This coffee cake is a lovely, elegant treat for breakfast, brunch, or tea. When Mom and I tasted it at a party several years ago, we simply had to get the recipe. I have since made it many times and passed on the recipe to others. If you are hosting a gathering or would like to surprise your family one morning, try making this delicious cake.

There is plenty of room for variation with this cake. You can use any type of jam or preserves for the filling – try peach, blueberry, raspberry, cherry, or strawberry. Sometimes I like to add a few mini chocolate chips to the topping if it pairs well with the type of jam (raspberry or cherry is good). You could also use any type of nuts, such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. One of my favorite combinations is chocolate-cherry-pecan, but feel free to experiment!

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups flour (I use a combination of unbleached all-purpose and whole wheat)
½ cup sugar
½ cup cold butter, cut into small peices
3 Tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup yogurt
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg

1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sugar
1 egg

½ to 1 cup preserves or jam, any flavor
½ cup chopped nuts
¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour the bottom and sides of a 9 or 10 inch sprinform pan. In a large bowl, combine flour and ½ cup sugar. Add the butter and olive oil and mix with your hands or a fork until mixture resembles course crumbs. Reserve 1 cup crumbs.

~To remaining crumb mixture add baking powder, baking soda, salt, yogurt, almond extract, and 1 egg. Blend well and spread mixture in the bottom of prepared pan.

~In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 egg. Pour into batter-lined pan. Carefully spoon preserves or jam evenly over cream cheese mixture.

~In a small bowl, combine reserved crumb mixture, chopped nuts and optional chocolate chips. Sprinkle over preserves.

~Bake for 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until cream cheese filling is set and crust is deep golden brown. Remove sides from pan and let cool. Cut into 12-16 wedges to serve. Enjoy!

Today’s post is a girly post. :) One of the things I love about being a young woman is getting to enjoy makeup, hairstyles, and cute clothing accessories. Used with discernment and moderation, they are fun to play with and use.

There are school days when I’m tempted to just put my hair in a pony tail and head out the door wearing jeans and a sweater. Sometimes I do just that, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but taking a little extra time to put on a scarf and a little lip gloss or curl my hair adds a classy and feminine touch. My mom has always inspired me in her feminine beauty and tasteful outfits. I remember doing a “facial” with her when I was old enough to start wearing makeup, and she has blessed me with her discernment in clothing and makeup choices.

As I mentioned in this post, I started wearing scarves a while ago, which I enjoy very much. I think hats and boots are classy as well, both of which I would like to try in the future. :)  I recently got a Pinterest account, and I have found inspiration for all sorts of things. Here is something I found to be helpful:

Pinterest also has some wonderful hair tutorials. The “Twisted Sister” is one of my favorites I have tried variations of this style, and it really works! I’ve learned the the key to making an updo with long, thick hair is to pin it up in sections. This will help it hold securely all day long.

Using headbands or flowers as hair accessories is sooo pretty. A friend once taught me how to make flower hair clips for my hair, and I’d like to learn how to make cloth headbands as well.

I love this, because personally I think a genuine, sweet smile is far prettier than even the best makeup job or hairstyle. A sunny countenance is often evidence of a joyful heart, and it can be such an encouragement to others.

What are some “extras” that you enjoy? Scarves, hats, headbands, or something else? :)

While it is delightful to be ladies and enjoy playing with hair and makeup, it’s also important to remember that they are just the “extras”. :) True beauty – the kind that lasts – comes from the heart and is displayed in a quiet and a gentle spirit, which is precious to the Lord:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4