Valentine Date Ideas

You all know how much I love Bri Emery of Design Love Fest, right? Last week, Bri asked several of her blogger friends what their fave secret date spot was and then wrote up a mini bio on each. I just loved the idea and wanted to ask the same question of a few of my fave bloggers! Several of my sweet blogger pals from three different countries are here to share their fave date spots! Without further adieu, take it away ladies!

Tiffany of Tiffany Leigh Interior Design

Here in Canada, a lot of our men spent their childhood at the rink playing hockey...perfect inspiration for impressing your guy on Valentine's Day! I think there is something so romantic about a couple lacing up and skating at night holding hands. Toronto has a bunch of outdoor rinks, but my personal fave is the Harbourfront Center, located right on the waterfront of Lake Ontario. It's so pretty, with a view of both the city and the water.  Plus as an added bonus, it's completely free! End the night curled up together with some hot chocolate!

Albertina of Mimosa Lane
Fave Date spot: Pappa's Brother's Steakhouse. I don't eat much red meat but I love having a nice piece of filet mignon here and there. My husband and I love going here for their great wine list, amazing quality meats, and scrumptious desserts. I love catching up with my husband over a delicious meal. Oh and the bread and butter are to die for.

Sonia of Daring Coco
My ultimate and most favorite spot in Melbourne is Hosier Lane: a stroll down an old world cobblestone pathway encompassed by equally old stone buildings that are adorned in phenomenal street art. It's like stepping into another world here with the vibrancy and assortment of various illustrations it's easily enchanting and very much inspiring. I can easily spend hours here just absorbing all the incredible creativity along the walls, it's also a great spot for photoshoots and best of all free for everybody to enjoy.

Alison of Heart of Gold and Luxury
My favorite date spot in Manhattan is Il Buco on Bond Street. Nothing could be more romantic than dining in their Cellar lined with oak barrels and various vintages. It is almost as if you have slipped away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and escaped into your own private vineyard.

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Thanks ladies for sharing your fave date spots! Don't they all sound fabulous!? Do you have a secret awesome date spot for Valentines that you would like to share!? Come on, spill! 

Rich Chocolate Brownie by Alison of Heart of Gold and Luxury

With Valentine's Day coming up, I know our sweet tooths are gearing up for some serious chocolate gorging. I mean, the reason for the season is chocolate, is it not? Well, love... but chocolate comes in a close second!

The beautiful and talented Alison from Heart of Gold and Luxury is here to help us satisfy our chocolate cravings with her recipe for decadent rich chocolate brownies! 

Seriously, this girl can cook. No, really, Alison is legit. Did I mention she is the new food contributor for MadebyGirl? Kudos Alison! Take it away! 

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Are you looking for a chocolate recipe to woo your loved ones this Valentine's Day? Well, look no further than this deliciously rich chocolate brownie.  All too often brownies can be over-complicated, well this recipe does just the opposite. Not only are these brownies easy to make (one bowl and you are done) but these decadent bars deliver an intense amount of cocoa that makes you want to close your eyes and just savor the moment.  

Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter, diced
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powered (I used Ghirardelli)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 eggs
2/3 cup flour

Instructions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x13 pan with foil allowing to drape over the sides and generously butter. Place the butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat.  Allow for butter to completely melt.  In a medium bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder and salt, whisk to combine.  Slowly add the butter into the mixture stirring constantly.  Add the vanilla extract, eggs and flour and combine.  Pour the batter into pan and allow to cook for 35 to 40 minutes depending on your oven. Brownies are done when you can insert a knife in the middle and it comes out clean.  Remove from over and pan using the edges of the foil. Allow to cool on a rack (if you have the will-power that is).  

*All photographs by Alison 

**Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit

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Don't these brownies look decadent! I can't wait to make these for the boy! Be sure to stop by Heart of Gold and Luxury for more recipes and features on fashion, interiors and the occasional DIY. 

Thanks again, Alison, for featuring your recipe! You are amazing! 

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P.S. Want more Valentine inspired goodies? Sarah from Coming Unstitched  recently opened up her own Etsy shop and her art prints are beyond adorable. She has a ton of Valentine's inspired prints.  Check out her shop HERE!