Author: Paris

A Dose of Pretty

~ Paris
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{Pretty pink blooms.}

While I normally enjoy having a routine, this week I really enjoyed changing it up. I went to different Pilates class than my usual each morning, I cleaned out my car in the middle of the day, I took a bubble bath after lunch in the middle of the week, we watched a movie with dinner each night instead of saving movie night for the weekend, and I spent time in the kitchen trying out new recipes for dinner {my current favorite is the truffle + burrata penne I made last night}. Another way we switched up our routine was with these beautiful blooms that I got a bit before my favorite holiday. Whether I get blooms for myself, from my husband, or from my galentine, I have found not only do they make our home feel prettier, but they always make me happier. And with getting these blooms before the holiday itself, it simply adds to the festive feel of having all pink everything for the entire month. Needless to say, while I relish having a morning routine and nightly ritual that I practice religiously, sometimes nothing is more fun that changing up your day-to-day even when you aren’t on a vacation or a staycation. Tonight, we’re getting pizza to celebrate National Pizza Day, and this weekend, since it is no secret that I love Valentine’s Day, I am excited to head to the American Riviera for an early celebration. I hope you have a great one as well! x

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{Beach walks with a sunset are becoming my new favorite evening ritual.}

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{Brody being so happy to see me come home from Pilates earlier this week.}

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{Moonlight peeking through a cloudy night sky.}

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{Orange skies + violet clouds.}

x Paris

Valentine’s Day Essentials: Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Rosewater Raspberry Champagne Cocktail

~ Paris
I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day {after all, who can dislike celebrating a day that is dedicated towards love?} and it has always been my favorite holiday. As a child, I adored the simple cards and candy we’d share with our friends each year, and as I have gotten older, I enjoy doing the same thing, just with a more grown-up version: handwritten cards + baked treats and pretty drinks. This year my essentials/necessities for romantic evening consist of colorful chocolate covered strawberries and pink-colored champagne cocktails. They are a simple, decadent way to enjoy the day, whether you’re celebrating this year with your significant other, your girl friends, or simply treating yourself {which I hope you always do}. After all, February 14th is my yearly reminder to celebrate love and all things pink. And what better way to do so than with chocolate covered strawberries + sprinkles and a rosewater raspberry champagne cocktail {with or without the booze, of course}? It makes for the prettiest, pinkest, and most perfect way to celebrate love today and everyday. x
Chocolate Covered Strawberries Dipped In Sprinkles
There’s nothing quite as romantic as chocolate covered strawberries, so I decided to spice up the treat by dipping the milk & white chocolate covered berries into sprinkles, nonpareils, pink sugar, and holiday-themed hearts. It made the dessert feel just a bit more special and added a candied crunch.
To make the chocolate covered strawberries, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate. Then dip the freshly washed strawberries in the melted chocolate. Immediately dip the chocolate covered strawberry into the topping of choice, and then refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
 
Rosewater Raspberry Champagne Cocktail
You can’t ever go wrong with a good glass of wine, but this year I am craving something a little more decadent. I decided to try adding a touch of sweetness and sourness to the champagne cocktail by adding some rosewater essence, muddling fresh raspberries, and then finishing of the drink in a champagne flute for the prettiest presentation. The crisp taste of the bubbly juxtaposed with the tartness and spice of the flavorings from the rosewater and raspberries brought this classic drink to a whole new dimension. The best part is that you can easily make this a virgin cocktail by subbing non-alcoholic champagne for the boozy bubbly.
Recipe: {For Two}
Champagne
Five to six raspberries
Two drops rosewater essence

How to Make it:
1. Muddle two to three strawberries in the champagne flute {a spoon works well in this situation}.
2. Pour about half a glass of champagne
3. Add in half a drop to a drop of rosewater essence {a little goes a very long way}.
4. Fill the champagne flute completely, and add a raspberry as a finishing garnish.
5. Repeat for the second glass.
6. Enjoy!

I hope you all have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
x Paris