The Victorians have a reputation for stodgy propriety that has outlived Queen Victoria’s reign by a century. Maybe they deserve to be remembered for modestly covering piano legs with frills, but let me tell you; they knew how to say it with flowers. Floriography is the language of flowers, a fitting lesson for Valentine’s Day. Victorian suitors sent single flowers or bouquets of carefully-chosen posies, each of which signified a particular message. Etiquette books such as the 1883 “Our Deportment, or the Manners, Conduct, and Dress of the Most Refined Society; including Forms for Letters, …
When we enrolled my daughter at her school two years ago, I fully expected the laundry list of “parent must-do” activities: Bake fairs, parent-teacher nights, conferences, etc. What I was not expecting, and what caught me completely off guard the first year, was the request by teachers at Valentine’s Day. As mentioned before, I do not consider myself particularly crafty. I have learned to overcome the panic attacks that used to suffocate me when entering a craft store and I have learned to just let some things go in the middle of craft time at our house (paint on the table, glitter on the …
There is big pressure to come up with something delicious and sweet for Valentine's Day. Especially for my very girly daughter, this day is extremely important. She starts talking about it right after Christmas. There is constant talk about how we will celebrate her birthday (which is a week before "V" day) and what treat we will be eating for Valentine's Day. I usually order cake or cupcakes for her birthday, but this year I decided to bake my own. I asked her what she wanted and she described a vanilla cupcake topped with a strawberry frosting. I did a bit of research and came upon a lovely…
With Valentine's Day around the corner, lots of us are thinking sweets and treats. Local restaurants have a lot to offer for that memorable meal, and a homemade and custom-decorated dessert might just make you the cupid of county. Last year, Paula Tosonotti of Cake Fiction showed Patch how to decorate cakes and cupcakes with a professional flair. We revisit Cake Fiction for tips, just in time for Valentine's Day. For hints on working with fondant, watch the video. Paula Tosonotti is a baker and a cook, who uses inspiration from all over the world for her Cake Fiction creations. The …
For a top meal, how about a Top Chef? Ariane Duarte, Top Chef contestant and chef at Orange Lawn Tennis Club, also owns the very romantic Culin Ariane in Montclair. The restaurant is one of many local options for this Valentine's Day weekend. You’ll really start your romantic evening off on a good foot by choosing to dine at Culin Ariane, 33 Walnut St., Montclair, because it’s off the beaten path, and therefore you won’t be driving around for ages looking for a parking spot. Voted as one of the best restaurants in the area by Zagat, the dining room is relatively small, only seating 48 …
