Cupcakes are one of those things, like Chinese food, I never actually make myself. With so many awesome bakeries around (our new favorite is the Cupcake Corral in Maplewood, NJ), I am perfectly satisfied with the occasional one-off indulgence. But when our daughter’s 3rd birthday (Yes, 3! Can you believe it!) came round, we needed enough to feed a large a crowd and they needed to be made with love. Selfishly, we aimed to please our palettes, and went for a Devil’s Food Cake batter from Martha Stewart. With sour cream added in, they are extra moist and rich. For the frosting, I found this how-to recipe for marshmallow icing from Tribeca Treats over at Daily Candy. (Did you know that Daily Candy has some great recipe videos? Buried treasure.) It was insanely easy to make: beat four sticks of butter, with two cups of Fluff spread (don’t read the nutrition label, you’ll feel guilty forever) and a cup and half of confectioner’s sugar. Whip it into a white and creamy fluff and squirt. Ours were topped with some red sprinkles, but crumbled graham crackers would turn it into a s’more like treat. Adults to toddlers were so impressed with the results of ours, they kept suggesting we open our shop, but we’ll save our skills for birthday number four next year. — Angela M.

I don’t think I ever entered an Army/Navy surplus store before moving to Seattle, and it took me three years to go inside the one here. I think I was expecting flak jackets and gun holsters and knives — and yes, they do carry some stuff like that. But I wasn’t expecting the wide variety of very useful stuff they carry at screamin’ deals! So far we’ve purchased camping gear like water bottles and mini stoves — they have a generous selection of small camping items at prices below what I’ve seen at the big outdoor stores. Last trip in, I noticed some nice looking daypacks for a smidge under $50 — the kind designed to let your back “breathe” on a hot day. There’s a huge selection of wool-blend blankets that would lend a nice industrial-chic touch to a bedroom, and they are crazy cheap, many under $30. There are also camp mess kits, foldup cots, travel gear, canvas messenger bags, and camp showers. (You might also find some really stylish caps for just $4.99 — my husband’s new favorite hat — waterproof parkas, rows of rain boots, and lots of sweatshirts…the list goes on and on.) If you don’t have one in your town, shop here or here. — Mary T.

When I received the invitation to the upcoming baby shower of one of my dearest old friends, I was delighted — due not only to the prospect of spending quality time with the mom-to-be and some of our old crew, but also because the invitation itself was breathtaking. Her mom had the invites printed at Polka Dot Design, a site specializing in custom stationery and gifts in fun, modern designs. Of course they’ve got everything from kids birthdays to weddings, but I was really impressed with the assortment of helpful personalized party collections for baby showers, like the fabulous, Mardi Gras inspired Festival du Bebe collection seen above. These coordinated accessories (like monogrammed napkin rings, favor tags, and thank you notes) are a super-simple and affordable way to add a touch of polish to that special day. — Megan B.

I stumbled upon this little goodie from ThinkGeek last week and I was momentarily transplanted from the snow drifts of Chicago to a muggy midsummer night. The lovely little jar features an electronic butterfly that flutters at movement or sound. Choose from pink morpho, blue morpho, monarch, or yellow swallowtail to flutter eternally (or at least until you need to replace its batteries). The best part is this little jar full of happiness is only $20! It’s a small price to pay for the giddy feeling you’ll get every time you see it on your desk. –Katie D.

We all have dirty little house secrets – things we’re not exactly proud of in our homes. We keep things that are beat up, (almost) worn out, and generally past their prime. I have one in my kitchen: a 12+ year-old aluminum sheet pan. It’s a weird size, super thin, bent, scorched, and does not bake evenly. It was probably non-stick at one time, but the coating has long since disappeared. Somehow, though, I can’t retire it! I have several other Chicago Metallic baking pans that are amazing, and could kick the butt of this pan any day. But yet, I seem to need this one to put under a baking pie, or toast croutons, or warm up frozen leftovers. I’m embarrassed by it and try not to bring it out when I have guests over because it’s so shabby. Instead, I keep it hidden away, like a security blanket, only to be used when I’m cooking by myself. Now that I’ve shared my dirty little house secret – what’s yours!? – Rebecca F.

Photo credit: Rebecca Firlik

Carb fiends, rejoice! Those in the market for cheeky breakfast accessories should look no further than these Toast It Coasters, $10 for a set of eight at the MoMA Store. Packaged like a genuine loaf of whole grain bread, the cork slices separate to become cute trivets or coasters for the table. –Sarah C.

Yes, Valentine’s Day is uber-commercialized and oft overdone, but one thing I do like about it, (besides the chocolate – my fave food group) is that it gives us a reason to celebrate each other. At work we have a Fun Committee (yes, my job is that awesome) that administrates fun events that help us to appreciate our coworkers every time a holiday rolls around. Today I brought in a bouquet of flowers and split it up between an assortment of Crate & Barrel’s bud vases ($2.50 each) to create personal mini bouquets for each of my coworkers in my immediate department. At less than $4 a person, the completed arrangements are just a small, inexpensive way to spruce up our space and let everyone know they’re appreciated. Of course, we’re also making personalized cards (the Fun Committee means business) but I’d love to know: Do you celebrate holidays at your job?

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, from all of us here at Shelterrific! –Sarah C.

I don’t about you guys but here in Chicago, we’re sick of winter. It has officially passed from the wondrous season of pretty snowflakes and mugs of steaming hot chocolate to the cynical season of dirty slush, sniffles and flu shots. I’m halfway through my second cold of this month and seriously considering moving to Miami. The only thing that can cheer me up (and ease my sore little nostrils) is this Whale Tissue Holder from etsy user gnomesweeeetgnome. The adorable hand-crafted, hand-painted wooden box slips over any box of facial tissues. As your tissues are dispensed through the whale’s adorable blowhole, I dare you to try and not squeal with delight. –Katie D.

1) Edible spray paint is an awesome idea in theory, but in practice? We’re not sure. Sarah C. shared this edible food spray and you’re willing to try it but have to wonder about the aftertaste and mouth stain potential. Julie says: “Incredible effect, but it 100% depends on the aftertaste. I can’t stand the gross flavor that certain “edible” elements leave behind. My secondary question is, would it stain your teeth/lips/tongue? Because let’s be honest, that would be hilarious at a swanky party!”

2) Factory tours are a forgotten source of fun. This week we toured Rejuvenation and Heath Ceramics and put factory tours back on your mental map. Stephanie says: “How fun! I’ve never thought of touring a factory like this. This post reminds me of the good ‘ol days when Mr. Rodgers would take us on a tour of the Crayon or peanut butter or stamp factory. Love.” How fun! I’ve never thought of touring a factory like this. This post reminds me of the good ‘ol days when Mr. Rodgers would take us on a tour of the Crayon or peanut butter or stamp factory. Love.”

3) We like aviation-inspired furniture…in moderation. Restoration Hardware’s Aviator Collection makes quite a statement, probably too much for one room, but we like it. Jilliana says: “I actually really like these pieces, but the desk is do large and graphic that it would need a very large office to avoid feeling like something that crash-landed into the house. I don’t think most people have the space to carry it off.”

4) Popcorn kernels are a cure-all. Rebecca F. is at it again with her kernel fixes! First we used them to clean out narrow-necked vases. This week they’re solving our knife block problems. DJ says: “What do I think? I think you are brilliant! I purchased something similar from Viva Terra, a rectangular box of brightly painted wood filled with upright bamboo skewers, only to be disappointed because the skewers are loose and pull out whenever I remove a knife. Your popcorn kernel idea is MUCH better!”

5) The Butter Bell is a small gadget with big results. And everyone has an opinion about it! Megan B. employs one in pursuit of the perfect grilled cheese and many of you also appreciate the luxury of having creamy, spreadable butter at a moment’s notice. Carol says: “I have one and cannot imagining NOT owning one now! Butter is perfect and does not oxidize… my mom loved it and I had to get her one for Christmas. Nothing worse than tearing bread with rock hard butter. Worth every penny.”

The most hideous apartment ever? Maybe… but this Chelsea eyesore complete with a living room swimming hole is only $11 million — and it can be yours, thanks to Casa Sugar. Don’t every one bid at once now.

And now for something completely different. Minimalist living at it’s most beautiful — via swiss miss.

Ooh! This handheld Presso espresso maker spotted over at Cool Tools looks like a java-shooting dream machine.

Added to the Netflix queue: a documentary about the fanatically-labeled-yet-awesome Dr Bronner’s Soap — an intriguing sounding story at Readymade.

Curbly’s got 10 DIY dresser makeovers to die for, inspiration for those of us whose bureaus could use a facelift.

The Nest chair by Markus Johansson at CONTEMPORIST. LOVE.

Here’s a great last minute Valentine’s craft from Eddie Ross: 5 easy ways to frame a special photo.

And if you’d like to celebrate your beloved with a toast, might we suggest the salmon-hued Pamplemousse, made with Aperol — courtesy of the ever-amazing Molly at Orangette.