SWEETLY in love with Chocolate Fondue - Monthly of L.O.V.E

Time flies, February is just a day away and I can feel the love is in the air everywhere already. Are you tired of dressing up for an extravagant Valentine's Dinner at the local restaurant? Why not rolling up your sleeves and prepare a sweet and yummy-licious Chocolate Fondue for your sweetheart while dressing up in pajamas and cuddling up for a Romance movie? Yes, (you did not hear wrongly) I did say p.a.j.a.m.a.s!

When you think of Valentine's Day, first thing that comes to your mind would be CHOCOLATE. Correct me if I am wrong. So preparing a chocolate fondue seems to be a no-brainer and yet a sweet gesture from your partner/for your partner. There is absolutely no cooking skills required; getting a few types of chocolates, milk, honey, vanilla beans, fruits, marshmallow, pound cakes, rice krispy, and voila...You and your partner or friends will be ready to indulge in a pot of warm and rich chocolate fondue.

Here's a recipe for you to try, ENJOY! 

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Pot of Warm and Rich Chocolate Fondue


Credits: (clockwise from top left) Eat with Love silverware illustration, Rachael Ray's Heavenly White Chocolate Fondue,  Milk Chocolate Fondue in yellow bowl, Pages folded in heart shape, Fruity Chocolate Fondue, Candle-lit chocolate fondue served with bananas, rice krispies, pound cakes, and marshmallow, Chocolate-covered banana, Chocolate-Pinor Noir fondue, and  Marshmallow dipped in chocolate 

With love,

Rachel

Happy Valentine's Day!

Photo Credit:
Apple

Valentine 2011: 'Give' (Gift) With L.O.V.E!

My dear blog readers out there, are you doing last minute shopping and wondering what you can get for your loved ones? Are you tired of traditional red roses and a box of chocolate, and you are looking for something outstanding to present to your valentine or loved ones? Martha Stewart has some brilliant ideas for us!


Give seeds, watering plants, and growing into colorful roses...

Heart Bookmark, Necktie Envelope, Vintage-Label Keepsake Boxes, Seashell Valentines, Heart Candles and Message in a Bottle, Heart-Shaped African Violets, Quilled Flowers, Keepsake Boxes Lined with Velvet Ribbon, Lace Picture Frame Mat, Roses Wrapped with Poems, and Sweet Surprises!

Here are some other great Valentine's day inspirations within blog-sphere:
DIY Sewn Heart Garland
Pink, Orange, and Coral Hanging Hearts
Red and Coral Heart-shaped Pillows
Valentine's Rose Champagne and Breakfast in Bed
Valentine's Tea For Two
Sweet Chocolate Display For Your Loved Ones


Photo Credit:
Martha Stewart

Valentine 2011: Pack With L.O.V.E.

Either homemade or store-bought baked goods or sweets, you want to present them in beautifully decorated packaging. Don't you?

Today, we pulled together some wrapping/packaging ideas from Martha Stewart and would like to show you how you can dress up simple-looking cookies into something unique and delicate!

Modern Twist on Valentine Candy, Rocky Ledge Bars Packaging, Cookie Boxes, Glassine Treat Envelopes, Heart-Covered Wrapper, and Heart-Shaped Treat Box

Photo Credit:
Martha Stewart

Homemade Little Something For Your Valentine!

Month of expressing your love to your valentine (traditionally), parents, friends, and colleagues. For those who are still experiencing the bitter cold winter, what is better than a warm and sweet gesture to make your special someone something homemade and delicious? (For those who hardly ever bake or cook: Well, the thought of gifting counts!)

Are you making/getting something delicious for your loved one? I have pulled together some tasty little bites from Martha Stewart for you! Check it out!

Valentine Cookies, Brownie Heart Cupcakes, Pecan Linzer Cookies with Cherry Filling, Calimyrna Fig Hearts, Heart Pancakes, Heart-Shaped Meringues Filled With Passion Fruit Curd, Coeurs a la Crème, Meringue Heart Ice-Cream Sandwiches, Valentine Cake, Raisin Heart Pockets, Personalized Chocolate Pops, Grandma Friendship’s Raisin Pie with Heart Cutouts, Heart-Shaped Raspberry Napoleons, Spicy Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate Sweet Hearts, Chocolate Cookies, Shortbread Hearts

They are not only looking yummy, they are looking good too!

Photo Credits:
Martha Stewart

Epicurean Wednesday: All About Valentine's Day

All WHITE! It snowed in New York early this morning! Oh no...it is going to be a cold cold cold weather in the city this weekend. Hmm...Don't you think it is a good time staying at home and try out some special breakfast, bakeries, dishes to surprise your loved one on Valentine's Day? I think so ^.* So I found some ideas from everywhere you are familiar with, such as Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and Country Living.

Do you still remember the pajamas featured on last Monday's blog post? Here is why...we are going to have Breakfast On The Bed! A plate of creative love-shaped pancake and sunny side up egg, paired with a cup of hot chocolate/tea - what's better than this to kick start your Valentine's Day?

Photo Credit: Heart-to-Heart Garland over Headboard

First row (from left): Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Hearts, Heart-shaped Tea Bags, Cappuccino Heart Foam; All from Martha Stewart

Second row: Heart Pancakes, Heart-shaped egg and toasts; All from Martha Stewart

Is having tea time at home/cafe your cup of tea? (^.^ It is definitely my cup of tea! It is a great time to catch up with friends and family.)

Photo Credit: Tea For Two

From left: Handmade Heart Doilies to dress up your tea party, Pecan Linzer Cookies with Cherry Filling, Valentine Cake; All from Martha Stewart

If you would like to spend more time with your sweetheart in the kitchen, why not prepare a romantic dinner for two at home? It is a great time for two love birds to get to know each other more and better too! (Extras: Why at home? Restaurants serve good food, however, they often charged double, if not triple the usual price, on this special day.)

Photo Credit: Romantic and Fragrant Centerpiece (floating orchids and tea lights)

Check out each link below for the delicious recipe!
Appetizer/Soup: Shrimp Bisque with Bourbon from Country Living
Main Course: Pork Roast with Dried Fruit and Fresh Herbs from Country Living
Desserts: (1) Shortbread Tiramisu from Country Living
(2) Creamy Chocolate-Filled Puffs from Quick & Simple

Lovely...I can't wait to surprise my husband with these yummy dishes! Happy Cooking!

Perfect Blooms and Decor Tuesday: All About Valentine's Day

Are you looking for some handmade decor to dress up your house/apartment and getting ready for the month of romance? Let see what Etsy artists going to offer us!

For sweetie pie!
We have Heart-shaped Yarn Wreaths and Be Mine Door Hanger by Itz Fitz on Etsy.

Clockwise from top left: Double The Love Yarn Heart Wreath Front Door or Wall Hanging $35.00, Be Mine - Valentine's Day Wall/Door Hanging $20.00, Triple Heart Yarn Wreath Front Door/Wall Hanging $35.00, Heart Stripe Yarn Heart Wreath Front Door or Wall Hanging $35.00

For organic devotee!
We found some fabric potted plants by Jane Joss on Etsy for you!

First Column (from top): Sage Green Chenille $45.00, Blue Wave $40.00, I Heart Houndstooth Valentine's Gift $40.00
Second Column: Sweet Leaves Houndstooth Fabric Sprigs (set of 3) $10.00, Green Apple $28.00, Valentine Rose Bouquet $28.00

For the stylish, modern ladies out there!
We got you some pretty "repurposed" stiletto heels with cactus/succulents from Giddyspinster on Etsy.

First Column (from top): Dominatrix Shoe Repurposed into Aloe Planter $ 79.00, Recycled Clear Stiletto Succulent Planter $45.00, Recycled Clear Stiletto Succulent Planter $39.00
Second Column: Space Egg White Stiletto Cactus Planter $95.00, Agave in Repurposed Black Shiny Stiletto Heel $65.00, Succulent in Repurposed Stiletto Heel $79.00

Happy Shopping @ Etsy!

Fashionista Monday - All About Valentine's Day

Happy Monday to all my blog readers! How's everyone doing on the first day of February? I hope everyone is doing as great as I am; arranging, packing, shipping, and getting ready to start my new journey in Des Moines, Iowa ^.*

It is a lovely February, isn't it? We are going to celebrate two major festivals this month (and they both fall on the same day this year!!!). I have prepared Chinese New Year and Valentine's Celebration Series for this and next week as mentioned on my last posting two Fridays ago.

Celebration mood and love all over the air right now. Let start the first week of February in 2010 with some outfits for Valentine's Day!

Are you heading out for a romantic Valentine's dinner with your partner and wondering what you could wear for the date? Here's my suggestion for you, see below:

Casual + Romantic
A simple dress with delicate details (ruffles at neckline and a bow tie at the back), paired with black open-toe pumps, and last but not least, adorned the simple look with gold "love" pendant necklace and stacked of rings. Ta-da...A simple and yet elegant look to meet your Mr. Right =)

Items in this set:
Top row: One and Only Dress from Lulus.com $47.00
Bottom row (from left): Bonfire Heels from Nine West $62.30, Zad My Love is Written Necklace in Gold from Lulus.com $11.00, Zad Faceted Stackable Rings in Gold from Lulus.com $9.00

How about guys?

Mens Outfit 2 by ♥SGJ is BUSY on Polyvore.com

Casual + Smart
A pure white shirt (rolled-up sleeves) and a pair of jeans - A classic outfit in every guy's closet. Needed a personal touch? A pair of your favorite sport shoes/sneakers, leather watch, and a necklace and ring compliment your simple white outfit very well. Opps...and don't forget to drop by a florist and get your favorite girl/lady a beautiful bouquet!

Items in this set:
Giorgio Armani Armani 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, $70
Men: Men's Tall Linen-Blend Shirts - White
Rhinestone Cross Necklace - Mens Jewellery - Mens Accessories - Burton
Mens Watch | Watches at J2 Trading
LevisStore.com - Men: Levi's® Vintage Clothing: Levi's® Vintage...

Top row (from left): Scoop Neck Tank and Printed Woven Pants $52.00, Hoodie Robe $49.50, Terry Platform Flip-flop $25.00, all from Victoria's Secret
Bottom: Polo Ralph Lauren Men Pajamas $32.50, Robe $75.00, both from Macy's, Cable Knit and Suede Clogs $19.95 each, from AE.com

Wonder why the pictures of sleepwear appear in today's blog post? Am I locate them at the wrong post? You will find out on Wednesday! Stay tune =)