Just Be.

My dream four years ago was to connect with mothers online. I believed I could turn my grief into a  lighthouse and my joy into a rainbow. I succeeded that in a multitude of ways. Now I find myself turning back to the peace of my blog. The starting point before niches, aesthetics, and trends. Here the only requirement is showing up. I gleefully share that with you.

Summer is brisk, and before I know it my big babies will be heading back to school. Which may look very different for us this year, as my family prepares for a big move, (more on that later.) but the sweetness of summer is certainly in presence. I fall in love with my kids in new ways over the summer. 

I also am melting. Postpartum is pulling back all the layers of confidence and surety. New grace is required as it sinks in that the postpartum mom of four is very different from the mom of one. I'm working out this new version of myself. Searching for the new balance in self commitment and patience has me wanting to seclude. I was reminded this summer of the honey of friendship though. Spending time with some of my greatest friends was such a sweetness to my soul. I remind myself, living is easier when you're not alone. So back to the lighthouse I go. I throw a rainbow signal that perfection was never a requirement in any area of life.

Now, here is a glimpse of the good.

 I'm captivated by the art of sewing. The simple fixes make the little moments of my day more peaceful. My two year old kept asking me to hold her popsicle, so I fixed that with popsicle sleeves. How fulfilling it is to bring ease to my kids, and others since I sell them now.

Patchwork has me scrolling into the late hours at every project. Most tend to be whimsy, colorful, and playful. It's no surprise I'm all in. I made this quick blueberry patchwork tee with some scraps and my husband's T-shirt. It turned out pretty darling.

Not as sweet as these felt blueberries I made though. I make a few seasonal felt pieces for our play kitchen every few months. My kids enjoy them so much. I also needed some variety to my go to order at La Patisserie Beavers.

The tutorial I followed.

Finally, what you really came here for!

"She's still a baker!" That's how I hype myself anytime I get to bake. Which has been often lately with farmers markets and summer birthdays.

Flax Blueberry Mini Muffins

1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup Ground Flaxseed

2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

splash of Vanilla Extract

1/2 Cup Milk (I use Oat Milk)

1-1 1/2 Cups Blueberries 

1/4 Cup Melted Butter 

1/2 Cup Sweetener (I've used Sugar, Brown Sugar, and Honey)

I do a no fuss one bowl method with these. Just put it all in and be careful not to overmix.

I scoop them into a mini cupcake pan and my kids typically plop more blueberries on top.

Then bake for about 8-11 minutes on 375 degrees.

I've made these so much over the past year. Two batches a week for my blueberry loving fam, and so many for farmers markets and friends. I hope you'll love them too!

Blueberry Buttercream

A simple tweak that will elevate your seasonal bakes. Ya know, eat with the season!

1 Cup Unsalted Butter (Softened)
3 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
 1/4 Cup Blueberry Spread (Jam, Compote)
A Pinch of Salt

Place the butter into stand mixer bowl and beat for 3-5 minutes.

It should be fluffy.

Add the powdered sugar and beat for a few more minutes. 

Once it is coming together add the vanilla and blueberry spread. 

(You can just add blueberry spread until you're happy with it.)

Mix until smooth and its ready to pipe or frost a cake with!

With so much appreciation,