Opulent Cottage

27 Years

Today I celebrate 27 wonderful years with this guy. 

 

He is my rock. He is my calm after the storm, the voice of reason in my sea of life's insanity. His love makes everything I do worthwhile. 

I have never known this more than I do today. He is the real treasure in my life, this easy going, quiet guy who is so giving and patient. To his wife, his daughter, and so many others. 27 years ago I could never have realized how much sweeter love becomes, when as a couple you have been through life's trials, shared every heartbreak, and savored the victories together.

No crazy, crowded dinner out for us here tonight. Just a quiet night, enjoying each other and thinking about all the joys our life together holds. I'll be so content with a nice home-cooked dinner and maybe a small fire in our back yard. Enjoying being with my man. Grateful for every thing we have together. 

Love you, Maurie. Forever.

Oreo Cookie Bark for Valentine's Day

Here's a really yummy and pretty treat for your loved ones this Valentine's Day!

 

This is just a twist on the Oreo Cookie Bark from last fall. (The original post is here) Valentine M&Ms and some red and pink Wilton sprinkles made an easy Valentine's version! After breaking apart the bark, I added a few pieces to clear snack bags along with some tiny heart-shaped doilies, tied up with a mix of curling ribbons.

 

They're extra-yummy because I threw in some leftover Andes Peppermint Chips. These are usually only available in the stores at Christmas, but I think you can get them on Amazon year round. I'll say that the smidgen of peppermint really put it over the top. In a pinch, a few drops of peppermint extract in the white chocolate might do the same thing.

 

Happy Valentine's to you all! xoxoxo

p.s. Oh and I always always mix vanilla bark with Hershey's white chocolate chips now. I haven't had luck using just the chips, because they didn't melt well. But the combination of the two melts great and gives a little extra somethin' because, you know, this wasn't decadent enough to begin with :)