News from the Nest, August 14

Good Morning, Friends.

Well, here we are on Monday again! My calendar pages are flipping at a quick clip!

I had a productive visit with my friends, helping them declutter and plan for a significant downsize. There’s a trap we set for ourselves when we build or find a home with ‘lots of storage.’ I’m very guilty of setting and falling into this trap. With lots of storage comes the opportunity to stash lots of stuff without having to really deal with it until…you do!

I came home and revisited some of my home’s storage areas where items were stashed when we moved in 4 ago. Suffice it to say I now have a pile of stuff that hasn’t been touched in 4 years that will be donated this week. The moral of this story is to spend a little time this week opening closets and cupboards where items get ‘stashed.’ If those items haven’t seen the light of day in years, consider rehoming them.

I also worked on some projects that have been on my to-do list for too long. I took a corner cabinet from my grandparents and turned it into a ‘bar cabinet.’ I documented this easy transformation and will share it with you soon.

I also ‘revisited’ the bookshelves in our living room. Something about them just wasn’t sitting right with me. I talked to a decorator friend who gave me some tips, which I finally employed, and now I am very happy with the results. I’ll get that written up to share with you soon, as well.

All this to say, I have been feeling very productive lately! Yay me!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 It’s so easy to knock ourselves down; let’s make sure to give ourselves the standing ovation when we deserve it!

new on the blog

This is such a simple recipe, but oh so good and economical! Make a big batch of Arrabbiata sauce for those busy nights when you don’t know what’s for dinner. I freeze it in heaping one-cup portions, which is typically enough for the two of us for dinner with a salad.

from the knit studio

• This Half-Linen Stitch Knit Blanket with the Faux Fur edge is a relatively quick knit that makes a great gift.

• Check out this Lemon Peel Washcloth pattern if you want a quick crochet project.

• And, you can find those washcloth wraps and round tags in this post.

from the kitchen

• Use some of your vegetable bounty to put up delicious Vegetable Broth. Roasting the veggies really elevates the broth. I water bath can my jars of stock and walk you through that process. But you can freeze your stock just as easily.

• Quick pickled carrots are great to snack on or chopped up in salads!

• These Lemon Rosemary Scones taste like sunshine!

• This flavorful and creamy hummus recipe can be made in the instant pot or on the stovetop. A Smoky and spicy walnut topping makes this hummus appetizer just that much more delicious!

• Sweet Flora is getting all the goodies right now! These Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats were the first homemade goodies we made.

• You probably have the ingredients on hand to make your own Chili Seasoning; get creative and make your own blend with what you have on hand. This is the Chili Seasoning blend I make.

from the craft room

• Use outdoor fabric to make these Monstera Leaf Pillows. I used a Cricut machine to cut the fabric, but old-fashioned scissors work just as well! 😊

• You’ll use the same ingredients to make this hand balm and this heel balm.

in the home

downsizing tips

• Downsizing is hard; there are just no two ways about it. Here are some helpful tips.

• Forty-nine household tasks that will take 15 minutes or less.
• If you have someone or know someone moving into their first apartment, this checklist will be helpful to get them started on the right foot.

a few fun finds

Some of these links may be Amazon affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from the sale of these products to help defray the costs of operating this site, but the price you are charged is not affected. You can see my full disclosure policy here.

• Not quite sure why it’s called a Salt Pig, but I love mine!
• After one accident, I have a very healthy fear of shaving my fingers on a mandoline. These inexpensive, cut-proof gloves are a non-negotiable in my kitchen.

Well, friends, I may be on a roll, so I will keep rolling! I’ll be back next week with more good things for you.

Until then,

HUGS!

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!