Cupcake Tour through Photos

Walking through a Cupcake Wonderland

I love, love, love sweets! I have a pretty intense sweet tooth. You don't want to know how many packs of sugar go into my cup of coffee...you might have a sugar rush if you knew :/ Well, when I found out that New York City provides a walking tour around the city to its most popular/famous bakeries to showcase some of its best cupcakes, I swiped my credit card and announced, "count me in!" There was was no way I was going to missed out of the action. I went on the Great New York City Cupcake tour with a friend and dove right into a frosting coated experience. I was able to not only taste some of the world's delicious cupcakes, gelato, and cookies (they are just as important as cupcakes) but I also learned information about cupcakes and their famous locations. I decided to share with you, I can't keep all the good stuff to myself! The Great New York City Cupcake Tour was a 1.5 mile cake-walk. We went to six famous locations in which we were allowed to sample and build our own cupcakes. Since we passed famous locations for gelato and cookies we sampled from those locations as well. Have a napkin in hand because your mouth might start watering from here on...and you might understand why for me having one cupcake is never enough!

First Stop: Baked by Melissa

This bakery was founded in 2008. They make custom made cupcakes for special occasions.


The Tye Dye cupcake is their signature.

Every month there is a mini cupcake of the month. This month is Picnic Watermelon.

There are 11 locations throughout the city. They
may seem tiny but one bite can work wonders for that sweet tooth of yours!

Second Stop: Amorino

This Italian serving ice cream shop was created by two best friends from Paris in 2002. 

Their famous gelato has no artificial flavors or colorings. The gelatos also have natural ingredients such as organic eggs, fresh whole milk and selected seasonal fruits. There is no additional sugar.

You must come to New York City to tried Amorino Gelato
because this is the only one in the United States!

I tried the Mango Sorbet. WOOWWW!! It tasted just as if I had bitten into an actual mango. 

The mangoes that were used to make this gelato were imported from India.

Third Stop: Crumbs

In March 2003 the world's LARGEST cupcake chain was opened...and forever cupcake's lovers lives were changed!!

Just 6 months Starbucks started selling coffee in Crumbs. Which is the perfect mix for ME!











Fourth Stop: Molly's Cupcakes

Winner of Cupcake Wars

Founded by a man named John that was inspired by his third grade teacher. His teacher name was Molly.


All sales are donated to education.


The bakery has a school theme with swing seats, school classroom table and chart board.

Don't like the cupcake choice at Molly's then build your own cupcake.

I built a vanilla, brown butter cupcake with cookies and cream sprinkles.













Fifth Stop: Milk and Cookies

 

Opened in 2006. Inside you can buy a recipe book of 80 different types of cookies written by the founder and owner.


Inside not only can you buy cookies but homemade ice cream sandwiches as well.


Have a dog? Have a puppy? You can buy bake  dog treats in the shape of bones.

Salted Oat Cookies

I was so full from the previous stops that I struggled to complete this cookie. You can truly taste the sea salt in the middle of the cookies...yummy!












Sixth and Final Stop: The Magnolia Bakery
 The oldest bakery on the tour which became popular due to an episode on Sex and the City. When the bakery first opened in 1996 there were only three employees: one baker, one washer and one seller. Today, The Magnolia Bakery is known for its red velvet cupcake.

Last Facts: Cupcakes recently became popular in the last decade. The first cupcake was mention in the late 1700 in a cookbook in which it was
referred to as, "a cake to bake in a small cup."

What is your favorite cupcake? What is your favorite bakery? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

Highlighting Washington D.C. through Photos

I just returned from Washington D.C. with my younger, teenage brother. I can't believe I had such a fabulous time in my country's capital. My visit was arranged with the thought of educating my brother with further knowledge of our country's history. I was blown away with shock when I realized I was learning just as much as him. The saying, "everyday you learn a new lesson" held its true value throughout our stay. Although, I enjoyed my one on one time with my brother, seeing and experiencing Washington D.C. as an adult was just as much a feeling of enjoyment. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to share some photos that remind me of my wonderful time in Washington D.C. with you!


My highlights of Washington D.C. through Photos:

Being able to see the United States' Capital Building from my hotel's rooftop pool. While congress was in session I was doing doggy paddles.

"If I studied all my life, I couldn't think up half the number of funny things passed in one session of congress."
-Will Rogers

Standing on the platform that 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech.

"The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that a dreamer has his eyes closed and a  visionary has his eyes open."
 -Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream

 Seeing previous and current first ladies' inauguration gowns. Too bad I couldn't try the gowns on.

"...there is no formal job description for the first lady of the United States, so we have the good fortune of being able to to decide what we want to do"
-Michelle Obama, April 28,2011

Working like a true "Rosie the Riveter" installing riveters into an aircraft.

"While other girls attend their favorite cocktail bar. Sipping Martinis, munching caviar, there's a girl who's really putting them to shame.
Rosie is her name!"

Eating Ben's Famous Chili Dogs with chips from Ben's Chili Bowl 

Walking through the National Mall at night. It was an breathe taking experience. You should take the DC Tour by Foot to experience and learn about the monuments and memorials...did I mentioned it is FREE!

Tasting Ted's Bulletin famous homemade Pop Tarts...I need to take this baking class ASAP!

At the Smithsonian Museum of American History, saluting my fellow Americans like a future president...we never know!

What was your favorite experience in Washington D.C.? Leave a comment! Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

The Positives of Riding Washington D.C.'s Metro

Why I love riding Washington D.C.'s Metro!

Being from New York City, I always take public transportation. It's one of the cheapest ways to get around my huge city. I figured while I was in Washington DC I should take a stab at the Metro Rail system. To my discovery, I was amazed at this means of public transportation. I noticed after my commutes I didn’t find myself annoyed, frustrated or sweating from the subway station's heat. Therefore, I knew I had to add the Metrorail into my toolkit box of happiness. Sorry, NYC but it now appears that you have been replaced. L Wondering how the city that never sleeps was left with its head hanging down by our country's capital? Here are my reasons as to why I prefer DC's Metro to NYC MTA system...

1.  The stations have wifi as well as the trains while moving in the tunnels

2.  The stations have platforms with air conditions

3.  There are no rodents which is due to the fact that foods and drinks are not allow on the platforms

4.  The trains system is quite easy to understand. Once you traveled twice using the Metrorail you will understand the whole system

5.  There’s carpet (appears to be vacuumed daily) within each train cart.

6.  The trains move at a quick pace

7.  It is silent in the trains (don’t expect performances to happen like in New York)

8.  There are no stairs, only escalators

9.    There are LCD screens listing the next trains arrival time and destination

10.  The trains’ seats are cushioned which makes your ride even more comfortable. 

My brother and I taking a picture near the comfortable Metro train seats

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10 Things to do in Washington D.C.

I have recently returned from a trip to our country's capital, Washington D.C. with my younger, teenage brother and I must say that D.C. has more to it than its lawyers and court cases. The trip set forth a wave of happiness. I was exploring the world and enjoying our earth's beautiful scenery. Washington has many parks and exhibits to grab your attention into inner peace and thankfulness that will make you proud to be an American. You will be able witness the greatness our world has to offer too. Want to go on journey where you will find yourself smiling and saying the words, "wow, really?!!" then a visit to Washington D.C. is your best bet. While you are there you should experience my top ten things to do in Washington D.C. which won't disappoint!

   

        1.  Ben’s Chili Bowl

If you want to experience tastes from 55 years ago then this is the place to visit. Ben’s Chili Bowl is a Washington Landmark since 1958. It is the home of the famous chili half-smoke that can be added onto any meal you chose. Don’t like chili? You will definitely change your mind once you take one bite from any of Ben’s meals. Even the milkshakes that are served are tummy filling. My mouth is watering just thinking about the different meal choices Ben has to offer. Come in the morning, afternoon, and evening to discover a taste from the past.

Cheesy Fries with Ben's Chili 

     

       2.  DC Tour by Foot

I happened to visit Washington D.C. on the hottest week, July had to offered. Instead of spending careless amount of time walking aimlessly I took the National Mall walking tour. Taking this one-mile tour allowed me to visit the memorials and monuments without getting lost, which normally happens to me. The tour as well gave me a historical background of our country’s capital. The tour guides are truly informative and enthusiastic! They are willing to answer any questions as you look around and snap images for remembrance. The best part about taking this tour was that it was completely free...yes, FREE!

Abraham Lincoln

Washington Memorial (currently under construction) and Reflecting Pool

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

   

       3.  The Metro System

Living in New York City I thought the best way to travel in any place could not top NYC’s train system. Boy, was I wrong! Washington D.C. Metrorail system is amazing! It is very simple to understand even if you have never travel using public transportation. Each station is clean, convenient and organized to prevent any confusion. If you happen to feel confuse you can speak with a Metrorail booth worker to guide you around.

The Metro lines only consist of five color-coded trains: Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow and Red. To identify a line you will see the train’s name and the matching color strip on the train’s top, front cart. There are Metro maps located throughout each cart. How can you get lost in an organized system like the Metrorail?

Metro Map

My first night in Washington D.C. on the Metro

  
4.  Smithsonian Museums

It is very hard to visit museums that offer high amounts of information at an inexpensive price, let alone, free! However, the Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C. offer a great selections of history at a free price. There is so much to see and learn that you can spend numerous hours within the museums’ halls not knowing the day has passed you by. Most exhibits offer interactive activities to transform you into the past and engage you even more. The museums are superb for people of all ages from the smallest to the oldest!

Michelle Obama's inauguration grown from 2009

    
       5.  Ted’s Bulletin

Breakfast is now served! There is no way you can go wrong ordering breakfast at this 1930’s set restaurant. Travel back into your childhood memories and order the homemade pop-tarts to join your breakfast meal. If you want to remain in your adulthood state than order the “adult” milkshakes. The décor of restaurant is suited for its 1930’s theme. There is a black and white movie projected on the wall, dinning room area and bar. The best part of coming to Ted’s Bulletin is being able to indulge in breakfast at any time of the day because...breakfast is served ALL DAY LONG!

Ted's Homemade Pop Tarts

Ted's  The Big Mark Breakfast with a  Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pop Tart

        6.  Georgetown for shopping

Ladies hold onto your heels and gentlemen let go of your wallets! Georgetown has much to offer for shopaholics and those who want a souvenir to give to their love ones. Georgetown is a popular area for shopping, dining and nightlife. There are many boutiques and antique stores for the trendy spenders. After you are done shopping and feel that sharp pain in your stomach announcing that you are hungry, have a meal at The Diner. You couldn't ask for a greater way to conclude your day of shopping!

7.  Arlington Cemetery

Soldiers have fought long and strong for our country throughout many wars and battles. Sometimes we forget just how much these men and women have put on the line for our freedom. At the Arlington Cemetery you will witness the 14,000 plus graves of the men and women that gave up their lives in order for us to be the proud American citizens we are today. Walking through the cemetery gave me chills because you never realize in your day-to-day life that there is someone fighting for you to continue going about your life. I was truly proud to be an American once I dismissed the cemetery. The cemetery also holds the resting place of President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline. I urge you to splurge on $8.75 tour bus ticket! Walking uphill can be deadly on the hottest of days. I left the cemetery looking like I just completed two hours of Zumba and I paid for the ticket...think about it!

The only national cemetery to hold servicemen from all American wars

   

8.  We, the Pizza

New York is known for its amazing pizzas so I already had my guards up arriving at We, the Pizza. There are a variety of choices to choose from which makes one's decision making very difficult. After much debate within my head I decided upon the buffalo chicken pizza with an extra topping of ranch sauce. The dough was soft but strong enough to hold my toppings as I bit into it. To assist with the digestion of my pizza I ordered the Dreams are made of Strawberry Lemonade, Italian Soda . This was equally amazing. The drink was not too sweet, too sour or too watery. In fact it was just right! Of course it had to be just right because We, the Pizza is joint owned by former “Top Chef” contestant Spike Mendelsohn. I wish he would create one in New York City too. Can’t blame a girl for dreaming!

We, the Pizza's Italian Soda:
Dreams are made of Strawberry Lemonade

Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Ranch Sauce

9.  Martin Luther King Memorial

Martin Luther King Memorial is the newest addition to the National Mall. Although, it is quite hard to find within the National Mall I accidentally found the memorial after getting lost! However, once locating the memorial I was glad to have gotten lost. The peaceful environment will surely take your breath away. The memorial is located near a waterfront and contains some of Dr. King most famous quotes throughout his life. Sometimes one forgets how articulate Dr. King was with his words, his memorial will definitely remind you.

  
       10. The White House

The huge white house located on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the house almost every person wished they lived in once in their life...or is that just me?!? You have to be very and I mean VERY special to enter into the White House but that shouldn’t stop you from taking pictures standing outside the White House's gates imagining yourself living in this huge mansion.

You have to take a picture of yourself!

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