Joy to the World

Am I the only one who feels so unbelievably unprepared for this year's holiday fest? I have already expressed my intense distaste for most things Christmas, so I won't go on except to say that this year is not different.

One of the few things that brings me joy this season is making, sending, and receiving holiday cards. But then again, I'm the nerd that loves getting mail and gets giddy for snail mail letters and cards any time of year.

I usually go back and forth between making cards and searching for the perfect box at Hallmark. This year I decided to make them. After working on a wax drip print this fall, I got it in my mind to try the technique for my holiday cards.

I could not be happier with the results. Well except the strand of lights that the mister said looked more like grapes =(

Here's to holidays filled with warmth and cheer. May you find joy throughout this season and into the new year!

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

This was one of my mom's go-to cakes when I was little. It's easy to whip up and its made of ingredients that are almost always in the house. Not to mention it's delicious considering the small amount of effort that actually goes into making it.

I had set this recipe aside awhile back as something I wanted to make during the holidays, but the mister made a special request for it this week.

Here, for your baking pleasure, is the original recipe for this great little cake.

Cake:

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter (soft)

1 cup milk

1 egg

Streusel:

1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

3 tbsp butter

Heat oven to 350.

Grease a 9x9 pan.

In a small bowl, mix together streusel ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together cake ingredients. Beat on low for 30 seconds, increase to medium for 2 minutes. 

Spread half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the streusel. Top with remaining batter and sprinkle with the remaining sterusel. 

Bake 35 - 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

(This is the recipe my mom always followed and it is wonderful! I have made a few tweaks to mine. But a girl has to keep some things secret.)

Etsy, Etsy, Etsy

Check out my updated shop!

New and improved with several updated listings. Now you can pay with a credit card directly from Etsy, no more messing around with Pay Pal.

Here are just a few of the new listings.

Ruffled Tote

Cotton Messenger

Ruffled Clutch

For more items check out my shop. And as always custom orders are accepted and encouraged!!

Happy Holidays

Even after two years I am still in awe of the work done at Vixen Pin-Up in Kansas City! Nikki and Candy are simply amazing! I had this shoot done for my mister a couple years back for a gift, but it was really such a treat for myself too!

 

If you have not had the opportunity to get pictures like these taken, please do so! It is such a wonderful experience. Every time I look at these I just smile. Not just in an "oh! look how pretty I am" kind of way, but mostly a "that was so much fun!" way.

So thank you once again Nikki and Candy. I love them so very much!