Living Aloha: A Personal Journey

After an extra stressful week and a busy holiday season, a well needed vacation was in order. My Grandma underwent a quadruple by-pass last Tuesday and I have been working on solidifying a new network for the past four weeks and the final presentation was last Wednesday. I am happy to say that both were a success!
I do apologize for not posting sooner; I left for Hawaii last Friday and will not return until next Monday and have committed to "unplugging" and "disconnecting" while I am here. I will resume posting upon my return and if we are so inspired, we may post a Sunday Supper with all the local fare that we have been cooking.

For those of you who know me, Hawaii is a very special place for me. We moved to the Bay Area from Hawaii over three years ago. We came here with the intention of investing in property and settling into a life for ourselves across the Pacific Ocean. One month into our new life, we left for Spain. I was turning 30 and I wanted to celebrate big so we decided to spend a month traveling through Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Valencia, Sevilla, Cadiz, Tarifa and other small cities. Upon the last leg of our return, we sat next to a man who was complaining about being bumped from First Class to coach and how he was so appalled at the lack of service blah, blah blah. We just looked at him through blood shot, tired eyes and told him to simply "can it". The flight from Germany to San Francisco was 11 hours and the flight to the island was another five. Please pal. The least you can do is be quiet.
Needless to say, the chatty man noticed that I was carrying a Wine Spectator in my bag and of course inquired. By the end of the flight he had invited us to his vineyard in Napa and was interested in recruiting B back to the Mainland to sell. Seven months later, we left this holy ground and returned to the fast paced life of the City to do just that.
To me, Hawaii is my sanctuary. You may have heard people say that Hawaii is beautiful, calming and relaxing but it is so much more than that. It is spiritual. The island will either accept you or deny you by providing you with opportunity and good fortune or it will make sure that your life is a living hell, ball you up and spit you out. Fortunately for me, I experienced the acceptance.
Recently, I needed to escape the corporate fat and jargon to refocus before beginning the next chapter in my life. Often times we get lost in the routine of our everyday mundane lives and it will eventually eat away at you. I chose to come back here for the first time since we left to reset, unwind and regroup. For it is here that I experienced the intuition to fly home prior to my other Grandma getting sick and being the the hospital for a week. It is on this island that I felt the true connection between my body, mind and soul. It is here that I felt the healing power of Hawaii.
As I sat on the black rock watching the sun set and the waves crash against the shore, I began to feel that connection again. This is the place that I yearn for. Tomorrow I will stand in the clear blue waters and let them wash over me cleansing my mind of the rhetoric refreshing me one wave at a time.
Sending you light and love,
Cyn

Kimberlee's Pick Of The Week: Love

The day of the Valentine has come and gone for 2011, but love is an experience that should last us all year long. The energy should envelope us, the aura should surround us, and the feeling should be shared by us every day. I love the blissful feeling love conjures within my soul and the element of happiness it creates. Love.

In this ethereal frame of mind, I happened upon a fashionably lovable accessory that made my heart skip a beat. The Puff Heart Pendant, by Rachel Roy.

Dangling at my heart’s length, the 2” puffed heart pendant in a hue of red with an orange undertone dangles on a golden 36” chain.

The simple design pairs easily with practically everything from the pattern rich soft textures to the solid minimalistic, and lends an unexpected bold color element to even the most basic pieces. A perfect marriage of trends for 2011 blending minimalism with in-your-face color.

Being in the still frozen snow-covered Midwest we have not yet hit dress season, so my current favorite ways to wear this emblem of love is next to a sharp shade of army green with unique detail elements, or layered over a plain white t-shirt and jeans.

Love is still in the air, and has stylishly found its way into my wardrobe.

Safe Sun Practices: Tips to Keep Your Skin Protected and Reduce Signs of Aging

Some of you may remember the days of baby oil and a beach blanket. If you are a child of the 60's, you may even remember using tinfoil to reflect the sun's rays onto the face. Yikes! Little did we know that exposure such as that would cause deep skin issues and skin cancer.

Two years ago, I started to see dark spots around my eyes. I had asked my Esthetician what to do about it and she recommended laser treatments and expensive creams neither of which I could afford so I turned to something I could afford and gave it a go. Many of you have read my posts regarding treating my age spots and the Clinique Clinical Even Better Skin Corrector trial back in July. I saw some reduction in color but I can still see the damage that I have caused on my skin. You can see the photos below.

We are going to Hawaii for a little getaway and I am looking for a great sunscreen to protect my age spots and skin. I took new photos today of my skin to see if there is any difference between now and when I return. Personally, I think that these spots are a direct result of my sunglasses... the lenses intensify the light. Time to consider a new pair. Here are some fun in the sun tips to keep yourself and your body safe while vacationing.

Tips To Protect Your Skin in the Sun

• Apply sunscreen to your entire body of at least 15 SPF
• If you are staying out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time, really every two hours especially if you are in the water
• Apply a higher SPF to your face, neck and decollete 
• Wear a hat to protect the top of your head and to shade your face
• Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes

Related Links
12 Week Trial to Reduce My Age Spots Clinique Clinical Even Better Skin Corrector
New Age Spots Photos Week 3
Week 7 Photos

Sunday Supper: Lemon Butter Fettuccine With Poached Egg and Pancetta

Looking for an old world pasta dish with crispy pancetta and creamy sauce?  Look no further. Crispy pancetta and creamy white wine butter sauce with a perfectly poached egg. This pasta takes about 30 minutes and is a classic favorite with a twist. If you love eggs and bacon for breakfast, you will love this for dinner.

Things of note: If you are new to poaching an egg, there is a tutorial at the bottom of this post and you can review it before you begin. I recommend that you buy organic eggs for this dish because the raw yolk is part of the sauce. You can typically find fresh pasta in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or a specialty store near you. Fresh pasta takes hardly anytime to cook so watch it carefully.

What you will need
Fresh Fettuccine noodles
1/2 c dry white wine
Juice of 2 Meyer lemons
1 garlic clove smashed
3T. butter
Pacetta sliced into 1/2 cuts then cube 1/4" by 1/4"
Frozen peas
Salt
Cream
Organic egg
1 oz. of heavy cream

***Sugar Tip: You can ask the butcher to cut the pancetta for you to save time at home.

What to Do
The two things that will take the most time are baking your pancetta and reducing your sauce. Start be pre-heating your oven to 250. Cube your pancetta (if it isn't already) and pan sear in a skillet on medium high until the fat renders approximately 5-7 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Remove pancetta from pan and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Reduce white and lemon by half then turn the heat down to simmer and add one smashed garlic clove. Allow the clove to become aromatic (approximately 2 minutes) then remove.

***While the garlic is cooking, begin boiling water in two medium pots. One for your noodles and the other for your eggs. Add vinegar to one pot.

Whisk in butter and 1 oz. of heavy cream into your sauce and combine. Let simmer and sprinkle with a couple pinches of salt stir in the peas. 

At this point, your water should be just about to boil in both of your pots. Reduce the heat to a simmer on the pot with vinegar. For those of you who have never made a poached egg, the key is vinegar and water that is just about boil but not bubbling. If it begins to bubble, allow for the water to cool slightly before adding the egg. Drop your eggs into the water and allow to cook over simmer to desired hardness. For this dish, I highly recommend a yolkier style poach because the yolk combines with the white wine sauce to make a creamy delicious light and bright sauce.

Drop the pasta and allow to cook for a few minutes until aldente. It will only take 3-5 minutes. Remove eggs from water with a slotted spatula and allow to rest on a cutting board or paper towel. Drain pasta. Remove pancetta from oven. Toss pasta in white wine sauce. Plate pasta among dishes evenly dispersing the peas and pancetta. Top with the poached egg. Sprinkle with a finishing salt, crack black pepper and serve.

Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir

How to poach an egg
1) Bring water and 1 T. white vinegar to a simmer as in the video below then reduce heat to simmer.

2) Carefully place egg in the center of the pot, dropping low into the water to avoid splashing yourself.

You will see the egg change color as it cooks. In the first photo, you can see the jelly part near the yolk has a light yellow color still. As it cooks, it will become white and solidify. This process takes 5-7 minutes on simmer per egg. You can make multiple eggs at a time if you'd like.

3) Turn off heat and remove egg when cooked to desired temp with a slotted spatula and allow to rest on the cutting board or a paper towel to remove any excess water. Crack black pepper over it and sprinkle with finishing salt. Recommend: Kosher

I Have Weird Feet, and Shoe Dazzle Loves Them

I have weird feet. They are wide and short, my arches are high, and because I push them to maximum
levels of tolerance in stiletto after stiletto they swell at times in protest. When I purchase footwear,
the size possibilities range from a 6 to a 7 ½ making it somewhat of a game of chance when shopping
for shoes, and my odds for success are even worse when ordering shoes online. I have improved my
chances for success over the years through research, learning designers and styles that work best for my odd little feet, and participating in an ongoing match with my old pals trial and error. I have sacrificed gorgeous one of a kind styles at amazing prices because the fit was just not right for me, and I have scored major finds because my weird little feet could snuggle in to shoes that others could not fit. Lucky for me, I love the thrill of the hunt for beautiful.

Recently, I discovered yet another dazzling deal courtesy of Shoe Dazzle, only this time it is one that
I am not only 100% confident will fit, it will assist in making several pair of my existing shoes fit just a
little bit better than I settled for in my shopping adventures. Foot Petals. These petal soft little stick on
cushions are approved by the American Podiatric Society and fit secretly inside your shoe to fill in the
gaps if your fit is slightly big on your foot (i.e. slips off your heel when you walk), cushions your soles
and the balls of your feet, and keep you from slipping around with a little bit of added traction. Each kit provides enough petals to customize six different issues (the site says six pair of shoes, which is true if you only have one issue per pair, I myself am not so fortunate), and they work like a teeny little secret lucky charm.

Foot Petals are available in my Shoe Dazzle showroom every month for the same $39.95 charge as the
footwear available, and worth every cent. They are made from a performance material called PORON
which is designed to help prevent blisters and calluses from forming and stops friction and feature a
backing strip of 3M adhesive which, once applied, is not going ANYWHERE. Practice walking with them strategically placed in the shoe before removing the backing because they will NOT COME OFF once applied.

My very most favorite component of the kit is known as Heavenly Heelz. This is different from any
insert I have ever used, in that it applies to the inside back of the shoe and fills in about ¼ of a shoe size gap completely eliminating that annoying slip slap sound as I walk the halls at work in my hot new Ciji Wedges which were only slightly loose and just way too hot to send back. I am also impressed with the Strappy Strips which are skinny little strips of cushion designed to be applied to the insides of skinny little ankle or toe straps to prevent rubbing which can cause extremely unattractive foot ouchies.

Each kit includes a pair of full length cushion inserts that pad the entire foot from the heel to the ball,
one pair of Haute Heels which add a spot of cushion to only the heel taking pressure off of the legs
and lower back, Tip Toes which works to add comfort to the ball of the foot and also stops toes from
squishing down into the tip of the shoe, two pair of Sole Stopperz which stick to the bottom of the shoe
creating traction to prevent embarrassing crash landings, one pair of Heavenly Heels which I described
as my newest love and four pair of Strappy Strips which I am dying for the snow to melt so I can try.

Friends love, respect and complement us for all that we are including all of our special quirks…like weird feet. Thank You Shoe Dazzle for being an amazing friend to my odd little tootsies, they love you for it!


http://www.shoedazzle.com/products/foot_petals_kit-blackzebra

Click here for invitation from Kimberlee!

Fashion Friday With Cyn: Loft 1513, LoveSick4 and Project San Francisco

{{{I interrupt the normal broadcast -
to bring this special announcement}}}

I have taken over Fashion Friday for a day- I had to share this with all of you! Kimberlee's Pick of The Week will be posted tomorrow so stay tuned!

Today's Fashion Friday is jam packed with runways and designer clothes that are undeniable. In the past three weeks I have had the pleasure of meeting Larissa Verdussen and Jessica Summers-Miller fashion designers and owners of Loft 1513, seeing the footage from LoveSick4 and attending Project San Francisco. It has been a great couple of weeks! Scratch that a great MONTH! Keep reading to see how this all comes full circle...

Friday, January 28th, 2011 - I go to Noe Valley to conduct and interview and randomly get introduced to Larissa Verdussen of RAG DOLL Designs at Loft 1513.

Of course after hearing about their famous fashion shows, I had to be introduced. Don and I walked into the shop on a Friday afternoon and was greeted by this bubbly Brazilian wearing a long flowing organic looking dress. She had masculine black boots that were partially laced and her hair was long and curly on one side, shaved on the other. She wore very little make-up and sported a flawless complexion. She welcomed me in and took me on a tour of the store explaining who they are and what the business concept is. Her smile was contagious and her energy was absolutely captivating. I had to learn more. 

The Designers Behind The Name
Larissa Verdussen of RAG DOLL Designs and Jessica Summers-Miller of iKohl (design pictured on right) joined forces when they opened Loft 1513 in Noe Valley. I entered the shop to find beautiful photographs, well displayed jewelry and clothing that is completely my style in every way. I was immediately drawn to two of the collections that they offer and as I thumbed through he hangers, I began to feel the energy of the moment take over...

I wanted everything.

Thirty minutes later, I made an appointment to come back and visit with both of the owners when I had more time. I loved this little gem that I happened upon!

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 - I spend almost three hours sharing stories and listening to the designers while watching them interact with their clients and other designers. Located on Church Street, Loft 1513 Boutique offers one of a kind clothing and accessories made by various artists and local designers. The Designers offer custom designs and can often be found on premise designing before your eyes. They offer sewing classes to adults as well as children creating a sense of community in their shop.

Known to throw a wicked party, these girls transform the store into a runway that can be seen from the street as well. Their window displays are extraordinary rivaling some of the greatest creative heads in Union Square and their neighborhood loves them.

Next Thursday, February 24th, they will be hosting a Designer Sale from 6-9pm at Loft 1513. No tickets necessary. Email the designers for more details at loft1513@gmail.com



So Of Course One Thing Leads To Another...
After spending a few hours with the designers learning about their business and social ethics, Larissa had invited me to LoveSick4 in Valentine's Day... Check her out on this video from Low Tek Studios


L O V E S I C K 4, Minna Street Gallery, San Francisco California, Valentines Day 2011 from Low Tek Studios on Vimeo.

Monday, February 14th...Valentine's Day

LoveSick4: Organized by Designer, Alexandria Von Bromssen and co-hosted by Larissa and Jessica of Loft 1513, the event took place at 111 Minna in SF. Nothing like a little lingerie and runway for Valentine's Day.... Other Designers included:

• Miss Velvet Cream
• Tamo Hulva + Silver Lucy
• Jasmin Zorlu Millinery
• Ms G Designs
• My Dirty Dishes
• Fluidance by Josie Adele
• Magdalena Trevor

Photos Courtesy of Tim Presto, Low Tek Studios and LoveSick4

Thursday, February 17th, 2011
So to top it all off, Owen Geronimo of SFFAMA emails me to join him at Project San Francisco last night. Now THAT is Fashion For The People. Yes, please. 

Each year, SFFAMA co-hosts Project San Francisco an annual runway event that serves as a platform for recent graduates and alumni from fashion schools and universities. This event showcased their collections as recent graduates embarking in their prospective career in the fashion industry. This year’s event benefited Dress For Success & San Francisco Fashion And Merchants Alliance. 

This year's Designers included Elizabeth Kay,  Karina Castrejon,  NNEKA,  Revelation By M.E., Zoe Hong of which you can see the final line up in the video below.

So how does this come full circle you say? Well, my favorite designer of tonight's show was NNEKA who's designs are sold at Loft 1513 AND will be one of the designers at their Designer Sale this upcoming Thursday, February 24th, 2011.

Shut it down. My New Years Resolution to attend more fashion events and get more involved in the community is holding strong. Look out world!  I can't wait to buy!!

Happy Fashion Friday Lovlies! As always, please feel free to email me at anytime at sugarlipslifestyletips@gmail.com

Sugar Kisses,
Cyn

Vote For Anna Jane on Refinery29's Next Style Blogger Contest

The finalists have been announced for the Refinery29's Next Big Style Blogger Contest that Kim had entered and Anna Jane is my vote! Her name is Anna Derkin from Chicago, IL and is a primarily photo blogger with some really great outfits. Her submission post was what sealed the deal for me. I posted it below for your entertainment; it's quite funny. And yes Jane, I can't walk in them either.
Check it out: In the words of Anna Jane...

Anna Jane’s submission post

Everything But High-Heeled Clogs

For me, style is all about finding your true voice and using clothes and accessories as a platform to best tell the world the kind of person you are and aspire to be. I find that it's difficult to relate to the typical genres that the industry uses to categorize people. Some days I feel that I'm a classic Katherine Hepburn in my wide-leg jeans and a tucked in silk, camel blouse; other days, I'm channeling a struggling artist in 1990s SoHo, complete with black motorcycle boots and round, Lennon-style sunglasses. How am I to define 26 years of department store duds, sample sales, bargain bins, flea market finds, and the occasional buyer's remorse? It's simple—I can't. Style is ever-evolving and it's best to embrace more and reject less. With that motto in my life, there's not much I'll turn away. Except high-heeled clogs—I can't walk in them.

seejaneworkplaylive.blogspot.com

Click on the heart by her photo to vote: http://styleblogger.refinery29.com/profile/327/

We wish you luck Jane!!
Cyn and Kimberlee

Je t'aime: Green Local Love From Yellow Owl Workshop

I will be the first to admit that I am a junkie for a great card that is not a "Hallmark" but leaves a mark on the heart. Found in Bernal Hill, Yellow Owl Workshop creates hand made correspondence cards, stationary and limited edition paper goods that can be added to your art collection.

As an artist, I appreciate the talent behind hand made work and love when something is clever but I am a complete sucker for personal custom design.

Featured in an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings for a package that they created for a couple that wed in Colorado, you will witness the talent of Christine Schmidt and her team. The invites (pictured on right) were beautifully illustrated and perfect for the occasion with coordinating pieces that included the correspondence, wedding programs, escort cards, welcome and favor packaging. I invite you to review the slide show above and click the link below see more.

Custom Design

Green Eco-Love
Yellow Owl Workshop uses non-toxic water-based inks,  100% PCW recycled paper and their own mitts for screen printing.

I happened upon this local favorite while eating chocolate and sampling product at a certain small business in Noe Valley. These two cards caught my eye and I had to have them. Solid gold?! A solid block of awesome if you ask me. They recently added pendants to their collection as well. Here are a few pictures from their collection.

Photo Credit: Yellow Owl Workshop

It's Official. MyShape, Inc. Has Ceased Operations

We have been suspicious since last November but yesterday, Kim received an official announcement via email. I captured a screen shot for your review. Send us your thoughts on Facebook or comment below.
-Cyn

Foods to Increase Your Libido: Menu Ideas For Valentine's Day

Cupid is calling. Valentine's Day is tonight, what do you have on the menu? Whether you are going out or staying in, here are some foods to increase your libido and some gifts that are just as sweet.

Natural Aphrodisiacs
What is an aphrodisiac anyway? Originating from Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, Beauty and Sexuality, it is defined by Merriam Webster as "an agent (as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire". Today's Sunday Supper will give you some great menu ideas for your special Valentine.

Champagne and Oysters: It's all about your zinc levels. Oysters are high in zinc and have been recommended to help increase libido in both men and women. Champagne is a natural pairing making it the natural selection.

Dark Chocolate: I am not referring to the lack luster chocolate that is mass produced by machines in he middle of PA, I am referring to the rich, smooth, sexy, melt in your mouth, roll on your tongue savory love that you get when you taste great chocolate. I would suggest hand dipping strawberries in melted chocolate and feeding them to your lover. If your local, check out my post about Local Love: Sweet Treats post for dark chocolate ideas.

Need more ideas? Sensual Reading:

Great Food, Great Sex The Three Food Factors For Sexual Fitness by Lynn Edlin-Nezin and Robert L. Fried

The Seduction Cookbook by Diane Brown

Happy Valentine's Day!
XoXo Cyn

For Your Eyes Only: Sexy Little Somethings For Your Valentine

With the musical stylings of the great Marvin Gaye playing in my mind, I took a stroll through the enchantingly seductive skivvies at Victoria’s Secret.  What more appropriate time of the year to max out my credit limit on my inner vixen’s every desire than Valentine’s Day?  I must admit that I’m not one for traditional lingerie in its true form; I tend to feel like it doesn’t enhance my best parts, and often over-exposes some of my most awkward. What I DO feel gloriously feminine when wrapped in, is a body skimming satin wrap that is light as a feather and soft as ethereal clouds.  It ALWAYS fits, can be manipulated to cover or reveal practically anything, and looks as equally sensual in the boudoir as it does in the kitchen the next morning making morning after omelets.  And let me not forget to mention, the most important quality of a sensual wrap:  You can actually use it and launder it more than a small handful of times, thus making it a FANTASTIC investment.

After a short deliberation, my lightly wrapped in pink tissue paper selection suits me to a tee in a radiant shade of deep blue, and I highly recommend it’s universally flattering style to everyone. 

The Satin Kimono Wrap with its loosely styled kimono sleeves and body conscious fit can be worn loosely draped over a chemise in a complementary hue, wrapped and loosely secured with the attached self tie belt revealing peek-a-boo hints of lacey enticement, or sealed to the max over nothing but your birthday suit.  This is an amazingly versatile and highly forgiving piece of luxury.  So touchable, so wearable, so beautiful…so everything.

Bought it.  One perfectly wrapped valentine for my valentine, check.  Now on to a little something to add a pop of WOW to the piece of heaven I’ve just selected.

My bra and panty drawer is typically filled with the same basic styles that I’ve grown to love and feel wonderful in.  I seek out pieces in shades and cuts that will complement (not overtake) my ever growing wardrobe, with some pops of color as the mood strikes me.  Today, however, is one of those times when the ordinary will simply not do.  I need something that is as amazing as that Rachel Roy dress I am coveting, only with a little less material and a lot more sexy. 

Combing through Victoria’s Secret’s usual cast of characters in their various levels of push-up and padding, I am stricken by a new member of the family, the Love Push-Up balconet bra and matching low-rise thong in a seriously noticeable flaming hot pink.  Knock me over with a feather; the sexiness that is radiating from this set is breathtaking.  The bra features a lighter shade as a base to the bra cups with a deeper hot pink hue layer of lace to finish which offers an interesting use of texture, and the tiny little pink bows at on the twinned straps are just too adorable for words.  LOVE.  The comfort of the air filled padding is significantly lighter than my standard favorite, the Very Sexy, which features a gel padding that conforms to the body but adds a bit of weight to the bra.  The nylon/spandex blend that makes up the lining of the Love Push-Up bra is angelically soft against the skin, causing no pinching or irritation with wear.  The lift, the comfort, the design, the color…all perfect 10’s from the judges.  Love. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, Valentine.  XoXo

Local Love: Valentine's Day Sweet Treats For Foodies

Photo Poco Dolce

I Left My Heart in San Francisco... after I experienced the Poco Dolce Chocolate Ganache Hearts. Local Kathy Wiley discovered her love for these sweet confections in 2003. The name, Poco Dolce, translates to "not too sweet" which is a perfect description of these little delectables. It is a beautiful blend of sweet and savory and the perfect choice for your foodie Valentine.

I had the pleasure of sharing one of the Poco Dolce bittersweet chocolate bars while shopping at Heliotrope in Noe Valley two weeks ago. Our friend Don is quite the chocolate connoisseur and knows great chocolate so of course I tried it. I tried two of the bars; the olive oil sea salt bar and for some extra spice, I recommend the Mayan Chili bar. It packs some seriously sweet heat! Bars are $6 ea. and 9 hearts for $18.

*** Sugar NOTE: Tonight Poco Dolce is having Wine and Chocolate event you won't want to miss from 5-7 pm. Click here for more details. 

Fall In Love With Something New...

photo Kara's Cupcakes

Kara's Cupcakes: Her logo is pink but her standards are green. Chef Kara Lind, a local favorite, has recently opened a sixth location in Walnut Creek of which shares her green standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. She uses all local and organic ingredients in her cupcakes and you will be sure to taste the difference. We stopped by her new location on our lunch hour to try one of her delectable little treats and my favorite is her vanilla with coconut cream cheese frosting (pictured on left). YUM!  For a new twist on the traditional Valentine's Day chocolates or truffles, you can order 4 cupcakes for $13 or a dozen for $36.

From Champagne to Chocolate? Naturally...

Photo WOODHOUSE Chocolate

Photo WOODHOUSE Chocolate

When my Mom came out to visit me, we took a trip to Napa Valley and stopped by St. Helena to stroll Main Street. We came across the  beautiful store front of Woodhouse Chocolates and had to go in and experience their fare. If you are looking for another alternative to tradition, I recommend the Caramels with Fleur de Sel (pictured on right) 6 for $9.


Dip then Sip...

Photo Golden State Fruit

Champagne and strawberries is a signature pairing and there is nothing like California fruit.  Golden State Fruit will send you hand dipped strawberries that are a beautiful display of delicious dark chocolate drizzled with pink and red white chocolate. $29.95 6 strawberries or 12 for $39.95 with overnight shipping included!

Tradition At It's Finest...

See's Candy: Nobody does it like See's. You know it, I know it.