Just One of Those Days....

Sometimes I feel like this at work...just a little out of place. Do you ever feel that way? Maybe it's just one of those days. (...and 'not' a case of the Mondays!) Have a better day everyone...and a good weekend. Enjoy!

Image from avanza press

Sweet Ideas for Valentine's Day....

Do you bake your own Valentine's gifts? As Valentine's Day is just in a few days, many of us are thinking of delicious sweets to give our love ones (or just ourselves). But does anyone really bake their own Valentine's sweets anymore? I know I'm bad about just buying sweets for Valentine's, instead of rolling up my sleeves and getting all floury from the baking in my kitchen at this time of the year. Although, it's hard to look at all of these beautiful heart felt goodies and not want to bake something. (Or eat something!) I love the rose and letter detailing. Well, to those who do bake their own, good luck this year. And...enjoy!

Chocolate Berry Hearts

(Adapted from Wilton’s Ripe for Romance Dessert)

Tools:

• Cookie Sheet
• Pastry Brush
• Heart Silicone Baking Cups (6 cups)

Ingredients:

• Bitter-sweet chocolate (1 package)
• 1-2 pints of raspberries
• 1-2 pints of blueberries

Makes 6 cups (Each cup serves 1)

Instructions:

1. Place baking cups on cookie sheet.

2. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave.

3. Fill cups with 2 tablespoons melted chocolate. Then brush chocolate up sides, coating evenly to make heart candy shell.

4. Refrigerate until firm.

5. Peel cup off candy, gently pushing up shell from bottom.

6. Fill with fruit.

Note: Brush on some apricot glaze to make the berries shine.

Images from Pinterest, Wilton, sweetapolita

Card of Hearts....

It's always nice to get cards on Valentine's Day. But lately, cards are so expensive! So instead of dishing out the dough for a card, try making your own at home. Here is a cute idea for a homemade Valentine's Day card. Enjoy!

Valentine Flower Heart Card
(Adapted from the Valentine Flowers on Martha Stewart Living)

Tools and Materials:
5-8 Colored paper (pink, red, etc.)
1 piece of white paper
Ribbon
Pen
Pin or pushpin
Scissors
Scotch tape

Instructions:
1. Cut out five to eight hearts of the same size, and inscribe them a quote or message.

2. Use a pushpin to make a hole near the pointed end of each heart.

 
3. Take your ribbon and thread it through the hole on the first heart. Then tie a knot at the end to keep the ribbon from sliding back through. (Note: I tied a few knots just to be sure it stayed in place.)

 
4. Keep threading the ribbon through all the other hearts till you have them all on the ribbon.

 
5. Then use the pushpin to make a hole in the middle of the piece of white paper.
6. Thread the end of the ribbon through the white paper so the hearts come up flat against the paper. Then tie a knot at the end of the ribbon on the back of the white paper to keep the ribbon form sliding back through. (Note: I tied a few knots just to be sure it stayed in place.)

 
7. Cut the end of the ribbon and use a piece of scotch tape to hold down the end of the ribbon.

Images from Me, Love Quotes, Martha Stewart Living

Sweetheart Gifts....

For Valentine's Day...

I'm sure all of you love birds are counting down the days to Valentine's Day. It's funny. Here in the US, all of us girls are hoping for our guys will give us something for Valentine's Day, like flowers, candy, something glittery, etc. However, in Japan, the girls usually only give gifts on Valentine's day (Feb. 14th). It's usually chocolate. But then the guys will follow up and give gifts to the girls on March 14th (if they remember it). Love it!

Here's some cute gifts to "hint" to your love one for a special Valentine's gift this year. Enjoy!

Images from etsy.com

A Girl's View....

"A woman has many faces as she goes through her life. It's like we need more than one hair-do. We have many, many changes in the evolution of our lives. We have, we learn, and we grow; we view life differently, and life views us differently."

- Sharon Stone

Images from weheartit; Life is a game we play; Thinspirations; BrainyQuote

Dream Kitchen of White....

My dream kitchen!!! Clean, white lines bashing in the rays of sunlight. Dreams of peaceful Sunday brunches with your coffee in hand. Large open space to create holiday dinners in as you entertain guests. I wish I had this kitchen. The kitchen we have now is so dark and small. I think that's why I like these large windows and the brightness of the white walls. It just makes you feel happy. Ahh, one day. Enjoy!

Images from greige

La Sposa Bridal Collention 2011....

These are so beautiful! I bought my wedding dress a few years ago from La Sposa at a local bridal store. I love there designs, and still like to look at the new ones each year, just for fun. Here are just a few of the designs they have for this season. Love the details they have on some of the dress with the flowers and modern looking ruffles. Enjoy!

Images from La Sposa