It’s spring! One of our favorite traditions is our annual strawberry picking morning. A drive to the country, luscious berries warm from the sun, and the way the car smells like strawberry for our drive home…everything to love. Of course, the best part is teaming these beauties with golden, sweet shortcake and whipped cream. I’m baking today, even if it is Mother’s Day!

The Usual Cast of Characters

• 1 cup flour
• 2/ 3 cup sugar
• 1 1/ 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/ 4 teaspoon salt
• 1/ 2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/ 3 cup butter, softened
• 1/ 2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• fresh berries
• whipped cream

The Steps to Glory

Heat oven to 350°F.

Prepare Shortcake pan with baking spray containing flour and thoroughly coat the details of the pan.

In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients.

Blend at low speed until moistened, then beat 2 minutes on medium speed, scraping bowl often.

Pour batter into pan, filling only ¾ full. Gently tap pan on countertop to remove any air bubbles.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cakes cool 8-10 minutes in pan and then invert onto cooling rack.

Repeat steps if there is remaining batter. Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries.

Metamorphosis

I’m so excited. Porch weather is upon us. It was a little chilly today but still the perfect place to be was on my porch. We could blow the winter away…and the early spring pollen…and once again watch the neighborhood come alive. Come on up…

Metamorphosis

This lovely poem was written by AI!

The world awakes, a vibrant hue, 
With emerald leaves and skies of blue. 

The gentle breeze, a soft caress, 
Awakens nature’s sweet finesse. 

The sun shines bright, a golden ray, 
Chasing shadows far away. 

New life unfolds, a joyful sight, 
In spring’s embrace, bathed in light.

Metamorphosis

Hard to believe but spring is here, with Easter in our near future. We had a little taste of warm beautiful weather when we journeyed to the exotic island of St. Lucia for a break. It spoiled us for sure, but it did motivate me to incorporate more springy things into my decor.

I saw the daffodils pop out in our garden this weekend, so warm is right around the corner here. I am certainly ready!

Metamorphosis metamorphosis

A restful weekend here in Annapolis, in no small part thanks to a crazy burned out electrical transformer that led to a blown out Verizon box that led to a service call to happen between 9am and 9pm that led to a mandatory day at home.  It is a wonder how we ever did anything without the internet…or Fios TV. Anyway, it did give me time to put together a St. Patrick Day mantel.  I have never attempted to capture the luck of the Irish in my decor, but like my Valentine’s mantel, I am quite pleased that the simplest additions really do have major impact.  Do you like the sparkly shamrock? I give the Princess full credit!

Some green depression, vintage postcards and a bunting of shamrock pennants gives homage to Old Saint Patrick.
A close-up of the gorgeous green of the glass.

Vintage St. Patrick postcards are known for their amusing nature and exuberant love of the perfect Irish lass! I love these examples of both.

Also a first…the princess’ first middle school dance…how can that be!

Metamorphosis

I have missed you Spring! Your subtle beauty and clear light, your gentle winds and sparkly sun. You are like a breath of fresh air after the darker days of winter. It may still be 35 degrees outside but in my house…we welcome spring.

Metamorphosis

Valentine’s Day is approaching and with it the thought that spring might be kind of..sort of..mostly near. Not that snow isn’t impossible, I mean it snowed on spring break last year, but the warm fuzzy feeling of Valentine’s Day just translate to warm days and green returning.

I was never one to decorate for Valentine’s, but an impulse pillow buy led to another and some vintage Valentine postcards found their way home and next thing I know…full on Valentineo decor…and I like it. Come on inside and experience the LOVE!

Well, we made it to February. The air is still chilly, a little snow is still on the ground, but love is in the air to keep us warm. Come on in to see our Valentine touches.

Metamorphosis

By Helen Hunt Jackson

O Winter! frozen pulse and heart of fire, 
What loss is theirs who from thy kingdom turn 
Dismayed, and think thy snow a sculptured urn 
Of death! Far sooner in midsummer tire 

The streams than under ice. June could not hire 
Her roses to forego the strength they learn 
In sleeping on thy breast. No fires can burn 
The bridges thou dost lay where men desire 
In vain to build. 

O Heart, when Love’s sun goes 
To northward, and the sounds of singing cease, 
Keep warm by inner fires, and rest in peace. 
Sleep on content, as sleeps the patient rose.

Walk boldly on the white untrodden snows, 
The winter is the winter’s own release.

Metamorphosis

Winter is officially here, with the frigid temperatures, snowy weather and grey skies. Not much fun to be outdoors right now; inside seems much more appealing. I think the best part of winter is making the inside pleasant, warm and cozy. I like to be welcomed home each afternoon by simple textures, muted colors and lots of elements to make me smile. It’s not my favorite season but cozy makes it so much more bearable. Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy my winter touches.

Metamorphosis