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Just two days away from Valentine's Day and I've got you covered!

Check out these adorable FREE Ghirardelli Bar labels I made as a simple, affordable way to tastefully share all of the love (and chocolate) with your favorite people.

There are two styles to choose from - watercolor florals or a black and white vintage floral.

The watercolor style comes in 9 different printing options so as to include everyone on your list: coaches, teachers, principals, besties, neighbors, friends, etc.

They are so easy to make and are such a beautiful way to let someone know you love'em!

The directions and links are below!

Sure hope you're inspired to try them out and as always, if you do, tag me on Instagram so I can share your results! *wink*

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

..........

OTHER BLOG POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY

Llama Ghirardelli Bar Labels

Emoji Themed Ghirardelli Bar Labels

B+W Love You More than Chocolate Ghirardelli Bar Labels 

..........

SUPPLIES NEEDED

Ghirardelli Bars <-- here are the ones I used

FREE printable Ghirardelli candy bar labels  <-- linked below

white card stock or paper

scissors or paper trimmer

tape 

DIRECTIONS

Print FREE Ghirardelli Bar labels of choice.

Trim to size using scissors or paper trimmer.

Remove outer cardboard Ghirardelli packaging - to expose inner gold foil wrapped bar

Wrap label around candy bar being careful to align and center image on from of candy bar.

Secure with tape on back.

TIPS: 

1. Secure bottom flap of label to gold foil to prevent the label from sliding.

2. Since the product information has been removed, feel free to note the flavor of the candy bar on the

    back of the label if you'd like to indicate to your recipient what delicious flavor they are receiving.

Please Note: Ghirardelli has two different 3.5oz candy bar selections. These labels have been designed to accommodate both. For the smaller 3.5oz bar, I chose to trim off a little more of the sides to expose more of the pretty gold wrapper underneath. 

DIRECT LINKS FOR FREE CANDY BAR LABELS

 - B+W Vintage Florals "Love You" 

 - Teacher - watercolor florals

 - Principal - watercolor florals

 - Coach - watercolor florals

 - Best Friend - watercolor florals

 - Friendship Quote - watercolor florals

 - Love You - watercolor florals

 - Friend - watercolor florals

 - Neighbor - watercolor florals

 - Wishing you... - watercolor florals

KEEPING IT REAL

You should so be over on Instagram today - I'm sharing these as part of a Valentine's Day

round up of ideas with Emily from Handmade Farmhouse. I'm even sharing a video in stories of me making these - so easy! Emily has been doing a "countdown to Valentine's Day" the whole month of February and there are such fun, beautiful ideas she and some of her IG friends have been sharing! Flattered she asked me to participate!! 

RECIPE | Butter Crunch Bars

The real name for these delicious after-school morsels is "Sunflower Seed Butter Crunch Bars".

Knowing Ella would put her nose up to something that remotely sounded healthy, I opted to shorten them to "Butter Crunch Bars" when she asked me what I was making the other day. *wink*

After-school snacks are always a bit of a struggle. 

As a parent, I want to feel good about giving Ella something without all of the sugar and processed junk in typical snacks...but also something she is excited to eat because it actually tastes good. 

These delicious butter crunch bars are the exact thing Ella and I have both been looking for.

They are filled with good-for-you ingredients, are easy to whip up, and are quite tasty! (maybe even a little addicting). 

Adding the little heart sprinkles was a complete after-thought but...

how cute would these be for a guilt-free indulgence on Valentine's Day?!

I hope you'll try the recipe! It's definitely a winner.

And so is the cookbook it came from!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

Enjoy the recipe - Pin It for later!!

Yield: 24 - 1 inch squares

Author: Jess - Pen + Paper Flowers

Guilt-Free Butter Crunch Snack Bars (adapted from the Eat What You Love Cookbook)

Delicious, no-bake wholesome treats for after school, or packed lunches.

ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup plus 3 TBSP pure maple syrup
• pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 - 3.5oz. Lindt Bar, chopped
• 1 - TBSP or more of Godiva bittersweet chips 
• 2 tsp virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup unsweetened sunflower seed butter
• 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
• 6 TBSP coconut flour
• 1/4 cup melted raw cacao butter
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• NUT FREE VERSION: Skip the pecans altogether. (also eliminating 3 TBSP maple syrup and pinch of sea salt). 

instructions:

How to cook Guilt-Free Butter Crunch Snack Bars (adapted from the Eat What You Love Cookbook)

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl combine finely chopped pecans, 3 TBSP maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat evenly. Spread on baking sheet in single layer.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until syrup is bubbling.
5. Remove from oven.
6. Using coconut oil, lightly grease sides and bottom of 8x11 glass baking pan.
7. Line bottom and long sides of pan with parchment, allowing ends to hang over sides of pan. (will be used as handles for lifting finished bars from pan).
8. Place chopped Lindt bar in 1 cup measuring cup. Add 1 TBSP or more of Godiva chips to fill the rest of the measuring cup.  Add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil plus measured chocolate in top pan of double boiler and set aside. 
9. Add 2 inches of water to bottom pan of double boiler and bring to boil. Add top pan with chocolate and oil and remove from heat. Allow to sit and melt while moving forward with the rest of the directions. 
10. In a medium bowl, add sunflower seed butter, 2/3 cup maple syrup , arrowroot powder, coconut flour, cacao butter, vanilla, 1/2 tsp. salt. Stir together. Add candied pecans and press mixture into prepared pan. 
11. Stir melted chocolate in double boiler. Pour chocolate over sunflower butter mixture. Using spatula, gently spread chocolate to cover and smooth top. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 1 hour or overnight. 
12. Gently lift parchment flaps to remove slab from pan. 
13. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1 inch square bars.
14. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
15. Keeps for up to 2 weeks. 

Calories
150.88

Fat (grams)
13.10

Sat. Fat (grams)
2.80

Carbs (grams)
7.14

Fiber (grams)
1.37

Net carbs
5.77

Sugar (grams)
3.19

Protein (grams)
3.06

Sodium (milligrams)
100.75

Cholesterol (grams)
0.00

https://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2020/01/Guilt-Free-Dessert-Butter-Crunch-Snack-Bars.html

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @pnpflowers on instagram and hashtag it #pnpflowersrecipe

Created using The Recipes Generator

KEEPING IT REAL

I wasn't supposed to be eating these until after my whole30 is finished - 5 more days...

but I just HAD to sample to be able to give you an accurate review. *wink*

STYLE | Sweets Charcuterie Board

If you didn't know, charcuterie boards are all the rage right now.
You'll see them everywhere on social media and if your favorite restaurant doesn't already offer one I'm guessing you'll see one on the menu soon.

If you don't know what I'm talking about...charcuterie is a french word referring to meats that have been smoked, dry-cured or cooked. (think bacon, hard salami, or a soft pâté). It's also the french word for butcher shop or delicatessen. So in essence, a charcuterie board is typically a combination of the types of meats I mentioned above beautifully arranged on a board, platter, tray or plate and served to guests for nibbling + grazing. The charcuterie board has evolved to include a few selections of cheeses, fruits, nuts, olives, crackers and spreads, which in my opinion takes things to an entirely new level. Not only does is make for a gorgeous presentation but it also caters to multiple palettes + food preferences.

That said, it's now officially evolved into something even more today with the "Valentine's Sweets Charcuterie-Style board" I've created. Ha!

No meats. No cheeses...just chocolates and treats.
Originally, I was thinking I would just use nothing but chocolates. (since I have an abundance from the work I do for Hershey).

But...I decided to mix in a variety of "cracker-like" cookies, heart-shaped candies, a little bit of fruit, a handful of nuts as well a selection of dips to appeal to more people and most certainly give it a more "charcuterie-vibe".

This was my very first charcuterie-style board and friends...it was SO easy and SO fun.

The options are endless with the items you can use and the many different celebrations you can create them for.

Create a charcuterie tray for two or assemble one for a crowd.

There really are no rules so have fun with it.

Here's everything I used to create mine but these types of boards are so versatile feel free to get creative and use your personal favorites. 

SUPPLIES

Cutting board, platter, tray or plate to feed a crowd or the specific number of people you're expecting

Fresh strawberries

Lotus Biscoff Cookies

Jolly Ranchers Jelly Hearts

Blanched Almonds

Swedish Cookies

Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts (Gold + Red Foil)

Chocolate Strawberry Creme Hearts

Chocolate Mini Heart Cookies

Milk Chocolate Dipped Crispy Rolled Wafers

Artisan Rolled Wafer Cookie Straws

Pink Hershey's Kisses

Valentine Pretzels - I couldn't find the ones I bought but these are cute!

Heart Crackers - these are way too expensive - you can find them at some Walmarts

Shortbread Cookies 

Dipping Chocolate

Dipping Caramel

Peanut Butter

Fresh Roses for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

I started with a slab of marble as my "board", added three small bowls, strategically placed the big items on the board first and then filled in the empty areas with the smaller treats.

To finish it I added a few fresh roses and sprinkled a little bit of rose petals for touches of "Valentine's Day".

-----------------------

I sure hope you'll try your hand at creating one of these.

It really was fun to put together and I'm looking forward to making another one for Easter.

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Not even kidding when I tell you it took me longer to collect + decide on the items I wanted to use than it took for me to throw it all together. (Less than 15 minutes - for real)
And those dark chocolate mini hearts? YUM!!
First time I've ever tried them and was pleasantly surprised at how good they are!

RECiPE | Protein Packed Chocolate Muffins

I have been meaning to post these delicious muffins ever since discovering the recipe some time ago.
I was in the middle of reading this book and it led me to this blog which ultimately led me to this recipe.

I was over-the-moon to receive a big thumbs-up from Ella when she sampled them and knew without a doubt these "healthy muffins" were a win after she continued to request them.

These muffins are a home run on so many levels!!
They are packed with protein and lots of good stuff making them perfect for breakfast, for snacks or to throw in a lunchbox or backpack.

Plus...they are super easy to make since all you need is a blender and a muffin pan - which then makes clean-up a snap!

DOWNLOAD + PRINT THE RECIPE CARD BELOW

Now...I do have to point out the original recipe doesn't call for the addition of mini chocolate chips...but that's how we do them around my house. And if you don't want the chocolate chips but like some "chunk" to your muffins...I've also topped mine with pecans or walnuts prior to baking. Easy.

I hope you try them out and come back to let me know how much you love them!
DOWNLOAD your cute printable recipe card right here!!

PS - Catch a glimpse of me making these over on my Instastories!!

Love you friends!!
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Truth be told...Ella doesn't even like almond butter and these puppies are packed with it!! Ha!!
Now....off to clean the bathrooms before we have guests arrive this weekend!!

FREE | All The Feels Emoji Themed Valentine's Day Ideas

I've got two adorable Valentine's Day ideas for you today everyone!!
And these, my friends, are for all of the emoji-loving people out there!
And for all of the people on Instagram and social media that use the term "all the feels" on a regular basis. I know you get me!

If you are unfamiliar with the phrase "all the feels" it simply refers to something that moves you emotionally...or something that gives you good vibes.

So...I thought it was a brilliant concept to combine the "all the feels" expression with the iconic "emojis" we are all familiar with - that essentially represent every emotion. *wink* Brilliant, right?

So here we go...

IDEA #1: Valentine's Day Treat Tags

I created these super cute Valentine's Day treat tags for Ella to hand out to her 3rd grade classmates. She's loves all things emojis and loved the idea.

And they are SO easy. Just print them onto white card stock, trim to size and tie onto a small cellophane bag filled with emoji themed chocolates or these cute emoji themed gumballs.
I picked up my chocolates from Hobby Lobby but I found them on Amazon as well!

 IDEA #2: Valentine's Day Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

This idea came about after Ella said she wanted to do a giant candy bar to mail to her best friend, Elise for Valentine's Day.  I just love her and her awesome ideas!!

So I whipped up this emoji themed Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrapper - just like the Llama themed wrappers I shared the other day and these other black and white wrappers too!

And then I created a "Having YOU for a BESTIE gives me ALL THE FEELS!" tag to tie on.
I love how they turned out so much I was then inspired to create even more custom tags for Dad, Mom, Teacher, Coach, Friend and Sister. (shhhh - don't tell Clara and Ema they'll be getting one of these in the mail too from their little sister) Ha!!

Feel free to use the treat tags on the candy bars too!
Both of these ideas are so fun and so easy!
If you are inspired to whip some of these up too, here are the links to download the files:

Emoji Themed Valentine's Day Printables 

PLEASE NOTE: There are 7 different printable Ghirardelli wrappers - each one with a custom tag included. (i.e. Teacher, Dad, Mom, etc.) - Be careful to download and print the one(s) you want! *wink*

Love you guys!
Share your pictures with me if you make these!
Email: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com
Tag me on Instagram: @pnpflowers

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Just barely getting these loaded onto the blog before I jump in the car to grab Ella from school!
But hey! At least she finished an entire day of school today! She missed three days this week and came home early yesterday after attempting to go. Poor girl. She's on the mend though! Yay!!

FREE | Llama Themed Valentine's Day Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

Hello friends! We are already knee deep into February with Valentine's Day on our heels.

Today I'm sharing these super cute and super easy "Llama-themed" Ghirardelli bar wrappers to be given to anyone on your Valentine's Day list.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

1 - Ghirardelli bar - removed from outer cardboard packaging. ---> 3.5oz like these

1 - Llama Candy Bar Wrapper printed on white card stock. (links at end of blog post)

scissors

double-stick tape

INSTRUCTIONS

Print Llama Candy Bar Wrapper.

Trim to size using scissors.

Wrap around candy bar aligning image on front of candy bar.

Secure with double-stick tape on back of candy bar.

Tip: For a polished look, rub fingers along edges of candy bar for clear wrapper "creases". 

A "llama love" went into designing these for you guys!

Hoping you love them and most importantly....USE THEM!

Here's a fun time lapse video I shared on Instagram sharing the whole process of putting one of these together  - hopefully you can view it okay here on the blog.

DOWNLOAD your FREE Llama Love Valentine's Day Candy Bar Wrappers below:

There's a Llama Love Between Us Valentine

I have a Llama Love for You - Happy Valentine's Day!

Stay tuned for some classroom treat tags coming tomorrow!

Hint: You'll probably want some of THESE or THESE to go with them! *wink*

PS - If you love the idea of the Ghirardelli wrappers CHECK OUT THESE!

xoxo,

Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Ella has been down with a virus for a few days now so I apologize for not getting these photographed and up on the blog sooner!! 

RECIPE | Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

Good Morning everyone!!

Today marks "Day 2" of the "Five Days of Pie" I've promised you.

If you are just joining us, my daughters and I baked five different pies on Thanksgiving for our family and I've decided you need the recipes. *wink*

No, but seriously...you really are going to want these recipes because they are just that good.

So good in fact, I'm even taking the time to create super cute printable recipe cards for each pie - just in case you're like me and prefer to use old-school recipe cards rather than setting up the iPad or iPhone in my kitchen while I bake.

Today's pie? Chocolate Chip Pecan

This pie is ridiculously good, as it takes the old-fashioned, tried-and-true pecan pie we've all come to know and love, to an entirely new level. And who am I kidding? Anytime I can add some chocolate to a non-chocolate dessert...well...I'm just not going to say no to that.

It's easy to make, easy to bake and a simple bowl and whisk is the only equipment it will take.

DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE CARDS RIGHT HERE

One for you and one for a friend...all on the same sheet for printing!

So yeah...I hope you'll PIN THIS to try the next time you need to make a fantastic dessert.
And if you missed pinning yesterday's pie...oh boy! You're going to want THAT ONE too!

I hope you guys are loving the "Five Days of Pies"...
and those cute printable recipe cards to go with them!!!

Have a sweet day my friends!!

xoxo,
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
You would never know this unless I told you...
Go back to the first photo and look at the whipped topping at the center top of the pie.
Do you see a small inconspicuous area of one of the whipped topping dollops missing?
And a couple of tiny drops of whipped topping on the crust just above it?

Well...while I was getting ready to photograph this pie, I walked away to grab something, and mind you the pie is sitting on the ground in my studio. Thankfully something in me immediately asked, "Wait! Where's Hamilton?" (our dog)  So I run back in and he'd already licked off some whipped topping and was getting ready for who knows what! Grrrrr!! Thank the Lord something told me to turn right back around. *coveringface*

STYLING | Kisses + Confetti Baby Gender Reveal Party :: Hershey's

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I've been working behind the scenes on some exciting projects for a fabulous company...Hershey's!!  This brand has been a long-time favorite of mine...as I'm sure it has been for most of you as well!!

I'm not sure what your Hershey's favorites are but my love of peanut butter and chocolate developed early on as a kid thanks to my first two-pack of original Reese's cups. They are still a favorite of mine to this day. 

I've since developed an addiction for those delicious Hershey's Nuggets - specifically the toffee and almond combination. Oh my YUM!! I use them as part of my entertaining or celebrations whenever I can. Remember the custom watercolor wrapped nuggets I created for Clara's graduation party a couple of years ago?

With all of that said, you might say when Hershey's approached me about coming up with a few creative party ideas to help promote their newly released line of color foiled chocolates, I was ecstatic. I was obviously excited about working with one of my favorite candy companies, but even more excited about all of the color foil options now available to make party planning and dessert table styling even more fun!!

Today, I'm  happy to be sharing the first of three party ideas...

Kisses and Confetti Baby Gender Reveal

Baby Gender Reveal Parties have become really popular over the last few years with more and more expectant parents choosing to find out the sex of their baby in front of an intimate gathering of friends and family. (or expectant parents that already know the sex of the baby who then choose to turn the big announcement into an interactive, suspense-filled celebration for close family members and friends, again, using a creative reveal).

The "Kisses and Confetti" theme I chose for this gender reveal made the desserts, styling and reveal ideas extra fun since I was able to integrate Hershey's Chocolate Kisses and confetti thoughout all of the party details.

I decided on a Pink + Mint Green color scheme versus the traditional pink and blue, and incorporated some touches of gold.

I whipped up a simple invitation to highlight the confetti and balloon reveal idea of the party. (I'll talk more about the balloon in a bit).

I chose to do a simple dessert table/voting station combination.  The extent of the desserts were chocolate kisses, of course, as well as yellow cake cupcakes with a classic buttercream frosting. I topped the cupcakes with pink and green sprinkles and finished them off with a single wrapped Hershey's kiss, in pink or light green foil. I think they're adorable and tie beautifully into the theme!

For the dessert table, I filled the front drawers of a dresser with pink, gold and green foiled Hershey's kisses!

I created a centerpiece on the table using a beautiful cake plate and some KISSES + CONFETTI POPPERS!

These actually have three potential purposes.
1. A darling centerpiece on the table....as shown.
2. Favors for guests to take home.
3. A fun interactive "reveal" - guests pop them open simultaneously to reveal candy and confetti that corresponds to the sex of the baby.

See the full DIY Kisses + Confetti Poppers to see how easy they are to put together!!

As part of the simple dessert table, I included a "voting station" for each guest to cast his/her vote as to what they believe the sex of the baby to be. (just pick a mint green or pink hershey kiss and drop it into the corresponding glass carafe at the back edge of the table).   I created a quick DIY label holder using an individual Hershey's kiss. I just attached my label to a wooden skewer using a glue dot and stuck it right into the chocolate kiss. It worked beautifully and it's really cute...and simple.

I decided it would be fun to fill a giant black balloon with confetti and kisses to be used as part of the party decor, but also, to pop in front of guests to reveal the sex of the baby.

See the DIY for the Kisses + Confetti Balloon right here and to see a video of the balloon popping!

Such a cute idea, right? I just love it!!  I especially love that this theme can be used for a variety of celebrations - not just a baby gender reveal. Think bridal showers, Sweet Sixteen, graduations, birthday parties, baby showers and more.

Grab these FREE Kisses and Confetti Tags + Labels to use at YOUR "Kisses + Confetti" themed baby gender reveal!!

All of the cute party decor you see in this post came from Paper Crush!

My friend, Holly, owner of Paper Crush, has an online party store and just recently opened a brick + mortar as well! I'm so excited for her and hope you'll show her some love and support by using her pretty party products for your next celebration!

LINKS TO SOURCES
FREE Kisses + Confetti Tags + Labels - Pen + Paper Flowers
Kisses + Confetti Invitation - Pen + Paper Flowers
Blush Pink Paper Fans - Paper Crush
Gold Paper Fans - Paper Crush
Mint Paper Fans - Paper Crush
36" Black Balloon - Paper Crush mine was empty and I filled it with confetti + kisses *wink*
Balloon Tissue Tassels - Coral, Mint, Ivory + Gold - Paper Crush
Rectangle Confetti - Blush, Mint + Ivory- Paper Crush
Large Ivory Ruffle Cake Stand - Paper Crush - couldn't find the direct link to this one
2 Small Ivory Ruffle Cupcake Stands - Paper Crush
Light Green Foil Hershey's  Kisses - Hershey's
Pink Foil Hershey's Kisses - Hershey's
Gold Foiled Hershey's Kisses - Hershey's
Cupcakes - Cupcake Delights
Plastic Push Pops with Lids - Hobby Lobby
Gold Polka Dot Tissue Paper - Hobby Lobby - couldn't find it online to provide you with a link. *boo*

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THIS IS A SPONSORED POST BY HERSHEY'S.

PEN + PAPER FLOWERS HAS RECEIVED COMPENSATION AND/OR PRODUCTS 

IN EXCHANGE FOR CREATING CONTENT AND SHARING PRODUCTS.
  AS ALWAYS, FRIENDS + READERS, I ONLY WORK WITH BRANDS 
AND SHARE CONTENT I'M INSPIRED BY AND THINK WILL INSPIRE YOU TOO!

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KEEPiNG iT REAL
I wasn't kidding when I said the original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups were what kicked off my addiction for peanut butter and chocolate. You would've never known that in 9th grade, at 14 years old and barely 97lbs, my daily school lunches consisted of a pack of Reese's Cups, a bag of Cheetos and a carton of chocolate milk. *blushing*