VALENTINE CRUSH-I HAVE MORE THAN ONE

A heart shaped box of chocolates, always delicious, but where's the surprise? Get hearts racing with one of my Valentine crushes- 

 Bodacious Lips red skimmer slippers from Stubbs and Wootton will set hearts aflutter.

Rouge Louboutin-a stiletto topped bottle of red lacquer to match the bottom of your Louboutins, naturally.

Delicate Peonies by Aerin are sure to make a lasting impression.

Big on bling-Kara Ross + Donald Robertson's edgy leather tote is the ultimate go to accessory.

Just sayin'-love this 14K necklace from Jennifer Meyer.

Add a little bubbly to the bath--Lush's Lonely Heart bath fizz is really the bomb!

SETTING HEARTS AFLUTTER

LOVE, Robert Indiana, 1967.

While I'd never turn my nose at a box of Valentine chocolates, there are so many stylish gifts that celebrate the day of love, why stop at salted caramels? Get creative--toast the holiday with a delicious glass of rose champagne and present your loved one (or maybe yourself!) with one of my favorite gifts for the Valentine's Day-

Sweet Tart--whimsical Peron Hearts peep toe pump give a stylish nod to the holiday and beyond.

Sugar, Sugar-Inspired by those yummy Necco wafer candies, the ultra thin Waif Coaster set is made of French enamel coated copper and comes in a delicious palette of sweet pinks and dark colas.

Circle of Love-a darling needle made macarame lace heart bracelet from Cruciani, the renowned heritage Italian lace making house, the perfect gift for your little sweet thing.

Shaken, not stirred-The James Bond Archives, the ultimate book on all things Bond for your dashing guy; enough said.

Red Hot- spice up your LBD or white tee and jeans with these whimsical double rose earrings from Oscar de la Renta.

TAKE A DIP-CHOCOLATE COCONUT FONDUE

What would Valentine's Day be without a healthy dose of chocolate?  I can't imagine--as it would never happen in my house! We are a family of chocolate lovers; from the refined champagne truffles of Teuscher to a Cadbury milk and nut bar, we love it all with equal abandonment. My daughter was born on Valentine's Day and we celebrate every year with a chocolate confection of her choosing. Over the year's we've celebrated with achingly sweet Amish whoopie pies, dense flourless chocolate cakes and delicate chocolate macaroons from Payard. It's a giddy, guiltless tradition that we all look forward to celebrating. This year, she has her heart set on chocolate fondue. I've got my A game on and will serve a delicious Chocolate-Coconut Fondue perfect for two or twelve. The classic dessert fondue is elevated with cream of coconut which adds a rich, sweet flavor-much like a coconut pattie but so much better! Our plan is to dip and dunk our was to chocolate nirvana this Valentine's Day! 

Chocolate-Coconut Fondue

15 ounce can of cream of coconut (I like Coco Lopez)

12 ounces of semisweet chocolate, chopped

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon coconut extract

Assortment of fresh fruit; orange slices, pineapple, bananas, strawberries

Combine the cream of coconut and chocolate in a large heavy saucepan. Stir over very low heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.  Stir in the heavy cream and coconut extract.  Transfer to a fondue pot or you can use individual teacups (the mixture won't stay as hot but looks very pretty!) and serve with fresh fruit and cookies. 

serves 6

recipe adapted from Rozanne Gold, Radically Simple.

HEAD OVER HEELS-A SWEET VALENTINE

 I am head over heels for these fun Valentine's cookies from Eleni's New York. Whether you're looking for a sweet or sassy sentiment for your Valentine-there's something perfect to celebrate the big day!