chocolate

Starbucks NEW Granitas & Trifles

/ darphynia / Leave a comment
Left to Right:  Chocolate Brownie Trifle, Strawberry
Lime-Lemonade (Venti), Youthberry (Venti), Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. 

Starbucks has been phasing out their Fizzio sodas (which were surprisingly good) in exchange for fizzy teas.  Now they have introduced something new.  Today granitas and trifles were added to their summer menu.  Available after 3pm, these infused, blended lemonade or chocolate beverages are probably one of my new favorite things.  The trifles are either chocolate or strawberry shortcake– sort of.  More on those later. 

Youthberry, up-close.  

The granitas are definitely not like the real thing, but are delicious nonetheless.  It’s a super smooth lemonade shaved ice (at least that’s what they’re calling it), topped off with either Youthberry tea (my personal favorite) or strawberries & limeade.  The Youthberry granita is less sweet than the strawberry, and is very refreshing, especially in this heat.  The flavor of the tea (fruity with a slight floral finish) pairs well with the tart, sweet lemonade.  The strawberry lime-lemonade is quite sweet and tart, and reminds me more of a dessert.  Real strawberry slices are blended right in!  I have yet to try the chocolate one, but I hear it’s also pretty good.  They come in Tall, Grande, and Venti…no Trentas for these drinks.  

We were also asked if we wanted to try the trifles.  They were good, but not necessarily worth the price.  Personally, I find the name misleading.  The concept is a good way to move product, though.  There are two to choose from:  A chocolate brownie trifle and strawberry shortcake trifle.  The chocolate brownie trifle is a chunked up chocolate brownie (of course), topped with whipped cream and mocha drizzle.  The strawberry shortcake consist of broken up mini vanilla scone(s), whipped cream, and a strawberry drizzle.  Both are served in a mini cup.  The brownie is very sweet & rich, so if you need a chocolate fix, that’s your best bet.  The strawberry shortcake was less rich and filling, but good.  I would have liked whip on the top and bottom, or layered, because it helped to cut the sweetness (and chocolaty-ness).  
All-in-all, I would say give the granitas a try.  I was told they are only here for the summer, and they are quite refreshing, especially in 100-degree weather.  You could skip the trifles.  Just grab a brownie and top it off with whip, or get a vanilla mini scone and dip it into the whip on your strawberry frapp.   But, if you feel like trying them, they are pretty tasty.  
What are you most excited to try?  Do you have a new favorite?  
Stay beautiful!

A Little Chocolate Haul

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

Chuao is one of my favorite brands.  At one time there was a shop near me, but it has since closed.  My dad was the one to tell me about it, so every time we went to the Irvine Spectrum, I would grab a strawberry balsamic bonbon (or two) as well as something different.  On a side note, if you have a positive relationship with your parents, you are never too old to hang out with them.  I have great memories associated with this wonderful brand.  Anyway, this is the first online order I placed with them, and it did not go quite as I had planned.

My order consisted of two 16-piece bonbon/truffle custom boxes, one 5-piece custom box, two Share the Love gift sets, four S’Mores bars and one Caramel Apple bar.  There were some great promotions happening, so I got some things for my friends in Australia and some things for my household.  After placing the order I assumed it would be shipped within a couple of days (giving extra time because of the holidays).  I was contacted at the end of the week that the items would be shipped that coming Tuesday.  Since the weather had been in the 90s they didn’t want the items to melt if they were left out.  That was fine– I’d prefer the products to come in their intended form, even though you can’t always control for that.  My box shipped Wednesday, and the box was in my hands by Thursday.  Everything arrived in perfect condition– not a thing melted (granted, it ended up being cold and rainy).  Originally I wasn’t going to open all of the boxes, but then had second thoughts because…well, you never know.  Needless to say I’m glad I did.

I had custom ordered bonbons because Modena, now Strawberry Seduction, is one of my favorites.  Dark chocolate envelops a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic caramel resulting in a perfectly balanced bite (bottom right in the image).  That arrived, as did the other bonbon/truffle boxes that contained a mix of dairy, non-dairy, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate pieces and the individual bars.  I opened the other two boxes to make sure that the Share the Love gift sets were there.  One was, but the other wasn’t.  Instead, one was a Milk Chocolate Bar set.  I wrote to the company to let them know, and they are shipping out the correct item on Monday.  The customer service (chocolate concierge as they call it) representatives I had been in contact with were wonderful. 

So many boxes!!…of love & chocolate.
…and the dark box as well.

As you can see, we sampled
the milk chocolate box…
This is the set they sent instead of
the second Share the Love.

You may be wondering what the point of this story is.  Chuao is not only one of my favorite brands because of the wonderfully flavorful chocolates; they are also my favorite brand because of their customer service.  Yes, they did ship the wrong product, but they are also correcting the situation, and could not have been nicer about it.                

To make a custom order, all you need to do is place an order, then email the chocolate concierge so they can make adjustments.  If you are interested in purchasing the items I did, here are the pictures, prices, flavor profiles, and items included (all lists & images courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com).  Each bonbon/truffle set comes in 5-piece, 9-piece, or 16-piece boxes.

Dairy-Free Chocolates, $12.95-31.95

Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com

 Citrus Crunch: Roasted almond slivers, pistachios and caramelized orange peel in dark chocolate. (Formerly known as Grignotinne.) Contains tree nuts.
Framboise: Raspberry “pate de fruit” and almond hazelnut praline in dark chocolate. Contains tree nuts.
Marzipan: Almond marzipan covered in dark chocolate and topped with a roasted macadamia nut. Contains tree nuts.
Smoky Macadamia: Macadamia nut praline spiced with s
moky chipotle in a dark chocolate shell. (Formerly known as Candela.) Contains tree nuts.
Trail Mix: Dark chocolate topped with dried fruit and roasted nuts. (Formerly known as Mendiant.) Contains tree nuts.

Milk Chocolates, $12.95-31.95

Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com

Almond Truffle: Almond hazelnut praline rolled in sliced, caramelized almonds & pistachios in milk chocolate. Contains dairy, tree nuts.
Bananas Foster: Ripe banana, brown sugar and butter caramel in milk chocolate. (Formerly known as Cambur.) Contains dairy.
Crunchy Praline: Roasted almonds & hazelnuts blended with caramelized sugar and covered in milk chocolate. (Formerly known as Rio Caribe.) Contains dairy, tree nuts.
Dulce de Leche: Traditional Latin American milk caramel in milk chocolate. Contains dairy.
Hazelnut Latte: Roasted hazelnuts blended with fresh vanilla and a hint of coffee in milk chocolate. (Formerly known as Gianduja.) Contains dairy, tree nuts.
Maple Bacon Caramel: Maple caramel with crunchy bacon and bonfire smoked sea salt in milk chocolate. Contains dairy.
Meyer Lemon Mojito: Meyer lemon caramel with fresh mint-infused cream in milk chocolate. (Formerly known as Le Citron.) Contains dairy
Nut & Honeylicious: Almond hazelnut praline and a touch of honey in milk chocolate. (Formerly known as Miel.) Contains dairy, tree nuts, honey.
Salt Butter Caramel: Soft caramel with a bit of sea salt in milk chocolate. (Formerly known as Melao.) Contains dairy.
Rosemary Salt Caramel: Salt butter caramel infused with fresh rosemary in a milk chocolate shell. (Formerly known as Romero.) Contains dairy.
Sweet Passion: Exotic passion fruit cooked into soft caramel in a milk chocolate bonbon shell. (Formerly known as Parchita.) Contains dairy.

Dark Chocolates, $12.95-31.95

Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com

 Black & White: Creamy white chocolate with almond hazelnut praline in dark chocolate. Contains dairy, tree nuts.
Chocolate Margarita: Lemon tequila dark chocolate ganache topped with a preserved lemon chip. (Formerly known as Cinco de Mayo.) Contains dairy, liquor.
Citrus Crunch: Roasted almond slivers, pistachios and caramelized orange peel in dark chocolate. (Formerly known as Grignotinne.) Contains tree nuts.
Dark Passion: Exotic passion fruit cooked into soft caramel in a dark chocolate bonbon. (Formerly known as Parchita.) Contains dairy.
Firecracker Truffle: Chipotle caramel fudge, sea salt and popping candy in dark chocolate. Contains dairy.
Framboise: Raspberry “pate de fruit” and almond hazelnut praline in dark chocolate. Contains tree nuts.
Ginger Green Tea: Dark chocolate ginger ganache infused with green tea. (Formerly known as Zen.) Contains dairy.
Goat Cheese & Pear: “Tangy goat cheese, Pear Williams and crushed black pepper buttercream. (Formerly known as Chevere.) Contains dairy.
Honey Truffle: Dark chocolate ganache sweetened with honey and rolled in confectioner’s sugar. Contains dairy, honey, liquor.
Marzipan: Almond marzipan covered in dark chocolate and topped with a roasted macadamia nut. Contains tree nuts.
Mocha: A rich coffee buttercream inside a coffee bean shaped dark chocolate bonbon. (Formerly known as Java.) Contains dairy, liquor.
Smoky Macadamia: Macadamia nut praline spiced with smoky chipotle in a dark chocolate shell. (Formerly known as Candela.) Contains tree nuts.
Salted Chocolate Crunch: Toasted panko breadcrumbs, olive oil dark chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt. (Formerly known as Pan Con Chocolate.) Contains dairy, wheat.
Spiced Cabernet Caramel: Napa Valley cabernet caramel infused with spices in dark chocolate. (Formerly known as Picante.) Contains dairy, liquor.
Spicy Maya: Cinnamon dark chocolate ganache infused with pasilla chile and cayenne pepper. Contains dairy.
Strawberry Seduction: Sweet strawberry caramel with a touch of tangy balsamic cradled in dark chocolate. (Formerly known as Modena.) Contains dairy.
The Darkest: Bold 73% dark chocolate ganache. (Formerly known as Gran Cacao.) Contains dairy.
Trail Mix: Dark chocolate topped with dried fruit and roasted nuts. (Formerly known as Mendiant.) Contains tree nuts.
Wild Truffle: Dark chocolate ganache rolled in cocoa powder. Contains dairy.

Share the Love Gift Set $36.00

Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com

This set includes mini bars (x3) of each of the following:
Firecracker mini bar: Sea salt, a dash of chipotle and popping candy crackle in dark chocolate. Contains milk lactose, soy.
Honeycomb mini bar: Luscious amber honey, caramelized into crisp bits and enrobed in dark chocolate. Contains soy, honey.
Baconluxious mini bar: Crisp bites of bacon drizzled with delicate maple sweetness and a sprinkle of bonfire smoked sea salt, bathed in milk chocolate. Contains dairy, soy.
Potato Chip mini bar: Crisp kettle cooked potato chips and a hint of sea salt, mix and mingle in milk chocolate. Contains dairy, soy.
Salted Chocolate Crunch mini bar: Crunchy, toasted breadcrumbs dusted with sea salt and swirled in dark chocolate. Formerly known as Panko. Contains soy, wheat.
Spicy Maya mini bar: Seductive cinnamon, pasilla chile and warming cayenne bedded in dark chocolate.
Contains soy.
Pop Corn Pop mini bar: Mixed puffed whole grains, toasted corn chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt with a surprising POP in milk chocolate. Contains dairy, soy.
Orange-A-Go-Go mini bar: Rich dark chocolate grooves with zesty bits of candied orange and soulful orange bergamot. Contains soy.
Sweet & Salty mini bar: A sprinkle of sea salt, swirled into creamy milk chocolate. Contains dairy, soy.
Cinnamon Cereal Smooch: Scrumptious cinnamon toast cereal spooning in milk chocolate. Contains dairy, soy.
Caramel Apple Crush: Tangy green apple flirts with buttery caramel in milk chocolate. Contains dairy, soy.
Strawberry Waffle Wild: Crunchy waffles fall for bits of tangy strawberry in milk chocolate. Contains dairy, soy.

Oh My S’Mores! & Caramel Apple Crush, $6.00/each

Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com
Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Everyone

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day is in 4 days, and whether you are celebrating with your sweetheart or friends, gifts always add a nice touch.  They may not get them on the day, but (1) It’s the thought that counts, and (2) It’ll be a nice little extension of the day.  Gift cards & handmade gifts are always nice as well.  Anyway, here are some ideas for everyone. 

For the Gamer

Razer Naga Epic Chroma Mouse, $129.99

Image courtesy of razerzone.com
Add some life into your gamer’s set-up with this mouse.  Complete with a 12-button thumb grid and over 16.8 million colors, it works wonderfully alone or in conjunction with other Razer Chroma accessories.  It will also sync with other Chroma products, lighting a desk in a “wonderful world of color”.

Gunnars Gaming Glasses, $59.25 & up

Image courtesy of gunnars.com

The frames of the gaming glasses are specifically designed for headset compatibility.  Gunnars also makes outdoor and crystalline glasses.  The crystalline glasses are made for graphic designers and those who work with true color.  They can also be customized using your gamer’s prescription.  You can read their FAQ for more information.

For the Traveler 

LOOP:  World Travel Adapter, $19.97

Image courtesy of amazon.com
Does your loved one travel or do they have a trip coming up?  If so, this is the perfect gift to make sure that all of their devices are charged, no matter where they are.  This adapter is compatible for outlets in over 150 countries including, but not limited to:  Australia, China, the United States, and Canada.  Three devices can be charged at once.
Image courtesy of amazon.com
Airlines are becoming more strict with weight allowance.  This digital scale makes the perfect gift to ensure that the recipient’s luggage not only meets the weight requirement, but the measurement requirement as well.  Batteries are included, and the light-up screen makes the display easy to read.
SouthernGalSass on Etsy:  Monogrammed Travel Cosmetics Bag, $7.00
Image courtesy of SouthernGalSass
This 8 x 6, TSA-approved travel bag can be customized with any initials.  There are several initial colors to choose from, such as purple, black, and pink, to create a completely personalized product.  Gift it alone or fill it with little travel accessories or sweets.   

For the Makeup-Lover

Kevyn Aucoin:  Making Faces, $21.99 and Kevyn Aucoin:  Face Forward, $21.99
Image courtesy of sephora.com
Image courtesy of sephora.com

Years ago I purchased these two books.  Both helped me tremendously regarding techniques and color application.  Making Faces provides photos of makeup looks on one side, and the techniques, tools, colors, and tips for creating the look.  Face Forward does the same, and provides bios of the celebrities who Kevyn worked with.  The books are a great addition to the bookshelves of those who want to hone their makeup skills, learn the different ways that fundamentals can be used, and create more than just a smoky eye.      
bdellium tools:  Travel Basic 7 piece brush Set, $50.00
Image courtesy of nigelbeauty.com
Image courtesy of bdelliumtools.com

Great looks start with good skin and great tools.  Since aDesign is no longer in business, I have been using bdellium tools.  The quality is wonderful and they have lasted a long time, under harsh treatment.   This travel set contains one of each of the following brushes:  Blusher, Foundation, Slanted Contour, Tapered Blending, Shadow, Angled Brow, and Precision Liner.  Since brushes, even though they are named, can be used for multiple purposes & applications, the possibilities are virtually endless.  It also comes with a convenient carrying case, so it’s great at home and while traveling.  
Benefit Cosmetics:  Dandelion Wishes Set, $34.00
Image courtesy of sephora.com
Benefit has some great gift sets, and this is one that will finish off any “no makeup” look.  The colors in this set are light, perfect for spring and summer, and will add the perfect amount of color.  It also comes with the much-loved Roller Lash mini mascara, for flirty lashes.  This set contains mini versions of the following (set courtesy of sephora.com):  Dandelion Box o’ Powder Blush in Baby-Pink, Dandelion Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Soft Pearly Pink, Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara, High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter, and Posieblam Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in Poppy Pink.
 

For the Skincare & Fragrance Guru

Caroline Chu:  Anti-Aging Starter Kit, $59.95
Image courtesy of carolinechu.com
This wonderful starter kit comes with an anti-aging eye cream, day & night cream, and serum.  While some may be offended at the thought, others will appreciate it.  For example, my friend’s mom loves trying out new anti-aging formulas because she wants her skin to stay as youthful as it possibly can.  This set is the perfect addition to anyone’s skincare routine.
The Art of Shaving:  The 4 Element
s of the Perfect Shave, $30.00  
Image courtesy of sephora.com
Make sure your recipient gets the perfect shave every time with this travel-friendly 4-piece set that contains:  Pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm, and a shaving brush.  The products help to combat ingrown hairs and razor burn, and is perfect for sensitive skin.  There are no synthetic dyes or fragrances, and the products do not contain alcohol. 
Clarisonic:  Mia 2 Starry Night Set, $119.00 
Image courtesy of sephora.com
If you’re looking to indulge your loved one, this set has a little bit of everything.  Clarisonic is, personally, my favorite skincare device.  It cleanses and is travel-friendly.  This set includes a variety of skincare and the device.  It is everything your recipient will need for amazing skin at home and on-the-go.
Set contains (from sephora.com):
– Blue Moon Mia 2 Facial Cleansing Device with Sensitive Brush Head
– Blue Moon travel case
– pLink Charger
– 1 oz Clarisonic Sonic Radiance™ Brightening Solution Skin Renewing Peel Wash
– 0.17 oz Dr. Jart+ BB Night Beauty Balm
– 0.17 oz Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum
– 0.7 oz Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
Fred Segal:  The Blend Mini Kit, $29.00 
Image courtesy of sephora.com
This unisex 4-piece set of travel-sized rollerball fragrances are perfect for creating one-of-a-kind scents.  The set contains 0.09oz of the following fragrances:  Amber Vanilla, Tropic Bloom, Clean Musk, and Citrus Zest Pure Fragrance Oil.  Recipe cards are also included that contain some favorite blends.

For the Accessorizer

Enchanted Leaves:  Jewelry & Accessories, $4.99 & up
Image courtesy of enchantedleaves.com
Image courtesy of enchantedleaves.com
Image courtesy of enchantedleaves.com
Enchanted Leaves has some great eclectic and whimsical jewelry.  I have a few pieces from them, and I have purchased a few for my friends.  They have something for everyone.  From pendants featuring airplanes, wishing bottles, and miniature silverware, to brooches and earrings that make a matching set, Enchanted Leaves has it all.
Razer:  Nabu & Nabu Forged Watch, $149.99 & $199.99
Nabu Forged.  Image courtesy of Razer
Nabu Forged.  Image courtesy of Razer
Nabu Watch.  Image courtesy of Razer
Nabu Watch.  Image courtesy of Razer
These new watches are the latest wearables from Razer.  Announced at CES 2016, each watch is a fitness tracker, message notifier, timer, stopwatch, and has the option to sync alarms & display world times.  There is an app that the watch syncs to that includes a fitness section, sleep tracking, and more.  The difference between the regular and the Forged edition is the material.  The Forged watch is made of stainless steel, whereas the Nabu watch is made of polycarbonate.

For the Chocolate-Lover

Chuao Chocolatier:  Craft Beer & Chocolate Bar Set, $24.00

Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Chuao.  My dad introduced me to it awhile back, and I was so sad when they closed the only boutique close to me.  Now that they have a full online store virtually any combination of bonbons/truffles can be arranged, and they have several gift baskets & items.  This set contains 4 Potato Chip Bars OR 4 Baconluxious Bars & a bottle of Arrogant Bastard.

Chuao Chocolatier:  Milk Chocolate Bliss Tower, $64.95

Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com

This generous gift can be given to one person or broken up to provide several smaller gifts.  It contains a 9-piece bonbon set, 4 regular sized chocolate bars in:  Oh My S’mores, Ravishing Rocky Road, Cinnamon Cereal Smooch, and Strawberry Waffle Wild, and a 16-piece mini bar assortment in:  Potato Chip, Caramel Apple Crush, Baconluxious, and Pop Corn Pop.

** Get free shipping on orders of $60+ with promo code SWEETTHING OR $10 off expedited shipping on orders of $60+ with promo code HOTSTUFF **

For the Fitness Fanatic 


AfterShokz:  Bluez 2, $79.99 
Image courtesy of aftershokz.com
Image courtesy of aftershokz.com

 Everyone knows how much I love AfterShokz.  Their wireless Bluez 2 headsets provide wonderful sound without compromising safety.  The music is heard clearly, as are one’s surroundings.  Recipients can work out at the gym, home, or outside, without worrying about what is around them.    
Image courtesy of amazon.com
Gabor Fitness:  Shaker Bottle, $9.95
Image courtesy of amazon.com
 This shaker bottle makes a great gift for those who like to mix up their drinks.  It comes with a 6oz dry product container and divided container.  The containers can be used for protein powder (or any other drink mix), and the divided container is perfect for supplements, medication, or a small snack.  The bottle comes in the following colors:  black, blue, green, orange, and pink.

For the Kids 

Milk Jar Cookies:  Box Set, $15.00 & up 
Mint Chocolate.  Image courtesy
of Milk Jar Cookies
Birthday Cake.  Image courtesy
of Milk Jar Cookies
Chocolate Chip.  Image courtesy
of Milk Jar Cookies


Chocolate Covered Strawberry.
Image courtesy
of Milk Jar Cookies
If you’re not wanting to spend time baking, these cookies are the best I’ve had from any bakery.  Remember those awesome giant chocolate chip cookies from school?  Well, they no longer sell them, but these are the closest thing to them.  They are not as big, but the flavor is all there.  They also have seasonal flavors such as Chocolate Covered Strawberry, and everyday options, such as Birthday Cake and Mint Chocolate.  You can pick from popular and gluten-free boxes, or customize your own.  each box starts at a 1/2 dozen.  Kids will love them, and you will too. 
Image courtesy of activitiesforkids.com
This activity is labeled for kids, but it’s perfect to give to kids as well.  You can customize what each coupon says, or cut & create your own in a word document.  Include one-on-one parent days, a trip to their favorite place to eat, an ice cream, or something else they enjoy.  When I was little we had coupon books that included things like “One mommy & me day” or “One picnic in the park”.
*You may have to pay for string or whatever your use for binding and decorations, but if you have something around the house, then this gift is essentially free.*
DIY Gifts

If you are unsure what to give and don’t want to give a gift card, there are several other DIY creative options.  Adult-themed coupons can be a fun way to bring intimacy to the relationship.  They don’t have to be those kind of coupons either.  Sometimes all it takes is one day of not having to do the dishes or laundry.  Of course, if you are looking for those types of gifts, Hustler Hollywood has some great options.  Lingerie, shoes, adult toys, edible body paint, and more are both online and in-stores.  Their gift cards can be registered as a rewards card, too.  Each dollar is worth a point that can be converted into money that can be used in the stores.  Find out more by reading their FAQ.  Mason jars filled with your recipient’s favorite goodies, a handmade piece of jewelry, or a handwritten letter (because, who does that anymore, eh?) are also ideas to show you care.  

Stay beautiful!