News From The Nest, August 25
You know those weekends when everything seems to just fall into place? When the Gods are smiling, the planets align, Mother Nature is cooperating, and the plans go as expecect? Well, lately my next line would be, “Yeah, I didn’t have one of those weekends.”
But, I think all the powers that be realized that I was due for a gimme, and I had it in spades this weekend! One of my dearest friends and her family are in town (from the U.K.) this week and we had them all over, in addition to our son, his girlfriend, my mom, my brother and my sister-in-law. It would be fair to expect miserable hot and humid weather or a hurricane mid-August in coastal N.C., but instead we had a delightful breeze with temps in the low 80’s. Even the flies got the message and disappeared themselves for the evening and Elsa was the perfect pup!
I’ve been planning this dinner for months, and it was everything I hoped it would be, with the (not minor) exception of the absence of our daughter, who is in the midst of her residency in Cleveland and could not get time off to fly home.
We went through batches of Dad’s Margaritas (he’s smiling above), laughed, talked, and ate for hours. PURE BLISS. I’ll catch up with them a few more times this week, but I’ll also be heading to mom’s this week to stay with her as she continues to recover from her recent surgery.
Suffice it to say, I’m starting this week with a smile on my face!
The last week of August always feels like a pause between seasons. Vacations wind down, school routines begin again, and the long, loose days of summer start giving way to a little more structure. It’s a natural time to take stock—what worked this summer, what you want to carry into fall, and maybe even what you’re ready to let go of. A fresh season doesn’t have to mean big changes, just small shifts that help us feel a bit more grounded.
Table of Contents
New on the Blog
And, as if that wasn’t enough magnificent kismet, planet alignment, and phenomenal mojo, I even managed to get a recipe published for you all! This is my go-to sourdough discard cracker recipe. It is super easy to make, start to finish, in under an hour. You can doll these crackers up in any number of ways, but I prefer to make them simply, with maybe just a sprinkling of flaky salt. That way, they really go with anything.
Some Fun Finds
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These lights are fantastic for illuminating your bookshelves. They come in plug-in and rechargeable options.
Very simple, but pretty and versatile fall wreath to help nudge the season along.
I didn’t know how much I would use one of these until I had my daughter’s at home for a year—thrilled to find it on sale.
From the Kitchen
This carrot bread is a moist, lightly sweet loaf that captures all the flavors of carrot cake without the heavy frosting or extra sugar. Gwendolyn made it recently and said, “My husband and brother loved it! It’s moist and you have all the goodness of carrot cake without the extra sugar … I will definitely make this again. 🥰” A loaf like this works year-round, but it feels especially right for mornings or brunch tables.
Starting a sourdough habit can feel intimidating, but this step-by-step on how to make a sourdough starter makes the process approachable and clear. Eileen gave it a 5-star review, saying, “Day 8 and bubbling up very nicely. This recipe gave great details … Thanks for making the recipe so easy to follow.” Once your starter is alive and thriving, the possibilities are endless—from English muffins to bagels to focaccia.
If you’ve ever loved those well-known store-bought cheesy crackers but not their long ingredient list, these cheesy sourdough discard crackers are a homemade game-changer. Crisp, savory, and loaded with flavor, they’re the perfect way to use up sourdough discard. Deb raves, “My family went crazy for this recipe … The crackers were gone as fast as I was able to bake them!”
This buffalo chicken salad takes all the flavor of classic wings and gives it a fresher spin. With lean protein, crunchy veggies, and just enough kick, it’s a lighter meal that still satisfies—perfect for game day or an easy weeknight dinner.
Bright, fresh, and full of crunch, this Thai pasta salad is loaded with veggies and tossed in a peanutty dressing. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better after a little time in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for picnics or weekday lunches.
Shrimp and grits get a seasonal twist in this shrimp and grits recipe, which calls for green tomatoes to add brightness and balance. It’s rooted in Southern tradition but feels fresh and versatile enough for a weeknight dinner. Deb gave it a 5-star review, saying, “I’ve made this twice and it is the best! My husband’s not a big seafood eater and even he loved it! Thanks for giving me a non-meat recipe I can work into my regular rotation.” Pair it with the ideas from the green tomato recipes post to make the most of your harvest.
Speaking of which, these green tomato recipes give you inspiration beyond fried green tomatoes. From pickles to sauces, it’s a reminder that even the end-of-season stragglers can be turned into something delicious.
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
Sometimes the simplest projects are the most satisfying, and this easy garter stitch dishcloth is just that. With its clean lines and squishy texture, it’s a quick knit that’s as useful in the kitchen as it is gift-worthy when paired with a bar of soap or a jar of homemade scrub.
This crochet scrunchie pattern brings back a little retro charm while keeping hair accessories practical and fun. Made with soft cotton yarn, they’re gentle on your hair and a great way to use up scraps. Whip up a handful in different colors to tuck into stockings or gift baskets when the holidays roll around.
Soft, delicate, and heirloom-worthy, this knit lace baby blanket is a keepsake in the making. The lace pattern looks intricate but is surprisingly approachable, giving you a project that’s both soothing to knit and beautiful to gift at a shower or christening.
Every knitter struggles with uneven stitches from time to time, and this guide on tension in knitting walks you through the causes and fixes. Whether your stitches are too tight, too loose, or just inconsistent, you’ll find practical, reassuring tips to help your projects look their best.
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
If you love a good DIY project, this build a console table tutorial walks you through making a timeless, functional piece for your home. Sturdy and customizable, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to buying new, and it pairs beautifully with last week’s faux marble projects.
Dry, chapped hands don’t stand a chance against this hand balm recipe. Made with nourishing oils and beeswax, it’s a simple DIY that makes thoughtful gifts as the weather turns colder.
From the Garden
For seasonal curb appeal, this guide (the second in the series) to fall container gardens and window boxes is packed with ideas to keep your planters looking lush well into autumn. From colorful foliage to trailing vines, these combinations move beyond the usual mums.
Companion planting is one of the easiest ways to get more out of your garden, and these kale companion plants are worth trying as you prep your fall beds. With the right neighbors, kale grows stronger, healthier, and a little more resilient against pests.
In the Home
Finally, this thoughtful piece on simplifying your life to reduce stress offers gentle, practical ideas for slowing down. From decluttering spaces to resetting routines, it’s a reminder that less really can feel like more—especially as we shift into the slower rhythms of fall.
Whatcha Reading or Listening to?
Well, it’s the end of the month, which means it’s time to update my book reviews. I’m still behind my goal, but I’m working hard at catching up!
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.
If you like to listen while you work, here’s also a list of podcasts I’ve enjoyed.
Well, Elsa and I are off to walk with my GF Annie down at the beach.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Hugs,
