Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas

Sometimes, things do not go as plan.

Like this Valentine's day, for example. AR and I had planned a day long hiking trip, complete with a picnic lunch. We even had a back-up plan: Renting bicycles and exploring Atlanta for the afternoon, should I get caught up in work.

But, the weather report shows that it may be 19*, so we may have to rethink this plan. This Chicagoan-moved-south does not do 19* and outdoor activity. Nope.

Regardless of how you are spending your Valentine's Day weekend, here are some adorable, last-minute ideas!

1. These chocolate covered strawberry cookies.
I baked these for AR's office the last two years and am making another batch for him tonight. The best part? They start with a boxed cake mix. WIN!

2. This beer case.
This is adorable. I think so Abita strawberry beers or some Sweetwater blues would be so cute in here.

3. Handmade card.
I love holiday cards, and these are so simple and sweet. Side note: this link has printables to save you from a last-minute card run.

What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

Valentine's Day Weekend Cooking Class

Valentine's Day weekend has passed... *tear*. I have no more excuse to wear red and pink together and draw hearts on the calendar.

On Friday night, AR worked and I studies until around 7pm, then we headed to Whole Foods to pick out things to cook dinner with. I know, we are so romantic ;) But after the whole snow storm and AR being stranded in DC, a night in was perfect for us.

The menu: Sriracha glazed salmon, Roasted asparagus with lemon, and Baked potatoes. Served with a wonderful white wine, paired by the helpful staff at Whole Foods.

On Saturday morning, our actual celebration started. We went to a brunch making class, taught by Cynthia Graubart, author of Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking. The class was taught at The Cook's Warehouse in midtown.

We learned to make Shrimp & Grits Custards with Green Sauce, Bacon & Onion Pie (mine was without the bacon), Sausage & Apple Casserole, Sweet Potato Ginger Tea Loaf, Cream Biscuits, and a Champagne Cocktail.

AR got his inner chef on to decorate the plates for us.

The class was 3 hours long and so much fun! They served coffee and appetizers at the beginning, then we all sipped cocktails and enjoyed tastes of the foods. The instructor was so good about explaining things and taking through why things may not have turned out correctly.

My grits. After the photo, I pulled all the shrimp off and gave then to AR. lol.

My favorite dish was the grits custards with green sauce. We eat a lot of grits, and i love the idea of doing something a little different with them. The green sauce also brightened up the flavor of the dish, which was filled with goat cheese and fresh herbs.

AR loved the bacon and onion pie. We tried two varieties and liked the kind with a milder onion over the one with a red onion. I am just not much for a strong onion flavor. I plan to remake this at home with a vidalia onion and turkey bacon.

This was such a fun way for us to celebrate and learn something new. Thanks to my older brother, who discovered this place all the way in London and sent me a giftcard for my birthday. We are already picking another class to take.

Sunday afternoon was full of studying, HGTV (Yay for House Hunters!), and a 7 mile run. I had to burn off some of those cocktails ;)

x0x0, 

Hannah 

5 on Friday {LOVE}

I'm late. My coffee was just too good this morning and i lingered. I'm not apologizing for it ;)

Thanks to the lovely ladies for hosting 5 of Friday. As always, love them and YOU, so please comment so I can read your blog!

1. Team Teddy
So happy to raise awareness for this sweet family. Read more about Teddy here. Wishing this family the best Valentin'es Day and sending lots of love.

2. My Valentine.
AR made it home last night. One the ONLY flight from DC to ATL. Praise the lord.

He has been working in DC and his flight kept getting canceled. I thought he was never going to get back after this snow storm, but he made it and knocked on my door at 8pm last night. I was so excited.

3. These cookies are amazing and oh-so-perfect for today!

Source

I made these yesterday with dark chocolate valentine's day colored M&Ms and they are adorable. I even brought some to friends at school today (don't you wish we were friends?)

If you are looking for something a little healthier, try my 3 ingredient PB cookies. AR said they were the best he has ever tasted. Yumm!


4. LOVE This lip product.

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Lovesick 020

Yesterday I finally ventured out of my apartment and into the real world. Where did I go? Target, obviously.

I bought this lip stain and am IN LOVE. It doesn't feel dry, like most stains, and really seems to last. I also love the bright color. I'm probably going to buy 5 more in the next few weeks.

5. Valentine's Day Date
Tonight it is just dinner at home. Tomorrow we are taking a cooking class and I cannot wait. I even have a new apron for it. hashtag cooking obsessed.

NOLA Last year :)

x0x0, 

Hannah 

5 on Friday: Valentine's Day Activities

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I've got ideas on how to celebrate! Whether you are in a new relationship, single, hanging with ladies for the night, or married with children, Valentine's Day can be fun. 

Now, before you tell me "Valentine's day is a Hallmark created holiday..." blah blah blah. Who cares? I, for one, don't need a reason to celebrate. I love a reason to plan an activity, make a special day/evening, and wear pink and red together. Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity. 

I'm linking up with the ladies of 5 on Friday to share some ideas. Read all of my suggestions and guess below which one I am doing!

1. Plan a brunch

For your honey, make it romantic, serve it in bed, and find a cute pair of holiday pj's. 

For your girlfriends, make it an event! Everyone can bring something, or you can cook together. I've shared some menu items to get you thinking.

source

Easy menu items: 

- Heart shaped cinnamon rolls: Buy canned and shape into hearts before baking. Add food coloring to the frosting. 

- Strawberry yogurt, granola, and berry parfait: Buy all the ingredients, just assemble.  

Labor-intensive menu items

- Heart shaped biscuits served with raspberry or strawberry jam.

- Heart shaped french toast, topped with a pink powder-sugar glaze, cherry pie filling, or strawberries. 

2. Take a cooking class. 

You can find ones geared towards individuals, couples, or a group of ladies. I know in Houston and Atlanta there are several places that offer classes on evenings and weekends. Check cooking supplies stores and specialty grocery stores for some options. 

This is a great way to have dinner and an evening activity. Rekindle the romance a few weeks later by recreating the menu at home. 

3. Try a new workout together. 

Pilates, kick boxing, body pump. Yoga class can be the sexiest thing ever. Try a new workout class with your man or friend(s). Get the blood flowing, learn a new activity, and feel energized. If you do this on Saturday morning, follow it with brunch. 

My friend Caroline is taking her man to Pure Barre, where her studio is having a date night special. Cannot wait to hear how that goes ;) 

4. Have a chick-flick/marathon. You know who this is geared towards, ladies. 

I recommend a Bachelor marathon (not this season. I'm not feeling the whole Juan Pablo season...), Dirty Dancing, You've Got Mail, Drop Dead Gorgeous, or Wicker Park. 

5. Take a day trip. 

It doesn't have to be expensive or amazingly well planning. Drive somewhere within an hour or two, grab lunch, window shop, tour some historic places. This is always a favorite of mine. Sometimes switching things up for the day can be as exciting and rejuvenating as a vacation. 

If you are stumped on a place to go, check out your library. I own several travel books and each has a chapter on good day trips. If you live in a big city, exploring a new neighborhood is also a fun option. 

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? Who are you celebrating with? 

Can you guess what AR & I are doing?

x0x0, 

Hannah