The Sweet Life Bakeshoppe

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER Diane Armstrong and Mariya Merritt opened Sweet Life Bakeshoppe in July in southeast Charlotte. After being disappointed in the baked goods at bridal shows they attended when planning Mariya’s wedding four years ago, they created their own dessert recipes for the reception. Now, they’re sharing them with customers. The evidence is in the first bite of their specialty homemade Penguin cupcakes ($2.75 a piece), made of devil’s food cake with chocolate chip cheesecake baked inside, and topped with a cream cheese frosting. Pieces of memorabilia from the owners’ recent trip to Paris are placed throughout the store, as are mismatched antique tables and chairs. And a chalkboard wall is filled with quotes, including, “You are what you eat? Well I’d rather be a cupcake than a freaking carrot!” The Sweet Life Bakeshoppe, 1816 Galleria Blvd., Ste. D,  704-849-0098