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'The Brookline' is an informational newsletter, sponsored by South Pittsburgh Development Corporation, about the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Brookline. It is available by email in full color, and also is available by mail. Contact The Brookline at thebrookline@brookline-pgh.org for details.If this year, like me, you’ve resolved to eat less desserts, I say let us eat cupcakes. Mini cupcakes, that is, from Le Cupcake Shoppe. With a grand opening this past October, Le Cupcake Shoppe on Capital Avenue is the only mini cupcakery in Pittsburgh. The dollhouse-like shop, located next to Fiori’s Pizza, even feels like a cupcake when you walk inside. Charming details from the trim to the counter tops and cupcake décor whisk you off to a childlike state. “Everyone’s been so welcoming. People in this neighborhood have such an appreciation for small businesses,” owner Alexandra Hagen said…
"It’s a crazy day," Kathy Saldutte announces from her spot behind the counter. On the wall behind Kathy is a placard - "If friends were flowers, I’d pick you." By crazy, she means crazy good. Recently delivered fresh flowers fill plastic pails scattered on the floor of The Violet Bouquet Flower Shop. The telephone rings incessantly.Flowers are the gift for all seasons and all reasons. Dish gardens line a multi-tiered display near the front door, and pots of peace lilies crowd along a side wall. In front of a refrigerator a black pail holds white and deep pink carnations and wax flowers fill a…
