Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes is the perfect spot in Manayunk to enjoy a cupcake, some coffee, and free WiFi. The red velvet cupcakes are amazing according to regulars. After just one bite you may start craving these sugary cakes. The cupcake flavors rotate monthly. If you're lucky you'll stop by when they have the Chocolate Bacon cupcake, a chocolate cupcake topped with bacon. For the current flavors stop by the store, give them a call, or visit the Facebook page. Don't be surprised to find Elizabeth behind the counter. Feel free to ask the friendly staff for recommendations. Custom cakes for parties and weddings can be ordered from Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes. The cupcakes are a little pricey but comparable to other bakeries in the area. Make sure you try the salted caramels. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes
4409 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(267) 331-8949

www.sweetelizabethscakes.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-elizabeths-cakes-philadelphia-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr m01229

Zama is a top-notch Japanese restaurant that has been wowing Philly diners since it opened for good reason: they truly get the beautiful simplicity of Japanese cuisine. Chef Hiroyuki Tanaka has been one of the leading lights in the food scene here for years, and when the news broke that he was opening his own restaurant, there was a predictable stampede for reservations. Things have calmed down a bit, but diners here always go away satisfied by the clever, perfectly-prepared food on offer. Some of the menu’s highlights include the market fresh nigiri plate, composed by the chef each day of the best of the fishmonger’s offerings – you’ll be presented with some new taste experiences here, but it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Zama's rolls are also excellent, with diners recommending the Bronzizzle – a cucumber and avocado inside-out roll with branzino and yuzu-soy sauce. It’s a unique creation that will wow your palate.

Zama
128 South 19th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 568-1027
www.zamaphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zama-philadelphia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/eviltomthai

Think that you have to visit a professional florist to find a magazine-worthy arrangement? Think again! With these simple tips for designing your own floral arrangements at home, you can fill your space at Lincoln Green with gorgeous flowers or even give them as affordable gifts to friends.

1. Choose the perfect vase. Choose a vase that will fit the flowers that you have on hand, or if you don’t have a designated vase, use something like a mason jar, pitcher, or other household vessel.
2. Using florist’s tape, create a grid across the top opening of the vase. Leave approximately one-inch squares in between the tape to keep the flowers separated and evenly spaced.
3. Mix up textures by using a wide variety of different types of flowers. Contrast delicate baby’s breath with big, leafy blooms and eucalyptus branches.
4. If you’re feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of mixing and matching, make a statement by using a large quantity of just one type of flower. Whether it’s classic red roses or purple hydrangeas, all flowers look beautiful when trimmed into layered lengths that eventually create a rounded arrangement in a short vase.

Flower Arranging 101 [Martha Stewart]
Elegant, Exquisite, Easy Flower Arrangements [Real Simple]
How to create perfect floral arrangements [Sunset]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr YWAM Orlando