unruly things

you probably best know Lisa Warninger as the lady behind the camera on Urban Weeds.  but have you seen how talented of a photographer she is?  I popped on to her blog today, Urban Sunroom, which is a collaboration between herself and stylist Rebecca Westby, and was seriously blown away by this shoot, Melissa at the Falls.  seriously stunning work.

and Portlanders, you’re in luck!  looking for something special for Valentine’s Day?  Lisa is scheduling Boudoir mini photoshoots January 24 and 25.  Makeup, wardrobe, set, location, photography.  it’s bound to be amazing.

just like last year, kate spade gathered some amazing artists to create e-cards for Valentines day. I think they’re kind of hawt don’t you?
{from kate spade}

when I spied this on Smitten today, I had to jump over to the site to see more. then, when I found this one, I grinned from ear to ear and immediately said it to dlb. tetris is big in our house, constantly battling for the high score. but since it was so out of the blue, of course he didn’t get why I was saying it, which made me grin even more, but I thought it was funny all the same. and like Joanna, of course I just had to come up with some of my own too:{from I love you more than blank}

I was excited to hear your plans for Valentine’s day, and how you’d be spending it. I have to say, I’m a little envious of Jen’s plans to have sushi and gossip night with the girls. makes me think of my girls and our sushi nights with martinis and sake back in Florida. but tonight will be spent with my best friend and favorite person ever. we will continue a tradition started last year of cooking dinner together and spending the night at home, with no distractions. in honor of Valentine’s day I base our meal on aphrodisiacs to inspire all things associate with love.
here’s my menu for this year, with the aphrodisiacs in red:
honey soy glazed salmon
fresh green salad with ginger dressing
rosemary potatoes
chocolate covered figs
a fancy vanilla bean cheesecake with cranberry jewel topping – which I’m waiting to bake on Saturday when I have more time.
with dinner we’ll be having Fantôme Saison and with dessert, Oud Beersel Framboise. if you haven’t had a real Framboise lambic, not the syrupy mass-produced kind, I highly suggest you try one. they are pink and fruity and mixed with lots of pucker goodness and pair well with chocolate and berries.

so! with love from us to you… I wish you a happy Valentine’s day!
{a special happy congratulations to Marta and Dan, who are expecting a little bundle of joy in August!}
{and thanks to Jess for the awesome Love Songs Compilation. I’m jammin’ to it at work!}

send your own valentine here. view the whole gallery by clicking be mine.
{from kate spade, via lena}

maybe I don’t mind hearts and pink all that much. especially when it comes in cookie form.
so what will you be doing this Valentine’s day? I’m curious to know how you spend the hallmark holiday, whether attached or not. I’ll probably be at home, maybe drinking a pink beverage, maybe eating some yummy treats, maybe watching a lovely movie… with dlb and two furry rats.
{from a & co}

last night dlb was craving a beer, so after he picked me up from work we decided to head over to Rogue for a beer and some dinner. while their food is not anything to rave about, Rogue has got it down to a science when it comes to their tasty microbrewed beers.
it just so happened, that last night was the official release party of their Imperial Red Ale. it packs in a big punch at 9% abv, but the alcohol is hidden among it’s full fruity and caramel flavors. topped off with a pinch of sweet brown sugar, this American Strong Ale is a pretty good brew.
Rogue Portland is hosting a Beer and Chocolate tasting this Valentines day. 10 craft beers, 10 artisan chocolates. drinking beer and tasting chocolate with your love? it sounds like fun. for more info, see the flyer here.
{from rogue}

are the key to my heart.
{from rare device, via 2 or 3 things}

send your valentine the perfect card.
these perfect pear cards are in my shop, along with others.

Denise from d. Sharp Journal is having a giveaway on her blog for this cute glittery heart shaped box. if you know me, you know that I was immediately attracted to this when I saw that lovely skeleton key. rather than divulge who holds the key to your heart, she’s putting a little twist on the age old saying by asking us a question from the other point of view – what is the key to holding your heart? leave a comment on her post anytime between now and Monday 9am {PST} to enter to win this sweet glitter heart box.
{from d.sharp}