By PAT GARRY patgarry@charter.net
where you can get them in SoMinn
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alentine’s Day is the day of love, and if a gift is in your plans for this year, we’ve got you covered. That’s why this year we’re embracing V-Day as an opportunity to send tokens of our affection to friends, family, and romantic partners alike — and send them things they’ll actually love. From gift baskets to flowers and even dinnersto-go, there are plenty of ways that you can spoil your valentine while supGARRY porting local businesses this year. Chocolate lovers, rejoice. From simple, petite sized treats to elaborate bars and boxed specialties, you’re sure to find the sweets you need for your sweetie. Whatever gift you choose, rest assured that it is bound to bring your valentine some much-needed joy. Looking for something more unique or specific? Check out our gifts for the guys and your “galentines” to find something for that special someone. We could all use a little more love and sweetness in our lives this year.
CURLY GIRLZ CANDY, INC. curlygirlzcandy.com | 121 West Main Street, Suite A, Owatonna, 507-451-3396 CGC offers gourmet, hand-crafted chocolates and candies that are sugar-free, maltitol-free, and diabetic and keto-friendly. Perfect for anyone looking to reduce his or her sugar consumption without losing the taste he or she loves. “For Valentine’s Day, we offer heart-shaped boxes in ½ lb. and 1-lb. Boxes, as well as a variety of 4, 8, 15, and 16-piece boxes,” explained Founder Paula Even Trenda. The heart boxes include a variety of chocolates, including truffles, toffees, pecan clusters, chocolatecovered caramels, chocolate-covered sea salt caramels, wrapped caramels and brittles. The 4, 5, 8, 15 & 16-piece boxes come with truffles, chocolatecovered caramels, and
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peanut butter creams. Additionally, Paula offers a selection of chocolate-dipped strawberries, by pre-order only. Prices range from $9-$65. Open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; order online 24/7 at curlygirlzcandy.com. Free delivery within Owatonna, Blooming Prairie and Medford locales, with $25+ purchase. Curbside pickup is also available.
RENNING’S FLOWERS renningsflowers.com | 331 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester, 507-289-1818 The classic dozen red roses is always a Valentine’s favorite. You can make it even more “Wow” by adding a teddy bear and box of Costas handmade chocolates from Owatonna. Another beautiful arrangement is called “Inspired” and features vibrant stargazer lilies, red roses and white hydrangea.
CHOCOLATE SHOPPE chocolateshoppe.co | 420 Main St., Mantorville, 507-635-5814 The Chocolate Shoppe is located in historic Mantorville, right across from the Hubbell House. Chocolates can be ordered ahead of time and picked up, or if you aren’t able to make it out to Mantorville, you can always order online at the website: chocolateshoppe.co. If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for, call and the Chocolate Shoppe will be glad to help you. Lynnette Nash and her family make all of their delectable goodies in small batches, right in their kitchen; which guarantees that customers receive the freshest possible confectionery delights. “We make a wide variety of handmade chocolates, fudges, caramels, toffees, truffles and creams—all in milk, dark and
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some in white chocolate. We also carry molded candies and chocolate covered nuts,” Lynnette said. In store, there is a variety of over 100 chocolate delicacies, and the family is always looking for new ideas. Some Valentine’s Day specials include: Heart boxes — for just $2 extra, have your Valentine’s chocolates in a beautiful box, filled with a random assortment of the most popular items, or custom fill it for your loved one. Heart-shaped cocoa bombs — order ahead and be ready for the big day. These delicious hot cocoa bombs make for the perfect gift to share. Spice it up with a little RumChata, or just enjoy them as an old-fashioned hot cocoa beverage. All the love in the world … in chocolate — the solid hearts colored with edible paint are sure to be a great treat to share. Baskets can be custom ordered from $20-$75, and they can be shipped.
COSTAS CANDIES costascandies.com | 112 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna, 507-451-9050 Costas Candies has been helping people celebrate Valentine’s Day for over 102 years. Established in downtown Owatonna in 1919, Costas’ devoted and highly talented professionals make all of its handmade candies on location. Their world-famous buttercaramels, toffee, turtles, truffles, butter-cremes, and more, are decadent treats for anyone and everyone. The incomparable House Assortment boxes make great gifts, or you may custom fill a Costas Box for the love of your life, with his or her favorites. Chocolate suckers and hearts are an extra special treat for Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day Specials: 16-piece Truffle Box -
$18.99; 12-piece House Assortment with chocolate heart - $14.99, plus $3/heart; Chocolate Hearts — available in milk or dark chocolate; and Crispy Milk or Crispy Dark - $3-$3.50. Surf the online store at costascandies.com, or visit their retail location at .
WASECA FLORAL wasecafloral.com | 810 N. State St., Waseca, 507835-3790 Waseca Floral is family owned and operated since 1972. Rick Morris, owner, and Lanae Feser, head designer, are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of their customers are deemed important, the professional staff is dedicated to making everyone’s experience a pleasant one. For Valentine’s Day the major sellers are: a dozen roses, “Cupid” arrangements, a box of chocolates and plush animal stuffies. The business regularly specializes in the following services: large inventory of fresh flowers, tropical plants, European/dish gardens, contemporary and traditional arrangements, high-style floral arrangements, silk arrangements, dried floral arrangements, weddings/funeral designs, extensive gift line, gourmet and fruit baskets, gift baskets, greeting cards, and candles. And, of course, Waseca Floral delivers. The delivery area includes Waseca, Janesville, New Richland and Waterville.
MAKESHIFT ACCESSORIES makeshiftaccessories.com | 418 Division St. S., Northfield, 952-270-8284 Since 2008, artist/owner Devin Johnson, of MakeShift, has been forging art and accessories using industrial and cultural artifacts. Century-old
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