Blueberry Coffee Cake

I was told that my homemade coffee cake was a resounding hit for Father's Day, so I'm happy to bookmark it for future breakfasts. We taste tested ours with a late, but I'm sure it would be splendid with a mimosa as well.

It makes a bunch, so this would be a great take-along dish for a shower or hostess gift.  

Blueberry Coffee Cake (adapted from here)

Ingredients:

1 cup of sugar

1 tbs of canola oil

1 large egg

1 cup of milk (I used almond milk)

2 cups of all purpose flour

1/2 tsp of kosher salt

1 tbs baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup of blueberries

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment combine sugar, oil, vanilla and egg and beat until combined.
3. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and mix briefly to combine.
4. Add milk and mix on low speed until combined.
5. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly, sprinkle on blueberries.
6. Topping: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter and nuts (if using) in a small bowl and mix well.
7. Sprinkle topping over prepared batter.
8. Place cake in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cake is golden brown. Allow to cool in pan and then cut into squares.

Lately

This weekend, I got behind the lens and played with my baby.  The experience brought to focus the beauty of simple moments for which I'm eternally grateful.

Weekend Wishes

Happy Friday Friends!

James Robert has his party hat on, how about you? Sooo ready to kick back and relax after this week.  Wanted to share some goodies with you:

• I am beyond excited to have won Melanie's Golden Thread Giveaway {cue happy dance}. If you haven't checked out her blog, Style Scout, definitely hop over.  I adore her style.  I'm also beyond excited to monogram my new necklace with my baby's initials so I can wear him closer to my heart. 
• I'm still working on getting my home office together and am thinking of doing a DIY upholstered pin board.  Hopefully will squeeze in some project time this weekend.
• We are so excited to celebrate Father's Day this weekend.  I have so many wonderful Dad's in my life.  This recipe looks like the perfect way to spoil my husband this weekend. 
• And thanks to Birchbox {I'm obsessed, by the way} I was introduced to this 100% Pure vanilla bean lotion. It smells divine and is all natural. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Mrs Meyers Review

I was recently contact by Mrs Meyers to review some of their products.  Already a big fan of their dish and hand soap, I was thrilled to receive the Baby Blossom detergent and Sweet Pea laundry set to try. Their company ethos of earth-friendly products coupled with their recent "Grow Inspired" campaign are what I like about their brand.

Baby blossom detergent 

sweet pea set 

But how do they stack up?

Efficacy:

• After using all of the products and putting them through James Robert's very rigorous blow-out test, I was really pleased to see that the detergent was gentle but very effective at getting out baby stains.  Helping the cause, my husband also donated some dirty clothes for me to try the Sweet Pea stain remover and I was really surprised by how well it worked, while having a great smell.

Green rating: 

• This is where things get tricky.  There is a continuum for green products and I think these products fall somewhere in the middle. I studied the ingredients list and both of these products fare far better than most conventional brands. However, they do contain some ingredients that are questionable-- namely the synthetic fragrances (they are compliance with IFRA/ RIFM (International Fragrance Association and Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) guidelines for safety).  I love the smell of the products sent to me, however, I wouldn't recommend these products for families with sensitivities to smell or highly sensitive skin.

Price point: 

• Compared with other baby detergent, this falls somewhere in the middle at $15.99 for 64oz, it is highly concentrated though, so it will last forever.

Overall:

• Overall, I give these products a B-. I love that they work well and leave my clothes smelling great, but when it comes to being good for my family, there are other brands that do not use synthetic fragrances and are eco-friendly that I would likely turn to in the future if I'm going to spend that kind of money on detergent.   
• I have used Dr Bronner's, Charlie's Soap, All Free and Clear and EcoStore (which I blogged about here) in the past.

Thanks to Mrs Meyers for letting me review their products. I'm interested in know, are you loyal to a laundry detergent? What do you like for you and your family?

Summer Eating: Brussels Sprouts and Corn Side

Summer boasts the best foods.  The veggie pairing of brussels sprouts and corn tossed with a kick of cayenne and lemon prove it.  So easy, so healthy and so delicious I'll be making it all summer. Since it sounds like many of you are also seeking easy weeknight fixins, I thought I would share.

Summer Brussels Sprouts and Corn Side (adapted from)

Ingredients:

1 lbs of brussels sprouts cut in half

2 stalks of corn (cut corn off stalk)

olive oil

juice of 1 small lemon

cayenne pepper

garlic powder

S&P

Directions:

In a large pan, heat olive oil and add brussels sprouts. Sprinkle with lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne, garlic powder and S&P to taste.

Once the sprouts have become nice and golden (about 10 minutes) add fresh corn to pan add any more flavoring to taste and cook for another couple of minutes until the corn is warm.

Server warm!

Weekend Wishes

TGIF.  After my first week back at work, I couldn't be happier that it is Friday. I am more than excited to spend an entire day snuggling with my little guy.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend too!

- This article from Parents who put their kids first is a tear jerker and a must read for anyone with kids or hopes to have them in the future
- I received Tamra Davis' cookbook for my birthday and I'm looking forward to reading and planning from her recipes.  I have loved everything I ever made from her cooking show.
-After shattering my iphone glass last week, I'm on the hunt for a case. I like this one, but am not sure where else to look, any suggestions?
-I have been working to decorate our sunroom and I swear I'll share some before and after pictures soon. This space was a huge inspiration
-And last night I ordered this suit from JCrew in hopes it will be a good post-baby option.  30% off right now with the code THEBEST.  What other suits should I check out?

Three Months

It's hard to believe that it has been three months since this little man came into my life.  I think this month has been my favorite so far... am I allowed to say that every month?

James Robert's personality has come to life and everyday he is discovering something new.  It is incredible to see his transformation and to have him smile and laugh at us.

I did a three month update over on our family blog and here is a list of some of the baby items that I especially loved from that past couple weeks:

1) Our pack'n play has a play mat that is detachable and a mobile that keeps JR totally occupied 
2) Bibs are necessity these days with the extra drool and spit up; this one from Three Martha's is a favorite
3) Lots of links has so many different functions; right now I use them to create mobiles with different items
4) As we are getting out and about more, I have had to nurse on the go a few times.  I LOVE this nursing shawl that doubles and a cape, swaddle blanket and scarf.  It is made of the softest bamboo. 
5) We read this book before naps and bed; the message is so sweet
6) Our Beaufort Bonnet britches are a hot weather staple and so adorable
7) This little toy has stopped many meltdowns
8) Mirrors are a favorite
9) I love getting the free emails from productive parenting with fun playtime activities tailored to James Robert's age.