News From the Nest, May 26
Good Morning, Friends
Here in the U.S., we are taking a break from the day-to-day busyness of our lives to stop and remember those who have lost their lives defending our country and its values. Many other countries honor their fallen similarly, from Remembrance Day in the U.K. and Canada to Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand, and Yom Hazikaron in Israel.
Poppies are the floral symbol of Memorial Day, though not as ubiquitous as in the Commonwealth countries. The poppy tradition is based on this poem by Canadian Dr. Lt. Col. John McCrae, following the Battle of Ypres during World War I.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Table of Contents
We had a lovely weekend with our children and Kate’s boyfriend at home. We leave TODAY for our cruise down the Adriatic, from Venice to Athens. First, we will spend the better part of a day flying from Wilmington, NC, to Chicago, to Frankfurt, and finally to Venice. We arrive in Venice and will board the ship immediately. As we’ve been to Venice before, we didn’t feel the need to extend our trip on the front end.
We’ve spent the past week unpacking from one trip, repacking for this one, tending the yard, and getting the house and pets ready for the pet sitter. Kate and I pulled her stuff from the attic in anticipation of moving her to Cleveland immediately upon our return back home in two weeks! 🫨 Suffice it to say it’s been busy and chaotic, but it’s the good kind of busy and chaotic.
New on the Blog
As busy as we’ve been and as much time as we’ve spent coming and going from home, the clutter has been accumulating…and it’s making my skin crawl. I love all the travel we’ve been doing but I also love being home and crave control of my environment. To that end, I’m excited about being at home for a bit next month and paring down the clutter that has crept in. If you, too, feel the need to rid your home of unnecessary STUFF, this checklist is a good jumping-off point. It contains over 45 items you can toss and most likely won’t miss. The post suggests several ways to use the list to jump-start the process.
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
- The Diagonal Basket Weave Washcloth is a charming, textured piece that knits up beautifully with knits and purls. Once you establish the pattern and your rhythm, it’s an easy knit with a lovely woven effect, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your kitchen or bath. A video is provided for those visual learners out there! Soft, absorbent, and practical—this washcloth is a little luxury you’ll enjoy using every day.
- This sweet baby blanket combines delicate rosebud stitches with crochet ruffled edges for a timeless look that’s as cozy as it is beautiful. It’s a beginner-friendly pattern that makes a wonderful gift for a new baby, bringing just the right balance of charm and comfort to a nursery. It is a true keepsake that will be cherished for years.
In the Kitchen
- Brighten up your kitchen with this charming measuring equivalents chart, featuring a cheerful watercolor lemon that’s both pretty and practical. It’s a quick-reference tool that adds a splash of color and ensures you have all the conversions you need close at hand. I refer to this free, printable weekly…I laminated mine and taped it inside the cabinet, where I store my measuring cups. It is perfect for anyone who spends any time in the kitchen and enjoys a bit of watercolor whimsy. And it is one of many free printables in the Subscriber Library...make sure to pop over and browse. Your super secret password is at the bottom of the email you receive each Monday.
- These Lemon Icebox Cookies are a breeze to whip up and bring a bright citrusy kick to your cookie jar. Light, buttery, and just the right amount of tang, they’re perfect for warm days or a little afternoon treat. Keep a batch in the freezer whenever you need a refreshing, sweet pick-me-up. Adorn them with edible flowers or just glaze…either way, they are delish!
- Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil combine on crispy bread in this easy and delicious mozzarella bruschetta. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that brings a taste of summer to any gathering—a perfect starter or snack that’s sure to please a crowd.
- This flavorful curry chicken marinade is your shortcut to juicy, tender chicken with a warm, spicy kick. It’s easy to whip up with pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Let the marinade do the work, and enjoy a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- Ditch the canned stuff—these homemade baked beans are rich, hearty, and made with love. Sweet, smoky, and satisfying, they’re the perfect side for any barbecue or cozy family dinner. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead, so you’re always ready for a comforting, homemade side dish.
- Get ready for burger night done right! These homemade hamburgers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to customize with all your favorite toppings. With simple ingredients and a few key tips, you’ll be serving up burgers that are better than anything you’ll find at the drive-thru.
- Looking to add a splash of personality to your outdoor space? This article shows you how to create vibrant throw pillows featuring designs found on the internet using your Cricut. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn how to cut fabric designs, sew them onto durable outdoor fabric, and assemble stylish pillows perfect for your porch or patio. It’s a fun and creative way to refresh your decor and make the most of your crafting tools.
- If you’ve got an old candlewick or chenille bedspread tucked away in the attic or basement, here’s a charming way to give it new life. This article shows you how to transform that vintage textile into beautiful hand towels, complete with the original fringe for a touch of whimsy. Perfect for adding a handmade touch to your home or creating thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
- Help your garden thrive by building a DIY insect hotel! This fun project repurposes natural materials to give beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs a cozy home. It’s a simple, sustainable way to boost biodiversity and add a whimsical touch to your garden.
- Growing lavender in pots is a great way to enjoy this fragrant herb, no matter your space. It’s surprisingly easy to care for and perfect for patios, porches, or sunny windowsills. Plus, the calming scent and soft purple blooms make it a charming addition to your garden or home.
- We all know the feeling—clutter is everywhere but you don’t know where to start. This post dives into the mental blocks that keep us stuck and offers practical, gentle ways to tackle them. It’s about getting honest with yourself, setting small goals, and giving yourself the grace to let go.
- Traveling can be stressful, but a little organization goes a long way. From packing lists to travel-friendly storage ideas, this guide has everything you need to keep your trip running smoothly. We print off the him and hers version of this packing list for every big trip! It greatly reduces the stress of packing and forgetting something on vacation.
Whatcha Reading or Listening to?
Well, it’s the end of the month, which means it’s time to update my book reviews. For the past several years, I’ve joined the Goodreads Reading Challenge. If you need some book titles to add to your reading queue this year, check out my quick and dirty reviews here.
I mentioned that I’ve thoroughly benefited from every penny of my Audible subscription. Last year, I listened to all of Charles Dickens’ books while I went about my daily chores and projects. I’ve decided that 2025 will be my year for Russian authors.
If you like to listen while you work (declutter 😉), here’s also a list of podcasts I’ve enjoyed.
Well, friends, I’m off to finish my to-do list before we head to the airport. I will also work in a nice long walk with the pups before we leave.
I hope to touch base next Monday…we will be in Olympia, a UNESCO site on Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula that hosted the original Olympic Games!
Until then, take care of yourself and those around you!
Hugs,
Have a fabulous trip, Lynn!!
THanks doll!