Ambiance: the character and atmosphere of a place. Part of the reason I love eating local is that you KNOW the owners put a lot of effort into making you want to come back as a regular. The moment you walk into Muddy’s Bake Shop ( 5101 Sanderlin, #114, Memphis, TN 38117), you can tell it’s much more than just a bakery. There is an underlying nostalgic ode to old ice-cream parlors; the staff is extremely friendly and helpful, and in addition to baked goods, you can buy party and crafting supplies, and products from local writers and artists as well. I don’t know about you, but when I go to certain places, the “feel” of the space, the colors, the energy, etc. will determine how frequently I go back. Muddy’s is a nod to simpler times, one that gives you warm and fuzzies while you enjoy the sweet and delicious. Who would’t want to experience that every day? Open since 2008, the founder Kat Gordon (such a bubbly and bright woman) knew she’d tapped into a cool little niche market, but she had no clue that Muddy’s would be the success it is; the first time I finally made the trip to Muddy’s it was 9pm on a Saturday night and there was a line out the door. When people don’t mind standing in line for a cupcake, you know its THAT GOOD. The cake is fluffy + moist and the icing is juuuuust right. Everything is made from scratch with organic and/or local products, so you know there’s quality behind each bite. I have an affinity for the cupcakes (Grasshopper + Pucker Up are my faves) so I haven’t sampled the other treats yet, but I do plan on it, lol. You can grab and dash if you like, but there’s seating available if you want to take a moment to hang out and enjoy a cupcake or two (or three!) They will be opening a coffee shop in Cooper-Young later this year, so I can’t wait to visit that one as well! Muddy’s Bake Shop 5101 Sanderlin Ave Suite 114 Memphis, Tennessee 38117 Phone (901) 683-8844 Hours: Mon – Thu | 11a-9p Fri – Sat | 11a-11p Best Budget Beauty: Drugstore Deals for Under $15 Beauty Buy | Ioni Cosmetics Blush