In the Pink

I don't know how it could be possible, but I don't own a pink top!  Pink is one of my favorite colors.  I can get pretty picky about the shade of pink though so that could be my problem.  I need a pink top for a breast cancer fundraiser this week so I sat down today to make one, because when you need one the stores don't have any.  This pattern was very straight forward and came together in a couple of hours.  I bought the knit material at Joann's and when all is said and done, it's not great fabric.  It's thin and too see through so I'll have to wear a cami but for what I need it for, it's fine.  The knit has sparkles all over that don't show in the picture.  I would like to try the pattern again with a nice quality cotton knit.

I found the best cookbook at World Market.  I love everything about it!  I made the cheese crackers yesterday and they were great!  I didn't want plain old squares like cheese nips so I used a little bumble bee cutter I had.  As always, if your'e going to make the effort, make it pretty!

Blessings,

Y-U-M-M-Y!

I made cupcakes, wow are they bright!

Is there such a thing as too much pink?

This is my go to book for cupcakes.

I always make vanilla with vanilla buttercream frosting.

I saved one for you!

Smiles,

Simply Saturday~

I'm in one of my August moods today. A bit melancholy, a tad sentimental.  It's blueberry season here in Michigan.  A good excuse to make and eat muffins.  As they bake, I'm watching the goldfinch at the bird feeder and thinking about the chipmunk that was perched there last week while I watched and wondered what on earth that kind of bird was.  I hear thunder coming from the west but it doesn't faze the many butterflies who are swarming the rose bush.

Oh, let's head outside, what's a little thunder amongst friends?  The climbing rose is showing off today, big time.  The progression of colors sings a continuous song of praise, reaching up.  Next year it will need an arch for sure.  It blooms late August and cheers the rest of the garden on as colors begin to fade.

Last fall I tossed a rotting pumpkin by the tree in the back corner.  Guess what sprouted this summer?  I keep mowing around this vine, not wanting to disturb it.  Today I thought I would see if there is any sign of a pumpkin...

I'm wondering if the neighbors found my happy dance entertaining.  Just one little pumpkin coming to maturity would make for an awesome fall.  Might even take away the August blues.

This is what happens when overzealous planting occurs followed by a large wind and rain storm - one mass tangle of stalks.  Picking tomatoes is like mining for gold.  I'm not sure if any peppers grew because I can't find the plants.  When I want basil I reach my hand in and pull at whatever will come out.  It's worked so far.  Don't we always learn the most through trial and error?  Will I ever be old enough to stop learning this way?  You don't have to answer that.

Muffins are done.  I sure wish you could come over for coffee and muffins today.  We could discuss how we all handle the transition from summer to fall.  Play time to school time.  We head back to school after Labor Day here in Michigan.  I know many of you have already started.  Where did the summer go?  Enjoy your Saturday!

Blessings,

Pretty Cakes

This weekend there is a big barn sale happening at my friend, Diane's house.  I told her I would bake some cupcakes for our local animal rescue who will host a bake sale during the event.  I saw these cupcakes on sweet Kathy's blog and knew I had to give it a try.

My daughter did most of the decorating of the cupcakes.  We used the colors we had on hand, but I like Kathy's red ones much better.  It was fun to sit and talk with Maddie while we worked on them.  Another special moment from our maker's hand.  Pretty Dahlia cakes.  Almost too pretty to eat...almost!

With joy,

Cupcake Love

Hugs,

photo found here
quote found here

Making Progress

Christmas preparations are winding down at my house.  I've baked Cranberry Almond Bread and made one delivery already.

Shann over at Daisy's Are My Favorite Flower shared the recipe for this Vanilla Snack Mix which I believe may be our new family favorite.  I also made toffee bark but alas, not one single cookie yet.   Hope your day is filled with sweet treats!

Joyfully,