Our Valentine's Day Dinner Plan

Butternut squash, mushroom and fontina nachos with crispy sage by How Sweet It Is

While most years Ryan and I have looked at Valentine's Day as another opportunity to get dressed up and spend a night on the town, ever since moving into our new house we have slowly started transitioning into total homebodies. Maybe it's the fact that it's been so cold outside and our fireplaces, cozy blankets, and cuddly pup make our home feel that much more cozy, but to be honest, there's nowhere we would rather be than our little yellow cottage!

So this year for Valentine's Day we will be staying in, opening a bottle of wine from our last trip to Italy, and making dinner together. Thanks to my vegetarian diet plus the fact that our wedding is just a little more than six months away, we have been eating very, very healthy. We decided to ignore the wedding diet for the evening and instead have indulgent night of comfort food. As an afternoon snack we're going to have butternut squash, mushroom and fontina nachos with crispy sage. For dinner, a simple salmon filet roasted with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, John Legend's famous macaroni and cheese, and roasted carrots and onions with fennel and mint. And last but not least, homemade chocolate cupcakes with sea salt buttercream. A cozy night at home with Ryan, Yoda, and some delicious food? I can't imagine anything better!

Seven Desserts Perfect for Valentine's Day

White Chocolate Spiced Cake with Rosewater Cream Cheese and Pistachios by Constellation Inspiration

With Valentine's Day being less than two weeks away, it's time you start making your plans. Whether you plan on spending it with your special someone, your gal pals, or simply relaxing at home with your favorite furry friend, there's no excuse not to indulge in a few decadent sweet treats. Last year Ryan planned a romantic date night where we visited all of my favorite spots in the city, but this year I'm leaning towards a quiet evening at home by the fire {and of course, some chocolate and wine}. What are your plans this Valentine's Day?

Guest Blogger :: Fresh Flowers from Happiness Is...

Today is a very special day here on Dreams in HD.  First, of all it's Valentine's Day.  I'm not sure what we are up to {Ryan likes to keep it a surprise} but personally I am just happy to be able to spend the day with him and Yoda, and hopefully eat a little chocolate :) Secondly, I am thrilled to tell you that today's post will feature the first official guest blog post in Dreams in HD's history.  And you guys, it's a good one.  

I "met" Shannon of Happiness Is... about eight months ago and since then have developed what you might call a *total* girl crush on her.  Shannon's blog, dedicated to all things happy, has become a source of creative and personal inspiration for me since first visiting it last year.  She is an incredibly talented songwriter, singer, ukulele player, illustrator, reiki healer, painter, and all-around amazing person.  Her nostalgic movie-inspired wedding {which you can read all about here...please take five minutes watch their video, it will melt your heart} was featured by none other than MARTHA STEWART herself!  If I ever get out to Seattle Shannon is the first person I will call.  Oh, and did I mention that instead of just providing me a photo to include in this post she sent me this watercolor that she painted herself?  Yup, I told you she is amazing!  If you like her work, be sure to follow her here because she will be starting an Etsy shop later this year :) So without further adieu...

Hello lovely Dreams in HD readers! I'm Shannon of Happiness Is and I'm extremely honored to guest post on Molly's delightful blog today. Especially since it's Valentine's Day. A day you either love or hate. I'm one of those girls who milks it for what it's worth. I'm an unapologetic romantic, so bring me a dozen red roses and I'll be yours for the taking. Any extra reason to celebrate LOVE is good in my book.

I have a regular series on my blog called Get Happy, where I share some tips and tricks to boost your mood, create a positive thoughts and raise your vibration. For today's installment, I have a fun fact about those cliche dozen red roses. Flowers are beautiful, sure. But did you know they've been scientifically proven to make you happy? 

A recent study at Rutgers University found evidence that flowers induce long-term powerful positive emotion. Half of the participants were given flowers and half were given other gifts. When the two groups were compared, here's what they found...

1. Women given a mixed floral bouquet reported more positive moods 3 days later.
2. Daisies offered to both men and women in an elevator elicited greater social interaction.
3. Flowers presented to elderly individuals showed improved memory.
4. And my favorite discovery has to do with smell: Students who were asked to write an essay in a floral-scneted room, compared with those in a  neutral-scented room, wrote happier stories.

The researchers speculate it may have something to do with the co-evolution of plants and people, which can happen when two species evolve in response to changes in the other. Fascinating, right?

So if you didn't get flowers for Valentine's Day, stop by the florist on your way home from work and treat yourself to some sweet-smelling blooms. Or gift them to someone you live with and reap the benefits. I'm making a promise to myself, starting now, to swing by the local farmer's market once a week for a fresh $5 bouquet. I owe it to myself and my happiness.

Do you keep flowers in the home? Do you find that they elevate your mood?

Recipe :: Berry Crumbles

My Mom's specialty has always been her Apple Pie.  Flakey, buttery, and the perfect combination of sweet and tart, it is the highlight of any holiday feast.  However, my Dad's take on the fruit-filled dessert {his favorite} is a more simple but equally delicious cobbler {I believe the recipe he used was from the infamous 1970's cookbook "The Vegetarian Epicure"}.  Over the years I have eaten countless cobblers with my dad, and because of that whenever I make one I can't help but feel like I'm back at home having a '24' marathon with my him {we were totally addicted}.

I love a good cobbler because it is easy to adjust the portion size {Ryan and I definitely don't need to finish an entire pie just the two of us} and the topping is much less labor intensive to make than a homemade pie crust.  For those nights where you finish dinner and decide you just need something sweet to finish up the meal, you can prepare and bake it in a little over an hour...just the right amount of time to get cuddled up on the couch with a good book or movie.  Is there much better than a spontaneous dessert?  I think not.

Today I want to share with you my recipe for a super simple Berry Crumble, the perfect sweet treat for you and your Valentine {these Chocolate Pots de Creme being another irresistible option}.  I adapted the recipe from my trusty "Barefoot Contessa at Home," cookbook...swapping peaches and blueberries for a combination of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.  Feel free to change out the fruit based on what's in season or in your fridge.  Serve with a scoop of ice cream and celebrate love!

Berry Crumbles {recipe adapted from "Barefoot Contessa at Home"}
Serves 5-6

FOR THE FRUIT
2 pounds mixed berries {I used Trader Joe's frozen berries, but any combination of fresh works too}
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup granualted sugar
1/4 cup all-pupose flour

FOR THE CRUMBLE
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 pound (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place berries in a large bowl {if using frozen, make sure they are dethawed}.   Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and flour.  Toss well.  Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.  Spoon the mixture into ramekins or custard cups.

For the topping, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.  Mix on low speed until the butter is the size of peas.  Rub the mixture with your fingertips until it's in big crumbles, then sprinkle evenly over the fruit and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the tops are browned and crisp and the juices are bubbly.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

If you want to make these early, store the unbaked crumbles in the refrigerator and bake before dinner.  Enjoy!

Interiors :: A Romantic Greenwich Village Apartment

In celebration of all things feminine, I wanted to share with you this beautiful Greenwich Village apartment via {this is glamourous}.  The combination of romantic, bohemian, and rustic design elements create a cozy yet elegant space perfect for entertaining.  I also love the fact that the apartment is in actuality quite small, a refreshing change from many of the New York apartment tours I have seen in the past.  The images were published in 2006 yet it still feels fresh and relevant.  Enjoy!

More home tours: Ashley Putman's Eclectic House // Paul & Amy Hamilton's Country Home // Jo Willer's Rustic Chic Home // Ali Cayne's West Village Townhouse // A French Chateau

Images via {this is glamourous} 

Interiors :: Love-ly Decor Part II

Although I am drawn to a variety of design styles {masculine, industrial, mid-century modern, etc.} when I skim through my inspiration boards I always come back to rooms with a feminine aesthetic.  It may not always be "on-trend," but I am firm believer to follow what you love versus what the latest design magazine or blog says is the current look.  As a continuation of last year's post, I have rounded up a bunch of new interior inspiration to allow you to indulge your inner girly girl.  Big hearts!

Images via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11}

Travel :: Romance in Venice

Can you think of anything more romantic than spending Valentine's Day in Venice, Italy?  Ok, well maybe Paris {lucky Melinda will be doing just that!} but I have to tell you that the most romantic night of my life was spent in the beautiful Italian lagoon city of Venetia.  Ryan and I had just spent two and a half fantastic weeks making our way from the Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Florence and chose to spend our last two days in Italy in Venice.  To be honest, after hearing from multiple friends and fellow travelers, we were very, very hesitant about visiting due to the number of negative comments we received {"Venice is a tourist trap," "Venice is like Disneyworld for adults," "Venice is dead"}.  But, because it had always been on my bucket list we decided to give it a shot.  And can I just tell you that we were absolutely blown away by the architecture, the light, and the opulent elegance that is Venice.  It was pure magic.  For a perfect date night in Venetia...

Take a gondola ride at twilight: Yes, it is expensive.  And yes, it does feel kind of touristy.  But a trip to Venice is not complete with a ride in one of its famed gondolas, which were the chief means of transportation in the Venetian Lagoon from the 14th century until fairly recently.  We found that the canals were much more peaceful in the evening {after the cruise ship tourists left} and the light at dusk is absolutely magical. Prices are regulated across the city so pick a gondolier who you click with.  We were so lucky to have found Fabio, an old fisherman who had been a gondolier for over 25 years.  He was the perfect combination of humor, history, and grace.  Although typically you have to pay a premium to have music on your gondola {hiring a singer and/or accordion player to ride with you}, Fabio quietly sang old Italian fishing songs for us.  We cuddled under a blanket and spent forty minutes floating along the tiny canals and watching our last Italian sunset.  It was truly an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, and I couldn't recommend it more.  At the end of your ride, have your gondolier drop you off for...

Dinner at The Gritti Palace: For the utmost luxury, head to this famous five-star hotel for a decadent dinner at Club del Dodge along the Grand Canal {be sure to make reservations and request a table with a view}.  Start with Bellinis at their Bar Longhi.  Afterwards the maitre d' will take you to your table along the water with a {hopefully} unobstructed view of the iconic church of Santa Maria della Salute.  The white table cloth service is professional and inviting.  Your meal {I'd recommend the Mezze Maniche Pasta with Pecorino, Black Pepper and Lemon to start followed by the Sole Filet with Almonds and Lemon} will be accompanied by a pianist playing classic Italian music on a Grand Piano.  Linger over your food and drinks enjoying the mild Venetian climate and the stunning views while watching the gondolas float alongside your table.  After dessert {you must get the Chocolate Souffle for two}, put on your comfortable shoes for some...

Dancing under the stars in Saint Marks Square: An absolutely magical tradition, every evening {weather permitting} orchestras set-up outside the famous cafes in Saint Marks Square and take turns playing music.  Patrons can either sit at one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy food and wine or stand behind the tables and wander across the square as the different bands play {we sat a Caffe Quadri one night and the other night just meandered around the square}.  Enjoy the beautiful ambiance and when one of your favorite songs is played grab your love and slow dance together under the stars.  Amore...

More romantic travel destinations: Villa Cicolina, The Amalfi Coast, Lucerne, Paris, The Gritti Palace

Fashion :: Valentine's Day Style

Kate Spade Mon Amour Top // 'Escape the Ordinary' Journal // Jo Malone Red Roses Perfume // Kate Spade Pink Skirt // Kate Spade Watch // Butter London Nail Polish {Kerfuffle} // Gucci 'Soho' Small Bag // Ranuculus Photo // alice + olivia Heart D'Orsay Flats // Bobbi Pin Set // Sequin Heart Shoe Clips // Vosges Cheese + Chocolate Truffles // Comme Des Garsons Sneakers // Saint Laurent Card Case // Je T'Aime Card // Heart Bottle // Arrow Cuff Bracelet // Diamond Heart & Arrow Earrings // Heart Clutch {only $15} // NARS Lipstick {Jungle Red} // ooh la la iPad Mini Case

Happy Monday loves!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  We went to a basketball game on Friday {the things you do for love} and Saturday went out with friends for all you can eat sushi {dangerous, I know} but other than that we simply spent the weekend cuddled on the couch with Yoda and had a Game of Thrones marathon {we are completely addicted}.

Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved Valentine's Day.  Any excuse to eat chocolates, decorate with pink and red hearts, and most importantly tell the ones you care about most how much they mean to you is fine by me.  It is also a great way to brighten up the long winter, which at this point always feels like it will never end {especially this year!}  So, in celebration of all things love, this week will be all about Valentine's Day...clever right?!  Here are some of my favorite picks to add a little girly, sparkly, lovey-dovey goodness to your life :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day lovelies!  I hope you have a fabulous day filled with smiles, treats, kisses {perhaps of the Hershey's variety}, and most importantly love.  I know Valentine's Day can sometimes feel like it is meant only for those who are in relationships -- but personally I think that it is for everyone.  To me, it's just a friendly reminder to tell the ones you care about how much they mean to you.  So take a little extra time today to give a special someone some love...be it a family member, friend, co-worker, favorite mailman {or woman}, pet, boyfriend, girlfriend, yoga instructor, spouse, child, ANYONE!  And most importantly, please don't forget to love the most important person of all...yourself!

Image via

Love-ly Decor

I don't know what it is about Valentine's Day, but it always makes me want to be surrounded by anything girly, pink, and of course hearts, hearts, and more hearts.  Perhaps it is because when I was a little girl my mom would run around the house in the middle of the night putting tiny pink heart-shaped valentines everywhere.  I'd wake up on Valentine's Day and feel like a kid on Christmas morning, trying to collect all of the hearts and feeling so special as I read each of the sweet messages.  It was so special to me, and something that I will definitely do one day if I ever have children.  For now though, I will just indulge my inner girly girl by dreaming of interiors inspired by the day of love.

Images via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11} {12} {13} {14} {15} {16}

Valentine's Day Sweets

Valentine's Day is just one week away, and what better way to show your special someone that you care by whipping up a batch of delicious treats?  Some of my favorite treats for the homo sapiens in your life are below.  If your Valentine is of the furry variety, there is even a special treat for him or her here. 

No Bake Pots de Creme with Raspberry Whipped Cream

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Heart-Shaped Pie Pops

Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

Are you planning on whipping up anything special for Valentine's Day?