Ice Cream Cupcakes

Looking for something sweet?

Haagen Daz sells these babies for little over $3.

So if your looking for something small to do together,

go get some ice cream for two.

(cupcake papers are made from solid chocolate!)

P.S. The Haagen Daz on the Ave is the only one with

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in the region.

Apparently they don't even sell it in stores anymore.

Rock climbing

Cheap dates

Sat Sports, facility tours including new Mountaineers building, climbing wall, learn to sail or kayak, work parties, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle; free (206-684-8020 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Check out the images on flickr

A bicycle built for two

Tandem 101 Workshop

PLAN AHEAD Beginners class to learn how to ride a tandem bicycle, 10 a.m. May 2, Cascade Bicycle Club office, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Building 30, Seattle; $25 (425-275-3425 orwww.EvergreenTandemClub.org).

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.

Recycled date

Bed Bath & Beyond is a great place for a date and let me tell you why:

1. There are fun doodads to look at like the As Seen on TV Ear Lift, As Seen on TV Hercules Hook, and LumaTweeze Professional Lighted Tweezers.

2. You can sit and have an intimate conversation while receiving full body massages from their display massage chairs.

3. For dessert, they conveniently have oodles of candy in the front by the registers.

4. And best of all you can buy that new shower curtain you've been doing without for almost a year!

Test Drive

I have always wanted to go on a test drive date. Now that my husband is looking online for a new vehicle (we can't actually afford one but he says he's just doing "research" ), I think I will spring this idea on him. . . . and best of all it's FREE, unless you actually buy a car then its one of the most expensive dates you'll EVER go on!!! :)

Holiday Date

Christmas is the perfect time to snuggle, sip hot chocolate and hold mittened hands. Gilman's Village is an adorable specialty mall in Issaquah (35 minutes from Seattle) with about 40 unique boutiques that are fun to poke around in. Including a toy shop from other countries, art galleries of local artists and a yummy YUMMY bakery!! During Christmas time they decorate with lights and have carolers (see Schedule). Click here for directions.

The Doghouse

Anyone who has a husband that will be buying them a gift...ever...needs to watch this video. It will have you laughing SO hard...and make you appreciate your husband...hopefully!

The Doghouse

;)

Burn the Floor

This is a blatant and unapologetic plea to my husband:

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! This is possibly the best show in the entire world!!! (in my opinion, obviously)

Burn The Floor

Jan 24, 2009 (Sat)

Tacoma Dome Arena

A sexy sophisticated dance extravaganza combining the sensual and physical chemistry of Ballroom and Latin dancing with a 21st Century edge that has international critics and audiences swooning!

Tickets

Buy Tickets

Tickets on sale now!

$64.50 - $29.50

Groups 12+ call (253) 593-7617

More info website

Burn The Floor Website

Also is playing in San Francisco & Vancouver, Cananda . . . Oh and Germany.

Date-a-rama!

I taught a workshop last night to the older youth about the importance of group dates. While we don't have to group date anymore (unless we want to) I did some research and Shauna helped me come up with a pretty snazzy list. I think you all should pick some of these dates to do!

The best dates are planned yet casual, inexpensive yet fun. Be creative!

Artsy Dates

- First Thursday Free Museums (Seattle Art Museum, EMP, Science Fiction Museum, The Burke Museum, Museum of History and Industry, Museum of Flight and Seattle Asian Art Museum) - First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square (Similar gallery walks happen in Kirkland, Ballard, Fremont and Capitol Hill) – Frye Art Museum (always free) - Free Shakespeare, concerts & movies at Seattle Parks (summer) - Seattle Sculpture Park - Hear the Compline Choir perform every Sunday at 9:30 p.m. at St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E

Seattleite Dates

- Pike's Place Market (goes well with a picture treasure hunt) - Mix-it-up Ice cream on the Ave - Take a tour of Theo Chocolate factory - Folklife Festival, Bite of Seattle, SeaFair - Laser show at the Seattle Science Center - Ferry ride to Bremerton or Bainbridge - Woodland Park Zoo, Aquarium, Pacific Science Center - $5 to go up the Columbia Tower Observation Deck - Feed the Ducks or ride bikes at Greenlake - Watch ships pass through the canal and salmon swim through the "fish ladder" at the Chittenden Locks - Fremont Troll (N 36th St, Seattle, WA)

Sporty Dates

- Cross-country skiing or tubing - River rafting on the Skagit - Miniature golf at Interbay - Canoeing at the UW Arboretum - Driving range at UW - Rollerskating/Iceskating at Highland Ice Arena in Shoreline - Ice Skating at the Seattle Center (winter) - Cheap bowling/pool/DDR at the UW Hub even for non-UW students - Go for a swim at Matthews Beach, Madison Park & Madrona Beach - Kickball, capture the flag or fly kites at any Seattle Park - Hike at Snoqualmie Falls - Batting cages - Rollerblading/biking/or fire pit at Alki Beach -

Just for Fun Dates

- $5 swing or salsa dancing with free lesson ($7 on weekends) at Century Ballroom - Board game, puzzle challenge or charades night - Organize a potluck dinner, and assign people to bring certain dishes or ingredients – Surprise sidewalk chalk someone's driveway (nice things only!) - Wii, DDR, Rock Band or Guitar Hero night at someone's house - Cheap Eats: Dicks & Ivars – $3 movies at Crest Theatre in Shoreline - The Fair (get tickets from school) - A service date (rake a neighbor's leaves, wash windows etc) - Have a contest to find the best/funniest book at a used book store (Twice Sold Tales 905 E John St usually has a $1 rack in front) - Creative Story (write/say one or two lines of a story, the next person continues with another line or two) - St a dollar limit and go to a thrift shop. Then go somewhere wearing the outfits you bought. - Dessert contest (making or eating) - Homemade pizza party - Progressive Dinner - Go berry picking -

Holiday Dates

- Gilman's Village in Issaquah - Snoqualmie Santa Train - Visit a pumpkin patch or corn maze - Christmas lights and hot cocoa - Candycane lane in Ravenna – Bellevue Square's Snowflake Lane

For more ideas, check the newspaperor Internet for free or discounted tickets. Or check out some Seattle events websites for current activities, concerts, festivals and holiday activities!

Keeping the honeymoon alive

i originally posted this on my blog and shauna asked me to post it here as well:

we have several old men couriers who come by work once a week or so from the hospital. they are always cheery with a twinkle in their eye and they have grandpa-y type things to say like, "show me that smile!"

today the courier handed me the envelope and i told him to stay dry... expecting him to quickly be on his way. but he was still standing there.

how long have you been married? he asked.

two years next month, i said.

we're going on 54, he said. may i give you a bit of advice? make sure you do the little things that make him know you still love him. he told me about how he serves his wife by feeding her latte habit. on the days he is a courier he calls her from his last stop and asks her if she'd like a latte. her response, "i've been waiting for you to call all day!" he said he cleans up and does chores for her. when i asked how she shows love to him he said by forgiving him when he forgets birthdays. she also knocks him on the nose to demand smooches.

it was a brief conversation. it lasted but a few minutes and for whatever reason he shared part of himself with me. it does come back to the little things - like surprise chapsticks because i seem to lose mine. critters in the mail. a weekend getaway to a town posing as bavaria. making me fantastic naked pasta when i don't want to think about cooking.

i should probably start smacking him on the nose to redeem my smooches!

Quick & Easy Romance

I was recently blessed with an adorable baby boy. Needless to say, diaper changing and sore nipples have taken precedence to thoughts of romance, let alone going on a date. My darling husband bless his heart (I think desperate for some one on one time) surprised me with a sweet and simple gesture. He picked up some scrumptious chocolate hazelnut gelato, lit some candles and we enjoyed a solid uninterrupted 5 minutes reconnecting over the kitchen table. . . . perfection!

Portland Gems

If you have ever plan to Seattle's little sister Portland here is what you need to know.
Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe has delectable truffles and sweets shaped like animals, Ice cream cones, baskets, etc.
AND
Papa Haydn is the place for the BEST dessert! Some of the desserts we have had were titled White Chocolate Mousse Charlotte and Passion. Their shortbread cookies dipped in dark chocolate are wonderful. Please do not miss out next time you are in Portland make this your date!

Surprise Clean Sweep

Organize his closet, put his shirts together, his pants, his ties, his shoes. Buy matching hangers or storage. This is an easy way to put a smile on his face and doesn't take that much time to prepare!

Special Date

For a very special date, return to the place where it all began. Where ever you sealed the deal (marriage or proposal) , at a church, temple, garden or a beach, take a picnic or flowers and dessert and sit where you can see it. It doesn't have to be the exact location especially if you've moved since then but someplace that is similar. Then eat your lovely meal and reminisce about that day and every year since you've been married. If you really want to get into it, write some vows or a poem or just let them know how special they are to you.

Don't Change

Some of you may have heard "Don't Change" by Musiq Soulchild on this site's playlist. The first time I heard it was with the music video and I cried myself silly (no, I wasn't pregnant at the time). So if you feel like getting sappy and lovey watch this and make sure you watch it til the end.

#304 "Walk a mile in his shoes"

Rethink your romantic gestures:

* After an especially tough week, he'd probably prefer a massage to going out dancing.
* Don't bring her flowers when what she really needs is two hours of peace and quiet.
* Does she need a quiet respite- or an exciting change of pace?

Plan accordingly.

-Gregory Godek (1001 ways to be Romantic)
Click here for foot massage tutorial.

Bring Sexy Back

Frederick's of Hollywood is a great place for some sexy new lingerie w/out feeling like you're breaking the bank for something you're only going to wear for a few minutes. They also carry plus sizes. This store always has AMAZING SALES!

Click here for online store. Have fun! ;)

Installing a husband

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slowdown in overall system performance -- particularly in the flower and jewelery applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable programs such as AFL 5.0, The Ashes 3.0, and Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed, Desperate

............ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ....

Dear Desperate:

First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an Operating System.

Please enter the command: 'http: I Thought You Loved Me.html' and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewellery 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, or Video game Hour 7.0 .

Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources).

Also, do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance.

We recommend Food 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Unleashing your inner temptress

Ever want to unleash your inner temptress? Urban Striptease Aerobics takes some of the basic moves of a striptease and combines them with aerobic elements to create a fun, energizing and sexy workout. The classes are women only and nobody takes off their clothes. ;) It's just a fun way to get some exercise and who knows? It could even spice up your love life. Needless to say, I don't think your husband will complain.

Several gyms offer these classes in the Seattle area as well as Federal Way, Kirkland, and Edmonds (check into paying for individual classes instead of buying a membership). And if you are out of state- TX, NM, MA, IL, NC, VA, OH, FL, ID, and Vancouver, BC also have classes. Click on this site for more info and specific locations. I took one of these classes near the college I attended and LOVED it!!

If taking a class is COMPLETELY out of your comfort zone, consider buying a DVD you can get a sexy workout in your own living room. Pretty sure you can find DVDs on amazon or ebay. I hear Carmen Electra also has a striptease workout DVD.

Might have a hard time ending this date . . .

Theo Chocolate, The Factory is an organic chocolate factory in Fremont. I haven't been yet but it sounds pretty interesting and very yummy, lots of taste testing. Thanks to Keri (& Zoram) for the great date idea, hope you guys get to go soon.

Retail store is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Public tours are available 7 days a week at 10 am, 12 pm, 2pm and 4pm. The tour is $5 per person ages 1 and older.

**PLEASE CALL (206)632-5100 TO MAKE A RESERVATION and for information on extended tour schedule during the holidays.

Click here for link to site.

Sandy beach getaway

Sometimes don't your toes just crave the sand? Jetty Island in Everett is just the perfect fix! It's a 2 mile long man-made sandy island with a 3 minute ferry ride . . . for FREE! Lay out your beach towels and soak up the sun with a romantic little picnic and make sure you bring a swimsuit and a kite! Last time we brought card games and water guns. Here's a link to their brochure w/ directions and calender.

The Relationship Report Card- a practical tool for change and improvement.

Does your relationship need some reflection and re-evaluation? Try this exercise:

INSTRUCTIONS-
* You grade yourself and your partner.
* Get your partner to grade him or herself and you.
* Compare and discuss your grades; you'll gain great insight into your relationship.
* Celebrate everything from a B- to an A+.
* Work to improve your Cs and Ds and Fs.



Grade Yourself Grade Partner
Affection
Arguing Skills
Attitude
Commitment
Communication
Considerate
Couple Thinking
Creativity
Empathy
Flexibility
Friendship
Generosity
Gift-giving Skills
Honesty
Household Mgmt.
Listening Skills
Lovemaking
Patience
Playfulness
Romance
Self-Awareness
Self-Esteem
Sense of Humor
Sensitivity
Spontaneity
Tolerance

How would you grade your relationship?

A = Passionate, exciting, loving, fulfilling; not perfect- but clearly excellent.
B = Very good, solid, better- than-most, consistent, improving.
C = Average, acceptable, status quo, okay- but static, ho-hum, sometimes boring.
D = Below average, unhappy, dismal; bad- but not hopeless.
F = Hopeless, depressing, dangerous; tried everything, it didn't work.

Taken from 1001 ways to be Romantic- Gregory Godek

#137 of 1001 Ways to be Romantic by Gregory Godek

"Breakfast in bed is 'nice' -but rather common, don't you think?" said one couple in (my) romance class. "We think the class would be interested in one of our favorite pastimes: Dinner in bed!"

New Secret Hole in the Wall

Bizarro Italian Cafe

(206) 632-7277

1307 N 46th St
Seattle, WA 98103

Located in Wallingford, off Stoneway and 46th, I'm finding hard to find words to describe how fabulous I think this restaurant is. The decor is very appropriately bizarre, every time I go, I find a million new things on the ceiling or tucked away in a corner. The atmosphere is romantic and it feels like you've stumbled on a secret treasure. All of their ingredients are bought within 300 miles. The dishes that I've tried have been wonderful. The menu is a little pricey, $14-$22 but for a special occasion- WORTH IT!!! I've also read some poor reviews regarding staff but I'm happy to say that every waiter we've had has been delightful. Also, for dessert, Gelati is a MUST - I love chocolate hazelnut. I can't wait to go back!

oh canada!

dear ladies,

yes this week is the 4th of july, also known as independence day, but we decided we'd sneak away to victoria. (go figure we'd celebrate the 4th in a foreign country but it's not my first time! in 2006 i celebrated peruvian style).

anyways... we are thinking of doing the victoria clipper and going to the gardens etc. we aren't planning on having a car there... has anyone been? or does anyone have any pointers, suggestions, etc?

thank you,

seeking to celebrate the 4th in the north

Take it to the bank!

This week my husband received some love advise from a very wise doctor. This is not a direct quote:

Marriage is a bank. Sometimes we forget and only focus on making withdrawals. But in order to make withdrawals we need to remember to DEPOSIT, DEPOSIT, DEPOSIT!

Thanks Dr. Tinney, will you be my love guru?

Krua: Thai Family Kitchen

Don't be turned off by the awful mustard yellow sign...we found our fabulous take-out restaurant!! Krua Thai Family Kitchen delivers some of the most delicious Thai food I have ever eaten. They are located right by Kidd Valley on 25th. They offer free delivery within the U-District on orders over $15. The service was awesome - they were really friendly and we had our food delivered to our door within 30 minutes. I highly recommend the yellow curry fried rice and the "cashew delight." I've been craving the fried rice ever since...and no, I'm not pregnant.

I have never stepped foot inside the restaurant and judging from the outside, I wouldn't have expected it to be this cute. Rob and I wondered if these pictures are for real. :) So let me know if you've been there!



So put the kids to bed early and enjoy a fabulous, inexpensive ($7-11/dish) dinner delivered to your door!

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 11:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 11:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 9:30pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Lunch is served daily until 3:00pm. Dinner Menu is available all day.

Greek for the whole family

So this is my first Married and Still Dating posting which I know is long over-due but I do have a good recommendation. Scott and I try and go out every week but for several reasons we always have Eve with us. Therefore our criteria of a good place to eat is a little different. Good food is an obvious. I'm a vegetarian so that limits our choices even more. We tend to like privately owned places where the ambiance is unique and the help is nice and child-friendly. And if it's relatively close by that's a definite plus as well.

We've found several places that we like but one of our favorites is a Greek cafe (Montlake area) called Vios. Mediterranean food is my absolute favorite so I'm partial from the get-go. I would definitely recommend Vios for diner rather than lunch as the dinner menu is more varied. It is a little pricey for the amount of food that you get so don't go there if you're ravenous. But the quality of the food and especially of the experience is wonderful. Much better than the more popular Greek restaurant Costas Opa in Ballard. The best dinner (family-style) we've had there was:

Trio Sampler w/pita (hummus, babaganoush and tzatziki) - $10.25
Roasted Eggplant Salad - $9.00
and the Cheese Plate - $9.25

But the best thing about Vios isn't the food, the ambiance (old wood tables and Greek flags) or the waitress that looks and acts like the aunt on My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It's the play area. One corner of the restaurant is walled off and is filled with toys and books. There is even a bar along the wall so you can eat while you watch your kids play. It is so nice, especially compared to our usual restaurant circus, I mean experience.

Play Area/Parent's Salvation

Greek Orthodox Church right by Vios;
a nice authentic touch

Take-Out, Anyone?

Today is our anniversary and we thought it would be fun to order take-out and watch a movie after the kids are in bed. However, when I started brainstorming restaurants, I realized that I don't know of that many! Do you have any recommendations for fabulous take-out? Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, or anything other cuisine? Do they deliver? This is making me hungry!!!

Olympic Peninsula

Okay, so this is more of a plea for help then a date suggestion. We are going to the Olympic Peninsula with my parents at the end of May. However, I have never been and I don't know where to stay. (We will be there for two nights.) Does anyone have any suggestions on good places to stay and/or must sees while we are over there?

Thanks!

A Romantic boat ride

A picnic lunch and pair of sunglasses are all you need for this active and romantic date. Rent a canoe or rowboat at the University of Washington Water Activities Center and row around Washington Park to little islands with trails and perfect picnic/makeout spots. Also, bring a camera for the beautiful wildlife and cute pictures for blogging!

UW Students	$4.00/hour
UW Faculty/Staff	$5.50/hour
UW Alumni	$7.00/hour
General Public	$7.50/hour

They only accept check or cash.