I couldn’t finish my Valentine’s Day gift ideas without telling you about my favorite kind of candy…chocolate!  If you can believe it (I can’t believe I’m admitting this), a day doesn’t go by that I don’t eat chocolate in some form.  Hot chocolate, cold chocolate, chocolate chips, and dark chocolate are my favorite sources…but anything chocolate will suffice.

Hershey’s recently launched their new Pieces Candies, bite-sized, candy-coated versions of classic favorites like Reese’s, York, Almond Joy, and Special Dark.  Each of the four flavors surround their centers with a crisp candy shell.  They taste very much like the original candy.  True Confession:  I like the fact that I can eat 50 (that’s a serving size) if I want to.  They each come in snack-sized bags and are perfect for taking them with you on the go.

If you’re looking for something a bit more romantic this Valentine’s Day, be sure to check out Hershey’s Valentine Exchange Snack-Size Packs, available in the following varieties:  Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (regular and heart-shaped), Jolly Rancher Lollipops, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, and Kit Kat Wafer Bars. Again, their smaller size makes it so much easier to justify eating more than one!  They also come in adorable Valentine’s Day themed packages.

I promise…I shared!

Hershey’s also offers heart-shaped boxes which include such varieties as Hershey’s Kisses, Hugs, Milk Chocolates with Almonds, Pot of Gold Pecan Caramel Clusters and Bliss Milk Chocolate Hearts.  I actually tried their Bliss Milk Chocolate Hearts with Raspberry Meltaway Center for the first time.  I typically like my chocolate plain, without nuts or fillings but these were pretty good…not overwhelmingly raspberry.

The great thing about Hershey’s is that they have much to offer for the chocolate lover.  Whether your loved one prefers nuts or dark chocolate, you’re certain to find a gift that fits.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Lisa.  Congrats!

You all know how much of a chocoholic I am, right?  I recently found out that Dove Chocolate has gotten into the “Home Party” business and now offers opportunities for “Chocolate Tasting” in the comfort of your own home.  A chocolate party?  Where can I sign up?  Seriously.

The entire line of products are made with Dove Chocolate and include martinis, smoothies, brownies, and more.  This Valentine’s Day, Dove has developed an incredible box of truffles for their Dove Chocolate Discoveries line and you won’t find it in stores.  It’s only available through their new “Home Party” line.  Jin Caldwell, named one of the top 10 Pastry Chefs in North America, was commissioned by Dove to create these rich, creamy truffles. Jin has has designed 6 flavors of truffles; Tiramisu, Passion Fruit, Cheesecake, Lemon Meringue, Cinnamon Bun, and Chocolate Mousse especially for Dove Chocolate Discoveries. The truffles are made with the freshest ingredients, so fresh, that they have a shelf life of only 4 weeks.

Dove Chocolate Discoveries has packaged these lovely truffles in a gorgeous box, covered in hearts and wrapped with a bow. Orders are being take through January 31, and Jin will make them the first week of February, and ship them direct to you (or your love) in time for Valentine’s Day.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to host a chocolate party (I know I am), you can contact Kim Sprague, a mom and Independent Chocolatier who loves throwing chocolate parties.

Win It! One of you will win a box of Dove Chocolate Discoveries truffles!  Simply follow The Chocolate Lady Blog OR fan “Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Independant Chocolatier Kim Sprague” on Facebook. Then post a message here, letting me know that you’d like to win, and what flavor you can’t wait to taste. Comments will close on Saturday, January 30th at midnight PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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I did not receive compensation for this post.

I have fond memories of our time in Edinburgh…shopping on Princes Street with the Castle looming in the backdrop…taking a double decker Lothian bus to the Royal for work…sitting outside in the rain watching the Tattoo…watching New Year’s Eve fireworks from Calton Hill…hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat…perusing the German Market at Christmas…taking our weekly trip to the “big” Tesco for groceries…I could go on and on (but I won’t…fortunately).  Living overseas is the type of experience that changes a person.  My husband and I have memories and adventures that could never be replicated in this country.  We are forever changed by our experiences living abroad.  And one day, we plan on taking our children back to the city where we lived and worked and dreamed of our little boy.

I’ve always been partial to European-made products.  Imagine my excitement when I first learned that an American version of one of the UK’s leading chain of grocers was making it’s debut in the US.  Fresh & Easy offers a wide range of affordable natural foods and products that are free from artificial flavors, colors, and trans fats.  With Valentine’s Day less than three weeks away, you’ll definitely want to check out Fresh & Easy’s selection of foods and wines for your sweetheart.

Buying flowers (especially roses) on Valentine’s Day, despite it’s romanticism, is a bad idea.  Flower shops typically increase their prices dramatically (due to the principle of supply and demand).  Ladies…tell your husbands and significant others to head over to Fresh & Easy (if your a rose lovin’ gal like myself).  Fresh, long-stemmed roses are just $9.99 a dozen (hint hint hubby…I know you read my blog!). And with all the money he’ll save, he can even splurge and pick up a bottle of wine and some chocolate.

I’m not an expert on wines, but I can tell you that $4.99 for a bottle of Montcadi Cava Rose sounds like a great price to me!  You can also pick up a bottle of McGuigan Hand Made Barossa Shiraz for $12.99.  But their selection of wines doesn’t end there.  Fresh & Easy offers 170 different wines to choose from, many of which are under $10 a bottle.  Since I’d have to defer to my husband for the technical specs on all things wine, I’ll give you some info about the above two wines, available at Fresh & Easy.

Montcadi Cava Rose:  A fresh, rose sparkling wine with ripe strawberry fruit and soft, biscuit flavors, made from grapes grown in Spain’s Cava growing region.

McGuigan Hand Made Barossa Shiraz:  This wine is rich and full-bodied with classic varietal berry and pepper flavors.  It is made from Shiraz grapes grown in the Barossa region of South Australia.

I am a chocoholic.  I probably eat chocolate every day (yikes!).  So when they sent me a GINORMOUS chocolate bar I wanted to do two things: Open it up and try it.  Close it up and hide it.  Fresh & Easy’s One Huge Hunk Chocolate Bar with Pecans & Fruit is made with Belgian milk chocolate (YUM!) and contains candied pecans and chewy fruit pieces.  I typically like my chocolate plain…without anything in it.  But this was seriously yummy.  I almost want to share it with hubby since the baby weight is looming. If you like truffles (um…who doesn’t?), Fresh & Easy offers their Sweet Boutique Gourmet Swiss Truffles.  They’re imported from Switzerland and the package contains both milk and dark chocolate varieties.  Dark chocolate and a cream filling make for a perfectly smooth combination.

If you don’t like chocolate (gasp!), Fresh & Easy offers cookies that taste better than any I could make here at home.  Their Snickerdoodle Cookies are made with butter, bourbon vanilla and premium cinnamon.  They’re so soft and chewy (like cookies should be) and just melt in your mouth.  Yes. They’re gone.

The above items are just a tasting of all Fresh & Easy has to offer.  If you’re looking for affordable Valentine’s Day gift ideas, be sure to visit a store near you.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received product samples to facilitate my review.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is trixx.  CONGRATS!

This season is all about chocolate!  Chocolate is really one of those gifts you can’t go wrong with.  I would never complain about receiving chocolate!  And one of my favorite companies is See’s Candies.  When it comes to candy, I really prefer to spend all my portioned “sweet” calories on chocolate.  However, I really like the company’s Lollypops because they’re not your traditional fruit flavors.

If you’re looking for quality gourmet candies and chocolates, See’s Candies is a respectable choice.  They’ve been around for over 38 years and offer over 100 varieties of candies.  The company uses only the finest ingredients from different parts of the world.  My favorite?  Truffles!  And this holiday season I had an opportunity to try their White Mint Truffles ($5.95).  They’re made with buttercream and peppermint and melt in your mouth, leaving behind a fresh, minty flavor.  And look how cute they are?

Remember those famous lollypops I told you about earlier?  Well now you can purchase the Snowman Lollypop Box ($10.90) which includes an assortment of Vanilla, Chocolate, and Butterscotch Lollypops.  And new out for the holidays are their Cinnamon Lollypops which are yummy and perfectly spicey ($4.95).

We can’t talk about See’s without talking about chocolate!  Their boxed chocolates include a nice assortment of dark and milk chocolate candies as well as caramels, brittle, and more.  Some of the boxes feature a specific type of chocolate, such as truffles, or nuts and chews.  My favorite kind of chocolate is dark and I prefer it to be free from nuts!  I’m particularly fond of their Dark Chocolate Bordeaux which is a blend of brown sugar and buttercream surrounded by dark chocolate.

For an array of gift ideas, check out their Christmas section…or better yet…visit their store in person (they’ll most likely give you a sample!).

Win It! One of you will win a gift certificate for a one pound box of Chocolate, courtesy of See’s.  Simply head on over to the site.  Then come back and  leave me a comment with something else you’d like from their Christmas section.  Comments will close on December 30, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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Add the “Holiday Gift Guide” button to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure it’s up for the duration of the gift guide!)

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For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I will be receiving a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

The combination of  the holidays and pregnancy hormones seem to put me in the baking mood.  My husband knows that I don’t need a whole lot of excuses to bake.  For years I’ve been making thumbprint cookies with Hershey’s Kisses for Christmas.  It’s a tradition and they’re so easy to make.  Plus, I like every excuse to eat chocolate! 

During the holiday season, cookies seem to abound. I’m still trying to figure out how to get invited to one of those cookie exchanges I keep reading about!  Hershey’s is sponsoring 1,000 cookie exchange parties for people across the country to encourage people to spend time together and exercise their baking skills.  If you’re like me (and haven’t been invited to one of these infamous parties), you can still enjoy delicious cookies in your own home (or why not just create your own party?).

Hershey’s has an entire site dedicated holiday cooking recipes and party planning tips.  The site is very interactive (it’s a Ning site) and members (membership is free) can discuss holiday baking secrets, share recipes, and share photos from parties.  

Just in time for the holiday season are their famous festive blue and silver and red and green Hershey’s Kisses.  And if you simply don’t have time to bake, why not include them as a stocking stuffer?    

Here are the cookies I made, using the basic Chocolate Thumbprint recipe, courtesy of Hershey’s:

For more delicious recipes, check out Hershey’s Kitchens!  

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

I’m having a pregnancy chocolate craving. Oh wait…that’s nothing new! Halloween is still 10 days away but I’ve felt like we’ve been getting festive for weeks!  We live in a private community with a lot of children, so we’re expecting a lot of trick or treaters this year!  We like to offer healthy snacks in addition to candy so parents and children have choices.  But I have to admit that one of the things we will be offering (as we do every year) is chocolate!  I eat a lot of chocolate (sorry baby girl!).

When I think about chocolate, Hershey’s is one of the brands that immediately comes to mind.  Just some of my favorites include Reese’s, York Peppermint Patties, Hershey’s Special Dark, and Whoppers.  I recently learned that my chocolate habit is actually benefiting a great cause.   For the past 100 years, every purchase of a Hershey treat supports the kids of the Milton Hershey School site.

MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL (MHS) is the nation’s largest, cost-free, private, co-educational home and school for children from families of low income, limited resources and social need. The School has expanded over the decades, but its mission remains the same: to build character and provide children with the skills necessary to be successful in all aspects of life.

Hershey’s founder Milton Hershey and his wife Kitty set up a trust to devote their entire fortune to support children who suffer from profound need. It’s nice to know that every time I eat a Special Dark chocolate bar, I’m helping a child…making a difference for those who are impoverished.  For more information about the legacy Mr. Hershey and his wife left, just visit the Milton Hershey School site.

Disclosure:  I posted this because I think it’s a great cause.  I did not receive financial compensation to do so.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Stephanie.  Congrats!

Whew…20 weeks.  I’m halfway there. It feels so good…but the work is not over yet.  Each day I can feel myself getting bigger and heavier.  I have more energy than I did during the first trimester, less migraines, and less nausea.  And thankfully, I’ve had no major complications apart from a little trip to the ER last week for a fainting episode (more on that in another post).

Babies are such a blessing and I’m so thankful for this little life growing inside of me.  I don’t take for granted for a second what a miracle it is that we are expecting another baby.  I’d like to say we planned it this way.  That this little baby would be born almost 2 1/2 years to the date from when our son was born.  But ultimately, I know that this was not in our hands…not in our control.  So much of life is that way, yet we do everything in our power to control the uncontrollable.  If we had “planned” this pregnancy, I would have waited until the right time…the right life situation.  My husband and I think it’s quite humorous that we don’t really know the “date” that determines when the baby is due (hence the very early first trimester ultrasound). To say we are blessed is an understatement.  We’re humbled at the opportunity to be parents to another child.

According to the ultrasound we had this morning, the baby is 20 weeks and measuring perfectly.  Oh…and healthy without any visible complications.  Praise God!  Our little peanut was kicking and playing peekaboo….so active!

So I know you want to know if we’re buying pink or blue…right? *Hehe* So…I thought it would be fun to have a little contest…a guessing game.  This is seriously just for fun.  If you want a truly spectacular contest, just wait until this afternoon!  There are a TON of old wives tales which predict whether the baby will be a boy or a girl (none of which I believe, by the way).  So, without further ado, I’ll give you some “hints” to help you decide.

-My first child is a boy, born just shy of 38 weeks.  I had this “feeling” when I was pregnant with my son that he was a boy.  Our doctor confirmed this at 14 weeks.  I have not had any “feeling” this time around.  For the record, I’d love to have a little girl, but ultimately, I’m happy either way because the baby is healthy.  My husband would be happy with either one.

-Everyone I know (either family, friends, co-workers) says that I look like I’m carrying low and don’t look pregnant from the back. In fact, I started showing almost as soon as the pregnancy test came back positive (maybe I’m exaggerating just a tad).   Many have “predicted” that this baby is a boy.

-I was very sick, very early on with this pregnancy (so sick that I was on Zofran for months).  I started getting sick around 5 weeks and it lasted way into the 4th month.  I still feel nauseous some days, particularly if I haven’t had a lot to eat

-The baby’s heart rate today was 143 and has been running around 140 every time we go in

-I felt movement very, very early…around the 3 1/2 month mark

-With my son, I craved grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese.  With this baby, I crave…nothing in particular (I’m just glad I can finally eat!).  Hmm…that’s not entirely true.  I do seem to be craving a lot of CHOCOLATE!

-I’ve had a ton of migraines…about one a week

-I’m less emotional this pregnancy.  I would cry at the drop of a hat when I was pregnant with my son…

If you have any questions or need more “clues” just ask!  : )

Win It! Those of you who guessed correctly will be entered to win chocolate!  The winner can let me know what they like (how fun is that?).  All you have to do is leave me a comment with your “guess.”  If you gave birth to me, have my last name (married or maiden), or already know what we’re having, you’re obviously not eligible to enter (but you already knew that!).  Comments will close on August 31, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  Stay tuned for the announcement.  It’s going to be a lot of fun!

One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

What woman doesn’t like chocolate?  Or going to the spa?  Or pretty, fun pampering products for the face and body?  I like them all, (as you can tell from my Mother’s Day gift ideas this month) and one company was smart enough to combine the two to create organic, Fair Trade Certified body treats that are good enough to eat (but don’t!).  Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, possesses antioxidants and may lower blood pressure and your risk for heart disease (WebMD).  Coco-Zen is THE place to shop for all things chocolate, edible or not!

Have you ever dreamed about bathing in chocolate?  I have (c’mon now…let’s just lay it all out there!).  The Spa At The Hotel Hershey is on my top ten list of places I want to see in my life.  But for now, I’m content to indulge in the Chocolate Brownies Salt Scrub I received from Coco-Zen.  I love scrubs…I love the way they make my skin super soft.  I like the feeling of exfoliating dry, dead skin.  It makes my skin feel rejuvenated.  The Chocolate Salt Scrub contains organic almond oil and organic aloe vera to soften skin while mineral-rich dead sea salts revitalize skin and remove toxins from the body and relax sore muscles.  And if that wasn’t enough…the smell of cocoa makes me crave dark chocolate and helps relax me!  I still want that chocolate bath!

I am always looking for all-natural, eco-friendly alternatives to products and I appreciate the company’s use of organic, Fair Trade ingredients.  The Chocolate Scrub is nicely complimented by the Chocolate Lotion and Chocolate Soap.  A 4 ounce jar of Chocolate Salt Scrub retails for $14.50 and you can choose from Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Chai Spice, Chocolate Cappuccino, Chocolate Covered Coconut, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Chocolate Mint Bliss, and Chocolate Orange Blossom (I told you how tempting they are to consume!)  The company also puts together some amazing body gift sets, perfect for Mother’s Day.  Oh…and of course they have an entire chocolate shop with amazing edible truffles!

I remember the days before I married my husband when I stayed up until 1 am chatting with a girlfriend over coffee or those spur of the moment weekend spa getaways. The freedom singlehood affords could never replace the joy and fulfillment of having a family. I would never go back. But as a working mom taking care of a household,  every now and then I need some time to rejuvenate…to laugh and connect with my girlfriends.

Entrepreneurs Lorrie Morgan Ferrero, Shannon Cherry, and Joanie Winberg are inspiring women to celebrate friendship with their Chocolate Spa Getaway Contest.  Chocolate?  Spa?  I’m soooo entering!  I know the perfect mama who needs this!  Here are the details:

In 300 words or less write about why YOUR FRIEND deserves a Chocolate Spa Getaway Weekend. (For example has she had some extenuating circumstances, struggles, challenges, or just plain needs a break? The contest is for all women- married, single or single again). COPY and PASTE your essay into an email (no attachments accepted) and send it to chocolatespacontest@gmail.com by midnight April 17th. Winners will be announced April 24. If your story is chosen, you get to go, too!  Here are the details regarding the weekend:

Win a Chocolate Spa Weekend Getaway at the Hershey Hotel from May 15-17, 2009. The Chocolate Spa Getaway Weekend includes:

- Air fare

- Limo service to and from the hotel

- A poolside room for three (3) days/two (2) nights at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

- Over $400 (four hundred) worth of Spa Treatments, including a Swedish Massage, a Facial, a Chocolate Wrap and Lunch in the Oasis- a lite lunch of salads, soups and wraps at the spa in your robe and sandals.

- Admission to the Hershey Gardens.

- Gourmet Dining
The winners can choose from the following:

Dinner in the Hotel’s renowned Circular Dining Room…

The Fountain Cafe (casual restaurant) or Room Service (includes tax & gratuity).

For more details, check out the website, GirlfriendGetawayContest.com.

By now you know how much I love the holidays!  There is something wonderful about food, family, friends…did I mention food?  It seems like the very best delicacies are reserved for the holidays!  This holiday season the incredibly yummy and world-renowned chocolate company, Ferrero Rocher has teamed up with the leading hunger organization Share Our Strength to ensure that no child in American grows up hungry.  Apart from it’s generous donation of $150,000, Ferrero has created a site called Share Something Sweet where you can create and send a customizable e-card.  Ferrerro has committed to donating $1.00 for each card sent (up to $10,000).  If you join the Ferrero Facebook page, “Ferrero Lovers Unite,”  they’ll donate another $1.00 up to $1,000.  Isn’t that sweet?  The site is filled with fun activities like a personality quiz (I’m sweet, charming, and lovable but you already knew that!), holiday tips, product offers, and more.  Head on over and Share Something Sweet with your loved ones and make a difference in the life of a child.