Apricot Almond Muffins

Wouldn't these apricot-almond muffins be great to bake and take-up to Vermont for a skiing weekend with friends? A large french press of coffee and perhaps a smidge of bourbon in each cup.  Check out the recipe/details at Blissful Blog.

Perfect Pair

If we had decided on a small wedding, I would have chosen a cake like this, paired with vases of buds like those. So sweet, friendly and confident. What color would you do for the bridemaid dresses? I'd say canary, with polka dot ties for the groomsmen in canary or orange. (Brooklyn Bride)

Artisanal Bamboo Salt Chest

For my fellow foodies, this artisanal salt set comes with 24 varieties nicely organized in a bamboo chest. Can I get this mounted on a wall in my kitchen, please? Among the assortment: Hawaiian black lava,  Chardonnay oak smoked,  and flower of Bali! Check it out at Uncommon goods. Your grill-master father might also enjoy this for spicing steaks too...

Helvetica Playing Cards

Growing up, my family played Spades or Headache Rummy when camping or after holiday dinners in Massachusetts. I can't help but appreciate these Helveticards. So beautifully simplistic in design! You can get a pack at Fab dot com.

Floral Blouse

Wouldn't this blouse be perfect for bellini and crab benedict brunches? Find it at Piperlime.

Discovered at Dose of Divine.

WeWood Jupiter Watch

Made from 100% natural wood, this handsome way to tell time is calling to me. To boot, WeWood plants a tree for every watch purchased. Find it at ThinkGeek.

You may also like this.

Snow White And The Huntsman-Rare Beauty Kit

benefit San Francisco has assembled a five-piece beauty kit which promises to deliver "the fairest look of the land". I'm curious, and admittedly, a wee bit excited for the film to come out.

Purchase at Sephora.

Check out the trailer...

Xiao Sa

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Have you seen the story of the amazing homeless dog that latched onto a group of Chinese bicyclists? Named Xiao Sa, the little guy ran along side his new 'pack' for 1100 miles to Tibet.

Read the full story at MSNBC.

Stately Sandwiches

Crafting sandwiches for my husband's lunch is one of favorite my post-work activities. I log onto Hulu, watch something he doesn't enjoy (ie: Bachelorette or anything on Bravo), slice, stack and spread. It's simple and relaxing. I'm digging these Stately sandwiches photos! View more here.

Dexter's Victim's

I'm waiting (with baited breath) for the next season of Dexter to come out on DVD. I tend to steam roll through the episodes in a marathon. Check out this clever infographic poster of Dexter's kills by Shahed Syed. (Navigate to his webpage for further info/purchase).

You may also remember these blood spatter coasters....

Jaguar Vintage

Do you watch MadMen? The episode this past Sunday focused on the team winning an account with Jaguar. Aren't these vintage ads fascinating? Check out the historical facts on Gothamist's recap.

Colored Flame Birthday Candles

Being an April Fools babe,  I grew up with those candles that do not blow out, no matter how hard you huff and puff. I would have much rather had these colored flame candles! Alas, those trick candles were character building:) If you're not looking to build character, purchase these at the MoMa Store.

Mussels

While planning the dinners I would prepare for this week, I stumbled across Prince Edward Island Mussels on Fresh Direct's site. The thought of preparing shell fish makes me a wee bit nervous, but I decided to give it a go.

...and it was a smashing success!

Menu:

2lbs Mussels (live and rinsed)

1 Cup White Wine

4 shoots scallion, chopped

3 tbsp unsalted butter

5 leaves sage

1 tbsp garlic, chopped

Method:

Brown sage, butter, garlic

Add mussels, wine, toss and cover for ten minutes.

Sides:

Bruschetta:

Six thin slices of  whole wheat baguette

Painted with extra virgin olive oil and top with chopped byzantine olives and  ripe tomatoes. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Green beans w/ Chorizo

1/2 lb fresh green beans, ends cut off

3 chorizo sausages, sliced

1 tsp cayenne

Saute covered on medium heat for 12 minutes, or until green beans are tender.

The mussels were too much for two (and Pug), but I would love to have a few friends over and prepare them again!