Baked goods

Have you guys met the magic that is Ming Makes Cupcakes? This clever, clean site features simple images and recipes for some deliciously inventive types of baked treats. Ming has recipes for sweet and savory cupcakes as well as cookies. Yum.

Here are a few of the site's most intriguing images/recipes.

Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sour Cream Raspberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Filing and Meringue Frosting

Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Marshmallow Frosting

Sour Cream Apricot Cupcakes with Marscapone Frosting and Toasted Almonds

For those of you can live without all the sugar above, check out a few of Ming's savory cupcake creations below.

Cornbread Cupcakes with Goat Cheese Frosting and Bacon

Cheddar Scallion Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Cheese

(All images courtesy of Ming Makes Cupcakes)

Who's hungry?

Fresh specs

For the past few months, I've accepted that my super nerdy glasses (not in a hipster way, circa 2003) have got to go.

While searching for a replacement that I would actually wear in public, I've been consistently depressed by the fact that every pair I'm drawn to inevitably turns out to be from a designer label. They are also all $300 (before adding your prescription)!

For example, I've been lusting after these dark blue-green frames from Paul Smith since this time last year.

(Image courtesy vision direct)

This Chanel pair is lovely...and way too pricey for me!

(Image courtesy Lucky Mag)

Just when I'd given up hope of ever wearing eyeglasses in public again, I stumbled across Warby Parker.

This online retailer prides itself on selling boutique-quality glasses for an affordable price. No pair is more than $100. All frames also have adorable names...

I'll take the Miles, please.

(Images courtesy Warby Parker)

Birds of a feather

Aren't feathers wonderful for fall? Worn carefully they can add such a nice pop of glamour to everyday outfits.

After picking up this simple flocked belt at Anthropologie last week,

(Image courtesy Anthropologie)

I'm intrigued enough to consider other feathery wardrobe additions.

Here are a few other fun, feather-focused pieces perfect for autumn. How about that fancy feather skirt from Alice and Olivia (top left corner)? Saucy!

Modern Family

Do you guys watch ABC's Modern Family? S and I caught the very first episode last fall and have since become obsessed. Based on last night's Emmy nominations (and a few wins...way to go, Cam!), it looks like this show has officially been discovered.

Check out a few favorite scenes below.

The second season starts September 22nd. Yay!

This little light of mine

S and I have been searching for the right floor lamp for our "cozy" living room for a few months. We refuse to buy anything that looks like a spaceship. We were also equally uninterested in picking up your standard shaded variety.

Yesterday, we decided on this happening brass pharmacy floor lamp. It's sleek, vintage style is just the ticket.

(Image courtesy Circa Lighting)

I'm also hopelessly in love with this capiz shell pendant (check out this version from Target). Wouldn't this be perfect in an entry way or dining room?

On a more playful note, I'm really loving these floral string lights. They are perfect for adding a little feminine flair over a vanity.

(Images courtesy Graham and Green)

Light it up!

happy weekend song

(Image courtesy meidianzeiger)

The weekend is nigh (how GREAT is that word??), and in honor of its approach here is a favorite tune that never ceases to set the right mood.

Best part? When David Byrne dances with...the lamp.

(Image courtesy filmslash)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mini Pies!

The weather gods are smiling on NYC today and have granted us what might be the most beautiful day of the year so far. Sunny, breezy and a lovely 76 degrees. The perfect day to head down to the Rock Center Farmers Market...

and score some...mini pies!

Aren't these little fellas cute? The lovely L and I discovered these treats a few weeks ago, and ate them right on the spot. They did not disappoint.

Today I decided to share the love so I picked up a blueberry and a strawberry rhubarb mini for S. Who's a lucky boy?

If you are interested in making your very own mini pies, check out this recipe for the strawberry rhubarb variety via The Food Channel.

Ingredients
4 10-inch pie crusts, refrigerated, unbaked
8 cups fresh rhubarb cut in 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of cardamom
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven 375˚F.

From each pie crust, cut a small circle to fit as the bottom crust in each of four 5.5” pie plates. Cut long strips out of remaining pie dough about 1/2 an inch in width. Chill both while preparing filling.

In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, flour, cardamom, nutmeg, orange zest and juice. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Fill each pie dish with filling, mounding each one full. Using chilled strips, criss-cross them over each pie making a lattice pattern. Trim excess dough from sides of pies and then crimp the edges together.

Brush outsides of pies with beaten egg. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Let cool and serve.

Sweet!