Party planning

I'm not sure how I'm going to use these, but I love this DIY ribbon decor template from Creature Comforts. Maybe I can paste 2 together, put on a toothpick, and stick on the top of cupcakes? The paper bag is adorable too....

I Still Love You

...is my new favorite blog. Look at all the fun things she makes!

One of my faves is this mobile for her baby girl. I wanna make one for myself!


Check out I Still Love You here.

Best Present

Paul got "us" something this Valentine's Day - he got our marriage certificate framed. Yay! It looks so good hung up on the wall....and I love walking by and seeing the names of folks who were a part of our special day. Pretty awesome, if I say so myself...

Heart You

Here are a few special deliveries that went out to friends this Valentine's Day...




The only time I get flowers from Paul is on Valentines Day. Luckily, he goes big!

Anticipation of Spring...

Paul and I had a glorious weekend adventure in Big Sur (pics to follow soon)...and being out in the spring-like weather made me think of gardening. Now that we're in a new place, what are we going to plant, and when? I'm ready right now...though it might be a little early. Here's some inspiration for the urban gardener...

fun planters from Burgon & Ball

garden-in-a-bag

...and for Harvest time...

these jars are my favorite! (also from Burgon & Ball)

Cupcakes

I've read reviews in the New Yorker multiple times about street vending cupcake trucks in New York city (like a taco truck, only with cupcakes). It would make me sad because I was unaware of any "bakeries on wheels" in the bay area. Well, I had my first experience today (thanks Natalia!) right here in downtown Berkeley. The Cupkates truck was super cute and you could smell sweet smells coming out of it. I was a little overambitious about bought 4 (at $2.75/piece, that's pretty pricey, but I figured they would be valentine's day treats). I kept it simple getting 1 chocolate, 1 vanilla, 1 lemon-raspberry, and 1 red velvet. YUM! Now, I haven't had them yet (last day of the cleanse)...but am saving these goodies for breakfast tomorrow. With a nice strong cup of coffee. And my valentine :)

Happy Valentines Day to all!

Day 5

I'm on Day 5 of my cleanse - this being the most stressful time of the year for me (aka eating and drinking alot), I thought it would be in the best interest of my liver (and colon) to have a break. So, I've been dairy, carb, and alcohol free for 5 days. The last time I did this cleanse was killer, this time it's actually not so bad. I've been filling myself with Mary's Gone Crackers (which I eat even if I'm not on a cleanse), lots of avocados, almond butter, and roasted veggies. I'm not gonna lie, I'm still having a cup of coffee per day (which really is discouraged), but I think that's what has kept me from getting the shakes.

photo by smittinkitchen.com

Anyway, when this cleanse is done, I'm going to slightly gorge myself on this simple pasta dish found on smittinkitchen.com. It's called spaghetti with cheese + black pepper, and is similar to my favorite simple pasta dish (sans balsamic vinegar). In this recipe, it seems like you kind of fry the spaghetti noodles in oil, then douse with the remaining pasta water and cheese. mmm...gooey cheese....

Another project

I'm not sure if I've announced this on my blog, but my brother and his girlfriend Dana are getting married in July in San Diego. Wahoooo, another summer of weddings! Just thinking about them is getting me all excited, mostly because I AM NOT the one planning them, I just get to help here and there with the best parts.

So, my mom, step-mom and I will be throwing Dana a bridal shower this spring, and of course I'm already beginning to plan - venue, decor, invites. And guess what, I opened my inbox and there was an email from PaperSource, highlighting their store workshops. There's one on Perfect Shower Invites that I'm hoping to attend. Any other takers??

Dirty teeth

The past few weeks (and months), my colleagues and I have been gearing up for this hugely important meeting of NWP folks in Berkeley. Site leaders come from across the country to read grant proposals, and it's a very intense, methodical process. We've gone through all of the materials, packed up 30 boxes, triple checked name tags - and now we're ready to roll. People are coming in tonight and tomorrow, with the show starting on Friday morning. I'll be working all weekend long, running errands, chatting, printing response letters, and making sure that there's enough dark chocolate on the premises. This is my third Annual Review, and I'm not gonna lie: it's the hardest event I've ever worked. Even harder than working a 5 day Desolation trip with 15 annoying kids (being dehydrated, no less!) Needless to say, I'm ready for Monday morning so I can sleep in, relax, and have a moment to myself. Believe me, the work doesn't end this weekend, but the hardest part does....

Wish me luck!

Oh, and the title of the post? I forgot to brush my teeth today my mind is so out of it. I know, gross!

New friends

A Christmas present from Paul...to add to my collection of other random animal salt & pepper shakers.