Overthinking And Blackberry Coffee Cake

Today is an overthinking day.

I'm trying to ignore it, but I can't and as my husband just said, I am my own worst critic. And to a point where I don't think my worst enemy on this planet would think about me the way I think about me. I'm trying to just pray and let God take over and I'm not. I'm just beating it into the ground like a crazy person.

And I forgot my lunch.

But I made a really awesome Blackberry Coffee Cake and Vashti asked me to share. So I will. :) If I have a picture, I'll add it too.

BLACKBERRY COFFEE CAKE
Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 cups sour cream
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
* 2 eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 cups blackberries

Topping

* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1
FOR THE TOPPING, stir together the sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly mixed.

2
Set aside.

3
PREHEAT THE OVEN to 350°F Butter a 9- by 13-inch baking dish.

4
IN A LARGE BOWL, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda and stir to evenly mix.

5
Add the sour cream, melted butter, and eggs, stirring gently until the batter is just evenly blended.

6
Avoid overmixing or the cake will lose some of its lightness.

7
POUR A GENEROUS half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

8
Scatter the berries on the batter and pour the remaining batter over them, spreading it evenly (some of the berries may seem too close to the surface, but they'll settle during baking).

9
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter and bake until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.

10
LET THE COFFEE CAKE cool slightly before cutting it into squares to serve.

Define 'Old'

This is me and my grandparents earlier this year around my grandma's birthday. She just turned 68!!

I'm 24. In fact, I forgot how old I was the other day and said I was 23. Not because I want to be younger, but I honestly keep forgetting how old I am! It's kind of weird.

I have about 3 friends (maybe even more) who have been FREAKING OUT over their 25th birthdays. Why? Because that's so oooollllddddd. One friend even said it's because that's half-way to 50 and the other said that she was having her 'quarter-life crisis.'

What defines 'old'?

I've always felt that old is a feeling. My mom has always said that she doesn't care about her age and she looks like she's in her 30's (I swear! She's 47). And my grandparents still take my grandma's Miata and drink martinis and just have fun and go on adventures. I guess it's because no one acts their age in my family that we all feel like we always have, no matter the number you put on it.

My husband's family, though, is different. Everyone there is very old, no matter their number. And I think that's because they worry. A LOT. Over everything. Some of it, I can understand. Some of it, I cannot. So we just don't tell them when we're going bungee jumping or going to do other insanely stupid things.

I don't know if I understand my friends when they say that 25 is so OLD. The only thing that has ever made me feel 'old' is my younger brother. He's now my height and I still remember when he was to my knees and we would run around together.

So now I'm somewhat curious. What do you think defines being 'old'?

Thankful Thursday!

I haven't done this in forever!! So now I'm going to do it cause I like it and it's always good to be reminded of all the things we really do have to be thankful for. So visit Sonya if you'd like to join!

1) We're moving! It's complicated but, though rent is more expensive, we're actually saving money. And though it's less space, I feel safer and...here's the kickers...it has a washer/dryer IN the apartment, a gym downstairs...AND WE CAN GET A CAT!!!

Though I have no clue what we'll do with said cat if we go on vacation.

2) God is doing a really great thing right now, but I can't say what. Suffice it to say, I couldn't be praising him more for it!!

3) Raspberries!!! Steve is taking me raspberry picking this weekend as a date and a congratulations for all the things that we've finished. Since he FINALLY has his CPA license (there were more issues, but it's complicated), I'm taking HIM out on a date soon too.

4) My husband. He does so much for me and has guarded my heart in such a way that makes me so happy. I'm always so proud of him and he's proud of me. I couldn't ask for more from the man in my life.

5) Church. We haven't been there in a few weeks, but I'm really excited to go this weekend. It always rejuvenates my spirit.

6) My friends and family. I've talked to them more this week then I have in awhile and it makes me realize how much I miss and love everyone.

What are you thankful for?!

The Last Wedding!!

I had mentioned before that I had my last wedding to attend this weekend. The brides the past two weekends have been BEYOND beautiful and so, so happy. Always makes me want to go look at my wedding pictures. :)

Rachel had her pictures done by Genevieve Nisly and she REALLY captured the happiness of the day. I love Rachel and I'm so happy that she's got her husband and that she's in Maui right now, enjoying her husband and the sun.

(P.S. Those are my purple Converse chucks!!)

Functioning

So I'm functioning today. The Video Music Awards were last night and I got home at around 5:00am, got a few hours of sleep, and I'm back at work!

Kanye West was NOT staged, by the way. That was real.

I'll post some pictures of the wedding I was at when I get a chance. The bride was beautiful and I haven't seen a happier groom. :)

How was your weekend?

Hi Guys!

My neice. ISN'T SHE ADORABLE?!

I just wanted to stop by and say hello!

I leave tonight with my husband to our last wedding of the year! So I'm very excited. It'll be nice to see some friends and such.

I'm looking for some advice. I'm trying to help raise money for Project O's school. There are two South African restaurants that I've found in NYC. Braii and Xai Xai and they're both owned by the same people. Should I go out on a limb and see if they'd be willing to hold an event?! I could possibly partner with my friends who started the organization History Starts Now that deals in ending human trafficking. I've been feeling very apprehensive about these things, but I think that I could do it, especially with some help.

I was in Ohio last weekend too and there was a sign that say, 'God's work never lacks God's supplies.' I liked it.

Is there something that you've been nervous to do, but just need that little edge?

I hope you have a great weekend! I might be scarce next week a bit too. It's the Video Music Awards on Sunday and I don't think I'm sleeping until Monday night!!

Sorry!!

Sorry I keep disappearing. It's been really crazy here. So if you wanted an update:
1) We're moving! We've decided to move to New Jersey. It'll save a little money, be an apartment with a WASHER AND DRYER!!!, pet-friendly, and be near some friends.

2) My LAST wedding of the year is this weekend.

3) The Video Music Awards are coming up this weekend too. Ack.

But here's what all went on this weekend. Uncle Steve is particularly cute with cousin Lillian. ;) And Mrs. Paskiet was radiant on her wedding day!!