News From The Nest, July 28
Good Morning…from HOME!
And there is absolutely nothing exciting to report! In fact, I’m thrilled to say that my life is currently delightfully, therapeutically boring right now. Boring is great! I 💗Boring. Three Cheers for Boring!
We came back home on Friday, after I finished my last hyperbaric treatment on Thursday (I got to ring the bell!). I spent a boring Saturday baking bread, preparing food for Elsa, doing laundry, cleaning the house, starting some fermented foods, and, all in all, just enjoying puttering and fiddling around my home. Sunday was a repeat of Saturday, except we were also able to catch up with some neighbors over tummy yummies and cocktails. Sheer Bliss!
I hope to put a period at the end of this whole ear saga today, when I visit my ENT for an audiogram and visit. I think he’s going to be surprised by how well I’m hearing!
Are you watching The Bear? I enjoyed the previous three seasons, but this fourth season is a whole new level of amazing—just beautiful writing, acting, storytelling, and empathetic characters. There is just so much heart in this show. It’s worth a month of Hulu, binge-watch it, and then you can cancel.
Table of Contents
New on the Blog
These turkey burgers are packed with flavor and stay wonderfully moist thanks to a few smart ingredients and techniques. What sets this recipe apart is its flexibility—we provide guidance on grilling, but they’re just as tasty when cooked in an air fryer, seared on the stovetop, or even baked in the oven. Perfect for whatever the weather (or your energy level) calls for. The recipe also includes tips for freezing and meal prepping, making it a practical, healthy, and budget-friendly option for a weeknight favorite.
From the Kitchen
When the ‘feels like temperature’ is 297°F, something cool and refreshing is called for. This light, floral Hugo Spritz cocktail is perfect for warm blistering hot evenings on the patio or summer brunch with friends. Made with elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, it’s refreshing and easy to sip. Add a sprig of mint and a lime slice for a little sparkle in your glass.
Looking for a bread that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight? This sourdough focaccia recipe is crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside, and a beautiful blank canvas for herbs, tomatoes, or whatever’s fresh in the garden. Jeanna gave it 5 stars and called it the:
“Best beginner friendly way to make focaccia, crowd favourite in my house!”
These ginger lemon tea cubes are a quick and comforting way to infuse hot water with soothing, zesty flavor—ideal for quiet mornings or days when you’re under the weather. Mary shared:
“This was easy and quick to make even with my hand grater… I added some honey… a great pick-me-up. I love the convenience of using these frozen cubes.”
Summer desserts don’t get more nostalgic than oatmeal chocolate chip ice cream cookie sandwiches. Soft, chewy cookies hug scoops of ice cream for a sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for BBQs, birthday parties, or just keeping cool on a hot afternoon.
Whether you’re out of honey or just looking for options, this printable honey substitutes chart walks you through the best swaps based on flavor, texture, and what you’re making. Great for baking, cooking, and adjusting recipes to fit your pantry—or your dietary needs.
Sweet meets savory in this small-batch apricot jam with thyme, a spreadable preserve that’s just as at home on a cheese board as it is on warm bread. It’s especially delicious dolloped on sourdough focaccia or served with soft cheese and crackers for a summer picnic.
If you’ve been meaning to try sourdough but haven’t taken the leap, this guide to making a sourdough starter breaks it down into friendly, manageable steps. No mystery, no drama—just flour, water, and time (plus a little encouragement along the way).
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
This daisy stitch knit washcloth pattern is one of those satisfying little projects that make the everyday feel special. The stitch pattern lends it a beautiful texture, and it’s a lovely way to utilize cotton yarn—great for gifting or adding a fresh pop of color to your bathroom or kitchen.
For those late summer and early fall evenings when you need something, but a heavy blanket just won’t do. That’s where this Linen Throw comes in! It’s a fantastic tutorial for creating a light, airy linen fabric throw with a lovely crocheted edge that’s just perfect for tossing over your couch or bed when you need a little something but don’t want to overheat.
This crochet potholder pattern using the thermal stitch is a practical make with a modern, chunky texture that’s as sturdy as it is pretty. It’s thick enough to protect your hands and counters, and once you learn the thermal stitch, you might find yourself using it again and again.
If you’re looking for a knitted gift for a new baby, this baby’s knitted hat with a diamond motif is precious without being fussy. The tiny diamond texture adds charm, making it a thoughtful gift that comes together quickly for baby showers or new arrivals.
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
These herbal bath salts are a lovely, relaxing treat made with Epsom salt, dried herbs, and essential oils. They make thoughtful gifts or the perfect excuse for a long soak at the end of a busy day. Lavender and rosemary are a favorite combo, but it’s easy to make them your own.
Reduce your plastic use and add a handmade touch to your kitchen with these beeswax food wraps. Made with cotton fabric and a few simple ingredients, they’re a practical, sustainable alternative to plastic wrap—great for wrapping snacks, covering bowls, or gifting to eco-conscious friends.
From the Garden
Got a massive planter but don’t want to break the bank (or your back) filling it with soil? This article shares clever Tricks to fill a Large Planter using recycled materials. It’s a genius way to save money and lighten the load, leaving more room for your beautiful plants to thrive.
In the House + Home
Give your kitchen workhorse a little love with this tutorial on how to restore an old wooden cutting board. With a bit of sanding, oil, and elbow grease, you can bring it back to life—good as new and ready for another decade of chopping and slicing.
And if you’re getting ready to hit the road, these organized travel tips will help you pack smarter and travel lighter. From keeping cords in check to setting up a system for toiletries and documents, it’s all about making travel feel less like a scramble and more like an adventure.
Whatcha Reading or Listening to?
Well, it’s the end of the month, which means it’s time to update my book reviews. Luckily, my two weeks in the Hyperbaric Chamber offered great opportunities for reading, as I am well behind in my reading goal. But, in my defense, I’ve read some pretty long books.
For the past several years, I’ve joined the Goodreads Reading Challenge. If you need some book titles to add to your reading queue this year, check out my quick and dirty reviews here.
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.
If you like to listen while you work, here’s also a list of podcasts I’ve enjoyed.
Well, my friends.
Have a fantastic day and a wonderful week! God willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll be back next week.
Hugs,
