On this Valentine's week I thought it would be apt to do a post on romantic things like orchids and chocolates. A while back I did a video called How I Care for my Orchids that got a really big response from viewers. I decided to follow up on that video and show you the different orchid varieties I keep in my home and share with you even more tips for keeping beautiful orchids in this week's video: My Orchids.
If you are unable to see the embedded video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
And as for chocolates... I know they can be a bit cliché for Valentine's day but I get them every year for Mr. Connoisseur none the less. I still get a thrill from a box of chocolates and would never turn down an occasion to receive them (I'm making the assumption that he feels the same!) This year his box, pictured above, is from Chocolate Opulence in Santa Monica, who create beautiful and aromatic French-style artisan chocolates that are made in Los Angeles. My favorites are the dark chocolate sea salt caramel (which seems to be a favorite of many people I know), the passion fruit cream and the dark chocolate crème.
I hope you have a lovely and romantic week...
I would love to know... what are your favorite chocolates? And do you keep orchids in your home?
My cymbidium orchid is pictured above as are Mr. Connoisseur's box of Chocolate Opulence.
For more information on Chocolate Opulence visit www.chocolateopulance.com
To see my first video on How I Care for My Orchids click here.
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12 comments:
On orchids, I'm not what you would call a "green thumbed" individual, so stick to the easier varities of home plants & window cooking herbs for my CO2 and Feng Shui.
As for chocolates, have a definite opinion: Valrhona Grand Cru Manjari Bars, sprinkled with a tad of fleur-de-sel. Mmmm.....
I love orchids, but I've had to give up on them. Like LMK, I'm not a green thumbed individual either, rather the opposite, actually. As for chocolate, I just love chocolate - any chocolate! But of course the expensive, luxury ones are always a treat:)Have a lovely Valentines Day!
I grow only the phalaenopsis orchids and I love them because of their long blooming period. I usually have several in my home at a time. I find them great value for the money.
As for chocolates I prefer good quality chocolate in small portions!
Happy Valentines!
I copied your great idea of chocolate for your husband. I was thinking of getting a little plant. Thank you for the inspiration!
Sheree
I posted my first response late last night, not really taking the time to follow your link to the Opulence website. I just came back from there and WOW!!! The first thing that grabs you is the swing accordion music - so French. Then as you browse you find out they are all natural - even better! And the cafe atmosphere with the lovely green French tiles behind the counter - Ohhlala! The only thing I found disappointing was the chocolatier/owner is quoted as having said she wants everyone to have access to them, but they only sell to those in the California stores. No mail-orders - sigh. = (
Great choice, Jennifer, as the artwork on each bonbon is merveilleux. And I have to ask...what is the HUGE heart in the middle of the box made of?
I love orchids -- thank you for the informative video! I had to throw out one of my orchid plants recently, the stems had actually broken off and rotted, so much for that! I still have a dormant one so I am hoping it will pick up in the spring.
Where do you suggest keeping the orchids? Do you suggest direct sunlight, some sunlight, none? I don't have any south facing windows so this is a slight issue for me. Thanks!
I bought my first orchid this morning, and I'm going to give it a try. I love having flowers in my home, and I've learned to keep most ordinary houseplants alive, some for over a decade. Wish me luck!
LMK-Oh those chocolates sound divine... yum! The chocolate opulence chocolates are so delicious. The big chocolate heart in the middle is hollow and contains a special heart shaped truffle inside. Really special. Love their attention to detail...
Nanne- Hope you had a great Valentine's day too. Don't give up on your green thumb. Orchids are so easy to care for :)
Hostess- Happy Valentines! I love phalaenopsis too- they just add such elegance to a room...
Sheree- I'm so glad! I hope he liked them!
LR- I keep orchids in every room of our home (and our home is on three levels with varying degrees of light). As long as they are not in direct sunlight they will be fine. They do really well in bathrooms as long as your bathroom has a window and light source coming in....
Jennifer- good luck! You will love how long the blooms last... let us know how it goes!
Oui! I keep orchids at home, as a matter of fact, it was a Valentine's day gift from my husband. My favorite chocolate is from La Maison du Chocolat. It is a little slice of heaven for me.
Hi Jennifer! Totally off-topic question, if you don't mind.
I finished reading your book and have been implementing what I've read there. One thing I didn't see addressed: bedtime unwinding routine, if anything. I go straight from working to teeth/face/pajamas/bed and then lie there awake for half an hour or an hour because I'm too wound up to sleep. Of course, your model French people have stopped working much earlier in their day and had a leisurely dinner. Would you say that is the whole secret, or is there anything else you observed about bedtime relaxation/unwinding in France? Thanks and smiles, Hilary
Anon- how lovely that your husband gave your orchids for Valentine's! He has great taste :)
Hilary- That's a great question... After dinner in Paris the family always played classical music. The men would smoke their pipes / cigarettes (which I actually didn't like- can't stand cigarettes- pipe didn't mind as much as it reminded me of my grandpa:) ) and sometimes they would have a digestif or on certain occasions a cup of hot cocoa. It sounds to me like you are coming home from work quite late. Is there any way instead of instantly hopping into bed to do some sort of luxurious/ relaxing ritual? Perhaps run a hot bath and soak with a nice bath oil or listen to your favorite symphony or have a cup of tea... something to cap off your day so you don't feel as though you just work and sleep? Try to add a little passion/ luxury into your night time routine. Even the small things help. Hope this helps! Let us know :)
Just happened upon your blog this week, I am finding it very intriguing! While in college in the late 90s, I had the pleasure of babysitting for a French family temporarily living in the Boston area. They have forever influenced my life. They were refined, elegant, cultured, yet so real, kind, and welcoming. One memory that comes to mind that you would like - my surprise when the French mother bathed her three children and made dinner while still dressed in her beautiful clothing. The day after I graduated from college I went on my first trip Europe and I have been in love with Paris and all things French ever since.
Thank you for your blog. I have spent the past 7+ years focusing on being a mother and have not put the attention to home and self. All that is changing now. I purchased two gorgeous orchids at Whole Foods this weekend and they are making me so happy. :) I am on vacation from work this week and am decluttering one area of my home every day and it feels wonderful. I have taken out my favorite little luxury, Roger et Gallet soap from my mother's last trip to Paris. Signature scent and capsule wardrobe are also in the future. I look forward to your future posts.
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