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Sometimes it's not about the elaborate gifts but just the simple gestures that show someone you care. A special card or handwritten note, a thoughtful dinner at home or even helping out with an unexpected errand are things that take more thought than money! Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love, so whether you spend it with one or many, it's all about showing each other that you care!
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One of my best valentines surprises for my hubby was when I had a scavenger hunt for him! Starting with a note on his car which lead him to his first clue, his day was filled with small surprises which led him to a romantic dinner for two! He loved his day of treats and also loved me ripping up little pieces of paper and putting in his pockets drawers and unexpected places for him to find!
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Last year.. I decided to have some of our couple friends over for Valentines dinner! I had planned to leave work early, set a beautiful table, and prepare a special gourmet meal that I had researched and shopped for.
Leaving work late, I had no time to make what I had planned. I had a just over an hour to set the table, make dinner and get dressed!!!!! Yikes--Costco to the rescue!!!!!! I decided to regroup and make pesto chicken with pasta. Fast, easy to make and tasty!!
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For the appetizer I purchased Pita Pals' Texas Caviar Salad, hummus, Santa Barbara Bay's Spinach Parmesan Dip, pita chips, crackers, some healthy veggies and some freshly grated parmesan cheese.
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If you put the dip into a casserole dish-hopefully one prettier than mine- put fresh parmesan cheese on top, then bake in the oven for about 20 min no one will believe it’s not homemade!!!
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Time permitting, these heart shaped cherry tomatoes would be really festive to add to a veggie tray!!!
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Garnish and put on a big tray and Voila! an easy spread that everyone seemed to enjoy!!
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If you are chardonnay drinkers, this wine was really good!!! We had red as well!!
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This would have been the salad I would have chosen for my guests!!!
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For the salad in a pinch, the Grand Parisian in the ready Pac bag gets rave reviews. I added a few more things that just happen to be in my fridge, mixed it in a beautiful bowl and garnished with parmesan cheese.
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I have made my own pesto sauce but honestly The Kirkland brand is really good. I purchased this, some angel hair pasta and two of their rotisserie chickens! If you become a fan, the pesto sauce is great over grilled salmon as well!!!
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Just a few easy steps! Even my cute husband, John, all dressed in his Valentine's red, pitched in and helped!! While the pasta was boiling, I cut up the rotisserie chicken into bite size chunks. When done, I mixed the chicken, pesto sauce (add to your liking!) and parmesan cheese together.
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I folded the chicken mixture into the drained pasta and gently tossed it together. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and the dish is done. Now I'm off to set the table!!
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Quick and festive, I ran a paper runner down the table--love these that we carry in our shop from Kitchen Papers (at 50% off right now)!!! So much easier than a table cloth, it adds interest and then after you use it, you can just throw it away!!!! We also carry these pretty napkins and placemats by French Laundry. Thank goodness I have the store. I went through my Christmas wrapping ribbons and found enough ribbon to use as a festive accent on the table.
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The girls each got a rose on their plate and the boys got some candy!!!
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I would have liked to make a clever desert like the heart in the cupcake!!! But................ had to make it easy and get the treats from my one stop store!!
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These cookies are delish! I did send John to pick up some cappuccino yogurt from Voss Yogurt in Houston. The cookies heated up and served with ice cream was the perfect ending to the meal.
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We had so much fun at our dinner party for 8. Thank you Costco for coming to my rescue! I hope that you all have a wonderful Valentine’s day! If you are looking for that special gift please stop by the store--We have fab clocks, ties, and trays for the guys and stunning jewelry, lotions, candles, purses, makeup bags, crystals on acrylic bases and more for that special gal. We also are getting in lots from market!!!!!!!!!!!! And......our cross bottle collection is a half off this week!!!! Below is a small sampling of what is new!!!
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Greyforth cross bottles and Lollia lotions and perfumes are at 50% off along with many other items in the store!!! come in early for best selections!!!!
The Back Row Antiques are having their..............................
First Anniversary Celebration
February 11, 2014 10 am – 7 pm
Be their guests at their Customer Appreciation Sale February 11-15 10 am – 5 pm
Save 20% off all items $100 or more! 8570 Katy Freeway, Suite 111, Houston, TX 77024.
I hope everyone has an amazing week!!! Till next Monday! xo Leslie
To purchase "Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors" on our website click here or to purchase through Amazon click here.
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