging up mistletoes in the most unexpected spots.

Having a potluck dinner with friends is a great opportunity to see one’s pals in a fun, relaxed environment. Not only do you get to mingle with a large festive crowd, but you also get to introduce your lovey-dovey to all your friends, and meet all your honey’s friends yourself. Finally, you must already know what your significant other acts like one-on-one, but this is a great opportunity to see how he/she behaves in a large group.

Being hosts of the party with your significant other is also very romantic. Arranging an event with your significant other not only shows organizational skills, but it is also a good way to work on a fun project together, and then enjoy the fruits of your labour in each other’s company. Before the holiday potluck party starts, you can spend alone time with your partner decorating the rooms and lighting the candles together. Watch out, there will be mistletoe!

There’s a time when every couple needs to host a party, and a potluck party is easy to set up and fun to hold. The winter holidays are a great opportunity to distract everyone from the yucky snow outside with a fun party inside. Get closer with your loved ones, wear that horrible sweater your aunt got you last year, decorate your house, and beware of the smooch-inducing mistletoe.

Try something different by surprising an interest or a significant other with a chocolate fondue date. Something lovebirds can try at home, making chocolate fondue is cheap and definitely delicious! Not to mention, it is an interactive way for a couple to remain entertained, while enjoying each other’s company. Chocolate fondue can be enjoyed as a duo or with other couples on a group date.

As most of us know, a great way to hook up with and maintain a partner is by showing respect for him or her. One of the ways to show respect for a guest is to offer him or her food. In doing so, one acknowledges the fact that he or she may be hungry and the guest realizes that his or her needs are being considered. The tasty treats produced by dipping fruits into chocolate fondue can be used by couples to curb their appetites.

Making chocolate fondue is simple. It only requires one to boil some chocolate and marshmallows – or whipping cream, whichever you prefer – together and to dip a banana or some strawberries into the mix. This makes it easy to impress a date with one’s crafty ideas, without having to worry about slipping up.

A chocolate fondue date is great for couples with sweet teeth! You can also make this chocolate fondue unique according to yours and your sweetie’s preferences. Add in some ingredients you think will blend well with chocolate, such as almonds or cherry brandy, and you two will have your own secret recipe. This is a fun, non-intimidating way for couples to develop their skills at working together as a team.

One last benefit to this date is the romance that it holds. If you’re the playful type, this is the perfect opportunity for you and your other half to feed chocolate-covered strawberries to each other. It is also a chance for couples to embrace as they devour the mouth-watering desserts they have created. If this is a group date, partners can hold hands as they savour their chocolate-dipped fruit.

For some intense chocolate fondue recipes, visit http://entertaining.about.com/od/chocolatefondue/Chocolate_Fondue_Recipes.htm

I try with my will of steel not to be too hard on winter, but most years as it approaches, I very quickly begin to feel that I’ve already had my fill of it. There is truth in the sentiment that a Canadian winter has its own many splendors; however, it can also sometimes leave us feeling like we’ve been locked away on an Alcatraz Island of cold, ice and desolation, without any possibility of parole. By now, most of us have accepted that the summer is gone and that there is no avoiding the long winter ahead, and even though lately it’s been more reminiscent of spring outside, we are wise Canadians and not so easily fooled, right? We know that, any day now, we are sure to awake to an icy white scene,* one that looks so beautiful- that is, until January or February, when suddenly that scene begins to leave a bad taste more like the same old mash and beans on a tray, and to feel like “lights out” at ten (or, in reality, lights out at five). But there may yet be hope. While it may not equate to a full-on prison break, I do have a few items for the winter to-do list that may just help you feel like you can escape (if even momentarily) from a little thing I refer to as Wintertraz.

So print away, and tuck this column into your ‘In case of winter lull emergency’ spot. And since you know I am an equal opportunity advisor, it’s important to note that all of these escape routes work for the dating, the married, the single, and the fresh-off-a-black-ice break-up.

?The White Outdoors: A few years ago, in the pit of my wintery dismay, I learned that if you can’t beat ’em, sometimes you should just join ’em, and that idea is what fuels “the white outdoors.” Considering the amount of snow we can often see, there is a bountiful supply of activities to help get you out (or push you) into winter’s prized possession. I’m talking about skating, snowboarding, downhill or cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding, and, lest we forget, a good, old-fashioned snowball fight.

Some “Hot” Spots:

Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West: Skating and seasonal events run all winter long here and are free and open to the public. Highlights include the Cavalcade of Lights (November 24th-December 31, 2007) with spectacular fireworks, lights, and special events; and Wild On Winter (WOW) (January 25th-February 7th, 2008) with live performances, music, and entertainment.

Young & Dundas Square: Amidst the heart of one of Toronto’s main shopping districts is another popular and central host-spot of events and performances.

Blue Mountain/Collingwood (www.bluemountain.ca): Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, shopping, cabins with fireplaces…

?The Themed Cocktail Party/Date: Who doesn’t love an evening of delicious food, drink, music, and the company of friends? Add to this equation a slick theme of your choice (person, place, culture, era, garment, colour, un-seasonal holiday, etc.) and you have yourself an evening that will indeed push “pause” on those winter blues. Generally, the toughest part is actually choosing a theme; however, with so many food and shopping venues in and around Toronto, once you do choose one, you’re sure to obtain anything you’ve got in mind. Set a budget (or opt for BYOL) and use whatever inspires you, and put your own spin on it. This idea isn’t really anything new, but a themed party is always an event that everyone involved can get into and enjoy. After all, if it ain’t broke… And if you plan a themed date instead, just imagine the impress effect your intimate surprise will have.

?The Winter Nightlife: While some of us can’t wait to get out there in the wintertime, others want nothing more than to follow in the pawsteps of bears and go into a deep MIA slumber. I’m all for cozy, lazy weekends, but we have to fight the urge to make this social hibernation the winter routine. Instead, remember that the heart of Toronto’s nightlife beats on. Everything from the lounges, clubs, bars, and restaurants all still crave and need our attention. I’ll never forget last year when, on my birthday in January, a friend took me out to dinner after the city had been hit by a huge snowstorm that same day. The quietness of the city that night while the snow fell lightly and we drank, caught up, and enjoyed a delicious meal indoors was truly incomparable. One highlight in this category is Winterlicious (January 25th-February 7th, 2008), a Toronto Restaurants Promotion offering incredible cuisine at special fixed prices. Speaking of good food…

?Date With Your Kitchen: I don’t watch it religiously, but I never pass up the opportunity to stay put on the Food Network if I happen across a new episode of one of my favorites. Today’s costly and busy living means that we should all be a little wiser and get (or at least try to get) a lot more intimate with our kitchens and our culinary abilities. And it’s not as intimidating as it may seem. Winter is one of the best times to play around with soul foods like chicken soup, stew, and minestra. The good news is that these are dishes you can fill the freezer with, and they are fairly failsafe in that they can’t really be messed up. There truly is no end to the amount of experimentation you can have in the kitchen, from cooking all the way to baking. I guarantee you the feeling you get from having your rooms enriched with the deep warm aromas will be a level of satisfaction and enjoyment that not even the Abominable Snowman could crush.

Note: The AP Food Network Favorites Are: Everyday Italian, Nigella Feasts, David Rocco, The Barefoot Contessa, and Good Deal with Dave Lieberman, which can all be found via www.foodtv.ca.

?The Simple Walk: Yes, it’s true that we walk every day, but there is a big difference between walking to get to work or to catch the subway train, and just simply walking because you want to. When you are walking with a destination in mind, that destination can often dominate your mindset and consequent experience. Instead, why not try bundling up one day and just walking in your area, or hitting Queen Street West or King Street East for nothing more than a coffee, hot chocolate or a browse through some eclectic shops? The winter walk can turn the sidewalk into a romantic date location, but alone or together, I think you’ll find that a simple walk for no other reason than to get out and actually absorb the season is a much different and more satisfying experience than the kind of daily walking most of us are used to.

?The Winter Getaway: If you can afford it and have some savings and vacation time banked up, then this option doesn’t get any simpler. Decide on the destination, the time of departure, and whether you’re flying solo, or with your significant other, or with a couple of friends: then pack those bags and reward yourself with a literal change of scenery and pace.

?‘Tis the Season: It wouldn’t be winter without the holidays, and all the things they entail, from parties, to tree lightings, to decorations, to shopping, to family, to New Year’s celebrating. Ensure that you make time for catching up with the people who provide you with the most warmth against the winter cold, and regardless of what you personally celebrate, use this time to reflect less on what you have not yet achieved, and more on what you already have.

*Editor’s note: That “any day,” of course, inevitably and (un)fortunately arrived in the interim between writing and publishing.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love me some scary and if I had my way this Halloween I’d be starring in a horror movie. It being the season of spooky and all I was compelled recently to watch an old movie of my own I made in school. Sadly I found it more hilarious than scary but it did get me thinking…why do I love it so? And why is being scared so damn good? Thanks in part to a wise and close Therapist compari of mine it appears the answer is actually quite simple…adrenaline. There is nothing like the rush of adrenaline pumping through your body and mind when you feel like you’re about to get the scare of a lifetime or having just had one. It’s electric, ebullient and what’s more is that its effects can cause quite the stir in…the coffin. I’ll let you interpret that as you may but let’s just say I’m not only referring to Dracula here.

So maybe the days of trick or treating as a child are gone, but I promise you they are definitely not dead. We’ve entered a whole new realm of possibilities because we are adults now which means the haunted house so to speak, has gotten a whole lot hotter. With Halloween on the rise I think it’s only right we cover some of the most effective secrets to getting some of the hottest tricks for (or from) your treat. And with these devilish date idea’s you may see a side to your love interest that sends them screaming right into your arms, lips…or even your freaky little bedroom.

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Adren-O-Meter

1. The Scary embers will be lit
2. The Scary embers are now officially burning
3. Michael Meyers may be around any corner
4. Assume open arm position your dates about to come running
5. Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary…go on, I dare you
6. Be prepared to get your freak on

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Screemers – Canada’s Premier Indoor Scream Park means rain or shine, nothing should kill this date except possibly your own fear. One of Toronto’s first and biggest of its kind; Screemers features six major attractions including The Haunted House, The Maniac Maze and The Asylum as well as a special Midway Carnival of Madness to celebrate this year’s 15th Anniversary. I’ve been there, done it, loved it. Even standing in the lines being taunted by the body-less head creeped the hell out of me.
www.screemers.ca

Adren-O-Meter reaches all 6 for Screemers

Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt – It seems only natural Wonderland would get in on the horror action and I will say they have done a pretty good job. I went a couple years ago and enjoyed it but found the lines excruciatingly painful. However, I see new attractions have since been added like Cornstalkers, which already has me itching for a taste. Traipsing through a corn field in the dark of night, oh hell yes. Sign me up.
http://haunt.canadaswonderland.com

Adren-O-Meter reaches 5, and if huge lines don’t turn you off then a 6.

Niagara Falls Haunted House Halloween Road Trip – Nothing rivals the Haunted Houses of Niagara Falls. They’re not only scary they’re some of the best in the world and have clearly taken major lessons in jolt thrilling horror. The blood red evidence is in any one of the many venues to be explored. If you’ve got the cash, time and a special date potential (or fearless crew of friends), then organize it pronto because this is one themed road trip that can be just as scary on route as it is upon arrival.
www.nightmaresfearfactory.com
www.screamersniagara.com

And if the Falls is a bit too out of the way you can always try a road trip to Kitchener. That alone scares the pants off of me.
www.screampark.ca

Adren-O-Meter hits 1&2 on route, shooting to a spine-tingling 6 once there and is sure to be a repeat performance in your haunted motel room.

Scary Movie Out or At Home – The Halloween Season usually offers at least one or two horror movies in the Theatres. Big screen, big sound and big scares. And if they’re not so big after all there’s still nothing like the surround sound in a big dark theatre and the very likelihood of your date getting up real close to you for some ‘protection’. Of course, while the home viewing may not match the big screen, this allows you to custom tailor your night to some of the best horror classics of all time. And that can also mean you take the energy and adrenaline raised during the movie straight into the bedroom afterwards with no scary car ride home in between. Of course, if you’re into car then I suppose you can always take your chances…just be weary of the full moon and those urban legends we know all too well.

Adren-O-Meter can reach anywhere on the meter for this scary night of action.