The Elf Blog

Valentine's Day

For Valentine’s Day, I thought we do a little audience audience participation!

In the comment section, give your favorite romantic movie and your favorite romantic song. If you’d like, tell us why you picked them.

I’ll start.

Movie: Love Actually – I know it’s set at Christmas rather than Valentine’s Day (though, for an Elf, that’s a pkus), but this film is just such a wonderful depiction of love in all its forms

Song: That’s All by Michael Buble. It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Now it's your turn!

Happy Valentine's Day

I don't think there are many people who still visit, but to those of you who do:  Happy Valentine's Day!  I'm glad you're here.

Valentine's Day Planning

Valentine's Day is only 10 days away.  If you are celebrating, you need to make your final plans in the next few days:

• If you are planning to eat out and you don't have a reservation yet, stop reading this blog RIGHT NOW and call a restaurant.  You may not be able to get your first choice this late.
• If you are giving a present, do some shopping.  Remember, extravagant isn't the goal -- thoughtful and heartfelt is.
• Don't forget your wardrobe! 
• Consider doing something sweet and silly for your friends.  At my office, we hand out kiddie Valentines and candy.  It's amazing how much fun such "childish" activities are! 

If you aren't celebrating, plan something fun for yourself.  You deserve it!

Valentine's Day Food

Sorry for being away for a few days.  I had nothing in particular to say and I won't bore you with rambling.

Personally, I don't tend to celebrate Valentine's Day (apart from handing out treats and valentine's at work), but if you plan a quiet dinner at home with your loved one, here are some menu suggestions -- all featuring red and pink foods.

Starters:

A salad heavy on radicchio will be beautifully red.  Or you can just use your regular greens accented with radishes.  My personal favorite is greens topped with parmesan crisps, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries (had to get the red in there somewhere).

Main course:

Pasta with red sauce is always an option, but it can get messy.  Another choice is grilled salmon (pink!) with a roasted red pepper cream sauce (just toss some warmed cream and roasted peppers into the food processor).  You could do pork loin or a roasted turkey breast with a cranberry relish (no, not that jelly stuff that comes in a can).  You may want to check your local grocery store.  Some offer rotisserie turkey breast so you won't even have to work.  (And you can tuck the remainder into the fridge to make some nice soup on Sunday.)

Dessert:

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries.  You could also do a nice chocolate fondue and feed each other.  Strawberries work for that too.  If you are trying for something lower cal, some nice berries (served in a champagne flute) are always nice.

Beverages:

Red wine is the obvious choice, but there are some excellent non-alcoholic choices as well.  Red Zinger herbal tea (hot or iced) is wonderfully flavorful.  Or you can mix a bit of sparkling water with cranberry or pomegranate (an aphrodisiac!) juice to make a healthy, tasty, and red! treat.

Whatever you decide to do on Saturday, enjoy!

What If Valentine's Day Isn't Happy

For those who did not have a happy Valentine's Day, I offer some advice:

You are allowed to eat all the chocolate yourself if you want to.

If you are alone, no one will disturb you in the bathtub.

My favorite "Love Done Me Wrong" songs (To be played loudly if you feel bad):

• Since U Been Gone -- Kelly Clarkson -- If you jump up and down while she sings, it's also aerobic.
• Before He Cheats -- Carrie Underwood -- What is it with Idol girls and breakup music?  -- While the revenge described in this song will get you on the naughty list, it's fun to think about.
• Fighter -- Christina Aguilera -- I love to exercise and clean house to the anthem.  By the time it's over I feel more powerful.  If that doesn't work, go back to the chocolate.

Valentine's Day Alert

Valentine's Day is one week away.  For those who celebrate, here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you plan to give flowers, place your order within the next few days to allow time to schedule the delivery.  Keep in mind that flower prices are extra-high for Valentine's Day -- especially roses.
• If you want to eat out, you need to make a reservation today, unless you are dying to eat at 5:00 or 9:00.
• If you plan to cook dinner at home, decide on a menu now.  Stressing over recipes is not conducive to romance.
• Even if you don't celebrate, consider buying a box of kiddie Valentines and handing them out to friends and co-workers.  Sometimes, acting like a 6 year-old is a good thing.