Foodie Friday: Chocolate Lovers Edition

Chocolate + Me = Love. Yes, I love Mr. Shop This and adore Ms. Shop This, but chocolate and I have a special thing going. Chocolate knows just when I need "it," and it makes everything better. Isn't that love? Here we are, Valentine's Day weekend, a time to celebrate all kinds of love: Puppy Love, Unconditional Love, Brotherly Love, Divine Love, Romantic Love, Tough Love and the love that people like me have for chocolate! It's time get our fix.



HERE: 20 Recipes For Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate Cookies And Cream Towers
What an impressive dessert! The chocolate pastry cream looks divine. 
Food And Wine

Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Oreo Pie
Anything with an Oreo crust already has a great beginning. This pie only has five ingredients, so it looks super easy to make. This one is on my must make list.
Kevin and Amanda

Towering Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless chocolate cake is always good, but to me a cake without frosting, really isn't cake. The addition of fluffy Meringue on top, makes this a standout selection for a special dessert. I might add some chocolate sauce when serving.
The Food Network

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cake
I love peanut butter almost as much as I do chocolate. So this recipe is like Nirvana for me. Peanut butter frosting? Shoot me now.
Lemon - Sugar

Chocolate Kahlua Mousse 
This rich and creamy mousse is infused with Kahlua, which makes anything better. I make a good mousse, myself. The addition of homemade salted caramel sauce may just top mine! Caramel and chocolate always play well together.
Sugar Et Al

Choco Taco
The title of this treat made me smile. "Original Choco Tacos are filled with fudge-swirled vanilla ice cream and topped with chocolate and peanuts." You are more than welcome to use whatever ice cream you want, however.  One of the ingredients are BOOKS, of all things. I think this recipe promises to be great fun, and will leave your kitchen smelling like am ice cream parlor.
Food52

Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake
{ Non Dairy }
This is a non-dairy, no added sugar, and delicious frozen treat. It's made with Almond Milk, which is very yummy. Add frozen cherries, a frozen banana, and you have a scrumptious shake in a minute! 
A Beautiful Mess

Chocolate Drizzled Buttery Pecan and Caramelized Condensed Milk Cookies
Let's talk cookies. I rarely find one that I do not like. Sometimes all it takes to get a sugar fix is just one little cookie. I judge a restaurant by whether they offer a cookie plate on the dessert menu. The best ones do. These just look beyond yummy. 
Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Cake with Whipped Fudge Filling
This cake is said to be a labor of love. There's nothing more satisfying to me than laboring over a mixing bowl of chocolate (and then licking it)! Did you see that filling?
Chow.com

Hot Choc-Colada
I grew up having hot chocolate every day in Winter. It is one of my favorite things, but I haven't had any in years. The ingredients in this cup cocoa are outrageous: coconut milk, condensed milk, and pineapple juice. Oh and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum! Is it bad that I want one now and it is 5:30 A.M.?
Shugary Sweets

Chocolate Swirl Meringues With Nutella Whipped Cream
Little clouds of perfection. I have made meringue cookies before, and they were melt in your mouth good. All I can say, you can call me anything if you serve me these.
Call Me Cupcake

Chocolate Decadent Bites 
Adapted from Cooking with Love, by Carla Hall with Genevieve Ko, this recipe is a cross between a chocolate-ganache truffle and a gooey, fudgy brownie. YUM!
Oprah.com

Reese’s Spreads French Toast Roll-Ups
I can eat French Toast for any meal.  Add chocolate to it, and it is a real feast for the senses. These are created with Reese's Chocolate Spread. I can only imagine.......
Brunch Time Baker

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cupcakes
These little cakes have it all going for them - sweet, salty, gooey and even boozy. Just a little scotch or whiskey can be added to the butterscotch sauce. Oh my!
Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Cannoli
Aren't these pretty? I am not very good at piping, but I would try it again to create this little treats.
Bakers Royale

Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes with Banana Frosting {Gluten-Free}
Well, these are fun looking! Said to be light and airy. The banana frosting just takes these little cakes up a notch. Amazon has lots of cute cupcake wrappers.
Make It Naked

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
I've always loved chocolate pecan pie, so naturally I was drawn to these little baby bars. They actually look quite easy to put together. Another must try.
Heather Christo

Peanut Butter Blossoms
I had to include this recipe, because of these cute little hearts. I don't spend much time in the candy aisle (none), so i didn't know that Butterfinger hearts even existed. But that is exactly what is front and center of these chewy peanut butter cookies. How fun!
Something Swanky

Chocolate Cream Donuts
You have no idea how I love a good chocolate donut. It probably has been two years since I have had one, and that's okay, as they don't love me! These beauties call for an ingredient called Tim Tams, which are Australian biscuit cookies. You can find them at Amazon. Or I would just substitute a plain chocolate crisp cookie. So yummy looking!
Gourmet Traveller

Tabu Temptation Martini
I don't drink martinis, because I don't care for vodka. But I have had a chocolate martini once (make that 2 of them) and since I couldn't taste the vodka, I loved it! The secret to this chic cocktail is swirling chocolate syrup into the glass before pouring the drink. Cheers to your Valentine's weekend!
Las Vegas Weekly

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Wedding Wednesday: Make It An Etsy Kind Of Day

Rule 42 Pinwheels

What's your wedding style? if you don't have one yet, get the process going now, so that you can start planning every detail of your special day. Etsy is a Wedding planning haven, where bridal dreams can come true. No matter what your style - vintage, modern, homemade, glam, I just know you can find "something" at Etsy to make your day your own. After spending almost a full day shopping the wedding aisles, I came across some fabulous finds for every kind of wedding. 

 
                       

Allison Kathleen

Geometric Wedding Day details. What fun! 

Etsy

Six Pence Press Table Numbers

Ban the plastic number cards, and get creative. These have been beautifully handmade. Choose your colors.

Etsy

Glass Hanging Bubble Candle Holders 

What a wonderful way to light the way with candlelight. Or fill with a flower. Let your imagination wander with these clearly chic decorations.

Etsy

Sequin Aisle Runner

It's all about the details, and it is your day. Make it a sparkling occasion! Sparkle Soiree offers customized runners in the color and length you desire.

Etsy

Swarovski Crystal Cake Topper

This custom design from Enchanting Moment is for the bride who isn't afraid of some beautiful bling. It can be custom painted with the color of your choosing.

Etsy

Coastal Calligraphy Mirror Seating Chart

A seating chart and or escort cards will start your reception in the most organized way. I can't imagine having more than 12 guests without one. I have seen this mirrored chart in several different wedding layouts. I think it is a fabulous idea for a country chic look. Made totally to your customization.

Etsy

Customizable Deluxe Gold, Ivory Cork Wedding Favor Tags 

Getting married in Napa or having a wine themed wedding? Couture Concepts have created really good looking Monogrammed Tags, Save The Dates and more. Love them!

Etsy

Mamie And James Custom Garter

One of the prettiest garters ever!  But this is an example of what this talented designer can do. She will custom design a frilly garter made of tulle, silk ribbon, adorned with Swarovski crystals and a vintage brooch. 

Etsy

Enrich By Millie Gold Garters

For the glam bride. These handmade garters are truly works of art! See her other designs at

Etsy

Mimoza Luxury Hand Knit Dress

This tutu dress makes a too cute flowergirl outfit. Made with silk, cotton, and tulle, it is a luxe look and ever so special.

Etsy

Hopefully Romantic Lace Dress

So sweet with a vintage vibe. It's a Boho look perfect for ivory themed weddings.

Etsy

Angelika liv Topkapi Dress

Handmade with french lace, chiffon and silk tulle, this is just precious. Here's your little something blue.

Etsy

         

                                            

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Sealed With A Kiss: 14 Ways To Get The Perfect Pout

Have you ever sealed a letter with a kiss? I actually have, leaving lip prints, in various shades of red on pretty pink paper. In fact, that is how I got my nickname, which only a few really know. The high impact lip is the trend for Spring 2015. Not a good thing for this girl, who loves a nude lip with a darker eye.  Classic red has made a triumphant comeback. Mr. Shop This will be happy! Even though one should never kiss and tell, today I'm talking about the perfect pout for Valentine's Day and beyond. And that nickname? I'll never tell.

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Here: 14 Ways To Get Kissable Lips

 Rouge Dior Baume   

A lip treatment and couture color in one. The sensational shade, Diorette, certainly makes a stylish statement. See all 16 colors at

Nordstrom

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick 

New for Spring 2015. This vampy varnish for lips is getting all kinds of rave reviews. Infused with something called "Maxi Lip," they make your lips fuller, too. My favorite shade? "Walk Of Shame." It is a beautiful nude with a too cute title.

Sephora

Lancome French Innocence

Such a pretty palette for Spring 2015. Get the look of these pink lips with the Lip Lover Set at

Sephora 

Paul and Joe

Their Spring collection is inspired by a Menagerie of whimsy. The lipstick stays on for hours and is very creamy. I love the packaging of their pretty products, The Pink and White Lipstick Cases are so retro and fun!. You can also choose from five limited edition, super cute card stock lipstick cases with the lipstick shade of your choice bought separately.

Beauty Habit

Tom Ford Lips And Boys

One of my favorite lipstick launches is Tom Ford's. I just love the edgy ad campaign. Each shade is named after characters in Tom Ford's life. I am a nude lip girl and adore the shade "Orlando." Each lip color is filled with rare and exotic ingredients like soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil. All of that is sure to make your lips kissable. See the collection at

Nordstrom

Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer, HD 

I am not much on drugstore cosmetics, mainly because of the packaging. I really enjoy a pretty presentation of anything! But these wax free gel glosses do look very interesting for less than $8.00

Drugstore.com

Chanel's Rouge Coco in Arthur

Reinvented and improved, Chanel's new lipstick formula combines vibrant shades with lasting performance. Arthur is a new romantic red.
Saks Fifth Avenue

MAC Spring 2015 Pencilled In Collection
Define your lips with MAC'S super pigmented and creamy Lip Pencils. Pair these lovely liners with your favorite lip color. For brilliant shine, top it all off with Lipglass in colors that really pop.
Macy's

MAC x Isabel and Ruben Toledo Spring 2015 
Tony-nominated designer Isabel Toledo and her husband, renowned artist Ruben Toledo, join together with M·A·C for a collection of gorgeous hues packaged in black, white and red, with limited-edition illustrations and graphic lines and faces by Ruben Toledo. How fun! I happen to really like MAC glosses and lipsticks. These are a must have.
Nordstrom

Givenchy Limited Edition Crocodile Case Le Rouge Lipstick
This just may be the most expensive lipstick in the world. Made exclusively for Barney's. "Handcrafted in the most sought-after and authentic leather, Le Rouge Crocodile is a true collector’s item with 3,000 numbered cases produced worldwide, and only 300 for the US specifically. You better make sure that he is worthy of this lip service!
Barney's New York

Sara Happ Lip Scrub

Scrub away dry, chapped lips, and hydrate with Original Lip Slip. For some color, finish with Pink Slip. I have only had a sample of this good for you product, and I LOVED it! The perfect pout, especially at this type of year starts with this scrub. Best yet, there is a variety of delicious flavors to chose from like, Clementine and Red velvet, the scrub and balms will leave you kissably sweet.
Beauty Habit

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte 
Want shine and eight hours of hydration? This is your lipstick. YSL makes one of the most beautiful lipstick cases there is, even though I liked the old design better. I do believe that YSL creates a product that is worth the cost.
Nordstrom

Lipstick Queen
Are you in love? This set is made to make you look like it. The collection includes Oxymoron Matte Gloss in Honest Politician, Saint Lipstick in Pinky Nude, and Butterfly Ball Lipstick in Smitten. "So whether you are with Mr Right or Mr Right for now, you can always have the look of love."
Barney's New York

Too Faced Lip Insurance 
This is a product I have not tried and probably should. I use a primer for every other part of my face, why not my lips? It prevents feathering and keeps the lipstick on longer.  New for Spring is "Glossy." This may become my favorite thing!
Too Faced Cosmetics

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