Wakey Wakey

Last weekend, we got to celebrate John's graduation from Duke MBA! We were so thankful to be able to have both of our sets of parents make the trip to NC.  And we celebrated ALL weekend long :)  

On the morning of graduation, I hosted everyone at our apartment for a yummy brunch. 

I tried out a few new Pinterest finds, and they turned out great!

First up was the Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake.  I actually had 2 huge packages of blackberries so I did a Blackberry cake instead.  It was super easy, and it baked while I got everything else ready.

I would definitely make this again, I think it would be delicious with ANY kind of berry, or you could even do a MIXED berry cake!

Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Serves 6-8

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2 tsp. lemon zest or more — zest from 1 large lemon

7/8 cup* + 1 tablespoon sugar**

1 egg, room temperature1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. kosher salt2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup buttermilk

                                                                 

* 7/8 cup = 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons
**This 1 tablespoon is for sprinkling on top

                                           

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cream butter with lemon zest and 7/8 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Meanwhile, toss the blueberries with ¼ cup of flour, then whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Add the flour mixture to the batter a little at a time, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in the blueberries.

4. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan (or something similar) with butter or coat with non-stick spray. Spread batter into pan. Sprinkle batter with remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 35 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. If necessary, return pan to oven for a couple of more minutes. (Note: Baking for as long as 10 minutes more might be necessary.) Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

BEFORE

AFTER

Also, I tried out these adorable Omelet Biscuit Cups - they were so easy, and you basically just use a refridgerated biscuit can, press them in muffin tins, and then you fill them with your desired egg mixture!You can make it filled with veggies, meats, whatever you choose! 

I did mine with egg, cheese, and ham.

Omelet Biscuit Cups

• 1 (12 ounce) package large refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup diced fully cooked ham
• 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup chopped canned mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1. Press biscuits onto the bottom and up the sides of greased muffin cups; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Add ham, 1/4 cup cheese and mushrooms; mix well. In a skillet, melt butter; add the egg mixture. Cook and stir until eggs are nearly set. Spoon into biscuit cups.
2. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

(P.S. Does anyone notice the picture quality from this post??  I got my new NIKON D5100 for my birthday, and these were some of my first shots!!!  I LOVE IT!!)

Hope everyone is having a happy Monday!

XOXO

Travel Essentials

Our European Vacation countdown is on!! 

 2 weeks from today, we leave for our month-long getaway!! I am slowly starting to compile my travel essentials for the plane, and thought I'd share a few of my favorites!

Toms Ballet Flats

(Comfortable, durable, and goes to a great cause!  I love the Alessandra Burlap!)

Kindle Fire

(For reading, watching, playing, and shopping!)

Fresh Lip Treatment

(Perfect for any weather and climate - and leaves your lips soft and luxurious!)

Zebra Scarf 

(Curl up with a big scarf with a fun print!)

Travel Facial Towelettes

(I LOVE these.  The perfect cleansing towelette that leaves you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.)

WATER. WATER. WATER.

(Staying hydrated will help with jet-lag, and keep you feeling your best.)

And of course, some good mags to keep you entertained!

Do you have any traveling favorites??

XOXO

Insta-lately

Oh just a little insta-gramming from the past 2 weeks or so!  

Find me on Instagram: @emily8463

1-2 = Duke End of the Year Luau

3-8 = Celebrating my Bday!  And some new goodies!

9-11 = Graduation Weekend!

Hope you all are having a lovely week so far!!

XOXO

Beachy Keen

Duke University is full of traditions.  Whether it's certain cheers in Cameron indoor stadium, having a class theme song, or chanting out specific phrases during FuquaVision (Boooo, Yaaaay!), there are lots to choose from.  Last week we got to experience the end of the year Beach Week tradition, hosted by the Business School.  And what a week it was!

We shared an amazing beach house in Myrtle Beach with 5 other couples (some of our very best Duke friends, who we met the first week of school!), and had the best time soaking in all the sunshine and fun we could. 

We celebrated birthdays.....

Happy Birthday Meredith!

Happy Birthday, ME!

Went to 3D movies on rainy afternoons....

Enjoyed lots of beach time :)

Had lots of delicious drinks!

Enjoyed a waterfront dinner - complete with a push up contest!

More fun in the sun...

And TOO many games :)

It was an unforgettable trip, and the perfect ending to a wonderful 2 years. 

What a adventure this has been!!

XOXO