Archive | Lifestyle RSS feed for this section

Ode to Cupcakes

2 Mar

I think we as a society go through phases really quickly these days - because one minute we loveeeee -heart-eat 24/7 frozen yogurt chains like Red Mango, Pinkberry, Tangysweet and so much more. The next, we are going through a cupcake phase where there are shopes, clubs and a ton of blogs for recipes for humans & dogs maybe even cats?

cupcakecartoon

One of the most recognizeable name in the world of modern cupcakery is  Magnolia Cupcakes in NYC(http://www.magnoliacupcakes.com/) which opened in 1996 . Btw its just as magical as people say it is - its like going to sugar heaven in there. And there are plenty nowadays opening up everywhere including the latest opening of one in DC Red Velvet Cupcakery(http://redvelvetcupcakery.com/) in the Penn Quarter. Its everywhere that I feel like cupcakes are to Americana food as Petit Four is to the French Pastry. Very recognizeable and delicious in all the many flavors and types. I mean its so popular that even the Donald Trump is getting on the bandwagon by having the Celebrity Apprentice premiere as a competition of cupcake champions. (Sent home by Frosting).

There’s even a special carrier for cupcakes Cupcake Courier http://www.cupcakecourier.com/index.asp that you can get to carry your special cupcakes anywhere around the world.You can also get them alot of stores like Target, AC Moore or on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Cupcake-Courier-36-Cupcake-PlasticContainer/dp/B000XPOPXA

cupcakecourier

For little girls too they have this cool cupcake club – where they have books, games and recipes- so go out there Moms and sign your daugthers to be a V.I.C – Very Important Cupcake.

http://thecupcakesclub.com/index.html

zillyrosens-obama

http://www.zillycakes.com/Obama_.php

Even with the past year elections one baker out in Buffalo, NY named Zilly Rosen with her bakery of ZillyCakes went all out with their 1200 cupcake masterpiece of our President Barack Obama.

So Cupcake have taken over our world – from Inaugrations,Birthdays, Baby& Bridal Showers, Weddings, Summer BBQ’s , Birthday parties – they are everywhere these days and this is a phase I will always love forever.:-)

Where my Sigg’s at? – NOT!!

27 Feb

SIGG CEO confirms BPA in metal water bottles’ liners!!! ?http://www.mysigg.com/bulletin/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-bpa-in-sigg-water-bottlsep12,0,922493.story

http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/On-your-radar/BPA/BPA-admission-threatens-crisis-for-Sigg

This is dissappointing because I thought they were one of the pioneer’s – so im going to make it a mini vase or store something but will not be using it for drinking water.

Thanks Nick from http://whats4lunch.wordpress.com/ for bringing it to my attention

anyone have any suggestions as to which one is best out there?

 I am horrible at drinking water but over time I have become better at it. During the work day  I usually just have coffee and tea which is pretty bad but my new goal is to cut it down a lot more and drink more water.

So I started to do some research with all the articles about the environment and BPA leaching from plastic bottles  and with a family member allergic to foods reheated in plastic containers.I thought it was time to find other options that are not only good for the environment but also good for you. Plus it beats buying dozens of plastic bottles of water when I don’t even know if it really came from a water spring? But I have to admit I still buy water by the dozen because sometimes you need some when you have guests over or for emergencies.(the end of the world). So maybe I’m a bit of hypocrite but really its lower my exposure, recycle , save money in the long run and tricking myself into drinking more water in a cool bottle. These bottles are sturdy and will last a long time for $25 a pop or less( see deals online i.e. Amazon.com), and less plastic bottles ending up on beaches or parks.

mysiggThis is my current bottle but there are plenty of options on their website http://www.mysigg.com/

Another website to buy is of course Amazon.com, which is where I bought mine.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigg-Lifestyle-Water-Bottle-1-0-Liters/dp/B000RI4ES4

TGIF:-)

Know your guests – Food Allergies

20 Aug

 

Laughs aside its a very serious matter these days as people have more allergies than ever before. The most common food allergies in adults are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and eggs, and the most common food allergies in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_allergy

I know people always find it weird that I do this, but whenever we are hosting people over for the weekend or for dinner. I always ask if they have any allergies, because I would hate to add peanut oil and the person go into anaphylactic shock or hives from something Ive cooked for them.

So don’t be afraid and ask your guests about food allergies and if your having a big soiree, make sure you know your ingredients or simply put it on blank place card that you can get at an AC Moore or Michael’s for under $3.00.

Purse Organzier – Ready Made or DIY

1 Aug

Purse Organizers are a great way for everyday women to have their basics and be able to switch handbags to match their outfits. Every time I change handbags it’s a process to make sure I can fit everything I had in my previous bag and also make sure to have all my necessary items. But almost every time I need something the most, it happens to be missing because I switched handbags! So I went looking for something that wasn’t bulky and practical to help transfer to any bag with my basics.

To the rescue is this wonderful website called Purseket.com, they were featured on Oprah’s O Magazine and the Today Show and saw that it had the best amount of options for a reasonable price. I also have found a great instructional piece for those who’d rather make their own version.

Ready Made

http://www.purseket.com/  

Or

DIY

The blog The Giving Flower has this great detailed tutorial on PDF for you to create your very own unique purse organizer -Purse Organizer Instructions_PDF

Enjoy!

Paisley Dishware – It’s so desi!

22 Jul

Most people who know me, know that in the past couple of years I have fell completely in love with all things Paisley. Its design is said to have originated from Persian times and Central Asia and was introduced to the European culture in the 17th century by the East India Company and has spread to the world, there is even a town in England named Paisley from the 1800′s.

Growing up, I used to think Paisley (also known as mango print, and the teardrop) was so boring and common in Indian clothing, but with the trend picking up lately with all kinds of unique products; it’s become my favorite print. Even though at this point I have plenty of paisley printed items, I always look for more just in case something breaks? :-) . So here are my new favorite paisley plates, featured on Delight.com called the Darjeeling Dishware.

http://www.delight.com/Dashing-Darjeeling-Dishware 

If you don’t want to buy the real plates and just want the look and the print for an occasion, here are some great paper plates and napkins to go with you Desi theme for your party or to keep for all times.

Paper Plate

Napkin

http://www.platesandnapkins.com/Store_ViewProducts.asp?Cat=246

Elephant Bottle Opener

14 Jul

Aana – Translation from Malyalam to English means Elephant

In South Indian culture it is a symbol of wealth, good luck and power. And now its a bottle opener! Its great to have a unique bottle opener with a dash of culture.

http://kimandjason.com/shop/elephant-bottle-opener-p-1333.html?osCsid=b26b1c13d0d6f6d0d4861e8a1c06a2ee

Cute Aprons- An Oxymoron

7 Jul

Isn’t this Apron lovely? The above is my personal favorite.Find out more of what you would like  at the lovel Layla Grayce website!http://laylagrayce.com/searchresulthome.aspx?CategoryID=1302

Newer Entries →

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.