Sweet Treat

These brownies are making my mouth water.  These brownies are super easy to make but I hear that the fudgier the brownie, the easier they are to cut out.

Click here for heart brownie instructions.

This makes me smile inside.

Forgot to make a reservation?

Forget to make a dinner reservation?  Or maybe you haven't planned a Valentine's day date yet ??(remember you only have 2 days!!)  A lot of restaurants are already completely full so what are you going to do?  Call the restaurant of your choice and ask if they could make a meal for  pick-up.  Then eat it outside in front of an amazing view (you might need to bundle up)  or if it's just too cold where you live, maybe just in the front seat of your car.  Or you could eat it at your own kitchen table (just make sure your kids are gone and you don't turn on the TV and you light lots and lots of candles).

Picture from A Perfect Favor

Ahhhhhhh!

Assuming your sweetheart has a desk or a nightstand, a current framed photo of the two of you would be a thoughtful Valentine's gift.  Seriously when is the last time you actually printed one of those things out (probably not since your wedding!).  You can upload a photo right to Walgreens or Bartells and they will even print it out FOR YOU!  I'm going to bet that you can even buy a frame at the store when you pick up the print.  For a personal touch add a sweet message on the picture with a permenant marker.  This is a VERY thoughtful gift that takes almost no thought- perfect for the Valentine challenged husband or the average busy juggling a couple kids wife.

Recycled Post

Valentine's day is just around the corner. To the husbands who eye the teddy bear at the gas station, please don't do it. This is a shout out to post all of your Valentine ideas!  

*Breakfast in bed or at a restaurant 

*Gift certificate for a massage or manicure 

*Make a candlelit dinner (a great store for gourmet ready made dinners is Pasta & Co at University Village and on top of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, and in Bellevue and Redmond, Washington.)

*Rent an old romantic movie (ie. Pillowtalk- any other suggestions?) 

*Re-create your first date 

**Create a CD of all your favorite love songs (Jules)

Making memories

I to this day have never been in a photobooth with a boy .  .  . a couple of bestfriends but never a boy.  Bro - isn't it about time we did this?  Click on this link to find an old photobooth near you.

Photo found on Thethinkingblog

Shoot the Messenger

I came across the wonderful Valentine idea on O Happy Day's blog.  The short of it is this:

"the idea : !shoot the messenger!

/perhaps you would smile if you found out that someone baked a cake for you and then smashed it in their face ...in your honor. thats how this whole thing got started:)

if you have someone that you would like to send a special valentine to, just send me their name and an optional short+sweet message, and Ill be your messenger. 

//the essence of these valentines is gestural. its about ACTION ACTION ! each valentine is a shiny and new idea that will be done in your valentines name, and your valentines name only, and documented throughout the process. i then print it, wrap it all up in a red envelope,  and send to off you!"

Click here for the website for info and more pictures.

OR .  .  . you could make one yourself!

Getting my Jones

One of these could fulfill all of your cupcake fantasies!  While I was in Portland, I was determined to find at least one new cupcake place.  Mission completed.  Cupcake Jones.  I am not exaggerating when I tell you, these are the BEST most scrumptious, moist cupcakes i've ever had (INCLUDING the ones I make myself).    This company mainly buys local ingredients and is committed to being environmentally friendly.  The best part is that they don't use shortening in their frosting, a BIG pet peeve of mine, so these cupcakes taste homemade and delicious.  Don't you want one .  .  . right now!?!?!?!  Here is their website.

A taste of Peru in Portland

In search of a romantic restaurant and one that served Ceviche (lime soaked fish), my husband found this gem in Portland.  

Andina Restaurant

It certainly fit the bill, it was very romantic and the food was superb!!!  I had to stop myself from licking the plate.  The food was like nothing I've every tasted but in a good way.  It was set you back a pretty penny at $22-$25 a plate  but for a special occasion I would highly recommend it.
To visit their website click here.