Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Are you ready friends?
Because it is in…..
T-minus 5 days.
For OC Shop Talk today, I hope to help in your hunt for a lovely flower arrangement or terrific chocolates for your special somebody. Here are a few of my favorite shops to help you on this 2011 Valentine’s Day.
Flowers first. I have four stores that have caught my eye. Keep in mind that growers mark up red and pink roses substantially on this holiday. Florists then have to pass this mark up along to the consumer. If you are looking for a deal, consider a different color or type of flower arrangement. I hope you are able to find a terrific deal in your neighborhood. Also keep in mind that Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year. Shops will be very busy over the weekend. Typically a flower shop will do the equivalent of three weeks of business on the 14th. Consider placing your orders before the weekend to ensure flower availability and delivery schedules.
FLOWERS (in no particular order)
IN BLOOM
FINE FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO
114 Agate Ave Newport Beach CA 92662
949.675.9484
In Bloom Fine Floral has provided beautiful florals for weddings, special occasions, and everyday use since 1986. The In Bloom Floral Design Studio is located 50 yards from the ferry boats on Agate Avenue, Balboa Island in Newport Beach, CA.
Summer 
is the owner and would love to help you this Valentine’s Day. Each arrangement is custom designed with unique and creative elements. She takes pride in every detail of her products. For V-day, In Bloom’s is offering a medium arrangement with assorted colors (no reds or pinks) for $45 to $55. (Typically $65 to$75). Another unique feature of In Bloom is that they always offer free delivery on Balboa Island; even on holidays.
Visser’s Florist and Greenhouses
701 W Lincoln Ave., Anaheim CA
714.772.9900
This family-owned business has been in Orange County since 1956. They are somewhat of a tradition in Anaheim. For a fun Orange County history factoid, the
shop was founded by Bill Visser. He decided that if Anaheim was going to be the place of the future due to Walt Disney, he wanted to be there too. Bill Visser, Carl Karcher (of Carl’s Junior Fame), and Walt Disney all started their business in the same neck of the woods and became very close friends. The business is now run by Ted Robinson who has carried on this Anaheim treasure’s tradition for excellence. For Valentine’s Day, they are offering a Dozen Red Roses, a Box of Chocolates, and an adorable teddy bear all for just $100. Smaller bouquets are also available at great prices.
The Flowery
17787 Santiago Blvd., Villa Park 92861
714-637-1253
Monet’s quote, “More than anything, I must have flowers always, always” is 
displayed across the wall here in Villa Park. This sets the tone of this shop owned by Carolyn Kain and her daughter Billie O’Brien. Hasmig is the talented designer (pictured). For 26 years, the Flowery has shown creativity in Orange County floral design. During Prom and Homecoming season, they provide countless boutonnieres and corsages for dozens of local high school teenagers. (Confession time. They even did MY Prom and Homecoming dance orders back in the day). Over the years, I can vouch for their style and quality. Each arrangement is custom made to order. They also have a number of home and garden products ranging from decorative candles to these adorable hearts pictured below.
1169 Irvine Boulevard
Tustin, CA 92780
714.368.9845
The arrangements here are so unbelievably beautiful. Each takes your breath away with
their uniqueness. This flower shop is also perfect for finding a miniature rose plant or orchids to use as entertaining center pieces. Here are a few specials they will be offering this Valentines Day. $29.99 for a dozen imported roses wrapped in cellophane and ribbon (pick up only) $54.99 for a dozen roses with an 11” vase. There is an additional cost for delivery but free Local Tustin delivery if you order by February 11th.
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Now on to Chocolates. (in no particular order)
Christopher Michael Chocolates
2346 Newport Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949.566.9810
http://www.chrischocolates.com/
These are wonderful chocolates. Christopher Michael Chocolates has been featured on Extra!, The Today Show, CBS, and Fox. Some of the flavors are unusual but
all are delicious. Some examples of the flavors are banana puree, chili powder, peanut butter sandwich, passion fruit, rosewater carmel, and Cristal champagne truffle. I could go on and on, but they are all delicious, unique, and handmade. Eat slowly, and savor the taste. They come packaged in a gorgeous box; a dozen for $21. For Valentines day, stop by to pick up a premade gift basket.
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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, various locations in Orange County
I’m partial to the store located in the Orange Circle run by Candy (yes, that is her real name).
152 N. Glassel St., Suite D
Orange, CA 92866
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has a fantastic variety of chocolates,
caramel dipped apples, fresh fudge, and many other store made specialties sure to satisfy the cravings of any chocoholic.
My favorites are their caramel apples. They are covered with caramel and a variety of toppings including graham cracker crumbs, Snickers, or plump roasted pecans. To make them even more irresistible, some are drizzled with chocolate.
On Friday nights, you can learn how fudge is made. They make fudge loafs on a traditional marble slab, the old fashioned way, right before your eyes. And of course, 
everyone gets a free sample.
For Valentines Day you can order 1/2 dozen chocolate dipped Strawberries $23.95. Call Candy to place your order . {714-771-6800}
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See’s Candies, various locations in Orange County
With everything from prepackaged heart and teddy bear shaped boxes of chocolates, candy lollipops, foil chocolate hearts, and custom boxes, See’s is a great choice. There is no better box of chocolates than See’s Nuts and Chew.
Prices range from $5.25 (“Red Mini Assortment) to $132 (4 lbs. and over 95 pieces of candy in the “Red Romantic Heart).
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Godiva Chocolatier, various locations in Orange County
You can buy boxes with 6-12 pieces or find larger boxes with 40 or 70 pieces of high quality chocolate. Prices range from $15 (6-8 pieces) to $90 (40 piece “Romantic Heart Assortment”).
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Have a great week and enjoy that amazing weather out there today.
Smooches.
Welcome, dear friends! Within these virtual walls, I delight in sharing with you my most cherished discoveries - This is where we relish in the latest skin care tips and tricks for those over 40, savor different cuisines, and uncover other discoveries. 
So glad you mentioned Growers Direct. I LOVE them. They have such beautiful flowers, great prices, and great employees.