Good Morning!

What a great weekend!  I was at the Bellevue Home Show on Friday and Saturday and got to meet some fun people - see people who came just for me (hooray!) - and sell a few books.  I also got to hang out with John Howie (John Howie Steak and Seastar) and his charming wife - and eat some of his food, yum!  In case you missed the Home Show, have no fear, I'll be at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show at the end of February.  That looks like it will be an awesome show - not just with good speakers, but the gardens are out of this world!  Can't wait to be inspired!

This weekend I also started to think about all of the things I have coming up in February.  Possibly the most important is Pearl's first birthday in two weeks!  We are planning a major blow out similar to Lars' first birthday - but this time with balloons.  I have found tons of balloon inspiration because I am -evidently- not the only one loving balloons right now.  I have already sent out invitations. I printed the information then watercolor painted a pink balloon on each one.  Super simple and super cute.  Today we are exploring our options for filling the house with balloons, finding a balloon cake, and testing out cake pops to see if I can make a balloon shape.

We're also starting to think about Valentine's for Lars to give out to his teachers, cousins, grandparents, etc.  I want it to be something he makes, but I also don't want it to just be a few scribbles on construction paper. He's 3, that's about where we are right now.  But I've found a few ideas that have lead to some inspiration. A trip to the craft store and the fabric store today should help.

Lastly, I'm trying to find recipes with Ras el Hanout.  My sister picked some up for me while she was in Morocco and I'm anxious to use it.  But on what?  Given that they are just "the best of the shop" I'm not entirely sure what's in it.  The way it smells, it could go on anything and be amazing.  But I'm on a hunt for recipes - thank goodness for Marcus Samuelsson.

Also - I swear I'm not that annoyed - but I missed Alt Summit this year because I had already committed to the Bellevue Home Show (which was great, by the way).  I lived vicariously through everyone's tweets, blogs, and photos.  And today I get to read all of the recaps.  I love this one from my friend Kathleen of Twig and Thistle.  Don't worry, it's already on the calendar for next year so I don't forget!!


:: Valentine Ideas :: 
Hand holding a Lollipop Valentine
Tissue Paper Heart
Valentine Bags (just check that your printer can handle a bag.  I ruined a printer once...)
Ribbon Flower via Design Mom
Everything else from Martha Stewart