Because Baking is Creative: Blueberry Coffeecake {Muffins}

I just want you to know that I won a prize for this dish in 4-H back in my junior high days (yes...I was in 4-H...hey, I'm a Texan). It's that good. I don't know where it came from, but I remember my mom making it occasionally while I was growing up. I made this particular one just the other day as breakfast for a new mom and dad.

Blueberry Coffeecake
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 pint blueberries

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy on medium speed. Reduce to low and add flour, baking powder, salt, lemon extract, eggs, and beat until well blended.

Spread batter in 13 x 9" greased and floured baking dish (or muffin pan). Top with blueberries and pecan topping (recipe follows).

Pecan Topping
1 stick butter
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt butter. Remove from heat and flour, pecans, and sugar. Blend until you form a soft dough. (This can be made earlier in the day and set aside). Do not refrigerate topping.

Bake on 325 for 45 minutes (less for muffins).

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Give: Wall Art for the Kids

Last week Lilly & Louise sent off a few gifts to our favorite newest additions to the world.



I've added some new critters to the "collaged critter collection" (any other name suggestions for this collection are most welcome!) The latest critters are an owl, a boy frog and a birdie. I even have a few more up my sleeve, so stay tuned. (Click here to learn about how I make these little pieces of art.)

These framed critters are now available in our shop! They make perfect gifts and brighten up a baby's room. Click here to see what's available, or send us an email to request a custom piece.

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When Life Gives You Lemons... Make a Simple Centerpiece

Just another delightful use for our endless supply of lemons.

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Because Baking is Creative: Red Velvet Cupcakes

For me, one of the most fun things about baking cupcakes is making them pretty. Now, I haven't quite made it to the level of decorating with special piping nozzles (although I do have some, hmmm...), but I've been getting pretty creative with a Ziploc baggie.

I made these red velvet cupcakes with the "mini" muffin pan--because bite-sized is so darn cute (and less guilty). Red velvet cake is a classic southern dessert and historically the red comes from beets! Now we use a bucket of red food coloring to make the red so rich. Cream cheese icing and an [optional] touch of coconut on top completes these attractive, sweet treats.

Red Velvet Cake
from The Joy of Cooking and adapted into cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Have all ingredients at room temp. Have muffin pans lined with muffin papers and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Whisk together until thoroughly blended:
2 1/3 cups sifted flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Beat in large bowl until creamy
3/4 cup butter

Gradually add and beat on high speed until light and fluffy
1 1/3 cup sugar

Whisk together, then gradually beat in
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beating at low speed, add the flour mixture in 3 parts alternating with
1 cup buttermilk in two parts.
add 2 to 3 tablespoons red food coloring with first addition of buttermilk, beating until smooth and scraping down sides of bowl.

Fill muffin holes 2/3 full and back 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack and top with cream cheese icing.

Cream Cheese Icing
Beat in a medium bowl at low speed until blended
8 ounces cold cream cheese
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla

Add one-third at a time and beat just until smooth and the desired consistency
4 cups powdered sugar

Put icing into a large ziplock baggie and snip off one corner. Pipe icing onto cupcakes in circular motion. Top with shredded coconut if desired.

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Give: Homemade Meals for a New Mom & Dad

I love a good excuse to bake. In fact, most of the baked goods I feature here on the blog, I don't keep (that's too dangerous!). I usually bake when I know I have a group to share it with, such as a potluck, meeting or party (and sometimes it's a stretch--like a class assignment).



My latest excuse for baking was to accompany a homemade meal I cooked for a new mom and dad. I cooked Chicken Artichoke Lasagne, and a Greek salad for dinner. For dessert, Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies. And while I was at it, I baked a Blueberry Coffeecake in the form of muffins for breakfast the next day. (I plan to share these recipes with you in the coming weeks.) I like an excuse to be crafty almost as much as a good excuse to bake, so I made sure to package my goods well. Baking and crafting is the perfect combination to make a handmade, homemade gift...hopefully the food part will help new mom and dad ease into parenthood...

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Rain + Peppermint Tea = Productivity

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Give: Direct Relief International

On the other side of the studio, I'm doing some design work for local non-profit, Direct Relief International. Direct Relief is a 60-year-old nonprofit organization focused on improving quality of life by bringing critically needed medicines and supplies to healthcare providers worldwide. They've responded immediately to the tragic aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.

Just the other day I had a meeting at the headquarters and was given a tour of the warehouse where much of the donated material and medicine is stored. In the loading bay was a huge truck being packed with 13 pallets of medications and medical supplies bound for Haiti via FedEx plane. I learned that the shipment included antibiotics, wound care, sterilization products, bandages, and other necessary supplies to treat the injured.

I encourage you to learn more about Direct Relief International and their emergency response after the earthquake in Haiti. You can visit their website and donate to their cause at www.directrelief.org.

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The Little Succulent that Could

So I have this little succulent in my kitchen window--I'm not even sure what it's called--I think maybe some form of a rock cactus. Anyway, I love it because it is so interesting looking. But, it never looks like it's growing...even though I water it regularly. About a week ago I noticed a stem with a bud had formed from part of the plant and I remembered that it bloomed last year. So I whipped out my trusty Nikon and documented it by day until it bloomed. Now the bloom opens during the day, and closes at night. Such a unique, quirky little thing...and I love it!

(And by the way, if you're wondering about the pot...yes, it's seen better days. It's taken a few falls in its lifetime, but each time MOST pieces were recoverable, so I glued it back together...a few times.)

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Dotting I's and Crossing T's

Last week I finished up addressing these envelopes. I heart pretty mail.

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In The Studio

photo by Kacie Jean

When I'm not working on wedding invitations, addressing envelopes or up to my elbows in colorful paint, I'm usually working on other applications of print design. I recently completed a logo design for Kacie Jean Photography. Kacie Jean is a very talented, Santa Barbara-based, wedding and lifestyle photographer. She had been scarred by previous attempts of having someone create a design for her, so she was a little apprehensive when we started the process, but that quickly changed!




Kacie wanted a logo that was classy and clean, yet fun and friendly... something that would reflect the kind of work she does--and how she approaches it. After completing the logo, we designed a gift certificate / promo kit inspired by pocket wedding invitations. Inserts include gift certificate, pricing, packages & products and examples of her work. In the end, we were both very pleased with the final piece.


photo by Kacie Jean

Kacie had some kind words to share about working with me that you can read here on her blog. In addition, if you'd like to see other examples of the work I do when I'm not working on Lilly & Louise, click here.

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you and yours from Lilly & Louise! I hope your year has gotten of to a great start (and any NY resolutions you have are in full swing!)

Above is a fun holiday card I recently completed for a darling family. They wanted a New Year card so that we weren't racing against the clock to get it in the mail. The exciting thing about the timing of this card is that it arrived in the mail well after the rush of other holiday cards--so it was a fun surprise!

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