The Cupcake Sweetheart Box

Sweeties for the sweetheart - an entire box of them. This week at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes get the Sweetheart Box of cupcakes for your special Valentine. Or maybe just treat yourself, in case you just want to make sure that you get your cupcake fix for the week.

Four luscious cupcakes, four different flavors. All enclosed in that nice white pastry box that makes you perk up and say "treats"!

Fortune Cake (green tea cake with green tea buttercream), Have a Heart (raspberry frosting, brownie heart and chocolate cake), Red Queen (cinnamon cake with cinnamon buttercream) and Strawberry Fondue (strawberry cake with white chocolate frosting)

The "Have a Heart" Cupcake.

The "Fortune Cake" Cupcake.

Valentine's Day and Chinese New Years fall on the same day this year - Sunday, February 14th. For me, that is rather a let down, as I like to celebrate both holidays independently. Based upon the lunar calendar, Chinese New Years falls on the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. I guess I will console myself with a cupcake. Oops, looks like I already did!

PS - It's the year of the Tiger. " Those born in tiger years are natural leaders and excel as actors, pilots, writers, and managers. They are authoritative, courageous, emotional, and intense."

I say that 2010 sure could use some "tiger" in it's tank.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Open on Valentine's Day, folks!

When flowers say it best

Valentine's Day is bigger than any holiday where "saying it with flowers" is concerned. That's why it was essential to go down to Cugini Florist and see what they had for everyone's sweethearts. That place just makes me want to remember where I hid my plastic - again.

The gift selection is always a treat - and there is something for both a little moola and a lot. (I mean, how good is your honey to you these days? How good do you want them to be? Hmmmm)

Aside from all the red and pink and sweet all over, Cugini's has spring in the air - everywhere.

These strawberry mugs and whatnots are on my radar. I'm sorry - I just can't help myself.


Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, folks and Cugini's will be open from 9-5 to assist you with your sweetheart pleasing needs. Remember, shopping local is cool and helps our town economy to refuel.


Cugini Florist and Fine Gifts
413 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 255-3900
Get directions

Cugini's at Christmas

What would Christmas be without a trip to the prettiest of floral and gift shops in town? Cugini Florist does the most amazing and unique shopping for us throughout the year. Within their doors I see precious items that are not to be found elsewhere. This time of year it is especially resplendent in the decorations of the season.

The little handbags decorating this tree have had to be reordered three times already. What girl doesn't want a new bag for the holidays, regardless of the size.

Every ornament on every tree in the store is for sale - so you don't have to worry if you see something so pretty you just have to have it - it's yours.

Poinsettias are a classic at this time of year and there is every color and hue.



This is a personal favorite - she looks so hard at work with her holiday baking.


Gifts are Cugini's specialty, right after those beautiful flowers and plants for which they are so well known.


Oliver, the resident cat, approves all purchases - unless he is too busy napping. The holidays can be so draining.

Cugini Florist and Fine Gifts
413 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 255-3900
Get directions

Mug of Flowers and Birthday Wishes

Mug o' Flowers $5

This beauty was just one of a pair that Deb at Girlfriend's Gifts, Antiques and Floral whipped up for me for the birthday girl today. It came with a lovely balloon in purple attached as well - just to lighten things up a bit.
Deb has a wonder of things in her store and the best floral arrangements in town. You can call ahead and work out exactly what you need - or just drop in and ask her for a "Deb Special".

920 South Third Street
(425)687-2778/(206)261-2802

Mother's Day Shopping Happens on Third Street

Deb at Girlfriennd's Antiques, Gifts and Florals has some really adorable planters full of fresh flowering blooms for you to give to Mom. Located at 920 S. Third and she will open at 10. You never know what other goodies may be lurking there - I adore this woman's vintage window displays!

Feathered Nest has the most endearing interior and so many lovely treasures that any Mother in the world would adore - I am especially fond of the scented candle selections and the wonderful lamp displays. There is also a 30% storewide sale that is applied to almost everything - with those prices you can shop like you want - one for you, then one for Mom. Sue Moeller will be open 11 am - 5:30, and that's at 914 S. Third.

Mary Clymer of Happy Delusions is having a Celebrate Mom Party at her store that begins tonight at 5pm. A little wine, tasty nibbles and some drawings to be held that evening for gift baskets - oh la la.

Two of the artists represented in the store - ALex Sandlin and Ladora Bornum, will be bringing in a special selection of artwork for the evening's gathering.

Alex Sandlin, know for her lovely paintings of girls with large, pouty eyes, will have eleven full sized canvases of new work for our special viewing pleasure.

Ladora Barnum will be bringing a selection of her pottery. Ladora does a series of hanging dolls with porcelain faces and flowing robes that I am personally very partial too - I have one in my bedroom and on my front door! Mary's store opens at 10 am today - 924 S. Third St.

As always, Shop Local and remember to give your Mom some love - she deserves it!

$5 Dollars is all you need for this Gift this Season...
Girlfriends on S.Third has the best deal in town - a cheerful mug filled with gorgeous, longlasting flowers and greens for a mere five dollars -how can you beat that, I ask ya!? These here are mine, but I left a lot of good looking stuff behind the other day, because I'm known to be generous to other poor shoppers, like yourselves at this time of year. So, hurry up - you can afford one for yourself at this price - or for your workmate,Mom, kitchen table, or a "just because" somethin' for a worthy soul.
920 South Third Street
(425)687-2778/(206)261-2802