Get Prepared for Valentine's

We are less than a month away from Valentine's Day and all I can see is red! 

This year why not dress up the standard chocolates, flowers, and cards?! 

One thing I adore is when Scott surprises me with gorgeous bouquets that are out of the norm.  Skip the standard roses this year and give her an unexpected flower and even better, deliver them to her wrapped in paper instead of a vase.  

Walk away from the chocolate this year and give her the always gorgeous and yummy macaron. 

Last, but certainty not least, don't forget the card. Sometimes it's not the gift that means the most, it's the words written in the card that steals our heart!

 

cards via 

 And if cupids arrow hasn't gotten you just yet, why not treat yourself! I can remember many days that I bought flowers and macrons for myself because yes, while life as a single girl in her 20's and 30's can be a total blast, it can also be hard a times.  So go ahead...you deserve them!

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 Do you have your look ready for the special day?  Here are just a few items we are currently swooning over for vday!

For the Love of Cooking {Pregnancy Cravings}

So far, I have only had 3 strong cravings to hit me 

 since being pregnant.  One of those cravings was for

a granny smith apple covered in caramel, chocolate and nuts.

You know the ones! 

Yep those lil' devilishly delicious balls of greatness!

Since the craving, I have had my fix thanks to Sweet Mama, 
but from time to time I feel the slight urge to devour another one coming
on again.  In an effort to keep some sense of sanity while I watch my 
precious little belly grow I decided why not have a little restraint with 
my cravings and make my own and downsize them.

So, I've been in search of a mini caramel apple recipe and I think
I might have two strong contenders!

First up, Apple Nachos (talk about hitting the jackpot)

  {What You'll Need}

5 apples, sliced
1/2 cup of peanut butter, melted
Chocolate chips to taste
Sliced or chopped almonds
 
Chop the apples. Slice 3 of the apples vertically, into wedges, and 2 of 

them horizontally, into circular slices.
Douse the apples with just a little bit of lemon juice so they don’t turn brown.
Melt the peanut butter in the microwave, using a Pyrex or
other measuring cup with a spout.
Arrange the apple slices on a large plate or platter
Drizzle the peanut butter carefully over the apples, 

then sprinkle your chocolate chips and nuts all around.

   
 Recipe Via Hello Giggles


The second recipe to cure my craving while keeping 
some self control, Mini Caramel Apples

  {What You'll Need} 

Extra-large apples
Caramels + 2 Tbsp milk
Lollipop sticks
Melon ball scoop
 Wax paper plates or a cookie sheet

Roll your wax paper out on a flat surface

Peel the apples and begin to scoop the balls out of them with the melon ball scooper

Push a lollipop stick into the center of each ball

Pat them dry and place in the refrigerator until time to dip in caramel

Unwrap the caramels and melt them in a pot over medium-low heat, with 2 Tbsp of milk

Once the caramel is melted and smooth remove from the heat and begin to dip each ball into the caramel letting the

excess drip before placing back onto the wax paper

Leave your Mini caramel goodness as is or sprinkle with your favorite toppings!

 
Recipe adapted from At Home in Love

I Spy: DIY for the Sweet Tooth

Cotton Candy lovers, brace yourself!
This DIY will have you swooning for that cottony goodness that without fail always makes me immediately think of the Care Bears bouncing across the sky in their totally rad cloud car.
Seriously, I am going to need some of the fluffy stuff asap!
No way can I wait till the State Fair rolls around in October!!

Stop by Oh Happy Day for the how to’s on making this darling of a tease!

It Taste Just Like Candy

 I will be the first to admit my candy obsession is ridiculous!!
I'm not a huge chocolate fan but, you will NEVER see me turn down a sour patch kid, twizzler, starburst, now or later, chewy spree...ok I mean seriously is there a rehab for candyholics??

It takes 28 days to break a habit and I have no immediate plans on breaking this delicious habit so I give you 5 candylicious cocktails via Celebrations at Home!

The Jolly Green Rancher

 
recipe

Lemon Drop Martini


recipe

Twizzler Lemonade Cocktail

recipe

Watermelon Candy Rock Swizzle

recipe

Peppermint Infused Vodka Martini

recipe