This coffee cake would be the perfect sweet ending to a Mother's Day brunch...or any brunch really. It's a delicate, buttery cake, packed full of raspberry goodness with a hint of almond. And if there's any left, it makes quite the treat for breakfast, with cup of hot tea or coffee alongside.

One thing I've been trying diligently to do, is simplify. I've slowly been going through cupboards, closets and drawers to sort through all my stuff. One of my recent projects was tackling all my packaging supplies. I've decided less is more, and have curated my collection down to the few items I use most frequently. The rest will be sold, donated or recycled. It feels like freedom.

Although May Day isn't celebrated here as widely as it is in Europe, I still think it's one of the sweetest holidays. The tradition of leaving a basket of flowers and treats on your neighbors door reminds me of simpler times, when neighbors actually knew one another. And did you know, historians say, if they catch you in the act, they must give you a kiss!

A few days ago, on a whim, I decided to treat myself to a day of culinary adventure at The Institute of Domestic Technology. I'd been wanting to emerse myself in one of their classes, since the first time I read about them in the LA Times.

The Man tops off his Raisin Bran with granola nearly every morning. Sometimes he switches things up and has Frosted Mini Wheats, but there is always granola. He's a creature of habit.

One of his other daily eats are nuts. Roasted and salted almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, cashews...you get the idea. He doesn't discriminate, and will power through an entire bag in no time. So when I was on location in Texas, the homeowner (Thanks, Susie!) shared a granola that was jam packed with nuts, and I knew I had to make it for him as soon as I returned home.

My friends, Dustin and Christian who own Uber Chic Home are having a European container sale this weekend....and it's open to the public! I stopped by yesterday for a sneak peek and to get some photos to share with you. The sale is today and tomorrow from 10-6!