The Sweetest Valentine's
Make-ahead Breakfast
Berry Strata
You'll need...
4 eggs
1 cup milk
¼ cup orange juice
1 small bag frozen berries
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
half block cream cheese
4 cups cubed pieces of crusty (Stale is ok!) bread
Combine eggs, milk, juice, butter, sugar and syrup - whisk to combine, then set aside. In buttered 10-inch baking dish, place one layer of bread cubes. Cover with sprinkling of berries and pinches of cream cheese. Continue on with next layer of bread cubes until all bread, cream cheese and berries have been used. Pour liquid ingredients over top, allowing for the bread to soak and settle. If needed, press gently with palms so that all ingredients are moist. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or ideally overnight.
Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strata is baked through. Let stand for 10 minutes, top with fresh berries and syrup to taste, then serve. Serves four.

Serve your sweeties a daily dish of love, courtesy of bakeware with extra heart.
Refined Vintage Boutique 505-7175


Where to Eat
You can bet that nearly every restaurant in the SCV will have some form of Valentine's Day promotion - so how to choose?
For the Old Steady
Yes, The Local has live music, dinner and wine specials all night on Valentine's Day - but that's not why you should go. For couples that have been there, already said that, The Local provides much-needed convo starters. Take your pick of topics from the tabletop electronic live-trivia games, massive indoor shuffleboard setup, board games from your childhood, one of the many huge flatscreens tuned into sports and entertainment - or just chat about their gigantic selection of craft beer, local wines and gourmet pub food.
The Local Pub & Grill 495-9192

For the Singletons
Just "me, myself and I" on Valentine's? You don't need to feel like a pariah on the Day O' Love at JJ's Bar & Grill. Celebrate your singlehood with their Valentine's Singles Night Party running all night long. Because it's JJ's, you'll score some yummo food while sipping on sweet drink specials. Also because it's JJ's: You'll meet friends old and new - this is the place to "just hang" in the SCV. The Valencia hot spot is huge, so it'll feel popular, not packed, giving you a chance to mingle - or disappear into a corner so you can stay single.
jjsbarangrill.com

MeEt them at Marston's
From their Basil Seared Sea Scallops served with fennel, sweet pepper ragout, roasted shitake in a saffron butter sauce to a Chateau Sirloin with twice-baked potatoes, broccolini and bordelaise, there's something for every carnivore on Marston's new dinner menu. Marston's in Valencia is refined enough for special occasions and casual enough so that "just because" can be reason alone to drop in and dine, so don't hesitate to celebrate V-day another time. Everyone knows that Marston's makes delicious meals and Chef Jim never disappoints with his special one-night-only event menus, so make a reservation if you want a dinner table for Valentine's Day. 253-9910


How to Write a Love Letter
Sure, you text 'em "I love you!" five times a day, but technology is so impermanent. This year, take heart and pen to paper to create a keepsake that will last as long as your adoration for them. No sweetheart to pen your undying love? Love letters are just as special when they are for children, parents and dear friends.
The best love letters have a theme: a romantic memory, like what you thought when you first saw them; your sense of gratitude for how they have improved your life; what you want to do together tonight, this year or this lifetime; a reaffirmation of love and commitment... you get the picture. But if a theme seems too overwhelming - we're not all Cyrano de Bergerac - stick with the basics, like a list of all the things you love most about them.
As your letter evolves, remember that love is in the details. Be specific. Can't stop staring dreamily into their eyes - and want to say so? Good. Now tell them why, too. Is it because they're big, round and a gorgeous green? Because you can't stop wondering if your future child will have those same baby blues? All people are naturally egocentric, which is to mean: they like to hear good things about themselves. "I love your smile" is nice, but "I love how you break into a wide grin when something surprises you" is better. People crave being noticed - let them know that you see them.
Here are some more tips:
Like relationships, love letters have a past, present and future. Acknowledge all three in yours to convey timelessness, contentment, loyalty and hope.
You can type your draft, but the final should be in your handwriting. Don't let perfection be the enemy of good; if you make a small error, cross it out. If you make a large one, start over.
Doodle! Few things touch the heart more than knowing that your beloved who hasn't drawn more than a pie chart in the last 20 years thoughtfully scratched a "you and me" initialed heart at the end of a love note.
Let it all out. Love letters are not the place to hold back. Want to spend the rest of your life with this person? Say so. Never felt this way about anyone else? Write that down. Love letters are meant to be vulnerable - that's a massive reason why they're so coveted.


Galentine's Day is Wednesday, February 13
Valentine's schmalentine's! Celebrate the sisterhood by gifting the girls this year.

Love, Actually
When's the last time you went full-swoon over your reflection? For us, it happens every time we leave Blo-Out Lounge Valencia. Silky, bouncy locks or a full pro makeup look can be yours for only $45 each, or spend a little more for a full updo and wedding/event visage that will have everyone turning heads.
Blo Out Lounge 255-2569

luxe clear bags with silken privacy liners will keep them glam
at the next public gathering
Dominie Luxury Boutique 855-2-LUXURY

Lets Hang for for Galentine's Day
If there's one thing on which every gal can agree, it's that there's just not enough time in the week for sisterhood connections.
Fix that with a Lets Hang Boutique party in your driveway or cul-de-sac for a shopping, hanging, laughing, sipping gathering of girlfriends. The hostess will score 10 percent of the event's sales to put toward her own purchases and everyone will love trying on the ultra-affordable beachy/boho blouses, dresses, pants and accessories.
Lets Hang Boutique 263-5775


A Valentine's to Remember
If a new car is in the plans for 2019, this is the time to seal that deal.
Fall in love with your fresh wheels and make every day feel like Valentine's Day.

2019 Audi A7
You'll love the quattro all-wheel drive, massive MMI Navigation plus with Audi connect, contrast stitching throughout and optional Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system.
Audi Valencia 877-743-0523

2019 Lexus ES Hybrid Sedan
You'll love the longer, wider stance and sleek coupe-like silhouette of this most-advanced ES ever.
Keyes Lexus of Valencia 260-2000


Dude's Day
There's a misnomer that Valentine's Day is only important to women. Unfair! Valentine's Day
is for everyone. Still, figuring out how to wow the more-masculine end of the paradigm can be a stumper.
Here are our "admittedly mildly stereotypical, but effective none the less" suggestions.
Plan an Adventure
Fish locally at Castaic Lake, picnic in Vasquez, do a foodie walking tour of Downtown LA. The goal is to get out, spend quality time and leave the trappings of the holiday behind.
Davidoff gift selection
in presentation box
with 12 premium cigars
Genuine Cigars 259-3555


Make a Real Connection
Head to DIY nirvana at AR Workshop, where stencils, nontoxic paint, pre-cut wood and patient staff combine for Pinterest-worthy results. Make gorgeous gifts for yourself or others, or... better yet: celebrate the Day O' Love with a crafting party of your very own. Nothing says, "I'll treasure you forever" like bonding over wood stain selections. You can bring your own beverages and snacks - might as well make a date of it!
AR Workshop 288-1903