Friday Favorites: Cupcakes and a Giveaway!

Hello Everyone! Today's Friday Favorites is extra special because... there is a giveaway waiting for you down at the end of this post!!! Now go back and reread that last sentence with your best Oprah impersonation.  "It's a giveaway!" 

I'm so excited but let's get to some favorites from the week first:

Eins: Triple Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Back in February a dear friend of mine requested I make some Salted Caramel Cupcakes. 3 months later and 2 weeks before our move, I finally tackled the task. When my friend first requested cupcakes with caramel, my mind had horrible visions of boiling condensed milk for hours. Little did I know how easy it actually is to make caramel using dark brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Mmmm. (While the caramel was cooling, there was some serious spoon lickin' taking place)

You must check out the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction. This recipe is not too difficult and left me feeling silly for procrastinating so long. Husband approved and in mid bite said "These are sell worthy."

Zwei: Mother's Day

Sunday was Mother's Day and we were without our moms, Since we weren't able to join them for quiches and coffee, we had to settle for a good old fashioned phone call and a Skype session. 

 Husband and I drove 20 minutes out of the city to our favorite lake, Ammersee. The weather was off and on between cloudy and sunny but that did not stop us from taking in a view of the Alps faintly in the distance.

Like all good patio hunts, our choice of venue was based first off the comfort of the seating arrangement and secondly on the menu choices. I approved of these chairs, the waterside seating, and fleece blankets for extra warmth. 
If you are ever in Bavaria during the spring time, you must try white asparagus. It is a local specialty and I have only had it once in Texas (at a Bavarian restaurant). Sunday, I enjoyed creamy white asparagus soup and it was scrumptious.

Drei: Giveaway Time!

Last Friday I spent the afternoon basking in the gorgeous spring weather. It was the perfect day to don a bright cheerful shirt, layered with a jean jacket and topped off with my new floral stud earrings. 

These earrings were love at first sight. Recently, I met a friend for coffee at My Fable and these pretty little things were displayed inside the shop's window. The vibrant colors and Dahlia-like flower shapes immediately reminded me of Husband's grandmother's prize winning blooms. I had to have them.

Luckily for two girls who not only enjoy coffee but also art, My Fable hand selects local and worldwide artists to feature inside their shop. All the pieces are handmade, share a story, and support people who love doing what they do.

During our visit to My Fable, we were greeted by the owners and introduced to the different pieces of art featured in their shop. When I asked about these floral studs, I learned that local German artist Sabine Hohenester creates her jewelry as a hobby, specializing in polymer clay.

I was amazed at how much detail and intricate work Sabine puts into her jewelry. No two pairs of earrings at exactly alike, each piece is unique. When I heard that each petal on the flower is hand sculpted from the clay, it was official, I was not leaving without a pair of my own.  

Since then, I have worn my coral flower studs nearly every day. I have even slept in these earrings and they have held up beautifully. The studs are the perfect size, super light, and best of all, my purchase supported handmade. 

If you are interested in supporting a local, talented artist, please visit My Fable's online shop here. Use the promo code "mainlymaren2015" to receive 10% off. (P.S. If you open the page in Google Chrome, you will have the option to translate into English) Google Translate + Me = BFF

You should also enter the giveaway to win your very own pair! Just in time for summer!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Has anyone made Salted Caramel Cupcakes?

What is your spring/summer go-to accessory?

Who here supports handmade?!

Happy Weekend,

Linking up with Andrea and all the fun today on Friday Favorites!

*This post contains affiliate links to bring you products I love and support. All opinions are my own.