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Easy Valentine’s Day Baking with the Kids – Heart Cake

These days with our hectic schedule, it is not often that I get to bake. Most days, I’m just trying to get by with a simple meal. However, here is an easy Valentine’s Day Baking recipe you can do with the kids. This heart shape cake is simple but also a crowd pleaser.  They are always excited because they look forward to eating the final baking products, and I love having that bonding time with them.

Time is limited so I try to make our baking experience as simple and easy as possible. It’s more about the experience than anything else. Even though we keep it pretty simple, I love that the boys are in the kitchen learning basic kitchen skills and helping out. They love mixing ingredients, pouring cake batter into the baking pan and eating a few chocolate chips during the process. If you are looking for an easy Valentines Day Baking to with the kids, this is it.

This Valentine’s Day we are going to make this heart shaped cake covered in chocolate and sprinkles. It’s easy, delicious and fun.

Baking Supplies & Ingredients for the Valentine’s  Heart Shaped Cake

  1. 2 Heart Shape Silicon Mold
  2. 1 Box of Betty Crocker  Rainbow chip cake mix
  3. Milk
  4. Eggs
  5. Butter
  6. 5 Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars
  7. Sprinkles

Instructions for Valentine’s  Heart Shaped Cake

  1. To keep this as simple as possible, I use store bought cake mix. You can definitely use your favorite cake recipe. We love the Betty Crocker Rainbow Chip cake mix in this house. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. However, I personally always substitute the water with milk, and vegetable oil with melted butter.
  2. Grease the heart shaped mold with oil
  3. Fill the heart shape mold with the bake batter
  4. Follow the baking instructions for 12 cupcakes.
  5. Remove from mold and let it cool on a cooling rack

    Easy Valetine's Day Baking with the kids
    Heart Shape Cake cooling on a drying rack
  6. Wipe the mold clean with a paper towel
  7. While the cake is cooling, melt your favorite chocolate. I like Hershey’s milk chocolate. I used 5 bars for 12 heart cakes.
  8. Add sprinkles to the heart shape mold.
  9. Then evenly distribute the melted chocolate into the molds.

    Easy Valentine's Day Baking with the kids
    Melted chocolate is being put in a heart shape silicon mold
  10. Now add the heart shape cake back into the mold with the chocolate. Press down on the cake so it sticks to the chocolate.
  11. Put the molds into the freezer for about 1/2 an hour or until the chocolate fully solidifies.
  12. Carefully remove the cake from the heart shape mould and enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guide for the Dressy Casual Guy

This Gift Guide for Him is 100% curated by the hubby. I don’t know if you girls can shop for your husband/partner or not, but I definitely can’t. He has very specific taste and is all about fit and quality. So I thought since you were all interested in a gift guide for him, why not have him write what he thinks are great gifts lol. So before I share the guide, let me preface this by saying that he is a more tailored suited or dressy casual kind of person that prefers classic looks that will last. So let’s jump into it!

Jackets and Sweaters

Here are three jackets he absolutely loves. First up is a Parka. He does not have this Parka since we live in Florida but the minute we move back to Canada, I know it will definitely be in his wardrobe. It is on the sleeker side for a Parka, so if you are looking for a warm jacket, with less of the puff you often see in a Parka, this is it! Second, is your classic peacoat. He has had this for a few years now and loves it. It’s currently 40% off with code ‘family’ which brings it to just under $200, which is a great deal, so run. The third coat is a waxed coat, a classic piece that will live in his wardrobe forever. 

You can never go wrong with gifting a quality sweater/cardigan. If you are looking for a wool one, this is a great option. This is also a beautiful alternative that is 100% cotton. 

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Shoes

Here are a few of his favorites. This is his all time favorite boot, although technically a work boot, it is on the dressier side. Here is a more budget-friendly alternative. If you are looking for a dressier sneaker, this is a great option. 

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Accessories

Watches: If you are looking for a quality watch to gift, this Field watch is a great option from Hamilton, an established n Swiss brand. Now if you are looking for something a little dressier, this automatic stainless steel Tissot with integrated bracelet is a showstopper.  Here is the same watch but with a quartz movement that is almost half the price. Now, if you’re buying a watch for someone that is into watches, the hubby says you should definitely get the automatic movement! For a more everyday sporty and budget friendly look, this G-shock packs a ton of bang for the buck. 

Here are a few accessories that would make great gift items. First, this twill briefcase is great quality with a more casual look but the bridle leather straps elevate the look. Socks are always a fun gift that make a great stocking stuffer. You can’t go wrong with a good looking scarf and this herringbone scarf is so stylish. If your hubby/parter is more minimal, he will most likely appreciate this wallet. And for the frequent traveler, this is a great travel wallet that will hold all their cards, passports, tickets and more. If he doesn’t already have airpods, then what a great gift to give. If he does have one, then these airpod cases are such a nice touch and would also make great stocking stuffers. 

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