new favorite chocolate cupcakes

When I was moving out of my apartment in 2011 and using up ingredients, I was whittling down my chocolate supply with cupcakes.  As that post mentions, my birthday staples have been--and still are--these lemon cupcakes.  That said, I've got a new favorite on the chocolate front. Meet the flourless chocolate souffle cupcake with mint cream.  ::swoon::

(Look at pictures on the link.  The author has a much better camera--or at least a much better setup for taking pictures of her cooking--than I do).

satin is (not) for sanity

The next time I suggest making something in satin, tell me to think twice... or at least remind me that I need to budget about twice as much time as I normally do.

With that important reminder to my future self out of the way, my latest finished project:

N and I sporting tie and dress (respectively) at S & K's wedding

Dress pattern: Vogue V8666 view B
Size: initially 18/20, tailored to fit
Fabric: Satin (polyester), grosgrain ribbon, stretch lace

Tie pattern: From instructions at Weekend Designer

(Kudos to Cory for the pic!)