I think one of the hardest things for me to do is to remember to take time for myself. It’s really easy to say, “I’m busy and stressed and my 8-year-old and 5-year-old have homework and school projects on a level that I seriously don’t remember having until I was 13 and my husband is working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and I haven’t slept more than 5 hours in a row in the last 8 1/2 months, so I’m going on an online shopping spree and hitting up the drive through between dance class and the second grade musical.” The problem is, no matter how fun it is to get a package in the mail or not clean up after dinner, I still kind of feel like I’m not actually doing anything for myself.
And since, in their own ways, pretty much all of my friends’ lives are as hectic as mine, I decided that we needed a grown-up time out. With grown-up food and drinks and grown-up chocolate.
Sara and I are huge fans of Ghirardelli, so we jumped at the chance to try their Intense Dark chocolate. And then I was so excited that I made my friends try it, too (trust me, if you’re ever having a hard time getting your group of friends together, mention the words “kid-free” and “chocolate party.” Everyone’s plans magically fall into place.)
To make the escape complete, I put together little gift baskets for everyone with some of my favorite things that make me happy.
I put in some cute reusable mugs, toe separators, nail polish, a mini candle, a pumice stone, bath salts, a mud mask, a headband to keep the mud mask out of their hair, lip balm, and a couple big bars of the Ghirardelli Intense Dark chocolate.
When they came over, I made our chocolate ganache by mixing 2 bars of the chocolate (I used the Midnight Reverie, which is super dark at 86% cacao, Twilight Delight, which is 72% cacao, and Cabernet Matinee, which is kind of fruity) with 6 ounces of heavy cream and heating it in the microwave for about a minute (in 20-30 second increments). I served the three pots of different chocolate with a big tray of fruit.
I think the general consensus was that Twilight Delight was the favorite for dipping.
I also had a cake stand loaded with bars of chocolate for us to try out.
Toffee Interlude was probably the favorite of the night, followed by Sea Salt Soiree.
No, this picture was not staged…they were genuinely staring at the square of Sea Salt Soiree in awe.
We had lots and lots of laughs.
and when my kids came home a few hours later, we were genuinely excited to see each other, which was a giant win for everyone.
Since we wish we could invite everyone to a chocolatey escape from reality, we’re doing the next best thing–we’re giving away 3 of the gift baskets from the party, loaded up with  big bars of Ghirardelli Intense Dark chocolate along with a whole bunch of our favorite things to make you feel special!
To enter, tell us what flavors you’d love to try–they are Midnight Reverie (86% cacao), Twilight Delight (72% cacao), Evening Dream (60% cacao), Cabernet Matinee, Hazelnut Heaven, Sea Salt Soiree, and Toffee Interlude. The giveaway will run now through April 2 and the 3 winners will be announced on April 3.
This post was sponsored by Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate. Create your escape here.
The giveaway is sponsored by Our Best Bites. As always, all opinions are completely our own.
Oh heavens, how to choose?? I guess the Sea Salt, but I’ll tell ya I do not discriminate among types of chocolate. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
I love Toffee and the Sea salt bar sounds yummy too.
Midnight Reverie (86% cacao) please!
So many lovely choices – I would like to try either the Sea Salt Soiree or the Toffee Interlude. I think I might have a chocolate and wine tasting party as an adult time out (:
I love dark chocolate! This gift would be fabulous for a chocolate in-home retreat! I’d love to try the Sea Salt Soiree, Toffee Interlude, and Hazelnut Heaven!
The toffee interlude sounds like heaven!!
Hazelnut Heaven sounds so yummy!!
If I must only pick one…I’d have to say it would be Cabernet Matinee.
I love Sea Salt Soiree!
Toffee interlude sounds absolutely divine!
I am positive that I would love Toffee! Looks like it was a great night!
I would go with twilight delight and the toffee one. Yum!!
I’m DEFINITELY a Toffee Interlude kinda girl, but I should stretch out and try one of the darker versions, too!
I know I’m going to have sweet dreams about Toffee Interlude! Sounds good to me!
I would love to try the sea salt! Have you tried the one with espresso? Delish!! 🙂 Now I want to organize a girls night out (IN, rather)! 🙂
Cabernet Matinee, and where did you get the CUTE reusable mugs with the straws?!
Planning a girls trip to the beach.
How perfect these gift baskets would be.
With Sea Salt Soiree, Cabernet Matinee and Midnight Reverie within reach.
I would love the sea salt.
Toffee Interlude sounds so good!
Wow, my mouth is watering! The Sea Salt Soiree sounds like my kind of perfect!
All of them! But if I have to pick just one it would be the Sea Salt Soiree;)
I’d love to try Sea Salt Soiree.
Midnight Reverie sounds wonderful. And so does Sea Salt Soiree.
I’d love to try them all! But especially the Midnight Reverie, Hazelnut Heaven, Sea Salt Soiree, and Toffee Interlude. Yum!
They all sound yummy. I’d love to try Toffee Interlude and Hazelnut Heaven.
I’d love to try them all but first toffee interlude!
Wish I could have been there? 🙂 It sounds amazing
IT is chocolate need I say more?
I don’t discriminate when it comes to chocolate, I’ll try it all!
The Midnight Reverie and Toffee Interlude sound amazing!! I could use a chocolate night! 😉
My choice would have to be the Sea Salt Soiree. The combination of the rich delicious chocolate paired with the contrast of the sea salt would be ultimate treat for me!