Tag Archive for Valentine’s day

| February 7, 2013
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The Perfect Place to Party

DSCF2046

Event Planning with It’s My Party

By Amanda Kirsten Grant
 

You can tell from the amazing window displays that Danforth party-supplies store It’s My Party offers a range of products to meet your event needs. Whether you’re throwing a kids birthday party or a corporate gathering, It’s My Party offers thousands of products to help you achieve the look you want.

Owner Stephane Abbat has been providing customers with party supplies for decades. “We’ve been open in this half of the building since 1990, and then when the restaurant next door closed, we took over that half as well.” Originally, Abbat opened as a temporary Halloween party-supply store, but they have now expanded, offering a wide selection of themes such as birthdays and holidays.

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Category: Community | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
| February 15, 2012
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Thinking Outside of the Heart-Shaped Box

Craig Toron, New Jersey, 2009.

14 unconventional movies to watch with your Valentine

by Katy Littlejohn

Craig Toron, New Jersey, 2009.

There’s a lot of pressure from the traditional Rom-Com and Nicolas Sparks date nights. They depict the perfect version of love and how a couple should act in order to achieve their happily-ever-after moment. Those of us who live in front of the screen, not in it, know better. There is no moment 2 hours into you and your significant other’s meet-cute that triggers the “ambiguously upbeat pop song that has nothing to do with the plot… put in at the end to try to convince you that you had a great time…” (Friends with Benefits, 2011).

This year, men, instead of curling up with your gal and letting your mind wander until the end credits roll on Titanic or Sleepless in Seattle, find a movie that will keep both of your attentions. Ladies, you don’t really want to make your fellow feel pressured to get the Brad Pitt looks and the Colin Farrell body—that just makes them self-conscious which isn’t a good night for anyone. So this year, keep The Notebook on the shelf and consider one of these flicks for that perfect romantic evening.

1. E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial: Here’s a story to warm even the coldest of hearts. There’s zero romance in this movie, so there’s no pressure. The only thing you really have to worry about is whether or not you find the alien lovable or creepy. Either way, as E. T. says to Elliot, he’ll “be right here.”

2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Who doesn’t love Ferris? Besides Mr. Rooney, that is. This classic will bring you back to the carefree sort of love you had in high school.

3. Benny & Joon: The non-traditional take on a Rom-Com. This is a love story that is both multi-dimensional and real. There is heartbreak, young love, and best of all, Johnny Depp.

4. Almost Famous: If you like rock and roll, this is a great choice. Above all, it’s about a love affair with rock, but beyond that it’s got a great story line, charming characters, and a kick-ass soundtrack.

5. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective: Marilyn Monroe once said that “if you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything.” A good start is a classic Jim Carey movie!

6. Chicago: Though musical theatre may not be your cup of tea, Chicago features a lot of mostly naked women in heels with guns, which your man will most definitely appreciate. Plus, the Danforth’s own Music Hall is featured in the film! Keep an eye out for any other local landmarks.

7. WALL-E: Here’s a great pick if you or your date are environmentally conscious. It may be a love story between two robots, but it’s adorable. Also, the message is a great debate starter for when it’s over.

8. V for Vendetta: This is by no means a traditional love story, but it is a love story nonetheless. It also presents an empowering message: “power to the people” mixed with “Big Brother is watching”…until you lure him into the abandoned subway system and ninja him to death. Plus, Natalie Portman makes one hot bald girl.

9. Brokeback Mountain: A little heartbreak, a little social repression, a little Heath and Jake. Though ultimately a tragic and dark story, there are those moments of clarity where our two leading men exude happiness. And that’s a beautiful thing.

10. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: This one might strike up the conversation of “would you ever have your memory erased to forget an ex?” It’s a great question, and hypothetically phrased, a great conversation to have with someone you’re serious about.

11. Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Everyone’s got a past they’d rather run from than face. This is an absolute classic when it comes to messed-up boy meets messed-up girl. Messed-up girl tries to run away from messed-up boy, loses her cat in the rain, and we all wind up with the perfect last frame of the two of them kissing in the rain with Cat sandwiched between.

12. Across the Universe: Another musical, yes, but Julie Taymore’s direction paired with the immortal music of The Beatles just leads to a great night. As the last line in movie states, “all you need is love.”

13. Armageddon: Ok, so this one is considered one of the most romantic movies ever. However, gentlemen, for your consideration: Bruce Willis, rocket ships, nuclear bombs, and Michael Clark Duncan. Really, how much more macho can you get?

14. Stranger than Fiction: This may be one of Will Farrell’s best performances as literary character, and real-world resident, Harold Crick. The story itself is delightfully charming, but the performances of the all-star cast, including Emma Thompson, Dennis Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Queen Latifah, are endearing and real, completing this magical story.

The key to finding something the two of you can enjoy together: if by the end of the movie you have a million things to talk about, sparked by something that happened in that movie, GREAT! It’s not old news that a relationship grows strong when there’s good communication. On the other hand, you could always take a cue from Elvis: “A little less conversation, a little more action.”

Either way, happy Valentine’s Day, Danforth!

Category: Arts & Entertainment | Tags: , , ,
| February 13, 2012
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Valentine’s Day History

David Teniers (III) (1638–1685)

The legends behind the holiday, and Valentine’s Day cards, and things you didn’t know happened on February 14th

by Justine Jane Taft

The history of Valentine’s Day is surrounded by myth and legend. Generally, it is believed to be in celebration of Saint Valentine, although the biography often changes, leaving us to wonder which St. Valentine (if any) inspired the holiday.

Saint Valentine

Credit: David Teniers (III) (1638–1685)

One legend says that Valentine was a priest in ancient Rome. The king at the time did not allow marriage — he wanted young, unmarried men to fill his army. Valentine is rumoured to have defied the king and married couples in secret. When he was caught, he was put in jail and executed on February 14th. Another legend has Valentine in jail for not worshiping the Roman gods. Supposedly Valentine fell in love with a young girl who would visit him, and that before he died he left a letter signed “From your Valentine,” thereby starting the card-giving tradition.

Valentine’s Day Cards

Credit: Chordboard, 2008

In North America, the card-giving industry was jumpstarted in the late 1840s by a woman named Esther Howland. Howland didn’t invent Valentine’s Day cards — they existed, but were only available to the wealthy and elite. Howland enlisted the financial aid of her father to create samples and convinced her brother to take them to New York City on a sales trip. While Howland only hoped to make $200 in orders, she received $5000 in orders, and that later evolved into a $100 000-per-year business. Howland’s actions popularized the Valentine’s Day card and helped create the modern greeting card industry, earning her the post-mortem title of “Mother of the American Valentine.”

February 14th

Not only is February 14th Valentine’s Day, but it is also the day of the infamous Valentine’s Day Massacre (1929) of seven mob associates in Chicago, from the conflict between the South Side Italian gang led by Al Capone and North Side Irish gang led by Bugs Moran.

February 14th is also the day the Asbestos Strike started in Québec (1949), actor Freddie Highmore’s Birthday (1992), and the day the NEAR Shoemaker became the first starship to circle an asteroid (2000)!

Category: Community | Tags: , , ,
| February 13, 2012
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OTD’s Top 5 Valentine’s Cocktails

Valentine Cocktails

Easy-to-make themed drinks for Valentine’s Day

by Justine Jane Taft

Who doesn’t like a little something special for a holiday? Here’s a list of  easy-to-make, love-centric drinks to try.

1)      Start the evening off with “Kiss Me Slow”

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz white rum
  • 2 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Highball glass

Pour each of the ingredients into glass and stir.

2)      Make it Canadian with an “Arctic Kiss”

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz chilled vodka
  • 3 oz champagne
  • Champagne flute

Pour vodka into champagne flute; fill the rest of the flute with champagne.

3)      Try the classic “Sex on the Beach”

Ingredients:

  • 1 and ½ oz of vodka
  • ½ oz of peach schnapps
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 2 oz orange juice
  • Highball glass
  • 4-5 ice cubes

Add ice to glass; pour vodka and schnapps over ice. Fill the rest of the glass with equal parts of cranberry and orange juice. Stir.

4)      Take a twist on an old favourite with “A Kissed Buttery Nipple”

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
  • 2 oz Bailey’s Irish cream
  • 2 oz butterscotch schnapps
  • 2 maraschino cherries
  • Cocktail shaker
  • 4-5 ice cubes

Add ice, liqueur, Bailey’s and schnapps to the cocktail shaker. Shake. Pour into a glass and add cherries.

5)      End the evening with “A Kiss Goodnight”

Ingredients:

  • 1 splash of dark rum
  • 1 ½ oz of raspberry schnapps
  • 1 ½ oz of strawberry vodka
  • 7-Up or Sprite
  • Cranberry Juice

Add vodka and schnapps to glass. Fill the remainder of the glass halfway with cranberry juice. Fill to the top with Sprite/7-Up. Top off with a splash of dark rum

Drinksmixer.com has all these recipes and more in an easy to use database. Each recipe comes with a video demonstration of the drink being made. Try one of these or any number of “Kiss” of “Sex” drinks to make your Valentine’s Day a special one.

 

 

 

Category: Food & Drink | Tags: , , , , , , ,
| February 9, 2012
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Movie Night for the Single Ladies

Movie Night

Home-viewing picks for a Valentine’s evening with the girlfriends

by Michelle Medford

Just because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, doesn’t mean you have to be dreading the fact that you’re single. Instead, gather up your unattached gal pals for a movie night together. And even though love is in the air, you have to go for the rom-coms. Skip the mushy stuff and opt for one of these choices instead.

Girl-powered Action: Thelma & Louise

Celebrate BFF-love with this high-speed, gun-slinging duo as they run from the law after a terrible mishap. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon make up the rough-and-tumble pair and bring the movie to life with their perfect chemistry. A pre-fame Brad Pitt cameo doesn’t hurt either.

Not-so-romantic Drama: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Although there is a romantic thread running through this film, it’s a very tangled one, because sometimes love can be tricky, and sometimes romance can be frivolous. Director Woody Allen swoops you into his quirkily charming narrative filled with beautiful Spanish guitar, and leaves you thankful you weren’t really weaved into the mess.

Un-love Story: Revolutionary Road

This three-time Academy Award nominee is the anti-love story. It’s a brutally honest answer to what happens after the rom-com ends and life takes hold. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as the perfectly-paired but imminently doomed couple. This is not one for the hopeless romantic.

Nostalgic Dramedy: Now and Then

If you’re planning a night with the girls you grew up with, then this is the pick for you. This all-star cast features the story of four women reflecting on the antics and lessons of the summer they realized they were growing up. The story features a 1970s soundtrack you won’t be able to stop yourself from singing along to.

Non-romantic Comedy: Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion

This movie is the best alternative to a rom-com if you’re looking for some great laughs. Two best friends go to their high school reunion armed to impress with a stack of elaborate lies, when really they’re both still single party girls. The story takes a hilarious route to a lesson in how lucky you are to have your girls.

Category: Arts & Entertainment | Tags: , , , ,
| February 10, 2011
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10 Valentine’s Day Gifts For Girls

It is that time of year again: the day when a woman can be guaranteed a romantic date and a thoughtful gift. But buying just the right item can be tricky, because what you choose will let a girl know just how much you pay attention to her interests and that you care.

The Readaholic

If she loves books, buy her a book! It is hard to go wrong with a classic Jane Austin tale of love and society, such as Pride and Prejudice. If she isn’t fond of the traditional version, perhaps go with something like Sense and Sensibility and Sea monsters. To add a more personal touch, choose a quote from the book that says how you feel about her… or at least a line that you know she’ll love.

Try Re:Reading, 584 Danforth Avenue.

The Cinephile

Nothing is sweeter than watching a romantic movie with your beau, so find a DVD that will make her sigh with happiness.  Some of the best movies are the classics, such as Roman Holiday or Casablanca. For newer movies, think The Notebook” or Letters to Juliet as they would be good too.

Try Rogers Plus, 730 Danforth Ave. or Blockbuster Video, 837 Danforth Ave.

The Foodie

They say the way to a man’s heart is through is stomach, but the same goes for the female food-lover. You could prepare a romantic dinner for two or even an indoor picnic.  If you aren’t a great cook, consider getting the meal catered, but at the very least make her a homemade cake (using a cake mix from a box counts). Choose either a heart shaped pan or perhaps whip up some cupcakes topped with heart candies.

Try Three’s Company Catering & Café, 673 Danforth Ave or Sun Valley Fruit & Grocery Lmt., 583 Danforth Ave

The Green Thumb

If she loves to garden, you might want to think twice about giving her a guillotined flower. Instead, make her a gardening gift basket buy purchasing a clay pot, some dirt, a packet of seeds, and a mini watering can. Together, you and she can create an indoor garden that will make her think of you every time she goes to water her plants.

Try Bill’s Garden Centre, 903 Pape Ave.

The Brainiac

Giving a gift to a genius doesn’t take a genius, just some ingenuity. Find a pretty silver frame and have it engraved with something like “U + I = <3” or even the clichéd “I <3 U.” Choose a favourite photo of you as a couple to put inside and she’ll “<3 U” for eternity.

Try Dimensions Custom Framing, 800 Broadview Ave.

The Music Lover

This gift may take some time and a good memory, but making her a mixed CD of romantic music, such as the first song you danced to, “your” song, or other swoon-worthy tunes, shows her how well you know her tastes.  If you don’t have a song yet as a couple, go to the music store and find a CD that you think she’ll love, and maybe one of those can become it. An alternate option would be to pay for those music lessons she’s always wanted.

Try Elite Music Academy, 822 Danforth Ave.

The Artiste

Art is highly personal and totally biased, but if you made it for her she will adore it.  Take the time to create a multi-media masterpiece or scrapbook a photo album using items from dates you’ve gone on. Include photographs, movie stubs, concert tickets, (clean) napkins or coasters, and more. That way your lack of artistic ability will cease to matter.

Try Deserres, 2056 Danforth Ave.

The Athlete

When you spend the day tackling your opponent or running around a court all day, a little pampering afterwards wouldn’t go amiss.  Consider putting together a spa-like gift basket containing massage oils, bubble bath, some cooling foot lotion, and scented candles. Don’t forget to include a box of hockey pucks, tennis balls, golf tees, or some item of her chosen sport. If she’s not into team activities, why not pay for dance classes?

Try Metro Movement Dance Studio, 833 Broadview Avenue

The Girly-Girl

This fashionista is all about looking and feeling good, so a gift certificate from her favourite salon and nail parlor would be just the thing.  Nothing could be easier than picking up the tab for her to get a little primping prior to going out on a fantastic date with you! Not only will she appreciate a little feminine fun, but you’ll get to appreciate how fantastic she looks!

Try Tips Nail Bar & Spa, 844a Danforth Ave. or Sheila’s Shear Art, 750 Broadview Ave.

The Classic Romantic

Perhaps the easiest girl to buy for since the traditional chocolates, flowers, and an adorable stuffed animal will be perfect.  If you know her favourite flowers go with those, but if not, choose a single red rose that says “I love you” or a pink sweetheart rose. If she has allergies, particularly to peanuts, make sure to read the ingredients on the chocolate box!

Try Treasure Island Toys, 581 Danforth Ave or Suckers Candy Co, 450 Danforth Ave.

Category: Past Issues | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
| February 9, 2011
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“No Strings Attached” An Okay V-Day Movie Date

No Strings Attached - The title of this movie pretty much summarizes my feelings for it. Natalie Portman movies usually have a high re-watch value for me as she is one of my favourite actresses, but I don’t see myself running to revisit this one.

The first half of the movie had me wondering why I heard such bad reviews about it, but the second half answered that question. Although Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher played well off of each other, the cheesy script they were working with dampened their performances.

Director Ivan Reitman, (who arguably has not made a good movie since the 90’s) successfully made me cringe through some awkward sex scenes and dinner table moments. First time screenplay writer Elizabeth Meriwether did manage to make me laugh out loud several times throughout the film, but the fact that she couldn’t resist using clichés in the movie’s integral scenes made me groan.

The characters had quirks that were never explained, and I felt the movie would have been much stronger if it allowed the actors to develop those characters rather than hurl through the story without going deeper than the surface. Unfortunately, the movie stayed at its cheesy rom-com level throughout rather than elevate to something genuine.

Final verdict: 6/10
Points lost for cheese, predictability, and more cheese.

Single this Valentine’s Day? – Don’t be afraid to check out these flicks on your own:

- 500 Days of Summer: this movie will make you glad you are not in a relationship.
- Zombieland: Oscar nominees, Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson are bound to make you forget you’re alone.

Here are a few movies you can cuddle up with when you’re cuddling next to a significant other:

- From Paris With Love: a fun action movie that can be enjoyed by both sexes.
- Date Night: watching Tina Fey and Steve Carell’s characters have a crazy night will ensure laughs.

What do you recommend?

Category: Past Issues | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,