I began baking at a young age–probably around age six or seven, and this was one of the very first things I tried out. It was so easy and delicious I made it over and over again–much to one of my sister’s dismay as she grew weary of it after the first few times I made it. However, I never have grown tired of it over these past 20+ years. I still have the original recipe I wrote down all those years ago, but I’ve tweaked it slightly, adding some things my childhood palette would have never tolerated (nuts!). I love it for its simplicity, for its ease, and how easily you can dress it up.

INGREDIENTS: (serves 4)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour / gluten-free all-purpose flour / almond flour (your call!)
1/2 sugar
2 eggs (or 1/2 cup applesauce)
1/2 cup of ghee, softened (or substitute with butter)
1 tsp almond extract

sliced almonds
honey
berries

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grease bread ban.

Whisk the sugar and eggs together, and then add the ghee and almond extract and continue whisking until smooth. Then slowly add the flour, mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

Poor mixture into greased bread pan, sprinkle sliced almonds on top, and bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Edges will be golden.

Let cool for 6-8 minutes, and then remove from pan.

Drizzle the loaf with honey, and garnish with berries.

Ann (DIY Food Contributor)

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In line with Monday’s This or That, I’ve been on the search for a good swimsuit this season. I’ve narrowed it down to a few choices, (and okay well yes, a few are quite out of my budget, but hey, a girl can dream). I’m not much of a bikini girl, but I do love a few of these two-piece numbers. Which is your favorite? (and yes, I have a soft spot for polka dots and florals)

one // two // three // four // five // top photo by nina leen (new photography crush)

Last week we had this super crazy hot day in Southern California. It was so uncharacteristically hot that my brain was barely functioning. Luckily, this whole entire week it has been nothing but lovely, lovely weather and I’m feeling more inspired and motivated to start new projects!

I’ve taken to opening both the front and back doors of my vintage studio to let a funnel of cool beach breeze circulate through the space. Outside are big stalks of bamboo and the rustling sound they make is so calming and peaceful and provides a nice background sound to my early morning coffee drinking and journaling ritual.

What has been inspiring you lately?

(all links to the clothing can be found here)

imaginary outfits is a weekly column curated by rodellee. for more imaginary outfits click on over here!

There are so many things that are so wonderfully right with this photo. Please let me be there now.

photo by margaret durow via design is mine

Hi there! I’m Dani from High Walls, here to share another craft project with you!

Today I’m going to show you how to make a ‘collar’ necklace using oven bake polymer clay. Polymer clay is such a versatile crafting medium, it’s one of my personal favourites. I always have a few packets of clay sitting on my desk for when the crafting mood strikes. It is affordable and easy to use and just perfect for jewellery making! All you need is some oven bake polymer clay, leather cord and some ribbon and you can whip up your own stylish necklace in next to no time!

Here’s what you do:

1. Knead the polymer clay between your hands until soft and pliable.

2. Using a rolling pin, roll out the clay to around a 3mm thickness. To ensure the clay is smooth and doesn’t stick to the rolling pin, roll the clay between two sheets of baking paper (which will also make it easier to transfer to a tray later).

3. Make a template for the collar shape using paper; cut out two half oval shapes with a long straight side and a curved side. The size and shape of your collar all depends on your own taste.

4. Softly press the paper templates onto the clay and smooth down so they stay in place. Using a sharp knife, cut around the templates and clear away any excess clay.

5.  Starting from one end, gently press flat end of a wooden skewer into the clay along the curved edge making a series of circular indentations to give the impression of scalloped edges.

6. Use the pointed end of the skewer to make holes in each point and test that your leather cord with fit through.

7. Smooth away any rough edges and place the clay pieces onto a baking tray and bake in the oven according to the instructions on the packet (generally around 5 minutes) Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

8. Take a piece of leather cord around 10 cm / 4 in long. Tie a ribbon around the center of the cord into a secure bow. Then thread the cord between the two center holes of each clay piece and tie firmly, with the knotted cord at the back and the bow sitting at the front in between the two collar pieces.

9. Take two lengths of leather cord (around 20 cm / 8 in each) and thread the end of each through the opposite ends of each clay piece. Secure by making a large knot in the cord in cord and pulling the open end back.

Tie around your neck and you are ready to go! Try different colours, shapes, patterns or even paint your clay (after baking) for your own truly unique collar necklace. Starting with this basic design, there really are so many possibilities, so get a little creative!

Dani (DIY Craft contributor)

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It’s been a while since I’ve featured other people’s homes on here… too long, in fact. I stumbled upon photographer Jessica Silversaga‘s (side note: how AWESOME of a last name is that??) 1950s 1950s kitchen and absolutely love it in all its retro kitschy glory.

Unfortunately, she’s moving to another apartment, and has to bid this kitchen adieu. I’m sure the next one will be just as charming!

When I think about the Summer, I think about water, beach and… bikinis, of course! My last one I bought a three or four years ago so it’s high time to invest in a new one. This year it’s gonna be especially tricky since I’ve seen many lovely maillots. I must say I’ve never had any, but after one of my best friends said that a nice maillot could be used as a top for my fave maxi dress, I am really gonna think about that:)

How about you? What is your best outfit on the beach? You prefer bikini or maillot? - Asia (This or That contributor)

this or that is a weekly column brought to you every monday by asia pietrzyk.  to view the archives, click here. and view my response to this question in the comments section of this post!