Author: Vickie L. Rhoton

The getaway to beautiful places, the movies, the exotic dining experiences, the expensive gifts, the surprises, the flowers, the wine are what people plan to celebrate their loved ones this Valentine’s Day. But Covid-19 has hit our financial lives harder that many cannot afford to offer special treats to loved ones.

That’s why an indoor Valentine’s Day is a great way to say “I love you”. You know the saying, home is where the heart is. So why go anywhere else for Valentine’s Day? While others scramble for dinner reservations and book expensive getaways, relax and enjoy a romantic night’s sleep in the comfort of your own home. Here are some creative ways to turn your home into a romantic sanctuary and celebrate your love:

Prepare a romantic dinner

Most of us have a favorite dish from our favorite restaurant – the one we always crave. Have you ever tried to recreate this dish at home? With a little research on the Internet, you can actually reproduce fine restaurant meals at home. Start your day with a romantic breakfast in bed and top it off with a cake and wine tasting with your loved one. All of this is possible if you plan the daily menus and get all the items you will need in the market the day before.

Take a nature walk

Your travel or getaway plans can come to life if you and your spouse decide to take a nature walk. This is the best time to rekindle the little things you loved when you were still together. A walk around the small hills around your area, occasional hands, trees and beautiful gardens, conversation are all perfect occasions for the two of you to reconnect. Taking a few minutes to get some fresh air outside with your sweetheart will help you both clear your head, focusing on nothing but the other without any distractions. Imagine snuggling up with your partner as you watch a beautiful sunset. It’s not only free, but it’s also a memory that will last a lifetime.

Indoor ballroom

When was the last time you and your sweetheart went out dancing? As you get older, life becomes too busy. There is simply too much to focus on in our pursuit of success, wealth, and the responsibilities associated with raising children.

Spreading the living room furniture aside to create space, listen to great music and dance the night away is all you need to make this Valentine’s Day indoors a memorable one. Experiment with traditional ballroom dance moves such as tango or salsa with youtube tutorials or just freestyle it with your favorite music.

Movie frenzy

There’s no better excuse than Valentine’s Day to snuggle up under a blanket and watch romantic movies. There are far too many choices of the most romantic movies to binge on. Or, for something more personal, you can snuggle up and watch home movies or browse old photo albums.

Another idea is to watch the movie you went to see on your first date at the cinema. You can also follow the latest series and watch 10 episodes in a row while sipping wine. It’s a romantic way to look back on the early days of your relationship and celebrate your future together.

Turn off your phone

A lot of people have become too addicted to their smartphones to make 30 minutes without a phone feel like a whole year. In fact, research shows that people have become too attached to their phones and become estranged from their spouse in real life. People usually interrupt meals or conversations by checking their texts.

Even at midnight, men and women scour Facebook or Whatsapp posts to keep up with the latest jazz or are deeply etched in a group chat about a man caught up with another man’s wife. Simply unplugging our devices can go a long way in making this day a little more special. Unplugging on Valentine’s Day will allow you and your loved one to focus on each other, without distractions.

To play games

Some relationships are too outdated and boring because they are too formal and serious for life. Maybe jokes, fun, and play are what you need to bring your relationship to life. Playing and having fun isn’t just for kids.

Research shows that games are a source of relaxation and that they develop problem-solving skills, which can help strengthen your relationship. On Valentine’s Day, dust off your favorite board games, grab a deck of cards, or play Truth or Dare with your partner.

Of course, these ideas also work for date nights at home, not just on Valentine’s Day. Keep them on hand all year round to celebrate the person you love. Saying I love you to your significant other doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking. Don’t worry about how to make this Valentine’s Day special. Be creative and focus on the little things.

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“Never love someone who treats you like you are ordinary“- Oscar Wilde

We couldn’t agree more and Valentine’s Day is no ordinary affair here at WeHo. Whether you celebrate this with your sweetheart or your lovers (we’re not judging), your best friends or yourself, this week’s episode has you covered in sweet treats at a romantic getaway – all found in our little “village” of West Hollywood.

Valentine’s Day conveniently falls in co-host Maxine’s birthday week, and it looks like our own Vanity Girl Hollywood had a memorable COVID birthday celebration while in quarantine at home with all of the kids. things that make her smile, including her favorite treat from beyond the “east side” of WeHo. You can surely bet that Tracy is getting ready to scour WeHo’s Little Russia neighborhood along Santa Monica Blvd to grab that jar of caviar for her February 14 plans!

Tracy and Maxine kick off the Valentine’s Day recap with the most obvious of the most obvious gifts for this branded party for lovers: flowers. These two clearly know where to go for all budget ranges, from Trader Joe’s to the Farmer’s Market on Melrose Place, to the hidden Flower’s Wholesale store just east of Crescent Heights, to the exquisite arrangements of the longtime West Hollywood florist – The Empty Vase. Insider tip: An arrangement from there is sure to win over all hearts you are looking for!

Both have a LONG list of sweets for your sweetheart with an emphasis on this three berry cake which is by far the crowd favorite at Sweet Lady Jane which features a special three berry cake, cookies and coated strawberries. of chocolate to complete your Valentine’s Day celebration. Tracy’s favorite WeHo adjacent Cake Monkey also has a variety of special treats, including heart-shaped chocolate and raspberry cakes with a personalized Heartgram iced on top. For a little Italian touch to your sweet tooth, Maxine recommends a gelato cake from Gelato Festival on Melrose.

If you are looking for a heart-shaped pizza, the new La Morra Pizzeria at 8022 W. 3rd St. is your go-to place! It seems that the adorable mother-son Parisian team of Salon de Thé on Sunset has grown to become a gourmet catering and event company. Tracy and Maxine have amazing ideas on where to enjoy the gourmet boxes on offer online filled with a selection of meats and cheeses, pastries for a poolside brunch at The Edition, and a Parisian box set with wine, bubbles, caviar and more, it is ideal for a movie night in the car in the street in Andaz.

Valentine’s Day can look like a lot of different ways, and WeHo offers everything from a cheeky package at Le Parc Suites, to Pleasure Chest… with Maxine saying it best, “let’s just celebrate your love”.

This week features a guest montage, two we’ve featured before, that are a perfect fit for this themed episode. Anthony Carro of Candle Delirium encourages people to break the habit of giving flowers and giving candles! Rose is by far the go-to scent for this occasion and Anthony has a long list to choose from including his own Candle Delirium line offering signature scents of Rose Noir & Woods and Suede & Smoke with his surprising cult following. Candle Delirium is open Sunday for your last minute shopping from noon to 6 p.m., open at noon on Sunday with pickup and delivery options available. Be sure to check out Anthony’s Valentine’s Day picks online.

Mikey Consbruck of V Wine Room celebrated his eighth birthday this week and installed retractable patio seats where you can enjoy a drink of your favorite with your sweetheart. He recommends pairing your wine upside down with your choice of food, but Mikey is really thinking pink for Valentine’s Day and has you covered for an “All Day Rosé” day with a fun array of bottles and choices. sparkling fun! V Wine Room packed their own house brand Grenache Rosé with a candle for $ 27. Tracy loves bubbles and there are plenty to choose from, including three pink bubble options: a Champagne from France, a Cava from Spain with hints of strawberry and cherry, and Tracy’s favorite sparkling red – Lambrusco. Make a reservation on the back patio for Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and don’t forget the 20% discount on all bottles when you buy in-store. (Delivery is also available through Postmates and other delivery providers.)

This guest panel concludes with a local chocolatier, Annie Woo of Sweet Duet Chocolate, from Angelino whose chocolate-coated fruit can be enjoyed with a perfect pairing in the V Wine Room. Annie was trained as a French chocolatier, but went vegan along the way and vegetated her range of dates coated with chocolate, mangoes, apricots and pineapple. The range is completely vegan, organic, non-GMO, kosher and gluten-free. Order some for your sweetheart online and use code Weknowweho20 for 20% off online.

Here’s a rundown of the ideas featured in this week’s episode for your consideration.

Food

To eat: Bristol Farms, Fresh on Sunset, La Morra, Olivetta at La Peer Hotel, Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique, Ronan, Saddle Ranch, Salon De Thé, Trader Joe’s, WeHo Bistro

To drink: V Wine Room, One Hope Wines, Belvédère

Candies: Bottega Louie, Cake Monkey, Gelato Festival, Georgetown Cupcakes, Gelson’s, Le Mervetty, Magnolia Bakery, Sidecar Donuts & Cafe, Sweet Lady Jane, Sweet Duet Chocolates

Gifts: Candle Delirium, Odessa Caviar, Hustler Hollywood (RIP Larry Flynt), The Empty Vase, The Pleasure Chest, Zen WeHo

Make

Sweat: Carrie’s Pilates Plus, Dogpound Fitness at La Peer Hotel

To concern: “Sunset Strip Presents” at the Andaz

Stay packages

Hotels: 1 Hotel, Andaz, Hotel Le Peer, Hotel Le Parc Suite, West Hollywood Edition

It’s a wrap! Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple edited by Tracy, find out more on Maxine’s blog, and check out our Instagram curated by Lauren for daily deals and more. See you next week.

Listen to the podcast:

Everyone knows that February 14 is the worst night of the year to eat out. So, enjoy staying inside and whip up a retro-inspired three-course meal that looks and tastes like you’ve gone to great lengths, but can be on the table in just over a half. -time.

Shrimp, steak, baked cheese, strawberries, and chocolate all tick the Let’s indulgence box, but these are ingredients you can pick up easily and locally.

Jenny Flynn, chef at Faithlegg House Hotel in Waterford, shared her shrimp cocktail recipe (for recipes, scroll down). She recommends cooking the shrimp raw, but if it’s too far midweek, just use cooked. Allow about 10 minutes for this one if you’re cooking the shrimp, less if you don’t.

Lilly Higgins’ baked feta is topped with floral pink peppercorns – perfect for a romantic feast, and feta, if you can get it, is so trendy. It can be a generous starter or a vegetarian main course with bread and salad on the side. It takes 20 minutes in the oven, and a few more minutes for chopping and assembly.

You’ll need to factor in the time to marinate Domini Kemp’s steak recipe, so put it in the marinade a few hours in advance and it’ll be done in minutes when you want to eat. Just take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before cooking.

If you’re cooking for a vegetarian or simply eating less meat, Donal Skehan’s Cauliflower ‘Steaks’ topped with Toasted Pine Nuts and Tapenade bring a touch of occasion to the table and can be cooked and served. in about 15 minutes.

Valentine’s Day desserts scream chocolate – or strawberries out of season. If you’re willing to skip the air miles over the berries, you can have Eton Mess Meringue, Cream and Strawberry Dessert on the table in under 10 minutes. Vanessa Greenwood’s chocolate mug cakes will go around the same time and you can enjoy them snuggled up on the sofa.

Jenny Flynn’s shrimp cocktail

10 minutes
For 2 people

Ingredients
For the Marie Rose cocktail sauce:
50 ml of mayonnaise
Lemon juice, to taste
1 touch of Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce each
Pinch of smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
A little cognac (optional)
1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup
1 tablespoon of sour cream

To serve
12 large shrimp, or more if small
Half a head of Baby Gem lettuce, grated

Method
Six large, peeled and deveined shrimp, per person, cooked in a large pot of salted boiling water and a drizzle of vinegar for about six minutes, then rinsed in cold water until cooled. Dry before use (or use chilled cooked shrimp)

Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a large bowl and set aside.

Place the grated lettuce at the bottom of each serving bowl or glass, garnish with shrimp and a squeeze of lemon and drizzle generously with Marie Rose sauce. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper (and a few chopped chives if you have any).

Lilly Higgins Pink Pepper Feta

20 minutes
For four people (or two, with leftovers for lunch)

Ingredients
Olive oil
1 fennel bulb
1 large beet, cooked and peeled (usually available vacuum-packed)
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
1 block of feta
1 teaspoon of pink pepper
1 lemon
2 tablespoons of pecans, toasted
To serve: crusty bread and a green salad

Method
Preheat an oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

Cut and slice the fennel bulb, set aside the green leaves that were on top. Place the fennel on a small baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with a little salt and bake for 10 minutes.

Dice the cooked beetroot and dry it with paper towels. Coat the beetroot in the balsamic vinegar. Add the beetroot cubes to the fennel. Peel the skin of the lemon in long strips using a peeler, avoid the pith. Place the lemon zest on the fennel. Make a small space in the center of the same baking sheet for the feta.

Place the block of feta on top and sprinkle with pink peppercorns with a little olive oil. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 10 minutes. When ready, the cheese should be soft and the fennel should start to caramelize around the edges. Sprinkle the platter with the reserved fennel leaves and toasted pecans. Serve immediately with bread and salad. The cheese begins to solidify again as it cools, so it is best to enjoy it straight out of the oven.

Domini Kemp marinated steak

Marinate overnight or for at least a few hours
For 2 people

Ingredients
2 steaks, any type, according to your budget and preferences
A handful of finely chopped rosemary leaves
Half a head of garlic, peeled and crushed
Half a box of anchovies
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Half a teaspoon of English mustard powder
Lots of black pepper
half a teaspoon of Demerara sugar
Quarter bottle of red wine

Method
Prepare the marinade in advance. Put the rosemary, garlic, and anchovies (including oil) in a saucepan and heat gently while you mash the anchovies with the back of a wooden spoon. Turn up the heat and let it sweat gently. Add the mustards, pepper and sugar. Mix well then pour in the wine and bring to a boil. Simmer gently until the mixture reduces by half. It will look like a purple colored hoi sin sauce.

Let the marinade cool completely, then pour it over the beef and let it marinate for a few hours or overnight. Turn the meat every now and then while it marinates in the refrigerator, if you can.

Heat a charcoal grill or heavy frying pan and cook the meat according to the cut you use and your preferences. Let it sit for at least five to 10 minutes, then cut it on the bias, against the grain, into thin slices.

Serve with a salad.

Donal Skehan’s Cauliflower Steak

15 minutes
For 2 people

Ingredients
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 cauliflower
half a jar of green or black olive tapenade
25g toasted pine nuts
50g arugula leaves
Juice of half a lemon
Sea salt and ground black pepper

Method
Remove and discard all the leaves from the cauliflower and carefully cut the steaks 3 cm from the head. You will end up with 2-4 steaks (use toppings for salad or soup).

Place a large skillet over high heat and add olive oil.

Sear the cauliflower in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning them when they are a rich golden color and are slightly softened. Before removing from the pan, add a squeeze of lemon juice and season with sea salt and ground black pepper.

Assemble on plates garnished with olive tapenade, pine nuts and arugula leaves.

Eton Mess

10 minutes
For 2 people

Ingredients
meringues
Whipped cream
Strawberries, sliced
Grated dark chocolate bar

Method
Crumble the meringues into the whipped cream and stir in the sliced ​​strawberries. Serve in individual glasses or in a large bowl. Grate a little dark chocolate on top and serve.

Vanessa Greenwood’s chocolate mug cakes

10 minutes
Gives 2

Ingredients
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tablespoons of self-rising flour
4 tablespoons of powdered sugar
4 tablespoons of sunflower oil
1 tsp of vanilla extract
4 tablespoons of milk
1 beaten egg
To serve: whipped cream and Smarties

Method
In a bowl, combine the cocoa, self-rising flour and powdered sugar.

Add the oil, milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir in egg until completely combined.

Grease the insides of two medium microwave cups with a little oil and pour equal amounts of mixture into each.

Place both cups in the microwave. Microwave at 900W-1000W for about 90-100 seconds or until fully lifted to the top of the cups (it’s a good idea to set your microwave time a bit longer at the case you need to give them a few extra seconds without the microwave toggling off).

Serve immediately with whipped cream and Smarties.