DIY: Create Your Own Arm Warmers

Shannon and I had a lot of fun putting together this DIY on how to make your own arm warmers for less than two dollars and in less than two minutes! Enjoy!

What I started after stART!

Sometimes the magic happens after the show! In our post eps-20 conversation, the idea of a diorama was re-sparked in me! So, of course, I started right away! I knew I wanted to use one of these beautiful porcelain tiles we have leftover from our kitchen. I worried it would scratch the table, so I cut a placemat down to size.

 

So there it was. I had my foundation.

When I was out and about this mug caught my eye. I didn't know why but knowing that I was building this diorama I thought, why not pick it up? Only in the moment that I put it on the foundation did I think, "We had five kids in our family." It's amazing how significance is revealed in the process. I remembered that I can trust that.

It wasn't long before the 5 had some company.

I love this process. I think the meanings will be discovered and will shift and grow as the diorama takes shape. Thank you for the inspiration!

Creative Update: Jamie Unboxes Project Life

Jamie's embarking on Project Life for 2013 and recently shared her unboxing of the materials.

Creative Update: Jamie

Apple Cardamom Upside Down Cake
I found this recipe at The Kitchn, who was inspired by Canal House Cooking. I've changed up the directions a bit to reflect how I made it. Jamie

Ingredients
 
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
2 medium-sized firm apples
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, plus extra for the apples
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 cup sugar

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper cut to size.
• The Caramel:
• Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. 
• Add the brown sugar and stir until well-combined. 
• Let it bubble for about 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and spread in the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan. 
• Set aside.
• The Apples
• Peel the apples and core them. 
• Cut them in thick slices and then cut each slice in half. 
• Arrange the apples on the caramel in the prepared pan. 
• Sprinkle them lightly with cinnamon.
• The Cake
• Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom, as well as 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking powder. 
• Warm the milk in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and keep warm until the butter melts completely.
• While the milk is warming, beat the eggs for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are very thick and pale. 
• Gradually add the sugar to the beaten eggs and continue to beat for 5 minutes. 
• Add the flour mixture, and then the hot milk. 
• Stir until the batter is smooth
• Pour it over the apple.
• Bake for about 40 minutes or until the cake is golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool for a full 10 to 15 minutes (I totally did not do this)
• Run a knife around the inside of the pan to help release the cake, and invert onto a serving plate.
• Voila!
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. (I had whipped cream but totally forgot to serve it!)

The cake was absolutely delicious. I'd make it again and again!