Pumpkin + Cheese = Happy

A little happy was needed  here...

I have been battling some inner ear issues since August and hasn't allowed much computer or creative time since my head feels like it has been in a vice! But, I think I am rounding a corner now ...hopefully! It has been ridiculously busy here with the little guy, soccer, karate, scouts... I don't now how we did it with the four others way back! Joel Jr. graduated to his yellow belt in karate and is having fun during is first go at soccer. He seems to have this tactic on the field of what I call his "Brave Heart battle cry" which he lets out as he charges down the field  like in the movie (and I cringe) and scares everyone away from the ball. I'm pretty sure the other parents are not appreciating it...we are working on better skills on the field. We did get a little chuckle out of it..that's what happens when your on the 5th kid. The older kids think I should paint his face blue like the Scottish warriors!
However, it has been a lovely fall here in New Jersey. My heirloom dahlias are still blooming and kitty is enjoying the deck and the sunshine. One thing I  could manage was comfort food during my malaise. Hey... I figured it would make me feel better...I'm convincing myself it worked! Note...I doubled the cake mixture...if you choose not too adjust pan size accordingly, you can also you a loaf pan.


Pumpkin Cheese Streusel Cake.
For the cake:

• 1 15 oz.can pumpkin pie filling
• 1/2 cup oil 
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cup flour 
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 3/4 tsp. salt 

For the cream cheese filling

• 1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese softened
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 cup flour

For the Streusal topping 

• 1 stick melted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• pinch of salt

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl set aside. Mix wet ingredients together in a large bowl and then add the dry ingredients. Spread into a  greased 9 by 13 baking pan. Mix the cream cheese filling ingredients together. Add to cake in dollops and them swirl it in.
Bake at 350 for about for about 50 min. While it is baking make your streusal topping again just mixing it all together. After 50 minutes remove cake from the oven and sprinkle the topping and cook for another 10 minutes. Keep checking as everyone's oven is different. So cook till a toothpick comes out clean when poked into the cake.

I also made some pillows for a bench at the foot of  our drive. I got some outdoor fabric from Jo Ann's on sale. I love them!

I hope you are having a beautiful fall as well. Are you baking? What is your favorite fall baking treat ? Next post I have some projects to share. I am also working on a new crochet pattern to share for the holidays! I am loving it so far!

Be well,
Ming

Sights of Summer & Blog Hop

 Beautiful splendid summer, must you move so fast???...too fast for me. I really don't want to complain because it really has been wonderful so far. Here are some beautiful sights that I captured this week...

During A Rainy Week...

Much was accomplished...this is what has been going on...

It may be a bit gloom outside, but I have to say I am happy for it. As it is giving me a much needed break with the yard and garden work. So needless to say I am enjoying it.
The Shawl...  A few months back I joined Romi's Mystery Shawl KAL. I couldn't post any pictures of it until all  the clues were given. It is over now and I'm not finished it as it was giving me a hard time  but I persevered and am finally making good progress. I love the Lorna's Laces special edition Olympic yarn Sochi 2014. I am in love with the warm golds with the hint of silver. I think it goes amazingly with the grey.
The Cake ... If you want a quick and easy cake really one bowl ..you must try this. It is a great base cake with berries. Quick easy effortless.I did make it into a Bundt and added about 1/4 cup more cream as it was looking a bit to dense for me.
The Onsie...I am making these for the 4th to sell on Etsy and some for some new editions that will be joining us this month. Lots of friends having babies. Very easy cut applique and I will be adding some stitching. Maybe a tutorial in the future???
The Food...Asian chicken lettuce wrap and homemade egg rolls ( I just followed the directions on the package of the egg roll wraps). These were easier than I anticipated. I got the recipe idea from Pinterest but them went online and used the one linked here. I didn't feel like it needed all the extra flavors so I altered the recipe and kept them simple. They were extremely GOOD! 
The Flowers...this is what is blooming right now in the garden...My shrub roses, Lantana and the honeysuckle...lots of pink right now which really makes a splash against the grey skies...a great color scheme.
The Rain... is hanging on for the rest of the week but to me it is anything but gloomy for I am finding it to be extremely inspiring and creative.