Send Urban Stems

Cupcakes for Breakfast: Urban Stems

Bouquet photos from some of my fave DC ladies (and gent!): @jigolden, @politics_pretty, @bannc, @nikkirap, @cathzinn, @districtsparkle, @corisuemorris, @frijolita, @stylemba, @ejfass, @holleysimmons, @allycog, @theyoufinder, @gokateshoot, @theglossarie, @gurrity, @lizmcavoy6, @tammygordon, @bitcheswhobrunch, @russellwarnick, @beccaclaralove @thehyperbalist @nec_and_proper

I’m so excited to tell you about one of my new favorite DC-based businesses, Urban Stems. Have you ordered flowers before and they were over-priced and underwhelming? (Or has your boyfriend never sent you any for this reason?) Urban Stems totally changes this. They offer three beautiful bouquets for $35, including delivery! Bonus, their customer communication is fantastic so you’ll feel like it was totally worth it. I’m seriously a huge fan!

Since it’s Valentine’s Day week, it’s kind of the perfect time to order a bouquet for someone you think is wonderful. Make someone’s day and get $5 off with the code: CUPCAKES5

My Kind of Valentine’s Day

Cupcakes for Breakfast: My kind of valentine's day

My girlfriends and I are just trying not to think about this week. It’s not so bad actually. I have so much going on at work that it’s possible I won’t even notice all the Valentine’s hoopla. That being said, there are a few things I love about this week. Another chance to tell the people in your life you love them, pink everywhere, an excuse to have themed girly sleepovers with chocolate cake and champagne this weekend. This is my kind of Valentine’s Day…

one // Mademoiselle necklace – sweet, fabulous, timeless
two // Brut Rosé – duh.
three // #heartthis – hard to pick a favorite of these cozy By Luciana tees
four // Oysters – pair with champagne. Shuck all your feelings out.
five // Delicate stackable rings – if only I could afford like five of these Catbird rings
six // Dear Kates – cute and functional. Get 25% off with code “cupcakesforbreakfast” through Valentine’s Day.
seven // Alexa Tote – the perfect (under $100!) bag to wish away this cold winter weather
eight // Parisian Pink lipstick – my perfect new shade
nine // Foods Before Dudes – aka my life

Sunday Pasta: With Spicy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly Sauce

Cupcakes for Breakfast: Sunday Pasta With Spicy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly Sauce

I made this pasta for a boy but I ate it alone. More for me. I made it spicy cause he likes it spicy. But turns out I like spicy too now. Sometimes, well most of the time, things don’t work out the way you plan them out in your head. But other times, like in the case of this pasta sauce, they turn out even better. It could be the incredible pork belly. It could be the anticipation of sauce bubbling on the stove for hours…letting my favorite smells (garlic, onion, mmmm) fill my entire apartment. It could be that because the boy didn’t show, I got to eat this in sweatpants while watching Pretty in Pink and sending silly snaps to my girlfriends. Clearly I won this one.

Cupcakes for Breakfast: Spicy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly Sauce

I definitely improvised with this one, but you can too. Here’s the Nikki no-recipe version:

Pasta With Spicy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly Sauce

In a heavy pot, sauté minced onion, shredded carrot, a big pinch of red pepper flakes and garlic with some butter and olive oil. Add a large can (or more) of crushed tomato and bring to a simmer. Add cooked pork belly. (I got mine from Chef Dimitri at Cava Mezze, but you can easily make your own too. I like this 3-step recipe.) You don’t need a lot. I used about a half a cup. Shred in sauce. Simmer for as long as you can stand it…an hour at least. Serve with pasta (homemade if you’re feeling ambitious) and fresh grated parm.

Cupcakes for Breakfast: Spicy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly Sauce

Beautiful Things

Cupcakes for Breakfast: Beautiful Things

{honey truffle grilled cheese, Emily Henderson’s desk, new Note to Self print, floral staircase}

It’s a gross, rainy day here but I want to kick off this long week on a positive note. Something beautiful. Inspired by my friend Sarah’s lovely new prints, here are just a few of my favorite beautiful creations: honey truffle grilled cheese (Seriously. Making this asap), a clean workspace, a stunning floral staircase. Now let’s make some more good things happen this week. Go.

Happy Weekend

Cupcakes for Breakfast: friends in the city

{image by Con Poulos}

How is it Friday already?/Can’t believe it’s already Friday! – I’m a bit conflicted about this week. But I think its ending on a good note. I know I haven’t been posting much but I think it’s about to change that. I’m missing it. In the meantime, inspired by my friend Alejandra, I want to share some of my favorite things this week:

Stop Telling Single Women They’re Fabulous. I mean, we are, but I prefer “fabulous plus”.

Thanks for this awesome profile, Famous DC. Check it out to read about some of my favorite DC eats!

I just love this new underwear brand, Dear Kate! Check them out and get 25% off with code “cupcakesforbreakfast” through Valentine’s Day.

Happy Birthday Justin Timberlake!

The Best 90′s Songs You Forgot (but I didn’t since I still listen to them all regularly.)

Favorite meals out recently: brunch at Cork, pizza (that you cut with scissors!) at Ghibellina, pork belly at Cava Mezze, brunch at Medium Rare.

Listen to: The 1975, A Great Big World, Jesse McCartney, Young the Giant

Read: Provence 1970, Food for Marriage, Looking for Alaska

I’m so sick of this freezing cold weather. Instead I’ll take these spring pastels from JCrew and an escape to sunshine with Sarah!

This inspiring story + beautiful apartment tour is one of my most favorite Everygirl pieces.

I got a new bed! This Linen Charcoal Tufted Wingback one is such a beauty.

Planning a trip to Nashville for my birthday in April. Taking any and all recommendations!

Shameless plug: follow @cavagrill on instagram. You won’t be sorry.