Catbird Loves Ovenly

Most of us at Catbird cannot at all resist a sweet treat, so of course Maureen and I jumped at the chance to have a cupcake-and-jewels breakfast with the ladies of Ovenly. Tucked at the end of an industrial waterfront row in Greenpoint is where you'll find their bakery. A tall vase of fresh-cut flowers and farm eggs greeted us when we walked in, but their centered glass case is what really grabs you. Tray by tray sits their trademark treats: Brooklyn Blackout cupcakes, pistachio agave cookies, and mustard seed cheddar scones.

Tipsy Elixir Sue and Me.

I have a new friend. Her name is Tipsy Elixir Sue. You can have a new friend named Tipsy Elixir Sue, too. Here's how! Mix up some vodka (chilled), ice cubes, thinly sliced cucumber, a dash of sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon. Shake it up in a cocktail shaker, or if your cocktail shaker is currently packed away in boxes in a garage in the leafy-green suburbs, a tupperware works delightfully. Pour, top with ice-cold, extra-fizzy seltzer, and sail away.

-Leigh

Royal Rose Rose Syrup, $11 in store and online
recipe adapted from Royal Rose's Elixir Sue

Jalapeño, such a delightful fruit

Thanks to White Lightning, I've been doing a new little thing at home: Spicy Lemonade, capital letters very much intended. Here's how it's done: squeeze 6 or 7 lemons (strained!) into a pitcher, add finely minced/chopped/grated jalapeño (1/2 to 3/4 depending on your hot! pleasure level) and small knob of ginger, a torn handful of basil, a squeeze of honey or sugar or agave, fill pitcher with water, serve ice-cold. Drink it straight or top with alcohol when necessary. Ha cha cha. Our new friend Spicy Lemonade is sure to put a spring in your step. Forgive me, I binged on Mad Men this weekend and now all the world's a slogan.

Kobo Jalapeño candle, $34 in store

Light, Sparkling, and a touch Floral

A meeting of summer diet and Claire's mild obsession with D.S. & Durga's Coriander Eau de Parfum has led to impromptu weekend lunches of salads and red lentil soup. For the soup I simmer a cup of red lentils with 2 cups water, 2 cups vegetable broth, season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and loads of coriander, garnish with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and finely chopped green onions. Tastes as good as D.S. & Durga's Coriander smells.

D.S. & Durga Coriander Eau de Parfum, $75