News from the Nest, January 29
Good Morning, Friends!
Is it just me, or does it seem that January has lingered well past its ‘best by’ date? Maybe it’s because we challenged ourselves to have a Dry January. On that note, we did pretty well. But, as my sister-in-law said, in truth,it was more of a Damp January 🤣.
Table of Contents
We spent the last weekend of the month hanging with some of our oldest friends. They came for the weekend, and it was just lovely. Lots of food and laughter. I think we may have even solved some of the world’s problems! 🤞
So, I’d love some input from you again! I’m a tad worried anxious aware that these weekly newsletters are becoming quite lengthy! 🫨 There’s just so much to share! But I’m mindful that you have other things to do today; for instance, some of you might want to eat dinner tonight!
So, I have a quick…like two questions quick, three if you want to add your thoughts…survey to fill out. The link is at the bottom of today’s newsletter. Your input is REALLY, REALLY, REALLY appreciated! It can’t be overstated that I write this newsletter for your enjoyment, so your opinion is vital.
New on the Blog
I have designed quite a few baby blankets, but this is the first that my husband said, “This is my favorite of all the baby blankets you’ve designed!” Wow! 🤩 It really turned out lovely, and of course, I adore a sweet little crochet edge on this lattice lace baby blanket. As is always the case, if you are uncertain about your ability to crochet that edge, I have a video just for that…so do give it a whirl.
From the Kitchen
- This gluten-free Rosemary and Fig bread recipe is perfect for snacking as is or for serving with your favorite cheeses. This relatively low-carb bread recipe is especially outstanding with goat cheese & honey.
It’s SOUP SEASON! Would it be considered excessive to have six nights a week? Just so you know, there’s no judgment here! You do you!
- This 15 Bean Soup Recipe is easy to make in the slow cooker and can be made healthier by substituting Smoked Turkey Wings and/or Legs instead of Smoked Ham Hocks. I share instructions for making this soup in the slow cooker, stovetop, or oven. Additionally, adjustments for soaking or not soaking your dried beans are discussed.
- I’ve grown up eating thick and hearty bean soups, which I’ve always enjoyed. But last winter, Terry ordered ham and bean soup in a local restaurant that was more brothy than thick. The broth in the soup was ham-based and was delightfully smoky. This white bean and ham soup is my attempt to replicate that delicious soup.
- This comforting Creamy Tomato soup is basically fat-free (just 1 tablespoon of olive oil is necessary to sautee the onions) and free of dairy and gluten. But, and this is an important ‘but’, it is still delicious and creamy. AND…you can make this easy, Healthy Homemade Tomato Soup from start to finish in under an hour.
- This chicken vegetable soup recipe is simply delicious, easy to make, and can be ready to eat in just a little over an hour. Consider this recipe a jumping-off point; you’ll get a nice, flavorful broth chockful of chicken, carrots, celery, and onion. But, feel free to add your favorite veggies before serving to make this soup just what your tastebuds are craving.
- As the weather cools down and the days become shorter, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty soup to soothe the soul. That’s where this Crock Pot Pea Soup with Ham comes into play – a classic dish that combines simplicity with heartwarming flavors.
- This flavorful and hearty Peanut Butter soup is a classic dish in many West African households and has a rich history deeply rooted in the region’s culinary traditions.
- Often, the most simple ingredients combine to make the most flavorful soups. White beans, onion, garlic, celery, and carrots combine with stock, a parmesan rind, bay leaves, and tomato paste to create Tuscan White Bean Soup alchemy. Finish this healthy soup with chopped kale or spinach and a sprinkling of rosemary.
- Like the Creamy Tomato soup, this delicious creamy turkey soup has a secret ingredient that gives it its creaminess without fat, dairy, or gluten!
- This Hearty Beef Soup is a family favorite! The depth of flavor results from mushrooms, browned beef shanks, and stew meat. If you want a hearty, nourishing, and delicious soup, this is your recipe!
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
- Eight years ago, we turned a lovely old door that was languishing in our attic into the desk I am sitting at today! One of my favorite and most useful projects!
- This Nailhead Trimmed Bulletin Board holds the Christmas cards we’ve sent. It’s a lovely, daily remembrance of how our kids have grown and the changes in our lives over the years, and it is a simple project! Get those cards out of the drawers and up where you can see and enjoy them.
House + Home
- You know when you are ready 7 minutes early and are waiting for the other person? Or…you don’t want to start something because you are waiting for the repairman, so you are just fiddling your thumbs? Well, here are Forty-Nine Household Tasks that can be completed in under 15 minutes to keep you productive and occupied!
The 2024 Book List!
You all enjoyed my catalog of books read last year, so we continue it this year!
Some Fun Finds and a Few Favorites
Some of these links may be Amazon affiliate links and I may earn a small commission off of 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.
- You know you are friends with someone when they share their favorite…Squatty Potty! 🫨 O.K. let’s get real here; I’ve suffered from sluggish bowels for years. This time last year, I committed to solving this issue without medication. I talked to my doctor, and he referred me to a Physical Therapy center in my area that worked on that issue. Their initial suggestions were the standard: get more fiber and drink more water. But in addition, they suggested I get a squatty-potty, which I did. I’m not going to tell you that those three things fixed my issue, it was a several months process of trial and error. But I can say, one year later, I have significantly improved in that area! It’s more exciting than you can imagine…unless you can! I purchased this squatty-potty because it is a tad more aesthetically appealing than the plastic ones, as much as a squatty potty can be appealing!
- Reduce the waste when packing lunches.
- Does anyone have one of these portable carpet shampooers? We will be getting a new puppy this spring and I’ve been noodling this. It seems it would also be handy in keeping your car clean.
- Is Fondue on your Valentine’s Day menu? This electric fondue pot is 62% off right now.
Please Fill Out the Survey!
Once again, I really do rely on your feedback to provide you newsletter that you find useful and enjoyable. Here’s the link and thanks in advance! 😘
Well, sayonara, arrivederci, and adiós! I’m off to do all the things.
I hope your week is fantastic, filled with all the things you need your week to be filled with!
Hugs,
Oops….Never mind about my survey comment. When I back clicked it went back to where I was last in your newsletter. Hope this makes sense. 😏
Oh my goodness Lynn! I agree with your husband on that baby blanket. I can’t wait to make one after I finish up some other UFOs. Also, I have made my shopping list to try some of your soups. Thanks so much!!! Have a great week!
Pam
Hi Pam,
It is a really cute blanket, isn’t it?! I do love it, but then I love all the blankets I’ve made.
Enjoy the soups! It is perfect soup weather here.
Hugs, Lynn
Thank you for all your knitting patterns and delicious recipes. I made your husband’s baked beans last week and they are the best tasting and tender beans I have ever had. 😋
Wow! That is some high praise! I will let Terry know how much you enjoyed them!