Valentine Chocolate Delights

Valentines Day means many things to many people. Love, roses, soul mates, romance; but to most of us it is just a great excuse to eat lots of yummy chocolate. And if you're like me, its one of your only opportunities all year to indulge with abandon. So don't waste this day on cheap, stale chocolate. Go all out for your loved one (and possibly yourself). There are always the gourmet chain standbys like See's and Godiva. But if you're looking to branch out, here are a few lesser known confectionery connoisseurs.

William Dean Chocolates

These chocolates are truly a work of art. From the stylish magnetic closing box to the colorfully handcrafted pieces. And with flavors like Banana's Foster, Grapefruit & Tarragon, Port with Fig & Plum and Rosemary Caramel, a box of these can be quite the culinary experience. My favorite flavor is the Tropical Caramel, mmmm. As you may have guessed, this collection is probably not for your meat-and-potatoes, never-wants-to-try-new-things  kind of guy. The flavors are sophisticated and may be an acquired taste for some. If you are ready to take this flavorful carpet ride, pull out your wallet because like most gourmet chocolates, it's gonna cost you. A 20-piece box sells for $50. Or you could cash in on a little televised saving. HSN.com has the same box for $40. They also have on-air V-Day specials today (2/01) featuring WD Chocolates, so you may be able to get a better deal there.

Mignon Chocolates

I love Mignon Chocolates for several reasons. One, you can build your own box so you're not stuck with 'those chocolates' that no one wants to eat. Two, they're pretty. Three, they come in a variety tempting flavors. Four, at $1/piece they are reasonably priced. And five, They are ridiculously delicious. They don't have that hard chocolate shell and sugary sweet filling that Russell Stover has accustomed us to. The shell has the pliable texture of fine chocolate and the filling is just sweet enough with a hint of flavor.

Fannie May

Perhaps its the mid-west girl in me, but I can't make a chocolate list without mentioning Fannie May. The flavors are not as refined and the pieces are not as beautiful as some. But if you are looking for a basic box of quality chocolates then this is the place for you. Ideal for the aforementioned meat-and-potatoes guy. You get perfectly confected creams and caramels without straying into the unknown world flavor experimentation. They come in a variety of beautiful boxes and offer a create-your-own-box option as well. They cost about $26 for a 1lb box (about 28 pieces).

Leonidas

If you're in a major city, chances are you are familiar with these freshly crafted Belgian candies. They are the Dean & Deluca of the chocolate world and it is easy to see why. They offer a variety of daring flavors like Tequila Sunrise and Africa Pearl, as well as the traditional fresh butter creams, ganaches and pralines all prepared to world famous standards. A typical 1lb box runs about $36.

Keeping Romance Alive

When I was reading my Couple's Devotional Bible the other day, I came across one of the Daily Discussions which spoke about how the "honeymoon period" of a marriage can so easily fade away to leave it lonely, dull and lifeless. Having been married for 4 years, this struck me because the last thing I want is for my marriage to have become vapid. I want my husband and I to always be "in love", keeping our romance evergreen. I love what the authors of this daily discussion Les and Leslie Parrott had to say on the matter:

The frequent expressions of affection and approval that couples give each other during courtship and in the honeymoon stage can dwindle in the first years of marriage. You may still love each other just as much, but you start to talk about it less.

Contrary to the fairy tales we were weaned on, romance always fades. But you can keep your romantic love alive long after the honeymoon has ended. The secret is simple: Do everything you can now to establish lasting habits of loving behavior.

The habits you develop now can lead either to actions that will nurture lifelong love or to behaviors that will sabotage love. The little things you do now - without thinking - will shape your relationship for years to come. So pay attention to those little things.

We tend to think about romance on a grand scale - such as the perfect, once-a-year getaway - and neglect the little opportunities that present themselves every day. Consider how you greet one another after work, or how well you incorporate common courtesies like saying "please" and "thank you". Be sure to maintain a dating habit too, to keep your marriage from falling into the doldrums of working all week and coming home to collapse on the weekends.

Keep love alive - starting now - by establishing daily habits of romance, passion and intimacy. Your honeymoon will become more than just a memory. It will become a way of life.

Though my husband and I love each other very much (and tell each other so everyday) it is hard to find romance. My hubby is not an overly romantic man to begin with, so I have to take the things that he does daily, and turn them into my romantic moments. Like when he consistently does the dishes when I'm not paying attention, when I come home at the end of the day and he has cleaned up the house, when I'm making dinner or brushing my teeth and he hugs me from behind and kisses my neck. And my favorite is when he calls me "Lover Girl" in a baby voice. I think finding these moments in a mature marriage is more about spontaneity than planned events - though those are wonderful as well. But when you are together and you can laugh about something or stop to recognize the enchanting moment you're in, you've found your romance.