by Kena Paranjape on February 13, 2012
in Your Life
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
Ok, I folded and created a gift guide for Valentine's Day. What I like about these gifts is that they are unique, any-time gifts vs specific Valentine's day themed gifts. Because really, what do you do with those post V-Day? Hello clutter and (eventually) trash heap! Notice that there are no bears holding hearts, massage oils or chocolate paint included in this guide. These gifts are unique little treasures.
From left to right, top to bottom:
The Book of Awesome by Neil Parischa. This is a fun, funny, uplifting book about all the small things that make life awesome. You can also check out Neil's blog for a taste....
Walnut Rocking Bird Sculpture I found this adorable carved bird online at The Curiosity Shoppe. Each one is handcrafted by Palo Samko, a talented woodworker and furniture maker.
Well Read Pin Hole Camera from Anthropologie. These 35mm pin hole cameras are hand built by Erin Payasse. Each one is basically a 35mm camera housed in a vintage hardback book. Ingenious and beautiful!
Heart-shaped Measuring Spoons The perfect gift for the chef or baker in your life. I love cute AND functional!
Big Dipper Wax Works Beeswax Scented Candles Why burn beeswax over paraffin? Beeswax is a 100% natural renewable resource that actually cleans the air by emitting negative ions. Paraffin, on the other hand, is a petroleum by-product which actually pollutes the air when burned. The lovely scent from these candles comes from essential oils, not artificial fragrance. Also available at Pistachio.
Vosges Organic Chocolate Library This adorable little library of organic chocolate bars includes dark and milk chocolate along with a bar embedded with plantains and another with reishi mushrooms. Organic, exotic and delicious!
Need more ideas? Here are some other great Valentine's Day Gift Guides to check out:
Chick Advisor
Refinery29
Style.com
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by Kena Paranjape on February 7, 2011
in Your Life
image courtesy of marthastewart.com
Valentine's Day is coming up next week and instead of a traditional gift guide, I'm going to focus on the REAL stuff. Because money can't buy love, right? (all together now, "RIGHT!")
The ideas below will demonstrate your love far beyond a heart shaped box of chocolates or an over-priced dinner:
1. Write a heartfelt note or letter. Sometimes what you write down has more impact than what you say because it requires at least a little thought. Tell the important people in your life how you feel about them. No need to be overly poetic, just keep it simple. A card or note is best, but even an email will do.
2. Do something for them with no benefit to you. Go to a basketball game even if you could care less, watch the superbowl kick-off just because it makes them happy (are you sensing a sports-related theme here 
). The point is, do something for the other person just because you know it is something they love.
3. Hug. I'm talking a serious squeeze, not one of those lame, half-assed, limp armed excuse for hugs. I recently learned that to really get a hug right, you should hold it for six seconds, as that is the amount of time necessary to promote the flow of mood boosting chemicals. Count with me: one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three...
4. Make something they love to eat. The way to anyone's heart is through their belly! Cook and bake your way into their heart(s). Last year I made these and they were a huge hit!
5. Tell them you appreciate something they've done for you. We often take the people who are there for us the most for granted. Tell them thank you and tell them why. (and then hug them...for six seconds remember?)
6. Surprise! Who doesn't love surprises big or small? It doesn't have to be anything too complicated or expensive. Plan a day together, bring home their favourite chocolate croissant and latte, or fold all the laundry (which would be a complete shock in my house!)
Looking for more non-cheesy Valentine's Day ideas? Click here and here.
How will you say I love you?
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by Kena Paranjape on February 14, 2010
in Your Life
Rosemary Walnut Shortbread Cookies courtesy of Marth Stewart
Happy Valentine's Day lovely friends! Take time today to send love, hugs and kisses to all the special people in your life. I shared the love with friends yesterday via these melt in your mouth Rosemary Walnut Shortbread Cookies courtesy of Martha. Make the heart-shaped ones today or simple round ones another time. Most importantly share them with those you love. Wrap them in cello, some purple ribbon and a sprig of rosemary for a finishing touch. xoxo
Click here for the recipe.
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For more on how to celebrate Valentine's Day, click here or here.
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by Kena Paranjape on February 7, 2010
in Your Life
Last year I wrote a post about taking back Valentine's Day, the idea being that we should celebrate Valentine's Day as a day of love of all kinds (love for your family and friends and for your significant other) rather than an "over-priced prix-fix dinner and roses" day. Here are more ideas on how to spend a lovely Valentine's Day sans fromage.
- Send old-school Valentine's cards to all of your friends (see above).
- Read a great love story. Try Wuthering Heights, Pride and Predjudice or Anna Karenina.
- Make something sweet and delicious and share with a special someone. (I recently made this delicious coconut chocolate chunk coffee cake...mmm)
- Watch a classic romantic movie. Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Love Story are some of my favourites.
- Book a massage for yourself. You deserve it.
For more ideas on how to celebrate love day, click here.
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Technorati Tags: Anna Karenina, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, Love Story, Pride and Prejudice, Valentine's Day, Wuthering Heights
by Kena Paranjape on February 13, 2009
in Your Life
Now this is love.
There are two opposing camps when it comes to Valentine's Day: those that embrace the over- priced roses and cinnamon hearts in all their glory and those that despise it and refuse to acknowledge its existence. I am stuck somewhere in the middle. I don't agree with the notion of a forced (and cheesy) day of romance, however, I also think, how can one hate a holiday based on love?
For me, Valentine's Day brings fond memories of making home made cards to pass out to friends and family, eating cupcakes and candy, and having a reason to tell people you love them. As a grown up I have resisted traditional Valentine's Day practices but feel that you don't have to opt out altogether. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while to catch up. No "Happy Valentine's Day!" required.
- I love my friend Alison Mitchell's suggestion to donate blood at any of the special blood drives that are set up the week of the 14th
- Send cards to your friends and family old-school style (no e-cards please)
- Do something for someone else. Anything.
- As with all holidays, Valentine's Day is a fashion opportunity. Wear something soft and romantic (think pinks, cream and light greys, chiffon, silks and soft fabrics, and ruffles and embellished details) whether it is for brunch with friends or dinner out with someone special.
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