Introducing THE perfect dessert treat for your celebration. Sarah Bellum’s Bakery & Workshop offers delectable sweet and savory cupcakes that look adorable and taste amazing. Even better, they do it with a purpose. Since opening in SW Portland six months ago, the not-for-profit bakery has provided return-to-work opportunities for adults with acquired brain injury. Small but mighty, the team at Sarah Bellum’s hopes to raise awareness about brain injury while delivering a scrumptious product. The ingenious name – a nod to the cerebellum in the brain – will give you some idea of the heart and humor at work here. With advance notice, the bakery can delivery a variety of mini or full sized cupcakes for your wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, celebration of life and receptions of all sizes. Check out the full range of flavors on their menu page. It’s hard to pick favorites but the cheddar chive savory is always a hit, as is the salted caramel. And the lemon-blueberry. And the chocolate-raspberry. And … okay you get the idea. Organic, bargain priced, delicious, gluten-free/vegan options and all for a fabulous cause. This is a love story that everyone can celebrate. TIP: You can also send guests home with a treat for fido – exclusive PUPcake gourmet dog treats.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Bellum’s Bakery & Workshop.
Here’s a great way to make romance come to life. Create a visual representation using the time honored art of collage. You can do it on your own or invite friends to join you and make it a collage party. Supply the glue sticks, mat boards and magazines. Calendars, photos, book marks, greeting cards, ticket stubs … you name it and it can be re-purposed into your new work of art. It’s so interesting to see what the finished product will look like – sometimes it can surprise you and take a totally different turn. Be sure to date your collage and snap a photo of it for a keepsake. Put the finished artwork in a place of honor to inspire your dreams and to help you keep a festive heart. I’ll be featuring some favorite collages that I’ve created over the years. This one I call Bliss which demonstrates the soft, sweet, sparkling elements of authentic love. 
You don’t have to be a book lover to love these stories. Powell’s Books shared a sweet collection of real life romance experienced by their customers as told by the couples themselves. If you’ve ever been to The City of Books you’ll have an even better understanding of how love can bloom in this iconic bookstore filled with charm and funky character. 
It’s that time of year again. Every Valentine’s Day, Steve Smith, a favorite Portland tea blender, releases its signature 
I love getting holiday greetings from my couples. The love glows right through the envelope! It makes that special day snap right back in view along with all the smiles and sweetness of the occasion. Whether its newlyweds celebrating their first Christmas as husband and wife, or couples marking their fifth – it’s wonderful to be able to share in the love again. I’m also happy to see the tradition of snail mail greetings is alive and well. Keep those much appreciated cards coming all you lovely Mr. & Mrs’s. Note: Featured card just arrived from Nona and Jeromie Hunter. 
Love – pure and simple – was on display yesterday in all its beauty at the wedding of Midori and James. The Seattle couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends at a private lake house in Snohomish County. The bride’s parents flew in from Japan and the groom’s parents attended from Atlanta. The ceremony featured a traditional “red string of fate” unity ritual as well as a presentation of pink rose pendants to each of the Mom’s. The presentation and the exchange of vows was translated in both Japanese and 
Korean by the couple’s friend, Kyoung hee. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a lavish dinner featuring Northwest cuisine catered by 
Guests from as far away as New York and Illinois gathered Saturday evening for the wedding of Alice and Kevin. Both the ceremony and reception were hosted at the 
A FESTIVE HEART 