Date Night: Live from the New York Public Library

Last week, Jonah and I headed to the New York Public Library in Bryant Park for our second date night through HowAboutWe, a membership service that sets up dates designed to fit pretty much any interest (like making dumplings) -- all you have to do is show up!

This date was of the educational sort, a Q&A with Ira Glass of This American Life fame and Nico Muhly, the youngest composer to ever have his work performed at the Metropolitan Opera House. We initially picked the date because we both love This American Life and could listen to Ira Glass talk all day long. Sometimes I make Jonah do his Ira Glass impression, and it just kills me.

The whole discussion was fascinating. It felt like a music appreciation class with bits of religion, technology and a few good laughs thrown in. I've actually never been to the opera, but the conversation piqued my interest ...maybe that should be our next date.

Bonus, we got to snack on coffee, tea and one of my favorite New York treats, cream'wiches! All in all, a pretty great Tuesday night.

Interested in HowAboutWe? Sign up for free to browse their date options and be sure to use this link to get $50 off your first date!

PS - Remember to join in on this month's date night photo project!

Our date and this post were made possible by HowAboutWe.

Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

I love apple cider doughnuts, but they sure are a lot of work. These doughnut mini muffins are sort of a cheater version with much of the same appeal and a lot less effort, which means they can be made and eaten more frequently.

Apple Cider Doughnut Mini Muffins
Adapted from The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook

For the muffins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup apple cider
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg

For the topping
1 cup apple cider, at room temperature
1 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray 24 mini muffin cups with cooking spray. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, combine the milk and apple cider. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter using a handheld mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the speed to low and gradually add the sugar. Continue to mix until the mixture lightens in color. Add the egg, beating until just combined. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the milk-cider mixture, mixing until smooth just combined.

With a tablespoon, scoop the batter into the prepared mini-muffin tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and firm to the touch. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove them and let them continue cooling on a wire rack. Fill one bowl with a cup of apple cider and the other bowl with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Dunk each muffin, one by one, quickly in the cider then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it's coated. The muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Covered

Jonah sent me an Onion article the other day titled: Girlfriend to Stay Underneath Blanket for Next 5 Months. That's my plan too as I seem to be cold at all times once November hits. Here are some blankets for bundling inspiration.

[found here: striped; tassel; plaid; blah print; faux fur]

Weekend in Photos

It was the happiest of weekends. We hung out with some of Jonah's old college roommates on Friday night, and I laughed until my sides hurt. On Saturday, we got dressed in our best bohemian formal for a beautiful wedding in Brooklyn. Then on Sunday, I watched the New York City Marathon pass through our neighborhood. It just amazes me to see all those people pushing their bodies to the limit, while complete strangers cheer them on. It's one of those days when New York City is at its best.

Monthly Photo Project: November

For this month's photo project, I'm teaming up with HowAboutWe for a date night theme! Take a photo of your night (or day) out and email it to me before Friday, November 29th, so I can share the results. Send it to: southernhostess[at]gmail.com

Here's the bonus, HowAboutWe, a company with the goal of helping people fall in love and stay in love, is offering SoHo readers a special opportunity: a $50 coupon (use that link) toward one of their date nights! Jonah and I had a great time on our dumpling-making date a couple months ago, but they offer all sorts of activities. You can currently find dates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle, and they're launching in other cities too.

At the end of November, I'll share your photos and announce the winner of a 6-month HowAboutWe membership! Just be sure to send me a date night photo for your chance to win. The winner will be chosen at random. Can't wait to see you out on the town!

Last-Minute Halloween Costume: French Girl Two Ways

I've got no big Halloween plans this year, but I rummaged through my closet to see if I could come up with a costume anyway and decided I could be a French girl twice over. No one will be impressed, but hey, I could always add face paint and be a French zombie.

Version 1: Beret, striped top, pleated skirt, ballet flats.

Version 2: Sunglasses, tousled but chic bun, t-shirt, blazer or leather jacket, grey jeans, ballet flats.

The first look is a little more baguette under arm, and the second calls for a glass of red wine in hand. Red lipstick is required for both. Voilà! Are you dressing up this year? Hopefully your costume is more impressive than mine. Have a Happy Halloween!

October Photo Project: Outdoors

I love all the gorgeous fall leaves and beautiful views you captured in October. I snapped this pic of my friend Nora and her cute shoes in Austin earlier this month. Of course, it looks like a summer day, but I just couldn't resist that green grass. Here's what you shared:

Hollie of n'est-ce pas? captured this path lined by fall leaves.

Erika of 17 Perth sent over a photo taken in the North Georgia mountains


Wendy of Young Heart snapped an early morning photo of the St. Johns River.

Katelyn took this photo at a local winery in southern Illinois.

Allison of Reasons to Smile shared this view from Shenandoah National Park.

My friend Annie took this photo of fall in upstate New York.

I love seeing Manhattan peeking through the grass from Daina of New York State of Mind.

Jaime of La vie...J'aime sent over this photo of a stunning Cape Cod sunset.

If you want to share one of your outdoor photos, just leave a link below! I'll announce November's theme on Friday. Thanks so much for sending me your pictures!