News from the Nest, July 24

Happy Monday to all those who celebrate! 😉

Thanks to all of you for the great suggestion for keeping the birds from destroying my tomato harvest! If nothing else, our garden looks very festive, with red Christmas ornaments hanging all over it! We shall see. We’ve also concluded that ‘vine-ripened’ tomatoes may not be possible this year and are removing them when they turn pink. I put the ripening tomatoes in a wire mesh colander on the table on my deck and another on top so they can continue to ripen in peace.

And for those concerned that I’m being a bit selfish with my tomatoes, I’m all about sharing my garden with nature, but it works both ways. I’ve accepted that the darling teenage bunny who lives in the garden needs my dahlias and zinnias more than I do. I happily whistle like Cinderella, with birds flitting over my head and chipmunks scampering between my feet as I daily pick up all the chewed zinnia stems that have been bit in half and nibbled. All I ask is to be able to enjoy a few tomatoes this year.

We have an exciting week ahead! My mom, 86 years young, will be competing in her Independent Living Community’s Pinewood Derby Race on Thursday. Terry helped her build her car; I think it will be the ringer. Since the man never throws a thing away, we have all the supplies from when my son competed in Pinewood Derbys as a Cub Scout…15 years ago. So, Mom’s car was baked to eliminate moisture, the wheels were sanded to remove any rough spots, and holes were drilled to fill with lead. If she doesn’t win…I shudder to think.

Also going to see ‘Oppenheimer’ today! I can’t remember the last time we went to a movie theatre!

Christmas in July, part 2

No need for mass panic, but Christmas Eve is exactly 5 months away! 😲 If you are looking for reasons to stay indoors during the heat of the summer, you could knock out some of these projects and get prepared for the holidays!

• I’m not ready to start decorating, but I do like to start getting ideas for gifts and such. For planning purposes, you could knit one of these Christmas stockings in a day or two. The stocking on the right is our original Chunky Knit Christmas Stocking, and the one on the left is the Broken-Rib Knit Christmas Stocking.

• Both of these patterns use the Magic Loop Knit Technique for knitting the smaller circumference stockings. If you like knitting socks, gloves, baby hats, etc., you might want to use the Magic Loop. I’ve written a tutorial specifically about the Magic Loop method, which you can see here.
• While we are talking about knitting in the round, here’s an introduction to knitting in the round with double-pointed needles. DPNs and Magic Loop are both used for smaller circumference projects. One is not better than the other; you just have options.
• Make some stamped Christmas napkins for yourself or as gifts.

• Not necessarily Christmas-themed, but still a very welcome gift! Make some of these microwavable, buckwheat hull-filled neck wraps.

• Make a set of these votive candle holders to light your holiday table!

from the knit studio

• This binder and free printables help me stay organized with my knit projects, past and future. My favorite part is the yarn inventory section!

in the kitchen

• These Pickled Jalapeño Peppers are always a summer favorite in our home and with our readers!

• Speaking of Jalapeños, this Jalapeño Wine Jelly is a lighter, slightly ‘fancier’ version of a traditional pepper jelly. You know those times when you just need a quick appetizer? Keep a jar of this Jalapeño Pepper Jelly, and you will surely take your ‘cheese and cracker’ routine to new heights! Trust me; you will find new ways to enjoy this hot pepper jelly recipe! You can water bath can or refrigerate this jelly.

• If you have a Blueberry bounty, make some blueberry syrup! My kids love it in lemonade and seltzer water.

• This nut bread! Not only is it gluten-free, but it is packed with protein and is delicious in so many ways. Eat it as is, smear it with jelly (savory or sweet), or serve it with cheese. Use the nuts, seeds or dried fruit you have on hand. You’ll love it.

• Here’s a good reason to stay indoors in the air conditioning…bake macarons!

in the home

• Simplifying your daily routine will help reduce the stress in your world. Check out these suggestions to simplify your life.
• Reducing Kitchen Waste is good for your wallet and the planet. Check out these tips.

fun finds

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• We have this ice cream maker, and I love that we can have fresh ice cream or sorbet in 20 minutes or less!

Well friends, I hope NEED to have a more productive week this week. I’ve got a slew of projects to share but just have been stymied at every turn to get them published for you.

Have a fantastic week filled with everything you need!

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!