#yycshoplocal

[tinyfeats]

Here again today at the Calgary Farmers Market, the perfect place to be on a snowy day. Come down and let the kids blow off some steam in the play are and check out all of the pop-up Christmas vendors like me. Free parking free admission #yycevents #calgaryfarmersmarket #shoplocalyyc #yycshoplocal #calgarylife #calgaryevents #christmasmarket #localhandmade https://www.instagram.com/p/BqP9LGmgTyG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wz8vomto9vwd

[jjevents]

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

You may be planning an event soon and February has one of our favorite special occasions- Valentines Day! We wanted to share some of our favorite ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts that you can create as a give-away, a thoughtful gift or even as a personal activity!

A Cooking Class

I have done a number of these and participated in the Valentine’s Day class last year! I find cooking classes a great way to try a new recipes (we made Duck a la Orange) – it is both social (other couples) and a great way to work together as a team!

Cuisine et Chateau has a class on Valentine’s Day or you can pick up a gift certificate for a future class.

http://www.cuisineandchateau.com

Spa Visit

What says “honey relax” more than trip to the spa? Couples massage or mani / pedis – both things you can have done together!

Calgary has some great spa options but one of my favorites is the Still Water Spa at the Hyatt hotel.

If you don’t feel like joining in – a spa gift certificate is really the gift that keeps on giving!

https://www.hyatt.com/corporate/spas/Stillwater-Spa-Calgary/en/home.html

Photo Shoot

I am a woman who loves to play dress up and mark occasions with photos! Calgary is teaming with talented photographers who specialize in glam photos, boudoir and of course couples photography. While it might be too late to get photos done for Valentines day  – consider a gift certificate that could be used when the ground thaws.

As I have used her both personally and professionally – I would recommend the talented Svetlana Yanova.

http://www.svetlanayanova.com 

Flowers

Lets face it roses are the most expensive at this time of year  but I have never met a woman who doesn’t love getting a bouquet of flowers on this special day. Talk to your florist about what is local and consider delivering them yourself!

We love Twigs & Company! And remember to get your order in soon!

http://www.twigs.ca

The Homemade Gift

Finally I think that no Valentine’s Day is complete without something sweet! While you can find chocolate absolutely everywhere at this time of year, believe it or not making these chocolates is fun and your special someone will know that you went to the extra effort to show them you care!

Peanut butter balls

½ cup creamy peanut butter 3 tbsp unsalted butter 1 cup icing sugar 8 ounces bitter sweet chocolate

In a bowl beat the peanut butter, butter and sugar until creamy. Put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so the mixture firms up.

In a double boiler on the stove melt the chocolate and set aside to cool slightly.

Once the peanut mixture is chilled, make small balls –rolling in your hands. Get a cookie sheet, cover with parchment paper. Place the balls and drizzle the chocolate over top. Place in the refrigerator until chocolate hardens.

And I dare you to be able to just have one!