News from the Nest, August 12
Happy Day, friends!
Well, here we are on Monday again! My calendar pages are flipping at a quick clip!
I am beyond thrilled to report that there was no new drama in our home this past week other than the ten inches of rain that fell, thanks to Debby. But I’ll happily take the rain! We are still a bit nervous about leaving Elsa alone, so our socializing has slowed. We have a weekend trip planned in six weeks, so I’m putting plans in place to have someone watch her around the clock. I’m not sure how long we will feel that need, just taking it a day at a time.
This past weekend, we did yard work and watched the last few Olympic events. Mom joined us for dinner last night, and I made this Thai Pasta Salad at her request! The beauty of this salad is that if you only toss the veggies and noodles that you will eat with the dressing, you can easily have a fresh leftover meal later in the week!
Table of Contents
New on the Blog
When life brings you blackberries, then I guess you must make a blackberry dessert…amiright? Indulge in summer’s sweet and tangy flavors with this No-Bake Blackberry Tart, a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as delicious. Featuring a rich chocolate crust and a creamy filling infused with fresh blackberry puree, this tart is a perfect blend of fruity freshness and decadent chocolate.
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
- This chunky Blanket Pattern is easy to knit and uses Bernat Blanket Big yarn. The broken rib stitch creates a lovely pattern.
- This Easy Garter Stitch Dishcloth Knit Pattern is the perfect pattern for new knitters. Using only knit or purl, this pattern gives you the opportunity to practice and perfect one stitch and still create something useful.
- If you are anything like me, the majority of your knit and crochet projects end up as gifts to friends and family. Not only are these knitted and crocheted gifts ideas useful, but they are a one-size-fits-all kind of gift!
From the Kitchen
- Use your zucchini bounty to make these oh-so-yummy zucchini fries in the air fryer! They are a much needed break from zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, stuffed zucchini and zucchini lasagna.
- This delicious and easy curry chicken marinade recipe can be whipped up at lunchtime for dinner that night.
- Then use any leftover grilled chicken to make curried chicken salad for these wraps.
- Let chuck roast slowly simmer in garlic, onion, Worcestershire, and soy sauce for the day, and you’ll have the best fork-tender, pull-apart beef for sandwiches, enchilada or burrito filling, and more. Add this Slow Cooker Pulled Beef recipe to your recipe stash; it will be one you return to repeatedly. And while we primarily use this Slow Cooker Pulled Beef with our homemade bbq sauce for sandwiches, it is also great in burritos, quesadillas, shredded beef tacos, or served on its own with noodles or over mashed potatoes.
- This easy, no pectin plum jam recipe is perfect for those new to canning and preserving. It is a simple recipe that lets the flavor of the plums shine through. The optional addition of fresh rosemary while the plums cook down adds a lovely but subtle piney flavor. Directions for canning this easy plum jam are also included, but the jam can also be refrigerated or frozen.
- This carrot cake is a bit of a labor of love, but it is worth every second it takes to make. It is moist and decadent, filled with flakes of coconut, bits of nuts and pieces of pineapple.
- Dip traditional Pecan Sandies in a little bit of chocolate for delicious on top of delicious!
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
- This easy-to-make Moisturizing Heel Balm Recipe helps soothe dry heels and feet. Pair it with the heel socks I mention below in my Favorites section for smoother heels.
- On a related note, use some of the same ingredients to make this hand balm. Scent it with your favorite essential oils.
In the Garden
- With summer drawing to a close, you can start thinking about your fall gardens and container gardens. Let’s take a look at a variety of fall-blooming flowers for your garden, pots, and containers. Many of these flowers, mostly annuals, will bloom into winter depending on your grow zone.
In the House + Home
- When I wanted to change up our bookshelves, I sought out the guidance of a decorator friend of mine and am sharing her tips for decorating bookshelves.
- Your mind can become just as chaotic as your house, office, or storage space. After all, it’s where your thoughts, emotions, and memories live. Just like physical clutter, it’s crucial to declutter your head when striving for a whole, healthy, and happy life. Discover the importance of decluttering your mind and some suggestions for doing it.
- This faux marble tray was made from an old acrylic box frame and incorporates easy marbleizing techniques. Click on over for the details.
Some Fun Find and a Few Favorites
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- I went down a throw rug/bath rug rabbit hole and found quite a few that are just darling!
- If you lose your AirPods like some people I know 😉, you need these!
- I’ve forever been plagued by dry heels, but these heel socks combined with Kerasal or my heel balm are a true game changer
Well friends, it’s another wet day here on the coast, so I’m going to put on my raincoat and boots to get these four-legged knuckleheads out for a much-need walk. I’m also working on a few projects and recipes for the upcoming fall and holiday season, so that’s exciting.
Wishing you a wonderful Monday and week!
Hugs,
