wanted.

The heat is rising and the days are long. Time to head inside to watch television in that glorious thing we call air conditioning! If you're looking for something to watch this summer, pair one of the hits below with an ice cold margarita and live it up while you can. It'll be back to cop shows and serial dramas before we know it.

True Blood

This one's obvious - it's the final season! It's bound to be epic. Our Bon Temps friends are facing serious hardship with these diseased vamps laying waste to the area. And what is going on with Eric!?! Will everyone make it to the series finale? Will we see any old familiar faces? I'm not-so-secretly hoping for the heroic return of Hoyt. Hijack your best friend's HBOGo password or watch in realtime Sunday nights.

Suits

I've talked about my love for Suits before, and it's back in a big way. Mike is on the other side of the deposition table these days, so who knows what is going to happen. We do know, however, that there will be handsome young men in tailored suits spouting witty dialogue left and right. Plus, Donna is BOSS. Suits is on USA on Wednesday nights.

Orphan Black

I'm including Orphan Black on the list even though there's only one episode left. Orphan Black follows the intersecting lives of mysterious clones and the scientists who are oh so invested in them. You may think that Helena's the one with the most issues, but I contend my gal Alison could give her a run for her money. The season two finale airs this Saturday on BBC America, so get on that.

Beauty and the Beast

The CW renewed Beauty and the Beast despite low ratings because fans are diehard and light up social media during airtime. The low ratings are a mystery to me, because I'm hooked on this one. BATB is especially great right now because the show's getting back to the dynamics that worked so well in season one: Vincent on the run, Kat's job in a lurch, Gabe being his evil self - even Kat's sister jumped back in the mix. See what the fuss is about on the CW, Monday nights.

So, what will you be watching this summer?

images: fanpop, tv.com, hitfix, tvline

Are kids different these days? Have they changed since the golden age of The Baby-sitters Club? I'm pretty far removed, but it seems like they're all into Justin Bieber and Snapchat.

Oh, too scandalous for a first birthday? Good. We can focus on the innocence of ruffles and flowers instead. Much more my speed.



When Emily's mom asked me if I could do a ruffle cake for her first birthday it sounded like a fun challenge. (Unlike running, which is not a fun challenge.) I did a test run (or three) to get my technique just right, and to determine which size piping tip to use.



You won't find a step-by-step tutorial here (this one is a good primer, though). You will find loads of encouragement and a few tips.

Tips for Ruffle Cake Success

1. Use a turntable. You want to be able to spin the cake with one hand and pipe the icing with the other.
2. Don't skip the crumb coat!
3. Spend some time getting the icing consistency just right. It should be stiff enough so the ruffles stand out, but soft enough so they don't crack. This is where a test run (or a few practice ruffles) can really help.
4. Choose the right piping tip. I landed on a Wilton #104 and kept the fat end closest to the cake.
5. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Then you get a nice ruffly center!
6. Optional: Pump some Mariah Carey in the background. Preferably off the Daydream album.

That's it! Trust me, if I can tackle a ruffle cake, you can too. I think these ruffles are definitely Emily's style. And I hear she's into smash cakes instead of Snapchat. I just can't keep up.

images: ^©J. Bennett Kincaid Photography for wanted.

I'm reading B.J. Novak's book of short stories, One More Thing. It's the perfect read for the build-up to summer.

I picked up the ingredients to try this carrot salad this weekend. I'm a sucker for tahini right now.

If this goat doesn't make you smile there's no help for you.

Would you wear a swim dress? This one looks so comfortable.

I have a full weekend ahead with plans to clean out my gutters (any tips?), hit up the flea market and cheer on the local minor league baseball team. What are you up to?

images: Megean