News From the Nest, February 23
What’s up, Buttercup?
What’s the word Hummingbird?
What’s cooking, good-looking?
What’s the deal, big wheel?
What’s shakin’ bacon?
What’s the story, Morning Glory?
All this to say, “Hi! I hope all is well in your world!”
I sure hope you are coming off an enjoyable weekend. We had another quiet weekend, capped off by a lovely dinner at Mom’s last night.
For my fellow Americans and Canadians, that was quite a hockey game yesterday! I didn’t watch as much of the Olympics as I typically do, and now I’m bummed the games are over. My bad.
Shockingly, this is the last Monday in February, which is odd since last week was the first week of February! Hmmm! Curious.
But, since it is the last Monday of the month, I have a book recap for you. And since life was overtaken by events at the end of January, I’ve actually got a two-month recap/review for you! ☺️Lucky you!
And, if you are in the path of the Bomb Cyclone, be safe! I think you are almost mandated to stay indoors and bake something yummy!
Table of Contents
New on the Blog
I’ve been making my own sauerkraut for several months now, and this week’s new post is your push to just give it a try. My sauerkraut tutorial walks you through everything from understanding how probiotic populations develop during fermentation to customizing your batch to suit your tastes. Good-quality store-bought sauerkraut with live cultures can run $6-$10 a jar, but homemade genuinely tastes better at a fraction of the price.
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
If you’re looking for a cozy blanket knit that feels as good as it looks, this half-linen stitch blanket with a faux fur edge is one of my all-time favorites. The faux fur trim is what really makes it — and honestly, it’s easier than it looks.
Not a crocheter? No problem. An applied i-cord gives any knitted project a clean, finished edge using nothing but your knitting needles. It also stops fabric from rolling, which is a little bonus win.
If you’re anything like me, your circular needles have been living in a tangled heap for years. This magnetic board storage solution changed everything — it costs very little, but took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out.
Know someone with a baby on the way? This lattice lace baby blanket is the kind of handknit gift that gets saved forever — the lace pattern is delicate and beautiful, and that little crochet border takes it right over the top. Don’t skip the stitch markers on this one — trust me on that.
From the Kitchen
If you’ve been looking for a reason to use that sourdough starter beyond the usual loaf, these English muffins are it. All the nooks and crannies you want, cooked right on the stovetop, with most of the work happening overnight while you sleep. Debbie left this review, “I can’t believe that this recipe has not been rated! It is by far the best and I have tried several over the last five years. The dough is easy to put together and the finished muffin is filled with nooks and crannies. I deviate in my cooking method because I am not good at the rolling out and using a biscuit cutter…Your recipe has been passed along to my bread-baking sister, and they love it too! Most of all, my husband thanks you for the perfect breakfast sandwich!”
This golden plum jam spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger has been part of my preserving tradition for years, and its golden hue makes the most beautiful hostess gift. Spread it on those sourdough English muffins above, and you’ve got something really special.
Some soups just taste like a warm hug, and this Tuscan white bean soup is absolutely one of them. The secret weapon is a Parmesan rind — don’t skip it — and you can make it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, whichever makes your day easier.
This crockpot turkey chili is the recipe our family spent years tweaking until everyone agreed — don’t mess with it anymore. Terry thinks it’s the beer, I think it’s the smoked paprika, but either way, it’s a big pot of cozy with almost no effort.
Elsa approves, and yours will too — these homemade dog treats are made from ingredients already in your kitchen and are way easier than you’d expect. They also make a sweet gift for any dog-loving friend.
You know those dips that disappear before you get everything else out? This slow cooker queso blanco is exactly that — just five ingredients, no babysitting, and it stays warm and creamy right in the crock all evening.
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
Whether your craft room counter has seen better days or you just want to hide what’s underneath it, this grommeted counter skirt is a polished, practical fix that works on just about any surface — kitchen island, bathroom vanity, laundry room folding table, you name it. It looks far more expensive than it is.
Feel the urge to nudge Spring along a bit? These little DIY moss balls are my kind of project — fast, easy, and they make the whole house feel like spring arrived early. Minimal supplies, maximum charm.
From the Garden
With a terra-cotta saucer, a decorative base, and a little waterproofing spray, this DIY bird bath comes together from items you may already have on hand.
Around the House + Home
If you can sew a straight line, you can absolutely make this tailored bed skirt with inverted box pleats. It looks custom and expensive, but it’s easy to make and even easier to maintain.
When you have 10 free minutes and want to use them efficiently, this list of 50+ household tasks that each take 15 minutes or less is exactly what you need. Combined with last week’s list, you have over 100 quick tasks to keep your home running smoothly. Print it and keep it in a drawer or on your fridge— it’s a surprisingly satisfying way to make the most of small pockets of time.
Whatcha Reading?
Well, it’s the end of the month, which means it’s time to update my book reviews. And actually, since the end of January’s newsletter was taken over by events, I’m covering what I’ve read for the last two months.
For the past several years, I’ve joined the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I haven’t hit my goals for the past couple of years, but I’ll keep trying! If you need some book titles to add to your reading queue this year, check out my quick and dirty reviews of what I’ve read and listened to here.
- Books read thus far in 2026
- Books read in 2025
- Books read in 2024
- Books read in 2023
- Books read in 2022
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 credit it with helping me stay on track with my exercise by giving me opportunities to get out and walk so I can keep up with my stories!
If you like listening while you work, here’s a list of podcasts I’ve enjoyed.
Well, friends, we are heading out of town later this week, and I need to get some blog work and housework done before then. I’ll also be working on a delicious chicken soup recipe my girlfriend introduced me to, which I want to share with you!
I’ll ‘see’ you next week!
Hugs,
Thank you for being an oasis of sanity and goodness in this crazy scary world. Your newsletter is a glimpse into normal good-life and a step back from division and strife. How can we hate anyone as we are inspired to make a big pot of tuscan bean soup for our family, or welcome in spring with a moss ball to please visiting friends?! All these things are about being hopeful, bringing people together and making life better for family, friends and neighbours. I’m Canadian and you are American (I think!) and I’m so grateful to have a neighbour like you 🙏
Oh Ingrid, You just made my day and it’s only 6:49 in the morning! Thank you for your beautiful, kind, and encouraging words! It’s often hard to block out the insanity of our world right now, but as it relates to this blog, I only want it to be that oasis of calm and goodness. On a day to day basis, staying angry doesn’t solve anything, it only ruins both our mental and physical health.
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! 🫶🏼