Future Michelin Chef

The winter stomach bug has found our house. Ethan is home sick from school today. Because there was an aggregate three hours of house slumber, per Murphy's Law Of Kids Staying Up Late, Ethan woke up at dawn.

While I begged for "just ten more minutes" of sleep, Ethan busied himself in the kitchen. I heard some slamming about downstairs, but figured as long as the smoke alarms were not going off, we were good. I would get out of bed if the firetrucks arrived.

While I was still warmly wrapped in the blankets, Ethan presented me with the final product of all the slamming -- breakfast-in-bed -- a paper plate full of Nilla Wafers and a still-wrapped-in-cellophane Kraft cheese slice, platescaped with a flower from the dining room.

I pink puffy heart my momma's boy.

True Romance

In case anyone is at a loss for what to do for Valentine's Day, I found this very simple evening on the W Hotel website ... this is a real thing, I am not making this up ...

A few comments:

1) Personal body chocolatier!?!

2) I want to stay in an Extreme WOW suite. I wonder how it differs from a regular WOW suite?

3) One more time ... personal body chocolatier!?! What if you are allergic to chocolate? Could you use something else? Maybe ... I don't know ... like, ranch dressing? No, that probably would not sculpt well. Wait - I got it - mashed potatoes would be perfect. You can totally sculpt with mashed potatoes. I want to call to ask, just because I am curious.

W Website - Who's Looking for the Ultimate Lover's Lounge Package?

A Valentine's Day that will truly blow your mind! Leave reality behind and enter W Washington D.C.'s true world of WOW. Swarovski crystals and Louis Vuitton to live Maine lobster and Italian white truffles on a private chopper ride... this package offers you a true W Whatever/Whenever experience for him and her.

Your experience includes:

- An Extreme WOW suite
- Late check-out at 4pm
- Full service VIP helicopter ride at sunset to Monticello for a private wine tasting where you will enjoy champagne and a selection of fine cheeses, Italian white truffles and chocolates during your ride
- VIP car service to chauffeur you to and from your helicopter
- In-room couple massage by Bliss spa - 'a virtual countdown to butter'
- 'Bliss-ful' water closet packed with full-sized Bliss products for him and her
- Custom menu featuring master creations: Kobe steak dinner and Maine lobster for two, Valentine's Day private breakfast-in-bed, including everything and anything you ever wanted
Bottomless champagne flutes in your suite
- VIP table for two at POV with a personalized cocktail created by W's Director of Bar Concepts, just for you
- Personal Body Chocolatier to mold 'Whatever/Whenever' for him and her
- Photo Shoot for her and personalized calendar to give to her boo on Valentine's Day (including personal stylist, hair and makeup artist)
- 24 hour personal whatever/whatever agent
- In-room Zegna custom suit fitting and cufflink bar for him
- Little red dress rack and personal tailor for her
- Louis Vuitton luggage loaded with lingerie for her
- Hair by a legendary Frederic Fekkai stylist for him and her
- Custom Swarovski crystal monogram pajamas for him and her
- W Camera

Be WOWed for $27,999

** Due to the exclusive nature of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you must call 202.661.2462 to reserve this package. This package is NOT bookable online.

Happy February 1st

Hope this month brings you some love.

I put this together for Valentine's Day. It is a little early, but usually I am twenty minutes late, so on balance, this works out. I am not usually a fan of sappy scrapbook quotes, but I am feeling a little sentimental these days, sue me ...

To my infinitely patient husband: Thank you for putting up with me for the past twelve-and-a-half years, though you've only been legally obligated to do so for nine.

You are a strong person, a good husband, and an excellent father. Thank you for being by my side through the years.

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