Big Red Valentine Hearts

Plato

"Every heart sings a song, incomplete until another heart whispers back."

William Shakespeare

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

Vincent van Gogh

"Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence."

Frank P. Jones

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."

Robert Frost

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."

🌹♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥🌹

"People come and people go,

In and out of your life and so,

When one shines bright among the rest,

And is there when needed, you’re truly blessed.

That is how I see you, friend of mine,

And why I’m sending this Valentine."

By Karl Fuchs

Happy Valentine's Day Peeps! Spend it well. xoxo

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Blue Everlasting

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Blue has alway been my favorite color. I have never waivered. I suspect there are people like me who early on have a favorite color that never changes, and others whose favorite color fluctuates. 

While I know blue is considered a cool color on the color spectrum while yellow and orange are warm colors, I'm unfamiliar with the psychology behind having a favorite color -- what it says about us -- nor do I know why some people switch a favorite color. I have no idea what it all means. I just know my favorite color is, was, and likely will always be blue.

🔵🔷🔵🟦🔷🔹🟦🔵🔷🔹🟦🔵🔷

How do I know blue is my favorite forever color? Because for some unexplained reason, looking at blue makes me extremely happy! It also calms me. I like wearing blue. I own items that are blue. I will pick blue over another color. Something blue will tempt me more than another color. A blue room catches my eye. Without a doubt, blue is a gorgeous color. I L💙VE it!

Scientists aren't sure why people have color preferences, but there are theories to try to explain it. You can read them here. Since my love of the color blue began as a toddler (according to my memory and parents), I do think the preference for blue is in my DNA, my unscientific theory. :-)))💙

Photo: Lord and Taylor

What's your favorite color? Have you changed it over time?

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Valentine's Day Jewelry

Photo: Effy Jewelry

Nothing beats getting jewelry for Valentine's Day, not that we can expect to receive it every year. Still, perusing beautiful pieces is fun and absolutely free! 

Effy Jewelry

Moreover, a Savvy Shopper is a mindful buyer who spends more time looking than shopping; and who abhors excessive buying and unsustainable consumption. As with all material things ... and especially when buying fine jewelry you only need a capsule, not a collection of these sparkling gold or platinum luxuries. Think in terms of acquiring a capsule of carefully curated pieces that you love and want to wear every day, as well as, to galas. You'll never tire of wearing the same rings, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces time and again as long as you love them. 

Also if you're lucky enough to receive a gift from your Valentine and know his budget, don't be afraid to hint. Significant others aren't mindreaders, and you know your tastes. Getting jewelry you'll wear is more important than surprises you'll keep in a box. Furthermore, so what if your gift arrives after February 14th as you'll have it for a lifetime.

So now let's have some Valentine's Day fun. Here are several red rubies (in the mid-price range) I like and think you will too.

 From jeweler Effy's website:

And a few pretties from Macy's website -- Effy happens to be one of Macy's jewelry vendors along with other jewelers. If you see an Effy piece you like, check both websites to get the best price. The heart necklace above was for sale on both sites. It's still available at Macy's:

♥♥♥Happy Valentine's Day Peeps!♥♥♥

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Valentine's Day Truffles

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Sending Valentine Hearts To My Readers

Plato

"Every heart sings a song, incomplete until another heart whispers back."

William Shakespeare

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

Vincent van Gogh

"Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence."

Frank P. Jones

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."

Robert Frost

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."

🌹♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥♥💋♥♥♥♥🌹

"People come and people go,

In and out of your life and so,

When one shines bright among the rest,

And is there when needed, you’re truly blessed.

That is how I see you, friend of mine,

And why I’m sending this Valentine."

By Karl Fuchs

Happy Valentine's Day Peeps! Spend it well. xoxo

It's Valentine's Day

Hearts by Handdofbelapeck

On Valentine's Day, we feature the color red. It is an intense hue that symbolizes passion. So get in the spirit by wearing something bright red today.

Celebrate with a heart pastry and red ribbons.

Treat yourself to a piece of fine dark chocolate ... or two, or three, or more!

Dress yourself with a bit of glitter, and enjoy a delicious dinner with someone special. Love, kisses and roses to all my readers.🌹🌹🌹

Happy Valentine's Day!

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A Deep Dark Chocolate Cheesecake For Valentine's Day

In celebration of Valentine's Day ... a deep dark chocolate cheesecake straight from the gourmet food magazine, Bon Appetit.  As this blog credits sources whenever possible, the recipe was created by Jeanne Thiel Kelley.  My habit is to tweak recipes a little bit, but not this time.  (Oh, no, I can't help myself -- I always cut the sugar in cakes by ½ cup.)  Here are the easy steps:

Ingredients:

♥Crust

24 chocolate wafer cookies (9 ounces)

1 tablespoon sugar

¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted

Use a high quality 70% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate in the following steps. The magazine recommends Scharffen Berger.

♥Filling

1 9.7-ounce bar 70% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature

1 ¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

4 large eggs

♥Topping

¾ cup whipping cream 

70% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon sugar

♥Bittersweet chocolate curls

Directions:

♥Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 3-inch-high sides. Blend cookies in processor until finely ground; blend in sugar. Add melted butter and process until well blended. Press crumbs evenly onto bottom of oiled pan. Bake just until set, about 5 minutes. Cool while preparing filling. Maintain oven temperature.

♥Filling

Stir chopped chocolate in metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water; cool chocolate until lukewarm but still pourable. Blend cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder in processor until smooth. Blend in eggs 1 at a time. Mix in lukewarm chocolate. Pour filling over crust; smooth top. Bake until center is just set and just appears dry, about 1 hour. Cool 5 minutes. Run knife around sides of cake to loosen. Chill overnight.

♥Topping

Stir cream, 6 ounces chocolate, and sugar in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly. Pour over center of cheesecake, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edge and filling any cracks. Chill until topping is set, about 1 hour. DO AHEAD Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover with foil and keep refrigerated.  Release pan sides. Transfer cheesecake to platter. Top with chocolate curls. Let stand 2 hours at room temperature before serving.

I say, go out to dinner and have this decadence waiting for you at home.  Pair it with good coffee, or a fine tea like those from Teavana.  Some restaurants charge more on Valentine's Day and may be crowded, so many couples prefer to eat at home.  You can always order in.

Warm, good wishes for glitter and gold and tender loving care.  Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

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Happy Valentine's Day

Aren't you glad you have a partner in life who watches your back?  Valentine's Day is just another day to let him/her know you care.  Everyone likes a few surprises, to feel appreciated and to know their mate enjoys spending time with them.  Here are a few of my favorite surprises.  And certainly, I'm not alone in liking them!

White and dark chocolates

Sparkle: diamonds and crystals and rhinestones

A nice dinner 
(Douse mine with gravy♥)

A heartfelt note

The right gift is thoughtful, but one you can afford.  Your goal is to make someone happy.  Enjoy the gift of a loved one's company.  If you are single, spend the day with your friends.  Happy Valentine's Day.

Click the first link below to know how the ♥day♥ became celebrated.

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