News from the Nest, April 17
Happy day!
I hope that your weekend was restful and rejuvenating and that your week is off to a good start.
This time next week, we will be in Franklin, TN, visiting friends we made when we lived there. Then I will stay on for several more days to get together with some of my blogging compadres to learn from and help each other continue to grow our little businesses.
The vast majority of bloggers are women, and it has been an enriching experience to witness women helping women succeed. There seems to be adherence to the mantra, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Before we leave town on Thursday, we need to retrieve many of our daughter’s possessions/furniture from the attic and move them into her new apartment, two hours away. We are excited to have her closer. Now if we can just lure the one on the other side of the continent a little closer…
A little peek into the life of a blogger:
Yesterday I was preparing a delicious rhubarb bread to photograph so that I could post it and share it with you next week. I purchased and chopped enough rhubarb to make two loaves of bread but was mixing the batters separately. I diligently weighed out the chopped rhubarb so that I would know how much half would be so that each loaf would get half.
It wasn’t until the tester repeatedly came out moist after continuing to add baking time that it hit me…I added all the rhubarb to one loaf! Argh!
I was multi-tasking AND listening to a new podcast and completely spaced that I needed to mix a second batter for the other half of the rhubarb.
Mom came over for dinner last night, and I served my rhubarb bread ‘pudding’ for dessert. It was really tasty…and VERY moist!
Bottom line…no rhubarb bread recipe next week. When I get back home, I’ll do it again…this time without a true crime podcast distracting me! (Teacher’s Pet, in case you are interested!)
new on the blog
We added two new posts on companion gardening! To keep you up to date, here’s what we’ve covered on companion gardening thus far:
- Companion Gardening 101 with a handy chart outlining good + bad companion plants for these first common home garden fruit and vegetables.
- Strawberry Companion Plants
- Tomato Companion Plants
- Cucumber Companion Plants
- Onion Companion Plants *NEW*
- Potato Companion Plants *NEW*
We will be continuing over the next several weeks to discuss companion plants for zucchini, peppers, broccoli, and kale. Stay tuned!
from the knit studio
- This linen stitch blanket is perfect for this time of the year. I used a cotton blend that creates a soft, lightweight blanket that is just the perfect cover for cool spring evenings. And the fringe on the edge of the blanket is one of my most favorite things!
Table of Contents
- Heck, you can see all of my knit blanket patterns in one place here.
- A deep dive all about Knitting Needles
- Another deep dive all about Yarn.
- And then, how to Substitute Yarn in knit and crochet projects.
from the kitchen
- These vanilla teacakes are the perfect little treat for your spring gathering.
- This Blueberry and Chamomile Jam is the perfect recipe for new canners. And the chamomile is easily left out if you prefer a pure blueberry jam.
- This Gorgonzola Cheese Spread quickly became a family favorite, and it couldn’t be easier to make!
- Being resourceful in the kitchen is a challenge I readily accept!
Did you know that it helps others find our recipes, crafts, and content when you comment and rate (for recipes)? So, if you tried one of our recipes and loved it, let others know! Thank you!
from the craft studio
- I love these fringe-edged napkins and the tablecloth. And only the most basic sewing skills are required.
- While a bit more sewing is involved, if you can measure, cut fabric, and sew a straight line, you can make these Flange-Edged Pillow Shams.
gift ideas
in the garden
in the home
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
Mahatma Gandhi
Well, friends, I’m off to start pulling stuff from the attic and figuring out how we are going to get it all into two cars! Wish us luck.
I’ll ‘see’ you next week from Franklin, TN!
Hugs,
Hi, Lynn
I made the blueberry and apple cobbler last week while we had company. It was delicious and will be making it again. Thank you. L
I am beyond thrilled that you and your company enjoyed it! Wasn’t it easy? Almost too easy, if you ask me!
Thanks for sharing your goof with the rhubarb bread and making us feel we’re not alone☺️
Oh Emily, I could fill an entire newsletter with my goofs! My grandmother had a name for me…”hoodly foodly”, which means I dive head first without planning. Its the story of my life, though I’m getting a bit better with making a plan. But, just a bit!
I look forward to receiving your email. I live in a small apartment with a small balcony, but no yard. I also live in a climate where many plants don’t survive the winter, unless I bring them inside. I would love it if you could share some “small spaces” ideas.
Also, more crochet projects please.
Good Morning Linda,
When you mention ‘small space’ ideas, are you specifically talking about plants on small balconies? Or just decorating small spaces, in general? And any specific crochet projects you are interested in??
Lynn