Berry Blue Muffins

These blueberry muffins are one of my favorite southern recipes. The original recipe is from my "Charleston Entertains: Season by Season" cookbook, but i changed it a little. They're the perfect breakfast treat for when you have guests for the weekend or just need a sweet morning pick-me-up.

(learninghowtocook.com)

Yields 12 large/24 small muffins

1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sifted flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 F and grease/line muffin tins. In a large bowl beat on high: butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. In a separate, smaller bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt. At low speed combine flour mixture in fourths, alternating with milk in thirds, with the sugar mixture. Beat until smooth. Gently fold in blueberries. Fill muffin tins (make sure to fill tins equally so the muffins will cook evenly). Bake for 17-25 minutes (depending on muffin size) or until golden brown.

Start any morning off right with homemade blueberry muffins!

Cute Coasters

I saw these homemade tile coasters on Blueprint Crafts and I absolutely love the idea. I've been trying to find cute coasters in the stores but I can't find anything I really like. Plus this way you can personalized them anyway you want! The only thing I would do differently is add cork to the entire bottom instead of felt (but its whatever you prefer). I can't wait to try this out with some Lilly Pulitzer gift wrap!

Here is the link to the tutorial!

Rain, Rain Come Today

Rain boots are essential for every college girl. When you have to walk from class to class in the rain (or snow) you want to make sure your boots are comfortable, reliable and stylish. A great brand to try is Hunter. Their products are made from natural rubbers and have cushioned sponge insole. Below are some different styles of Hunter boots.

The Original

 Shown in Fuchsia. This boot is the original Hunter style and known for its comfort and fit. It comes in a variety of colors ranging from black and browns to pinks and yellows. This boot also comes in a "gloss" version that has a high gloss finish for a little added shine. 

The Regent Savory

Shown in Bitter Chocolate. This luxurious looking boot has a more fashionable cut. It is lined with sponge quilting for added warmth. If the quilted look isn't your favorite, the boot also comes in a smooth nylon lining. Some other available colors are Olive Green and Black.

The Huntress 

Shown in Pillar Box Red. This boot offers the same great feature as the original but has a slightly different fit. It's height is a tad shorter and the calf of the boot has a more generous cut to cater to women all of shapes and sizes. 

A great accessory for your new boots are Welly Socks. They slide right into your boot to keep your feet warm in the winter. They come in array of colors (including animal prints) and have the recognizable Hunter logo.

With these boots you'll be ready for rain or snow this fall semester!

Forgotten Isn't Always A Bad Thing

One of my best friends introduced me to forgotten cookies along time ago but I just recently asked her for her recipe. Forgotten cookies are like meringue cookies but have a lighter, airier texture. Not only are they delicious but they are also very easy to make. All you do is mix the ingredients, pop them in the oven and leave them overnight! 

(BBCGoodFood)

Yields 24 cookies

2 egg white

2/3 cups granulated sugar

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)- you can use any type of nuts

1/2-1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)- I like to use semi-sweet

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Pinch of salt 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat egg white with electric mixers until foamy. Next add granulated sugar and beat to stiff peaks. Then add vanilla and  salt; fold together. Drop by teaspoon on a cookie sheet covered in foil or parchment paper. Place the cookies into preheated oven and turn off oven as soon as cookies are in. Leave overnight. 

You'll be dreaming of these sweet cookies till morning!  

Charming Chalkboards

My lastest DIY project has been making a old, unused, metal plate into a chic and functional chalkboard. You can do this with any kind of plate, platter or picture frame. I started out with a platter I found in my kitchen, colored spray paint and some chalkboard spray paint. Because I already had the plate, all I had to pay for was the paint (and I even used a 40% off Michael's coupon). 

I first sprayed the whole plate with the colored spray paint. I used Krylon brand paint in the color "Catalina Mist". Its a pale aqua color that I thought would look nice next to the black chalkboard. You could use any color for this or just leave the metal for a sleeker look. 

After two coats of Catalina Mist, I taped off the middle with painters tape and covered the outside of the plate in newspaper. Make sure you take your time taping so the paint line ends up straight and even. 

Next I sprayed the plate with two coats of Krylon's chalkboard spray paint.

Once the chalkboard paint was dry, I removed the tape and voilà! A brand new, adorable chalkboard that looks like you bought it from a trendy boutique.  

You can either stand your chalkboard up on a picture stand or hang it on the wall with a plate hanger or cute ribbon. Because I used a metal plate, my new chalkboard is also magnetic. The possibilities are endless!

Happy D.I.Y-ing

Daydreams of a Lillyholic

 One of my favorite brands is Lilly Pulitzer. I love the vibrant colors, fun prints and amazing quality the brand offers. Here are some of my top picks for accessories that are perfect to dress up any southern girl's outfit. 

The Resort Chic Wedge

This is the perfect little metallic wedge! Metallics are a great neutral to have in your closet; this shoe also comes in silver (if you're not a fan of gold). I love the height of the wedge and the open peep toe. 

The Murfee Scarf 

A great way to add some extra color to an outfit is with scarves. The Murfee scarves come in a variety of patterns and colors. The pattern shown here is call Fallin in Love. They are made from a silk/cashmere blend which makes them incredibly soft. 

The "Ms. Bo-Bangles" Bangle 

Finally top it off with a chunky bangle or oversized ring. I love the rich colors and creative name of this bracelet! It also comes with navy colored stones. This is a great statement piece that will add some uniqueness to your outfit.

Lilly is the epitome of southern style  

Baklava Meets Cheesecake

This recipe is a little different from traditional baklava but is still delicious! What makes this baklava different is a layer of cream cheese mixture, which adds an aspect of creaminess to the dessert. The original recipes is "Sweet Cheese Baklava" from Kraft Recipes but I altered it a little to add a thicker crust and added some tips (baklava is not the easiest dessert to make). 

Total time: 1 hour

Yields 20 servings

1 cup finely chopped nuts (any type will work, I used walnuts)

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

2 pkg. 8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup honey, divided

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

20 sheets frozen phyllo pastry dough, thawed

1/2 cup butter, melted. 

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine nuts, sugar, and spices in a bowl and set aside. Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup of honey, eggs, and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

If you've never worked with phyllo dough before it is very thin and comes in large sheets. Because these sheets are larger than most pans, they may need to be cut so they can fit perfectly into the pan. Lay out the 20 sheets onto a flat surface and cut with a serrated knife. 

Brush the bottom and sides of pan with butter or spray with pam. Lay the first sheet of phyllo dough in the pan, brush the entire sheet with melted butter. Add the next sheet on top. Continue to do this with 7 sheets. This will create the crust.

Butter the top of the 7th sheet and then add the nut mixture evenly over the sheet. You will add the nut mixture to every other sheet. So basically every sheet gets a layer of butter and ever other gets the nut mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture on the top of the top sheet. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cream cheese is set. Heat the remaining 1/4 cup honey and drizzle over the top of the baklava. Cool to room temperature before serving. 

All thats left to do is enjoy!