Never Turn Down A Cupcake

Monday, September 17, 2018

Starbucks - Seattle Been There Series Mug

I couldn't resist picking up this Been There Series Seattle mini mug on my recent trip to Starbucks - it helps that it's a good size to squeeze into a carry on bag, haha. I love the city-specific drawings all packed on to the small mug. If your tree is big enough, it also comes with a string on it so they make sure cute Christmas tree ornaments! I've seen these in person in only a few cities so far, so I'm happy to have one from the birthplace of Starbucks :o)

Friday, September 7, 2018

Lunchtime Links for September 7th, 2018

A Spicy Perspective: Creamy tomato Tortellini soup.
Cookies and Cups: Outrageous cookies and cream cookies.
The Comfort of Cooking: Homemade Naan.
Kirbie's Cravings: Caprese chicken.
Crazy for Crust: Pumpkin muffins.

Shake Shack - Cabin John/Potomac, MD

I am super excited to have a Shake Shack that is close to my house, woohoo! The Cabin John/Potomac MD location had its grand opening yesterday, so I hustled over as soon as I could after work to check it out. I love what they did with the entrance/patio area with all the different seating configurations. You see one person in the photo here, but when I was leaving the patio was packed with a huge line going outside the door - I got there at just the right time!

I was mostly looking forward to seeing what concrete flavors are available at this location, because this varies at pretty much every Shake Shack. I've seen the Shack Attack before but the Cookie Butter Blender is new to me, and sounded delicious! I love that the Pie Oh My concrete usually pairs with a local baker (Sweetly Anchored Patisserie here), and donates a portion of the proceeds to charity!

My main focus was the Custards, but I figured I should also get some dinner as well, haha. I got the regular single hamburger and a single Cookie Butter Blender concrete.

Can I just say - I really appreciate when the concretes are made well. You can see all the components that make up the concrete, but it's still blended together properly. I've had some before that were clearly rushed or sitting out for too long where it looks messy, and this one was perfect! Anyone that likes cookie butter/Biscoff cookies will love this one!

Shake Shack Cabin John/Potomac
7997 Tuckerman Lane
Potomac, Maryland 20854

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Lunchtime Links for September 6th, 2018

The Kitchn: Creamy garlic shrimp.
Oh Sweet Basil: Apple cake with caramel frosting.
Handle the Heat: Three easy cinnamon rolls.
Kirbie's Cravings: Soft chocolate chip cookies.
Smitten Kitchen: Cacio e Pepe.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Lunchtime Links for September 5th, 2018

The Kitchn: Peanut chicken power bowls.
Love and Olive Oil: Old fashioned fudge sauce.
Seasons and Suppers: Birthday cake Gelato.
Oh Sweet Basil: Mexican cheesy ground beef and rice casserole.
The First Year Blog: Doctored up caramel cake.

UNIQLO Pike & Rose

I am a big fan of UNIQLO's clothes and accessories, so I was very excited to find out a store was opening in the Pike & Rose neighborhood! I went during both the soft opening on August 31st and the grand opening on September 1st to check it out.

The grand opening started off with some Taiko drumming performances and free Kung Fu Tea bubble teas, which were much appreciated while waiting in line to head inside. While it's a relatively small store, it's organized well and there's a good mix of comfy basics and seasonal (currently fall/early Winter) items all available.

For me, the best items at UNIQLO are the basics and lounge pieces - so comfy! I have a lot of the HEATTECH and AIRism shirts, and their lounge pants are great too. They regularly have seasonal items on sale, so it'll be really nice to have one nearby where I can pop in to see what's new and on sale!