Thursday, January 23, 2014

Mini Mangia

Things taste better in mini form. Admit it, I'm right. When something is small and bite sized, it automatically becomes more delectable, more refined, and infinitely more irresistible. 

For instance: pie. Oh boy, do I love pie. The only way I could love pie more is if it was baked in a mini pie dish. I mean, look how perfectly adorable that looks. Also, since it was mini, I'd expect it to be mine, all mine.
Since we're on the subject of pies, I'm still hoping to visit this Brooklyn shop in the near future. I was there a year ago, but they had *just* closed for the day. SIGH. I was plastered up against the glass panes, trying to get a glimpse of the magic inside that was just beyond my reach. Two bakers stared back at me with wary eyes. I think I scared them a little. Perhaps I'll start with the cookbook?

The past couple of years I've really discovered the wonders of a cast iron pan. Crispy edges, full flavor, and simple stove to oven transition. With the mini-sized one, you can easily whip up an individual portion or two of your favorite cast iron meal. How cute do these baked eggs look?

Living in NYC, I'm always thinking in the back of my mind what common accessory could act as a weapon if I had to go into self defense mode. (I know, weird, but hey, a single gal has to think of such things!) These pans may be mini, but they would still pack a mighty whack over the head to an intruder!

These have been on my wish list for years.
Staub Mini .25 Quart Round Cocotte, Cherry

Can you imagine a dinner party where each guest gets his or her very own pot of goodness?
Say, this mac and cheese?
                                                     photo: Bon Appétit

Growing up, for very special occasions, my mom would have me set out the individual tiny salt and pepper shakers next to each plate. I thought that was the height of luxury. Who am I kidding, I still do.
Set of 8 Mini Salt and Pepper Shakers By Godinger

Once I saw THIS post on Cupcakes and Cashmere, I knew I must add a mini donut pan to my collection. A necessity, right?
                                                   photo: Cupcakes and Cashmere

I did laugh when the pan arrived. I suppose I should have expected it to be small...but it was really, really small.
Wilton Nonstick 12-Cavity Mini Donut Pan

I'm on a mason jar kick. So when you shrink 'em down and fill them with alcohol, I'm sold.
Urban Trend Mason Jar Shot Glasses, Set of 4 - Sur la Table

(Mini) bottoms up!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

A Little Sparkle To Boot

I received an email from one of the many online shops that I peruse. At the bottom of the email was a "you might be interested in these products" section.

This is what some computer generated for me:


They know me so well. If there was a cupcake added to the mix, I'd start to get scared.


Friday, January 10, 2014

Happy Sylvia Plath Day to Me!

My birthday is always tricky. I struggle wanting to celebrate "my" day and end up pushing through emotions that aren't all balloons and sprinkles and presents.

BUT...

there is a solution.

How about celebrate the alternative - a random National 'holiday' assigned to the same day as when you said howdy to the world?

I'm not sure if these are all accurate, but no one is asking questions:

Mine is Sylvia Plath Day.
…I do not want much of a present, anyway, this year.
After all I am alive only by accident.
I would have killed myself gladly that time any possible way…
from A Birthday Present, Sylvia Plath, 1962
Wait - why did I get the depressing one? Damn Scorpios...
So what falls on your birthday? Will you incorporate it into your festivities? Am I invited?

Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Definitive Ranking Of All 131 Baby-Sitter’s Club Cover Outfits

I declare this the best BuzzFeed EVER.



Not only am I crying from laughter by the fashion critiques, but I'm amazed at how decades later, I can instantly recall the plots of each of these "novels" by just a glance at the cover. I remember staring at these images during the ride home from Waldenbooks, hoping that I had picked a winner.

These were the days before you could order anything online. Whatever happened to be on the shelf is what you got. It made it a bit more like a treasure hunt.

Were you obsessed with the BSC as a child? Or now? Who was your favorite sitter?