When this guy proposed, we’d only been dating for 68 days, but he actually asked me when I would consider getting engaged after just two phone conversations. 😅 We hadn’t even met. That’s how certain he was. Any rational person would’ve run away at that point, but I knew there was something worth pursuing. When I met his parents and his friends, I immediately knew who he was. It is so hard to describe, but it was like all of the dominoes fell into place. I adore his family, who he is, and what he values. Not everyone is as lucky as I am to have married their true soulmate, but I am one of the few who can say without hesitation that I have found my perfect match. This Valentine’s Day, I know there are so many of you who are struggling. Struggling with the quiet. With the ache of loving someone who could not love you back in the way you deserved. Loving until it broke you. I want you to know that love is not always loud when it arrives. Sometimes it is working its way toward you through a thousand unseen turns you cannot yet understand. If you are in a season of waiting, it does not mean you have been forgotten. It simply means you have loved bravely. And brave hearts always find their way home. The kind of love that is meant for you will not confuse you. It will not rush you into fear. It will feel, in the deepest and quietest way, and it will remind you of who you really are. I did not expect mine to arrive the way it did. Fast. Certain. Unmistakable. Believe this, it worth the wait.

The completely unfiltered view from my front porch right now. I love sunsets in the Northwest. 🥹

🪴 Plants are always a yes!!! If Valentine’s Day snuck up on you, too, and you have a gardener in your life that you want to give a thoughtful gift to, @the_plant_farm has so many thoughtful, beautiful options!! ad If cut flowers aren’t your jam, give plants that bring joy long after February 14! This is one stop shopping that is a dose of sunshine. Just walking through here is such a relaxing and inspiring experience! And bonus points for a great discount. 😉 Poinsettia Exchange Details: Guests can bring in poinsettias from anywhere and receive 20% off any houseplant as a thank-you! 🗓 Valid through Saturday, February 14, 2026 Limit one discount per poinsettia. Some exclusions may apply. 🌸 Primroses: 4.5” pots for $3.99 each 💝 Valentine arrangements: Pricing varies by basket size and plant selection This beloved local spot will have you coming back all year long to see what’s new. As always, tell them that we sent you to put a smile on their faces!

💌 NEW!!! Our friends at @maple_street_bistro have theeeeeeee cutest Valentine-inspired drinks available now, and we’ve heard that they just might have a coffee flight coming soon, too!!! 😍 Tag a friend who needs to know.👇🏼

THE SHOW EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT! 🦁ad Seeing @thelionking at @broadwayspokane is one of those rare theater moments that reminds you exactly why this show is studied, referenced, and endlessly talked about. From the opening sequence alone, you can feel the precision of the staging, the intentionality of every movement, and the kind of craft that only comes from decades of refinement. This production is a master class in theatrical storytelling. The puppetry is not just visually stunning, it is narratively *essential*. The choreography is layered and disciplined, the ensemble work is exceptionally tight, and the way the performers move between human and animal form is handled with such control and clarity. Vocally, the cast is OUTSTANDING. The harmonies are full, the solos are grounded and powerful, and the emotional beats land exactly where they should and it all makes you nostalgic for when you first saw the movie with an added layer of emotional depth. 🥹 What makes seeing this show in Spokane so special is the opportunity to experience Broadway level design and performance without compromise. It’s impressive beyond words. The scale of the production, the complexity of the costumes, and the technical precision are exactly what you would expect on a New York stage. 💥 The Lion King is iconic because it respects the intelligence of its audience while delivering something deeply emotional and technically brilliant. If you care about theater as an art form, this is not just a night out. It is a reminder of what musical theater can do at its very best, and couldn’t be more timely.

✨ At @themeltingpot_spokane, happy hour is UNMATCHED! ♥️ ad Gather your friends for a midweek treat, have an unexpected date night, or find an excuse to catch up with a pal without committing to a full meal! Need more deets? 👇🏼 🕓 Daily 4–6 PM 🌙 Fri + Sat 9–10 PM (late-night fondue lovers, this one’s for you) Here’s the scoop: 🧀 ½-price cheese & chocolate fondues 🥗 $5 salads 🍷 $7 house wines 🍸 $7 wells 🍹 $9 select cocktails 🍺 $2 off draft beers Perfect for date night, after-work hangs, or when you just need chocolate and wine immediately. Lounge seating only, first come first served. ✨ Trending Northwest Tip: Happy Hour at The Melting Pot is lounge-only, so reservations can be limited - if you don’t see availability online, calling the restaurant can sometimes unlock a spot! Arrive right at opening for the best chance at snagging half-price fondue and a cozy seat, and put your happiness on your to-do list. 😉🫕🍷

📣 Our latest issue is HERE! This winter’s cover centers on an evocative image by husband-and-wife photographers Chris (@pinupchris) and Rachel Wooley of Heads and Tails Photography, drawing attention to banned books and the enduring power of the written word. We are absolutely honored to share their work and their story at trendingnorthwest.com, and feel it couldn't be more timely.⁠ ⁠ This stunning, artful capture was a partnership with beloved local bookstore Page 42 and model Kitty Goode. From contributor Lily Barnes' article - "From the beginning, the project was rooted in intention. The couple made a conscious decision not to use AI and instead focus on working locally and collaboratively. That choice led them straight to Page 42 Bookstore, a beloved Spokane shop that became an essential partner in the process. Plus, they are a fantastic community resource for some great reads - banned and otherwise.⁠ ⁠ “We spent hours there cross-referencing titles to make sure every book in the image had been banned or challenged at some point,” he explained. “Every single book you see in that photograph has a history.”'⁠ ⁠ Read all about the image, its inspiration and the talented team that brought it together at trendingnorthwest.com. LINK IN BIO! 🖥️

Spokane has a new happy hour hotspot and we are OBSESSED. 🥃✨ @juneandcospokane has officially opened downtown and it’s brought to you by the same team behind one of the best restaurants in the city - @gander_and_ryegrass. 🏆 Effortlessly cool aesthetic, all the cozy seating, and craft cocktails AND mocktails that will *blow your mind*. They open at 5, and starting next week, you can order food from Europa upstairs. 📍123 S Wall St Go check out Spokane’s newest bar experience and tell them we sent you. 🍸 📸 @rencorprealtyad

Seattle, you never stop showing your heart. 😭 This breathtaking new street art tribute by local artist Topsy (@topsy_paints - give them a follow) now lives just outside Swedish Medical Center on First Hill. A powerful reminder of selfless service. Rest in peace, Alex. You are not forgotten. If you’re in the area, take a moment to see this piece in person. 📍 Swedish Medical Center, First Hill 🎨 Artist: @topsy_paints