WESTFIELD-While flowers, chocolates and greeting cards first come to mind when giving a Valentine’s Day gift – there are business owners also sharing their ideas of ideal gifts on local social media platforms.
Floral designer Lisa Walczak of Flowers by Webster puts the finishing touches on a vase on red roses. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, some businesses like Chrissy G’s on Michael Drive, Westfield, have a deadline of this weekend to order one of four tempting treats.
“We are offering a Cake for Two, consisting of a red velvet with cream cheese frosting, a Cake for Two consisting of chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, covered with chocolate butter cream frosting, chocolate with salted caramel mini tarts, and raspberry with vanilla bean cream mini tarts,” said Christine Gustafson, noting orders need to be placed by Feb. 7 so she can plan her schedule.
Gustafson added that items ordered do need to be picked up at 9 Michael Dr., since she does not have delivery service at this time. She can be contacted at (413) 250-0255.
While on the subject of sweet treats, the Westfield Technical Academy PTO is sponsoring a Class of 2021 fundraiser – a Valentine Cookie Sale – featuring a dozen assorted cookies for $5. A dozen cookies are also available in a peanut free assortment. Orders can be placed by calling (413) 564-3123 or sending an email to [email protected] by Feb. 10 with pick up on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.-noon.
While many local couples will choose to visit their favorite restaurant for a romantic outing in the coming days, there are also establishments offering specialty menus including Delaney’s Market at 587 East Main St., Westfield.
Delaney’s chef Mick Corduff has put together a “Valentine’s Dinner for 2″ that includes popovers with butter, shrimp cocktail, a Savannah Belle Salad with champagne-walnut vinaigrette, and “surf-n-turf” – an 8-ounce filet mignon and two lobster and crab cakes served with asparagus, baby carrots, and au gratin potatoes. A “Forbidden Love Nest” dessert tops off the meal featuring chocolate mousse, espresso chocolate cake, peanut butter ganache, mascarpone cheese and Oreo crumb.
“Let us do all the prep while you do the cooking,” notes their Facebook post, adding that Corduff’s instructions will create an elegant meal “you and your sweetheart will never forget.”
Orders for the dinner must be placed by Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. with pick up on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For details, call (413) 261-6240.
During a recent “visit” perusing local community forums, business owners are stepping up their game and showcasing a wide variety of gift ideas – from taking flight in a Cessna 172 to heart shaped heating pads.
“Our joy of flight special out of Barnes is about 90 minutes which includes an introduction on ground instruction and how to operate the airplane,” said Brian Williams, flight instructor and flight dispatcher at Fly Lugu Flight Training on Airport Road in Westfield.
Fly Lugu Flight Training is offering a “Introduce your sweetheart to the joy of flight” special on a Cessna 172. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Williams said as part of the $105 package, persons determine what they would like to see during their flight.
“Some people like to fly over their house, some choose to enjoy flying as the sun is setting, it is completely up to the people we are flying with,” said Williams. “We also offer the participants the chance to control the airplane once in flight if they are comfortable with that.”
For more details, call (413) 579-5737.
Fashion designer Nicole Wzorek of Westfield has also added heart shaped heating pads to her line of designs – just in time for Valentine’s Day.
“The heating pads are perfect for this time of year,” notes Wzorek on her Facebook page – Nicole Wzorek Designs.
“The heating pads come in three scents – lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus,” said Wzorek. “The hearts are $15, the larger ones such as the square and neck/shoulder ones are $20 each. They are heated in the microwave and soothe your aches and pains while keeping you warm.”
Wzorek added the pads can also be used as an ice pack if you put them in the freezer.
Fashion designer and alteration specialist Nicole Wzorek is featuring a variety of heating pads as part of her design line – including heart shaped ones for Valentine’s Day. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“The pads are perfect for gifts or to buy something nice for yourself,” she said.
Wzorek can be reached at (413) 250-1167 or by sending a message via Facebook.
For people who enjoy giving gift baskets – to men or women – the new Hilltown Chic shop on School Street has a variety of fun baskets assembled and ready for purchase.
“I tried to make the baskets fun and easy for everyone,” said owner Cassandra Cyr. “The baskets are also something different to showcase all of the great local vendors I have here at the store.”
Hilltown Chic has gift baskets for women ready to go – perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
The basket for women includes a massage oil candle from the More than Motivation Candle Co., a double bracelet set from Elite Beading, Bee Bella Chapstick, I Love You More wine glass, Trophy Wife Tumbler, chocolate from My Sugar Fix, a Valentine’s Day gnome by Bourbon Born Co., earrings from Visionary Designs Collaborative, natural soap from Grammy’s Natural Soaps, funny cocktail napkins, a $10 Hilltown Chic gift card, and a rubber ducky “because they are cute,” says Cyr.
Cyr’s baskets for men feature a Trophy Husband glass mug, beef jerky – straight whiskey and old fashion maple bacon flavors, Bloody Knuckles hand repair lotion, Duke Cannon Big Ass Brick of Soap in BUSCH sandalwood scent, a cold shower towelette, chocolate from My Sugar Fix, a Valentine’s Day card, and gift bag.
Baskets for women are priced at $75 and $50 for men.
Hilltown Chic offers a fun gift basket specifically for men – perfect for Valentine’s Day. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Of course, sending flowers are a staple for many wanting to share the love and Gail Kelly, owner of Flowers by Webster on Court Street in Westfield, is ready with a wide variety of bouquets and arrangements starting at $59.99 to fit everyone’s budget.
“While red roses are always the most popular, we also have pink and lavender roses,” said Kelly. “We also do mixed arrangements that can include tulips and snapdragons.”
Kelly noted that she carries “almost every flower that’s grown” since flowers are grown year round around the world.
“We are encouraging people to order early and accept orders on Friday,” said Kelly, adding, “We are offering free gourmet chocolates when you accept a delivery on Friday of a dozen roses or more.”
Kelly said her system of no-contact delivery as well as for pick up follows all COVID-19 guidelines.
And for persons who would like to experience a getaway close to home this month, the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center on Mill Street in Westfield is offering a Valentine’s Day Special featuring Healing Arts services.
“A Healing Arts session is a great gift for anyone who would like a one-on-one session in the context of a longer day of reflection and relaxation,” said Liz Walz, executive director at Genesis. “With access to a private guest room for resting and integration, or the Fireplace Room to sit by the fire, or the Arts Space for drawing or painting, there’s no need to rush off site after your massage or Spiritual Direction session.”
Walz noted that with all of the stresses from COVID-19 in the past year, participants can enjoy a safe, sanitized, and spacious environment where one can let their guard down and experience deep healing.
“The Compassionate Curve pathway is a walking trail with markers that post reflective questions, connecting experiences in your life with an element of the natural world,” said Walz. “In all seasons, it allows guests a multi-sensory participation in the beauty of the landscape.”
Healing Arts services range from Swedish massage, guided relaxation or an individual yoga session, to Spiritual Direction and BioSpiritual focusing. The day also includes lunch created for each person by chef Jen; a private guest room to relax after the Healing Arts session, time in the Fireplace Room, and a goodie bag. Additionally, participants can explore the 19.5 acres of peaceful land that includes the Compassionate Curve and the Labyrinth.
Walking the Labyrinth at the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center can be the perfect way to end a day after experiencing a Healing Arts service. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
The cost for one Healing Arts service is $125 and $165 for two Healing Arts services.
For more details, call (413) 562-3627.
While this is only a sampling of special gift ideas found on social media platforms, area residents will find something for everyone on their Valentine’s Day list at the many local shops and restaurants that dot the city landscape.
