I figured there were two themes I could go with for a post today: this past weekend’s big event [the Super Bowl] or the coming weekend’s main event [Valentine's Day].
Being that I’m strictly a baseball girl, it wasn’t a tough decision. All that the end of football season means to me is that spring training and warmer weather are one step closer.
So Valentine’s Day. I was typically cynical about this holiday for many years, making the classic complaint: “It’s just a ploy for the greeting card companies.” But a few years back, my jaded perspective began to shift. It may be a silly, fussy little holiday that I don’t view in a particularly romantic light, but it can still be seen as a day to celebrate all things feminine. I can always get behind a day to bond with the girls in my life.
Case in point – this is last Valentine’s Day, with two ladies very near and dear to me. Sadly, both are no longer physically close by – the past year took one halfway across the world and the other halfway across the country. But there is lots and lots of love here [in fact, I will be the maid of honor for the one on the right in just a few months!].
The first Valentine’s on which I can remember rejoicing in girlish bonds occurred during my freshman year of college, when my roommate and I forged our friendship over a box of chocolates. We spent the day lounging together in our pajamas, laughing and sharing deep thoughts in equal amounts, unwrapping those red squares of milk and of dark. [This year's tastier treat is pictured above, recipe at the bottom of the post].
I’ve got the classic colors in on my plate thanks to leftover party food: sweet cashew cheese and crimson crudités.
And I shared some love with this morning’s stellar bowl of oatmeal, which included more appropriately-colored additions of unsweetened dried coconut and unsweetened dried papaya.
A final swatch of rose and white: raspberry preserves, plain Greek yogurt. Simplicity always has my love.
And the recipe with which I experimented to great success:
no-bake chocolate-coconut balls [adapted from this recipe]
- 2 c oats
- 1/2 c Sucanat
- 1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 c coconut oil
- 1/2 t vanilla extract
- 1.5 T strong coffee
- 1 square unsweetened baking chocolate, melted
- 1/4 c unsweetened coconut flakes
Mix oats, Sucanat, and cocoa powder. Fold in coconut oil until well combined [use your hands]. Add vanilla, coffee, and melted chocolate and mix well. Form about 1-inch balls; roll in coconut flakes. Makes 24. Can be eaten immediately or refrigerated one hour.
Add in some handwritten notes, and those are the pieces of my V-Day. What are yours? Any special plans?
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LOVE this. I remember past Valentine’s Days spent with my girlfriends. Last year, Bill and I decided to just hang out with all the people we loved on V-day. It was really special.
Not sure what our plans are this year. Probably nothing too sappy or serious. We consider every day a love day.
Yummm!! I think i ate half that thing of the cashew dip. It was delicious! And so were those chocolate coconut bites. I am all about the girls days on Valentines Day. Who needs boys?? ;)
Ahhh, YUM! I have NEVER had a Valentine, but still absolutely love the holiday and get excited for it every year, because it’s all about wine and dessert! Two things that you really can’t go wrong with.
I’m not sure what I really think about valentine. I mean, I know it’s too commercialized, and that it’s stupid too show you’re in love for just one day in a year, but, maybe it’s just another opportunity for people in love to do something special. Me and my bf have lots of valentines during the year :D I’m not sure if we’ll do something special on it, however, I’m not going to turn down any cool plans :)
Mmmm this recipe sounds incredible! :)
Unsweetened papaya sounds so good the sweetened kind tastes too cloying. I’m planning on going out with my mom for valentines day, maybe we’ll see a movie, too.
oh you totally redeemed valentine’s day for me. i’ve never been a fan, as the only time i had a special someone was back in 7th grade haha. but it is my sister’s birthday so we’re taking the day to celebrate at my grandma’s house :) should be a good time.
happy monday!!
xoxo
love. those. (chocolate) balls.
v-day is for chumps! (says the single gal). i am going to treat myself to some hot yoga and red wine and dark chocolate. and maybe “the hangover” or something equally ridiculous/ enjoyable. good times.
i actually love valentines day. i love the colorss haha. hand wirtten notes are so sweet :) that recipe sounds delicious!
ah i love the ploys of greeting card companies; i always get all overexcited about what commercialization has done with holidays (i’m so weird, right? lolll) –
but i loved this post, especially how Valentines’ can be an opportunity to celebrate all things loving & feminine. <3 my V-day is gonna be pretty laid back too though.
hope you have a good day leslie! mwah
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I love the idea of spending Valentine’s Day bonding with your girlfriends! Especially over tasty treats like the chocolate-coconut balls you posted! I don’t really have any plans in particular. Probably just showing myself some love by indulging in some chocolate treats :)