Electrolux Canada Blog

Can you believe another Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us?

What to do to celebrate this most romantic of days?  If the world were a logical place, the people with the highest expectations would do all the planning, thereby delighting themselves with thoughtful details, while the less interested parties could enjoy the romance, connection and some quiet alone time with their partner.

But that would be in a perfect, logical world, friends.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I actually think this is a brilliant solution to so much of the angst that goes on in February, but last time I checked, Hallmark wasn’t asking my opinion.  So I’ll state it here – if you aren’t into Valentine’s Day, you have been officially warned, the day is coming fast!  And if you love it, do your valentine a favour and offer to plan something fun to do together.  If the whole point is to celebrate love and connect with your sweetheart, don’t make problems where none existed in January!

But what should you do for Valentine’s Day? How can we celebrate it in a way that is meaningful?  Only you know what really matters to you and your partner or date, so the first rule is to follow your instincts.

First off, gifts.  You know if you normally exchange them, and if you’ve forgotten, think harder.  Last year, did your sweetie drop hints?  Do you remember opening gifts?  Were you in the doghouse for a week for forgetting?  First, drop by a card store, a pharmacy—oh, for heaven’s sakes, even most grocery stores have cards now.  Pick something out that rings true to you, and then get shopping for a gift.  No, it’s not that hard if you think about how your partner spends their time, what they hint at and where they spend money when they decide to indulge.

Traditional night out/dessert at home
If you know she loves a special dinner out, and that’s all she ever hints at, you’re probably safe to make a reservation somewhere classy. But don’t just make that single phone call your gift (see, it even sounds lame when I put it that way, doesn’t it?).  If you really want to show a little effort, pick up, or make a dessert ahead of time and grab a bottle of dessert wine or bubbly so when the server asks, you can smoothly say: “Actually, I have something a little special planned for dessert.  Shall we?”  Boom. You get points for doing something special and you didn’t have to cook an entire meal. We’re drooling over Chocolate Crêpes with Almond Whipped Cream and Red Wine Chocolate Sauce, or this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Buttercream Cake with Ganache Drizzle, or perhaps the simple and sweet Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake.

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Foodies
If your valentine loves food, tends to do a lot of cooking, sipping wine in the kitchen, shopping for special ingredients, they may love a meal prepared and enjoyed at home.  But let’s not get too practical here – no bills on the counter, no breakfast dishes still soaking.  If you want a date night at home, get rid of that stuff early on.  Clean the kitchen, and spread all your gorgeous ingredients out on the island or counter for your date to find.  Dim the lights a bit, add a candle or two.  Even better, set out wine and two glasses, and perhaps a plate of something to whet everyone’s appetites.  For dinner, people, what did you think I meant?  Try Panko Crusted Rack of Lamb, Wild Thing Wild Mushroom Risotto, or perhaps a Healthy Lasagne with Turkey Pesto Peppers.

(Editor’s note: Not that you’re going to go out and purchase one of these just for Valentine’s Day, but just think how fast and efficient romantic meal prep could be with an Electrolux Induction range. Faster cooking, less energy… providing more time—and energy—to spend on other activities. You’re welcome.)

Adventure junkies and non-romantics
Anything goes when the frothy expectations are taken off the table.  Everyone loves a nice meal or dessert, but you know your date best.  If she loves the unexpected or likes a rush, she may prefer something different or take in a salsa dancing class.  If you plan a date to include a meal, go for something spicy or go off the map and try something like making your own sushi.  We’re suggesting Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, or maybe Dragon Roll Sushi.

Don’t feel pressured to do something that doesn’t feel right.  Remember that love and connection are the name of the game, so love the person who is standing in front of you.  Connect with them on their level, and you’re guaranteed a meaningful Valentine’s Day.

We’re wishing you a very delicious day, with much… ahem… fooling around in the kitchen.  What?  I meant cooking, what were you thinking? (Editor’s note: Cooking. We were definitely thinking cooking.)

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Be sure to come back next week when we share some solutions for your laundry room and routine.  It can be an endless, thankless task, to be sure, but we can make it easier, we promise!