Thursday, February 13, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day!


Hello my lovelies! How I have missed you and this blog. I've been rather quiet lately and not baking much. I think I did so much with the cookbook that I haven't felt like doing much else. I didn't even bake Christmas cookies this past holiday. I feel somewhat unmotivated and drained. I know that will change and I'll be excited to get back in the kitchen again. Until then, I just wanted to share a few things with you. 


Above is our impromptu Christmas picture taken in our jammies on Christmas evening. It's not at all what I had planned or what I envisioned, but I love it. 


Just last Sunday, Hayden got hist first haircut! He was such a good boy, but it helps that we are close friends with our barber, who also makes house-calls. She is so great with him. We kept his gorgeous curls, but trimmed it all up and evened it out. 


While I haven't necessarily been baking, I have been cooking and enjoying delicious treats from Ghirardelli. Look at this amazing box of chocolates they sent for Valentine's Day! If you haven't seen these in person, get to your local store and pick some up. They really are so pretty and great for everyone on your Valentine love list. I'll be sharing with my family this weekend. 


The details in these chocolates are well done and understated, which differs from the big heart shaped box of chocolates you usually see with mediocre chocolates. These Valentine Impressions are beautiful and delicious and come in an array of dark, milk and white chocolates. They did not pay me to say any of this. I'm just sharing what I like and saying "thank you" in the process. Thank you Ghirardelli!


Also got a sweet little package from the peeps at Peeps! To be honest, these have never been my favorite at Easter-time or any other time, but I have to tell you, the strawberry Peeps are delicious! I haven't tried the chocolate mousse bears yet because I'm saving those for Hayden and my little cousin, But the vanilla and chocolate covered raspberry are next on my list. I think I'll make a chocolate layer cake decorated with Peeps for Valentine's Day. 


Aren't these the cutest chocolate bears?! Don't wait, go get them before they sell out. Thank you Peeps for converting me into a Peep lover!


And one more thank you to Pillsbury, Smuckers and Jif for this box of deliciousness. I can't wait to try out that Salted Caramel Hazelnut spread! All these are new products, look for them!