There is an inspiration for absolutely everything just outside your door. Like this bracelet and pendant made from tree bark that fell to the ground as the trees prepare for spring! I added a simple chain for the pendant, and Carolyn was ready to hit the town with original creations by the one and only Mother...
This single-layer round cake adapted from bon appétit is the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, dinner parties, or any occasion worth celebrating, and the absolute best vanilla cake I can whip up! CAKE ⅔ cup vegetable oil, plus more for the pan 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 cup granulated sugar 1¾ tsp. kosher salt 1½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda 2 large eggs ¾ cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. almond extract FROSTING 2 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1½ sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature 2 cups of powdered sugar, divided ½ tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract Sprinkles (for decorating; optional) Step 1 Place a rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 350°. Grease the bottom of a 9″-diameter cake pan with oil and line with parchment paper round. Grease parchment paper and lightly dust with flour, tapping out excess. Step 2 Whisk 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1¾ tsp. kosher salt, 1½ tsp. baking powder, and ½ tsp. baking soda in a medium bowl to combine. Step 3 Whisk 2 large eggs, ¾ cup sour cream, ⅔ cup vegetable oil, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract, and ¼ tsp. almond extract in a large bowl until combined and smooth. Add dry ingredients all at once and gently fold in with a rubber spatula just until incorporated and the batter...
The old box said, “stored December 10, 1995, at 4:30 pm” “open me someday” so 27 years later, on December 10 at 4:30, I did just that. Most objects in the box were ordinary things like candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers, sugar and creamers, and ashtrays. There were a few long-forgotten surprises, like the fourleaf clover in the chicken box and the teeth, but before I sent them off to a thrift store, I...
UPDATE I have been following Barbara”s tree (and others) for years, and this year most leaves fell on November 12, but for the first time, they did not fall all at once, and there are still some leaves clinging on. At exactly 9:32 am on Saturday, November 11, 2017, every leaf fell off Barbara’s ginkgo tree. This came as no surprise, although a little late. Most years, it’s the 4th or 5th of November....
The old box said, “stored December 10, 1995, at 4:30 pm”...
UPDATE I have been following Barbara”s tree (and others) for years,...
Teacup, shallow bowl, anything that can hold a bit of water can hold a...