Coral Charms and chocolates

What more can a girl ask for? Two of my favorite things in the world: chocolates and flowers! It would be hard for me to say which I would give up first!

I happen to be a fan of the color coral. It's happy and confident and fun. Let me introduce you to the Coral Charm peony. 

   This is the stage at which I like it the most. The stamens gracefully move at the slightest breeze.

When the peonies arrive from the shipper, they come in boxes. At that point, great care is taken every step of the way to bring the flowers to their absolute best for the upcoming event. (In a future post, I'll show you what all is involved.)

Coral Charm peonies have several great features. Besides their fabulous initial color, they totally transform into a different color. Seriously. And they open to their full potential at about 8" wide. I'll show you what I mean.

They have just been removed from the cooler after processing. Note their deep coral color.

 These are wide open and are ready for use immediately. They will stay like this for days, with their petals lightening from the deep coral to a light creamy peach. 

 A vase of Coral Charm peonies with examples of each stage... from the bud to blasted.

And now to my other favorite subject- chocolate! I find it hard to believe that this is how chocolate starts out! 

Photo by Francois Goudier

 

They sure look like coffee beans. 

Yummy! 

 

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Photo by Francois Goudier 

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I especially like chocolates from Mary Chocolatier in Brussels and Marie Belle in NYC. 

Which do you prefer: milk chocolate or dark chocolate?

Thank you Cindy at My Romantic Home

and

Jessica for Favorite Things Friday.