{ Flowers in teacups at a friend’s bridal shower }

I’m back from a whirlwind Northwest trip last week, and ready to get back to some “normal” foods and eating schedules. Or, at least, I’m definitely making it to the grocery store this week. I’m also considering making a big pot of Simple Cabbage Soup to ration and eat for lunch throughout the week as a kind of “detox” to go along with the home-cooked vegetarian dinners I’ve got planned. But either way, dinner’s going to be delicious in my house this week!

Monday: Pumpkin and Black Bean Chili

Tuesday: Sweet Potato and Gruyere Turnovers

Wednesday: Cuban Black Beans and Mexican Rice

Thursday: Polenta with Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms

Friday: Dinner out!

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Mushroom Risotto

“I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart) I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)…”

– e. e. Cummings

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, if you couldn’t tell from all the jewelry ads that have been incessantly running on t.v. since the end of Christmas. I’m definitely looking forward to getting my more innocuous commercials back after this holiday is over, especially because I don’t buy into any of those this-is-really-meaningful-because-we-say-it-is jewelry designs… don’t even get me started on the ‘open hearts’ thing (I mean really, it makes me think of open relationships whenever I hear about/see them, and that’s not what I want my jewelry to symbolize).

But this… this I can get behind.

{ White Bronze Anatomical Heart Locket from Peggy Skemp Jewelry, via Etsy. $200 }

There’s something so timeless (and un-fad-y) about the anatomical heart, especially when done as a small token to give to a significant other. I feel like this piece definitely embodies the classic e.e. cummings poem above, especially if it were given with a heart-felt message inside the locket.

{ Anatomical Heart Necklace from Lost Apostle, via Etsy. }

This one has the same thought behind it, but without the locket function – still a fun twist on the traditional Valentine’s Day gift. Lost Apostle also has some other pretty awesome charms and necklaces to offer as well (I’m especially digging the winged pigs) – definitely pop over for a visit!

{ Heart in a Jar from Kiva Ford, via Etsy. $95.00 }

Not in to wearing anatomically correct charms? There are cute versions in miniature cloches from Kiva Ford that would go nicely on a desk at work or a small vignette at home.  They also sell super cute pink brains, too. You could get a collection for your beau – especially pertinent if they’re in the medical field.

{ Anatomical Heart Letterpress Card from Steel Petal Press, via Etsy. $4.00 }

Honestly, I don’t really care about getting Valentine’s Day presents… and don’t really give them. What I appreciate more is a lovely card – handmade is especially awesome – with a personal note from the sender. This anatomical heart card would definitely be a keepsake for my bulletin board, perhaps next to the text of e.e. cummings’ famous poem. You could even buy a rubber stamp and make your own cards with anatomical hearts on them.

So I’m sticking to real hearts for Valentine’s Day this year – as well as real sentiment – for the people I love. They will be able to carry my heart with theirs. And thank goodness for Etsy!

Well… we survived the Super Bowl, but just barely.  Only one dish was completely ruined, and only one container was completely melted in the oven, so I guess it wasn’t that bad.  I made Jalapeno Popper Wontons, Pulled Pork, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, homemade rolls, Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars, and Chocolate Coconut Bars – plus many of our guests brought dishes to contribute also! It was quite the shindig, and as a result I’ve spent most of the day recuperating… and trying to convince myself to do the dishes. Ha!

We’ll be taking it a bit easier on the cooking this week, and throwing a few new recipes in with some tried-and-true (and easy!) favorites.

Monday: Pre-prepared madras lentils over brown rice

Tuesday: Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and something green on the side

Wednesday: Red curry with tofu and veggies, served over rice

Thursday: Pumpkin and Black Bean Chili

Friday: Mexican Rice and Cuban Black Beans

Saturday & Sunday: I’m not sure what the food sitch is going to be for these days, but hopefully it’ll involve at least one round of Japanese!

If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, check out my Delicious Dinner Ideas and Soups and Stews pinboards for some tasty inspiration!

{ Huckleberry white chocolate mocha from Colter Coffee in Kalispell, Montana }