POM Sunday

And just like that it’s been several weeks since I’ve posted anything! I’m now back to work and busier than ever (but still making sure I carve out PLENTY of time for my little one!). I’m also making time for extracurriculars…like baking for this Sunday’s pom pom + mobile making workshop led by Dana Haim over at Wynwood Letterpress. Here’s a peek at the poms and one of the sweet treats I’ll be making {I’ll also be making an iteration of this}. Want to attend? Register HERE. {And hurry! Space is limited.} 

Dessert Review: Sweet Times Cupcakes

I spend a lot of time on Instagram (What can I say? I work in social media for a living…) and came across @SweetTimesCupcakes late yesterday afternoon. Truth be told, I’d seen them before but didn’t know where they were located and hadn’t bothered to look. It turns out they’re not too far from home, and I decided they seemed like just the thing to satisfy my craving for something sweet. The Mr. was kind enough to swing me by so I could pick up a couple on our way to run some errands later that evening.

They have a daily menu, which you can see here. Based on the available options, I immediately went for Lights Out – because I love chocolate – and was then torn between Birthday Party (basically vanilla) + Chocolate Chips Gone Bananas. Upon expressing my debacle, the guy behind the counter said “Definitely go with the Chocolate Chip Gone Bananas.”  He went on to say the two I’d picked were his favorite (but I’m sure every customer hears that). See below for more on my selections.

Though I love a good chocolate chip + banana combo, I hate anything that tastes too much like overly-ripened banana (i.e. way too overpowering). These, however, had a very muted banana flavor…noticeable but definitely not too much. It was just right.Between the two this was my favorite. I will definitely get this one again next time I go!

 

The best way to describe the initial flavor of this cupcake is perhaps by likening it to the frosting on a chocolate frosted (not to be mistaken for a chocolate glazed) donut from Dunkin Donuts. I like chocolate, so by default I thought it was good, but I’ll opt to try a new flavor next time  (like 4 Leches or Snowball or Campfire) over getting this one again. But if you like chocolate, it’s safe to say you will like it.

Overall I liked the cupcakes. They were sweet and moist and the frosting…fluffy. To make a comparison…both their frosting + cake feel lighter than Mischa’s…which means you can eat more before your stomach starts to hurt. 😉 Like Mischa’s they’re not cheap at $1.75 a pop. My biggest complaint: the size. I wish they were bigger. I prefer a 4-bite cupcake over a 2-biter. But that’s probably all part of their scheme as it does, after all, leave you wanting more.

I’ll definitely be back to try other flavors + their coffee!

So tell me, have you tried Sweet Times Cupcakes? Which was your favorite?

Party with Express

I have to admit, it’s been years since I even walked into an Express, but when Jana of OJ and Cigs told me about this event (she’s hosting the fashion show!) I decided to give them another try and plan to swing by their store next time I’m at the mall.

If you’re an Express fan – or just love a good party – I recommend attending! {It’s my wedding anniversary that day, so I can’t make it.} If you want more details on the event, or just want to check out some great style, be sure to head on over to Jana’s blog!

Pasion del Cielo

When it comes to coffee, I love Dunkin’ Donuts. LOVE IT. Always have, always will. Period. It’s my favorite. EVER. However, when it comes to specialty espresso drinks, I’ve typically headed to Starbucks. Not because it’s THE BEST (though I do enjoy some of their drinks), but because it’s easily accessible. It’s everywhere. However, on my to-do lost for 2014 is branching out and finding the good stuff.

I’d heard about Pasion del Cielo from my sister before finally trying it this past Sunday. I ordered a White Chocolate Mocha with almond milk and Guatemalan espresso. It was DELICIOUS! The service was not particularly friendly, though quick and efficient (based on the number of dessert trays she dropped, I’m guessing she was having a bad day and won’t think much of it).

What makes them special? Behind the counter they have espresso beans from over 12 countries, like Guatemala, Colombia, Cuba, etc. I had no idea which to pick and ask the barista which she recommended. She said the Colombian is popular, but Guatemalan is her favorite (when opting for a medium roast). So I went with her recommendation. Not sorry I did, as it was delicious. I look forward to trying the same drink with a different espresso to see just how much it affects the flavor of the drink.

I love the space itself too. Open, with plenty of seating and coffee decor. I went to the one located across the street from Dadeland Mall and hear they’ll soon be opening one in Wynwood, for those of you closer to that neck of the woods. Overall, it was a good experience, and I actually can’t wait to go back.

Have you been? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments!

Coffee fanatic like me? Tune in next week for my post on Panther Coffee.

Dessert Review: Bundtinis

Topping the list of stuff I love is dessert. I’ve been known to eat a meal simply to get to dessert, or skip  food altogether and order dessert for dinner. My love for sweets is likely what fuels my love for baking too. Going forward I will include reviews on desserts and recipes should any fellow dessert-lovers care to follow along. Though cookies are my #1 favorite, I am an equal-opportunity dessert-devourer and will be sure to cover all kinds of desserts.

First up are the bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes. They’re this bakery’s version of a cupcake. I’d heard my mom go on and on about their cakes, so I picked up a dozen to celebrate her birthday yesterday. Though you can create your own assortment, I went with their standard set which includes: chocolate chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, marble and red velvet. While there, I also sampled the cinnamon swirl. Their cakes are light, fluffy and moist and the frosting is creamy without being overly-rich {they all come with the same buttercream frosting}. I have to say, all of the flavors were good {yes, I tried all four}, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d say the marble and the chocolate chocolate chip were my favorite {my one comment: adding chocolate chips to the marble would make it even better!}. I have yet to try their bundlets or full-sized cakes but love that they offer the various sizes and plan to go back to try the other flavors. {In a dream world, they’d create a coconut or Nutella flavor and name it after me. A girl can dream, no?}

Another plus? The shop is cute, clean and offered quick/friendly service!

Have you been to Nothing Bundt Cakes? How did you like it?

Party

I’m on the Fashionably Conscious Executive Committee this year, and we’re having our first collection party this Thursday. It’s at Koko & Palenki and hosted by the lovely Kelly Saks. Be sure to visit the Fash Con site for more details. Hope to see you there!

Beauty: 5

Certain beauty items are worth paying more for. Based on my experience {and believe me, I get around when it comes to beauty products} these five are not.

1. brush cleaner – I’ve seen brand-name brush cleaners that cost anywhere from $14 to over $30. Baby shampoo will clean brushes just as thoroughly as any of these products for a fraction of the price. I’ve tried Johnson’s Baby Shampoo as well as the Target brand and both cleaned my make-up brushes extremely well and cost only a few bucks.
2. make-up remover – Make-up removers made by brands like Neutrogena are gentle, remove eye make-up and can usually be found for under $6 – $7. At department stores they range from about $18 – over $75!
3. hair dryer – In the past I’ve purchased hair-dryers at specialty stores and paid in excess of $100! The last time I went out to buy one, I headed to Target {my go-to for just about everything} and took home the Remington TStudio Pearl Ceramic AC Hair Dryer for about $39.99. In all honesty, I made my selection based on the colors of the dryer {I’m a sucker for anything a deep shade of purple/plum}, but I’ve found that it works as well and lasts as long as any of the expensive ones I’d purchased before. I have thick, wavy hair, so it takes a good tool to whip it into shape!
4. mascara – There are so many mascaras out there! The most important thing about mascara, possibly more so than the formula, is the brush. Find the brush that works for your needs (i.e. longer lashes, fuller lashes, etc.). I’ve tried the expensive ones but these two have given me the best results and taken it the easiest on my wallet: Rimmel London Extra Super Lash {ASOS will try to sell it to you for over $8 but Target has it for less than $3} and Maybelline New York Illegal Lengths Mascara is about $7. {Look for an upcoming post on getting the most out of your mascara/lashes!}
5. nail polish – Though I see the allure of purchasing a Chanel or Tom Ford polish, I can’t imagine paying $30! Not all polish are created equal, but there are several drug store options that offer good quality, better prices and a wide array of shades to choose from. My personal favorites are Revlon, L’Oreal, Essie and OPI. A recent {and surprisingly good} find came from the brand NYC {seen here}. It cost under $2, went on smoothly and lasted longer than I expected. Tip for those of you in Miami: Though most stores sell Essie and OPI for about $8, visit Samaria Beauty Supply {you can follow them on Instagram} where you can get these brands, even the latest collections, for $3.50 – $4!

Next week I’ll be sharing the beauty items that you should never get cheap on! In the meantime, what’s your favorite drug store beauty item?

This & That

I can’t believe my weekend getaway has already come and gone! Though it flew by way too quickly, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Here are a few highlights of what I wore to my friend’s engagement party (not quite what I’d dreamt up here but that’s ok!), and as you can see I’ve already begun incorporating blue into my beauty routine! 

Disclaimer: If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already seen a few of these.

• eyeliner: Milani Shadow Eyez 12 Hour Wear Eyeshadow in -5 Aquatic Style
• cheeks/lips: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Fresh Melon
• nails: NYC in Water Street Blue
• dress: J.Crew Trellis Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Dress
• shoes: Franco Sarto
• sunglasses {borrowed by my pup Penelope for photo}: Ray Ban Special Edition Wayfarer (other special ed. style here).