Roses are red. And pink. And fuchsia. And peach … And absolutely gorgeous. Martha Stewart’s signature collection for 1-800-Flowers  is chock-full of fabulous floral creations. Your Valentine will swoon over these sweet, elegant, and romantic arrangements.

True Heart … Warm red hues and pretty ruffled petals fill the shape of a heart with the sweetest blossoms. It’s styled after an editorial featured in the pages of Martha Stewart Living so you can be assured she’ll love the sentiment. $49.95.

Martha Sherbet Rose Bouquet … A profusion of large-headed roses team with petite spray roses in gorgeous splashes of happy color. Paired with a lovely keepsake Ginger Jar Vase, this extravagant bouquet is sure to delight. $89.95 – $99.95.

Vibrant Bloom Bouquet … Here’s a winning mix of flowers to delight your special someone–a fresh, gorgeous display of colorful and fragrant blooms featuring time-honored favorites: roses, freesia, and carnations. $44.95.

Charming Rose Medley … Passionate color fills this vase of warmly hued roses: hot-pink, ruby red, and lavender. Lush green leaves provide beautiful contrast and texture, and round out a bouquet chock-full of romantic flowers. $64.95.

Katherina Roses … One of Martha’s favorite roses, the pale pink ‘Katharina’, brings a pure beauty and elegance to any special occasion. $59.95 – $64.95.

Sweet Pink Rose and Ivy … A meaningful duo: the blooming light pink rose plant signifies elegance and grace, while the stylish collar of variegated ivy is a symbol of friendship and a strong relationship. Brought together in a stylish metal planter, it’s a gift that speaks to the heart and the mind. $49.95.

Coral Azalea Topiary … This beautiful azalea topiary, with its deep coral-colored blooms and fresh green moss plays on a favorite design element of Martha’s to decorate home and garden. Its picturesque sculptural form will add a stately sense of charm–by design–to any setting, indoors or out. $69.95.

Lovely Red Rose Plant … Martha Stewart favors red roses for their vibrancy and versatility in the garden. Paired with a stylish Ivory Cachepot, this blooming red rose plant brings classic beauty and romantic allusions to any setting. $39.95.

See Martha Stewart’s Collection on 1-800-Flowers.

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We’ve searched the web for the yummiest Super Bowl dishes. Roll up your sleeves, and be prepared to ready to get your hands dirty (with wing sauce!). Sunday night is gonna be downright delicious.

The Food Channel Has Delicious Recipes for  Master-of-the-Universe Pizza, Red Zone Buffalo Wings, Touchdown Chili, and  Fun and Cute Football Cookies

HWTW Is Feeding Us the Recipes for Mini Hot Dogs, Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn, and Beer Margaritas

Epicurious Is Featuring Drool-Worthy Ginger and Honey Baby Back Ribs

Food Network Shares the Ingredients and Steps for Making a Mean Seven-Layer Dip

Eating Well Gives You Healthier Options With Smoky Corn and Black Bean Pizza

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Don’t have time to make the usual Game  Day dishes this Sunday? No worries. We’ve got the ultimate recipe for a classic and simple sandwich that will satisfy the masses. Chock full of meat with all the fixings, an Italian sub is salty and delicious. It’s an absolute touch down!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 loaf Italian bread with sesame seeds, about
24 inches long, cut in half lengthwise
1/2 cup seeded and chopped pepperoncini
1/2 cup seeded and chopped cherry peppers
2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce
4 tomatoes, thinly sliced
5 oz. thinly sliced salami
5 oz. thinly sliced cappicola
5 oz. thinly sliced salami cotto
5 oz. thinly sliced mortadella

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, oregano, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir to mix well. Whisk in the olive oil until incorporated.

On a work surface, lay out 3 long pieces of plastic wrap, placing them side by side and slightly overlapping. Place the bottom half of the loaf over the wrap. Spread the pepperoncini and cherry peppers over the bread. Scatter evenly with the lettuce and layer with the tomatoes. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of the dressing. Layer the meats, one at a time, over the tomatoes, making sure to distribute them evenly. Top with a layer of provolone cheese.

Drizzle the remaining dressing over the cut side of the top of the loaf. Place on the layered sandwich and enclose in the plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to develop the flavors.

To serve, unwrap the sandwich and slice into large pieces 3 to 4 inches wide. Serves 6 to 8.

Recipe Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

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I turn the big 2-8 today, and I’ve got cake on the brain. I can’t wait to make a wish, blow out the candles, and sink my fork into a dense, moist, and yummy yellow cake. It probably won’t be as pretty or intricate (or expensive!) as these four fabulously creative confections, but I’ll be happy as long as I get the biggest piece with lots of extra frosting …

Big Birthday Cupcake, $200.

Polka Dot Birthday Cake,$150.

Sweet Couture Cake, $180.

Ultra-Chic Happy Birthday Cake, $150.

P.S. Yes,  I’m shamelessly asking you to leave me a “happy birthday” comment …

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Mondays in New York City are flat-out brutal. Facing the harsh reality of frigid temps, germ-filled subway rides, and angry commuters can be daunting. But you know what might help add a little cheer to an otherwise bleary Monday? … A free lunch. Or better yet, a free gourmet lunch. Or even more amazing, a free gourmet lunch personally made by a celebrity chef.

You can win one of 500 free 5-Star street cart lunches on Mon. Feb. 8. A-list chefs Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, Paul Liebrandt, and Michael White will be operating these “street meat” carts in undisclosed locations around New York City. We’re pretty sure they’ll be cookin’ up more than dirty-water dogs and salty soft pretzels.  In order to win a lunch, you have to answer trivia questions at http://www.nbcnewyork.com/around-town/contest/. The winners will receive the cart location along with a secret password to present in exchange for their meal. But if you win, you’ll share the code with us, right?

The contest is part of NBC New York’s new food website Feast.

*Getty Images

Source

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Think your house is a private retreat? A serene sanctuary? A place of beauty, love, and romance? Think again. Your humble abode has nothing on these haute homes. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Top10RealEstateDeals.com has released their list of the most romantic mansions in America. And they sure are pretty to look at. Here is their number one pick. I wouldn’t mind calling this place my own personal love shack.

Location: 2901 Broadway, San Francisco, California

Size: 7 Bedrooms, 6.5 Bathrooms, 7,200 Square Feet

Price: $45 M

What the Home Offers: Perched on top of the Gold Coast in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, this Italian Renaissance Mansion, the 2007 Decorator Showcase home, has breathtaking views of the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay. Offered for the first time, the impressive four-story residence was designed in 1927 by architect Henry Smith for industrialist Milton Ray. A grand reception hall opens to elegant formal rooms on the main level and include period features such as decorative hardwood and marble floors, ornate moldings and trim, stately fireplaces, high ceilings and leaded glass window. Formal dining room, library, music room, offices and playroom. Seven bedrooms, seven and a half baths. Private tennis court and patio.

Why It’s So Romantic: Anyone who has been to “The City” knows that San Francisco is the perfect place for romance. The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, rolling fog and crisp air are truly a love potion. One good Valentines choice is the 25-minute ferry trip between San Francisco and Sausalito. Sausalito is a good choice too for a romantic dinner with a number of charming restaurants within walking distance of the ferry. Or stay in San Francisco and get your Valentine’s Day chocolate fix at Ghirardelli Square where the candy company made their sweets until the 1960s but today offers a variety of boutique stores including a Ghirardelli ice cream store and more views of the bay. Nearby Haight-Ashbury is a good choice for a little retro romance and nostalgia. It is all really just like Tony Bennett said.

2901 Broadway is a classic four-story estate – something you might see in a San Francisco movie when the director really wants to astonish the audience. This 1920s-era Italian Renaissance Mansion in Pacific Heights with post-card views from the Golden Gate Bridge to the East Bay was originally built for Milton Ray – a renowned bird scientist who did extensive research work on the nearby Farallon Islands. Mr. Ray was a published poet whose books of poetry were dedicated with love to his four daughters. Just a few of the home’s romantic touches include the curved drive and east portico, huge leaded-glass windows, grand reception hall and winding marble staircase. This home is truly a poetic masterpiece!

See the full list of the Top 10 Most Romantic Homes in America on Top10RealEstateDeals.com.

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I’m loving these rose candles. Artfully arranged on a vintage tray or floating in a beautiful bowl of water, they set the serene scene. And they’re a perfect addition to your romantic Valentine’s Day décor.

Available at Pottery Barn, Set of 2 large or 3 small $14

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How precious is this pretty-in-pink dessert buffet? The sweet geniuses at Amy Atlas created this decadent bar for Better TV. I adore the “key” cupcakes, macaroon tower, and “be mine” milkshake glasses. Even the bowls of gumballs are so whimsical and adorable. You can get inspiration for some delightfully delicious V-day treats on Amy’s site! Enjoy!

*Photos by Belathee Photography, and courtesy of Amy Atlas

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Aphrodisiacs have long been thought to stimulate attraction and desire in the opposite sex; a starter to help ignite a spark. Most often, this notion conjures images of caviar, chocolate-covered strawberries, and oysters but the list of romance catalysts can also include: arugula, sweet basil, asparagus, mustard, and vanilla. Weaving these and other out-of-the-ordinary, love-inspiring ingredients into a romantic moment is easier than one might think. Take a cue from these Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts across the United States and mix something new into signature meals, spa treatments and cocktails for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat.

Make a Lasting Impression with a Simple Meal … Rosemary Spiced Chicken Roast with Champagne and Oyster Mushrooms and Flourless Chocolate Cake with Rose Petal Ice Cream and Vanilla Lather – these are just two of the exquisite (and yet surprisingly simple) dishes featuring a variety of aphrodisiacs that Four Seasons Hotel Boston’s Guys Only cooking class students will learn to whip-up. Show your culinary prowess and impress a loved one with the perfect dinner in, where the extra privacy is sure to be appreciated.

Shake up a Sensual Sip … The Greek goddess Aphrodite is said to have planted the first Pomegranate Tree, creating the fruit’s reputation as an aphrodisiac. The master mixologists at Four Seasons Hotel Austin have taken note, crafting a new seductive sipper to celebrate the holiday of love: The Valen-tini. Combine raspberry vodka, pomegranate and champagne for a cocktail that makes the perfect starter to an evening of love.

Stimulate the Senses … Add the right touch of aromatherapy to a massage by following in the footsteps of The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. The Spa has themed its signature couples’ massage for one day only utilizing the power of male- and female-tailored aromatherapy. Men enjoy the earthy, woodsy scents of agarwood and sandalwood, while women relax to a dulcet mix of rose and vanilla.

Enjoy Brunch with a Twist … The team at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago has created a Valentine’s Day feast to ignite all senses, transforming the traditional brunch buffet into a culinary excursion. Begin with something savoury, with aphrodisiacs woven into every dish, such as Sweet Garlic Crusted Leg of Lamb with Thumbelina Carrots and Mustard Lamb Jus. End on a sweet note with a stroll down the Chocolate Lovers Lane of Desserts with Warm Chocolate Coconut Shooters and Milk Chocolate Espresso.

*Photo via iStock Images

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