News from the Nest, June 24
Happy Day!
Depending on when you read this Monday morning, I may be baking bread to take to our daughter, getting ready to spend the day in the car, or in the car on the way to our daughter…with Elsa and our daughter’s Golden Retriever named Farrah. It’s a quick two-hour trip up to Kate, and we will treat ourselves to our favorite Greek restaurant for lunch on the way back home.
We did a little pet-sitting this weekend, and as sad as Elsa will be to see Farrah leave, Farrah will be doubly glad to be rid of that little ankle-biter!
Farrah says, ‘Sure, she looks sweet…but you really don’t know her. Underneath that sweet and cuddly exterior lies the devil’s spawn.’ And Farrah believes she has the proof needed to bolster her claim.
Table of Contents
My ‘Fiddling’ Summer
So, I haven’t mentioned that I’m taking a bit of a ‘summer sabbatical’ this year. Blogging, in general, has become quite the rat race to chase the next shiny object, the next social media platform, the latest Google/Pinterest/Facebook/Instagram algorithm change, the latest theory on email open rates, RPMs, etc… And honestly, it has sucked the joy completely out of what I was doing.
As such, I’ve stepped away from ALL OF IT, except the part I really enjoy: publishing content for your enjoyment/edification and this weekly newsletter. I’ve also brought on two contributors to help me create content I think you will enjoy.
I know I’m lucky that any income earned by Nourish and Nestle doesn’t put food on our table or shelter over our heads as it does for many bloggers. To that end, I can choose to do what I enjoy and not do what I don’t.
Instead of chasing all ‘the things,’ I’ve cleaned and organized my bathroom drawers, cleaned my refrigerator and freezer, deep-cleaned our guest room, and finished the guest bathroom. I’m slowly ‘spring cleaning’ the entire house, room by room. And I’ve done all the above whilst enjoying my ongoing challenge of listening to all of Charles Dickens’s works. I’m also taking Elsa to playdates most days to avoid sightings of the aforementioned ‘spawn.’
In general, I’m channeling a slower but also productive summer in my home. One of my all-time favorite ways to spend a day is to ‘fiddle,’ I’ve decided this will be a ‘fiddling’ summer.
New on the Blog
I’m continuing to bring you recipes to help you make good use of your sourdough discards. However, I have been reminded that not everyone has a sourdough starter, so I’ll also publish a recipe and tutorial for that soon.
- In the meantime, if you have a sourdough starter, here’s a recipe for Sourdough Discard Tortillas that will use up your discard. They are soft, flexible, and perfect for tacos, quesadillas, burritos, wraps, etc.
From the Kitchen
- This Spinach Salad with Nectarines + Basil Dressing is quintessentially summer. The tang of the nectarines plays perfectly with basil’s herby, subtle peppery, and minty taste. The salad is topped with crunchy, toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of earthy gorgonzola.
Are you ready for your 4th of July festivities? If you need a few patriotic sweet treats, check these out:
- Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe, whip up some red, white, and blue icing, use this fun technique and BAM! You have the most patriotic and fun sugar cookies ever!
- Or (or And), add blueberries and strawberries to vanilla ice cream for super cool red, white and blue popsicles. Sprinkle some edible gold stars for extra patriotic bling.
- This homemade, gluten-free Rosemary and Fig bread recipe is perfect for snacking as is or for serving with your favorite cheeses. It is relatively low-carb and especially outstanding with goat cheese and honey.
- After experimenting with variations on a basic pastry crust and for the filling, I finally hit the Blueberry hand pie jackpot! This recipe produces a crisp, flaky crust that is just sturdy enough to be held in your hands, bursting with a flavorful filling thick enough to stay in the pocket of the pie.
From the Knit Studio
- This Easy Knit Baby Blanket pattern requires you to know only how to knit and how to purl; there are no fancy or complicated stitches here! The pattern of knits and purls creates a tone-on-tone plaid pattern. In fact, this simple combination of knits and purls makes this baby blanket knitting pattern reversible, meaning it looks equally attractive on both sides. You can use a contrasting color for the border.
- Nab all the free printables to make your own Knit Organizer. I find the Yarn Inventory section especially useful.
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
- Use your Cricut or Silhouette to cut the heavy fabric for these outdoor pillows. This post shows you how to upload any image to your Cricut.
In the House + Home
- Does your sofa look a little saggy? How to take your sofa from sad and saggy to firm and perky, economically and quickly.
- This post goes in-depth on the best oils to season cast iron.
Summer Travel?
If you have travel planned for the summer, some of these posts may be handy for you:
- Nab your travel checklist and tips for organized travel.
- This is a comprehensive list of handy travel accessories.
- I recently updated my Favorite Podcasts List.
A Giveaway (actually Two Giveaways!)
As luck would have it, in my recent fiddling, I uncovered a brand new “if you knit, you know” tote bag and a “knitting knecessities” zippered pouch! This large tote is 17″ x 18″, perfect for large blanket projects. The zippered pouch is 7.5″ by 12″, so will hold those 10″ and 12″ knitting needles and other knit necessities!
So, if you’d like to be in the running for either or both, leave a comment below stating which you are interested in. If you’d like to be considered for both, leave two comments, one for each. I’ll use a random number generator and choose a winner this Friday, June 28. This giveaway is limited to the continental U.S.
Books Read Thus Far in 2024
I’ve updated my list of books read thus far in 2024. I also added a ‘books listened to’ section as I continue working through all the Charles Dickens books on Audible.
Remember, the book list is always on Nourish and Nestle’s home page. It’s in the second big bluish-greenish box down from the top.
A Few Favs + Some 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.
- I love my cordless light and gave several for Christmas gifts. They are especially perfect for lighting your outdoor dining.
- If you need a lightweight summer cardigan, this one has served me well!
- Super cute plates for your Fourth of July festivities.
- And how darlingly festive are these earrings?
Well friends, I wish you a fantastic day and a delightful week!
Don’t forget to enter the drawing if you are interested in either the knit tote or the zippered pouch!
Until next week…
Hugs,
Both of these useful knitting pouches are cute! Who can decide?
The tote would be perfect for an afghan I am crocheting while traveling
The pouch is a great way to take a small projects me to appointments. I hate waiting!
I love your weekly post and always learn something new.
I always love your newsletter and am glad you are taking some “time off”. I absolutely love the knitting tote bag and would love to be counted in the drawing.
Thanks
I truly enjoy all the knitting patterns you post and have made quite a few items. The knitting pouch would be wonderful to keep me organized.
Thanks
Lynn, always look forward to your down-to-earth newsletter. Thank you. “If you knit you know.”
Thanks for the new baby blanket project, am always looking for something new. The large bag would be great for toting one of those projects in the car.
I would love to win the zippered pouch for my knitting essentials! Thanks for your blog, I look forward to it every Monday!
Hi Lynn,
I would like a chance on that knitting tote!
Hi Lynn,
Love that tote! Will definitely use it for my Knitted Knockers that I work on a little each day. Perfect for carrying along to docs’ office, airport, or waiting in the car.
Would also love the zippered bag. I have a small pair of scissors, 6” ruler, and assorted markers that would fit perfectly.
Thank you for offering these!!
Enjoyed the beautiful rainbow pic… where was that??
Hi Jana,
I took that picture in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Knitting necessities looks very very handy! I am always looking for ways to organize better….janet S
Hi Lynn,
That video of Elsa–all I can say is !!! (Farrah is more than patient; give that girl an extra treat!)
I’d love to be in the running for the large tote (the ones I have now are threatening to fall apart). Thank you for this chock-full post. I always read the whole thing even if I don’t act on any of it.
thanks, jeanie
well, sure, I’d absolutely make use of that zippered pouch–pls enter me in the drawing for it. thank you.
Please enter me in the Tote Bag Giveaway. Thank you!
Please enter me in the Zipper Pouch Giveaway. Thank you
I would like the totes, please
I would like the totes
I SUPER love the “if you knit, you know” tote bag and your blog!
I MUST have the “knitting knecessities” zippered pouch! Your blog is read every week by my eyes, so enjoyable!
I would love to be in the running for the tote bag please!!!
Enjoy your well deserved fiddling summer!!!!
I’d love to be in the giveaway for the zippered pouch! My current one is bursting and this is so cute! Thanks!
I have a notebook full of yarns and projects…on the outside it read…
Knitting Knotes
I love the “if you know you know”
Lynn, Would love to have the smaller zippered knitting bag. Easy to grab and go! Doubt if it’s Elsa-proof though!!
Lynne, I really look forward to your email every Monday. Thanks for starting my week off well! I would l would enjoy either of the giveaway items.
Good morning! I am interested in being included in both giveaways. Thank you for your blogs!!
Thanks for posting the hand held bluberry pie recipe. Blueberries have been very inexpensive at our stores lately and I am planning on taking advange of that! I would be happy to receive either of the giveaway items – thanks for the opportunity!
The tote bag is really cute
The zip bag would be a great addition to any knitter’s accessories!
Hi Lynn, I would love to be entered to win the if you knit, you know tote bag!
Also, I think it’s great that you’ve decided to slow down a little and enjoy the summer months (and adorable Elsa). I have to say though I felt my blood pressure raise a little as I was reading about it until I got to where you say you’ll be continuing this weekly newsletter. 🤣 I’m sure trying to be on all the things has got to be overwhelming and sucks the fun right out of it but I really love and look forward to your message on Monday mornings. Thank you for all the great ideas, recipes, patterns etc. that you provide!
OH Lisa,
You are so sweet! I love ‘this part’ of blogging and have no intention to stop it! It’s all the chasing that I’m tired of. And notes like yours reinforce why I enjoy this and why I want to keep doing it and why I don’t want all the other stuff to dull the shine of the good stuff.
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Hugs, Lynn
Hello Lynn
I would be interested in the knit tote!
I love your blog!
Hi Lynn,
I enjoy reading your posts every Monday morning. Being retired, it’s the first thing I do in the morning. You always have such yummy recipes, like the “Spinach and Nectarine salad” and the knit patterns I love, tried quite a few. Currently knitting coasters and slipper socks for a local nursing home. Anyway, I love to kit and cross stitch, so keep the patterns and the recipes coming!
Sincerely,
Gail
Hi Gail,
Thanks for the lovely note! I’m so glad you find recipes and patterns that you enjoy! In fact, I have a crochet slipper socks recipe coming down the pike very sooon.
Have a fantastic day!
Lynn
One can ALWAYS use a knitting bag! They’re like yarn-you can never have enough (even if your drawers are overflowing!)!!
Hey Lynn, it’s me again.😀 I would also love to be entered to win the knitting knecessities zippered pouch! I’m always having to dig to the bottom of my bag to find a stitch marker or a crochet hook or pencil… That zippered pouch would be so handy!
Thanks again! Have a lovely day!
The tote is unique. Thanks or the spinach salad recipe. Looking forward to the drawing.
The zip pouch does look useful for knitting needles. Do you have ideas for black berries that don’t use lots of sugar. My garden is over flowing with black berries but cobblers and pies just increase the belly size so I eat them plain. They are delicious that way, in salads and on top of my Sunday waffle but I need some more ideas.
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for your weekly emails! I look forward to them. I have been knitting for 50 years! I would love the knitted tote to keep my project supplies in! Thank you so much!
Cathy
I’d like to have the knitting necessities bag as I’m starting to collect double pointed needles. also trying to think of another way to keep them.
Just starting traveling around the states and have discovered that a cheap nightlight is great to have as most lighting in hotel rooms are to bright to sleep with.
I’d like to have the Knit if you know bag. Expecting a grandson in Oct and the bag would be great to hold all of the projects I have planned to knit for him.
Must be kismet. Just decided last night that I have to dig out the knitting and make time to do it before the life’s daily stress does me in! And what did I come across first in my dig? A rug I’ve been working on for a long time. I’m too embarrassed to tell you how long, LOL. It’s quite bulky and it would be lovely to have a nice bag (see above!) to tote it about with me.
I do enjoy your blog and all of the resources you provide. I think you’ve made a wise decision to seek assistance so you can concentrate on what gives you joy. Thank you for all you do.
Love the tote bag!
The zippered bag is super kneat!
I hope you have a wonderful summer “fiddling”! I would love to be entered for the tote bag! Have a great week!
I love the knitting totebag. Your site is great!
The pouch would also be a win! Thanks for the chance!
Hi Lynn, thanks for the opportunity to win the tote bag (I have always thought I would buy one with this logo) or the cute little accessory bag (never have too many of these)
I really enjoy your weekly newsletter!
All the best,
Josette
Please enter me in the “If you knit,,,” tote bag drawing. Thanks, Bev
Good Morning: Thank you for all the great topics you share with us- I look forward to Monday mornings! I use alot of your findings and also share with friends!
Knitting bag (lg): I am an intermediate knitter. I usually have several projects going at the same time- I like the variety. I would use this bag to keep another project handy. Just yesterday- I found my patterns for hats, fingerless mittens for my Charity winter knitting. I usually start those projects in July, helps me remember that Yes, it will cool down and many will need these! Today is supposed to be 100 with a heat index of 115!(live in Nebraska)
Knitting bag(sm)- this is a great storage/tool bag. As mentioned previously, my goal is to place each project in it each bag- currently, I have to swap out my tools to another bag, undoubtedly, I usually forget tools – and of course, I end up borrowing from a friend when public knitting.
Thank you for your consideration Enjoy your “fiddling” summer ( I might have to adopt that one!! Karen Semisch Omaha NE [email protected]
I love each of the bags. And your knitting patterns. Thank you
Love the blog and the knit pouch
Always enjoy your newsletter
Love both those project bags
Have a great summer !!
#2.
Great project bags ..love them both
Always enjoy new tips tricks and knitting patterns
Thanks so much
So so glad you are finding your joy again and taking a break!! But it’s also so great to read your emails and see what you are up too!!! Those tortillas look dreamy as do those fun cookies and that SALAD!!!
I would like to be considered for the “If you Knit you Know” tote bag.
I would like to be considered for the “knitting knecessities” zippered pouch.
Thank you!
Love the knitting accessories! The knit tote would be great for carrying projects on trips!
Love the zippered pouch…would be great place to store all of the “extras” such as stitch markers and scissors!
if you knit, you know! This is so cute! I usually travel with my knitting project in a leather bag with my computer, earplugs and other miscellaneous items. My bag becomes very heavy. This looks much better to travel with and tote around the house with my one-project-at-time, (yeah right). I really love receiving your Monday morning posts, they give such a boost. Keep them coming.
All the best,
Bev
Wow!! THANK YOU!! What a bumper issue N&N was this week and well done you Lynn for deciding to do what you want to do and enjoy. All that other stuff just complicates life and takes away all the pleasure.
Thank you for taking the time to do what you do for us all. I can’t wait to try the date and rosemary bread and I’ll definitely find the time to recondition my cast iron pots. Great advice as usual. Thank you Lynn x
I look forward to receiving your newsletter every Monday. I love a good knitting bag and you can never have enough of them.
Linda
Hi Lynn,
I would love the pattern to the new baby blanket pattern. I can’t see the password to access the pattern.
Your newsletter is always filled with great ideas. I love the new baby blanket and the blueberry hand pie recipe.
I love a good knitting accessory bag and you can never have to many!
Linda
I am a sock knitted and would love to “win” the knitting necessities pouch!
Knitting Necessaties! Absolutely would love it
I wanted to print the packing list but the site is asking me for a password. I am already subscribed to Nourish & Nestle but have never had to put in a password. What do I need to do?
Hi Marian,
I’ll email the password to you.
Love the new baby blanket pattern. Looks great but a simple pattern for my beginner level. Love the knitting tote bag. Such a cute design idea.
The “kneccessities” pouch is adorable. My knitting needles are crying for something like this to stay organized.
Thank you for the chance! I’ve knitted 2 of your blanket patterns, Rosebud & Ruffles and the Eyelet Pattern. Enjoyed knitting both.
I would love that knitting tote! I can never find one quite big enough to hold an oversized throw in progress. currently carrying around the big Hobby Lobby bag the yarn came home in! Ack!!!
The knitting zipper pouch would be a great addition to any WIP tote! keep all the little bits and bobs from falling to the bottom of the tote…or onto the floor!
Lynn! You rock!! My youngest son LOVES hand pies! The ones in the grocery store are always so artificial. I have always wondered how to make them from scratch and now, thanks to you, I can try my hand at the hand pie recipe! (Uh oh! Who do I sound like??🌞) Thank you for sharing your expertise with us each Monday. It seems that many of us look forward to your cheery newsletters. Have a happy fiddling summer!!
Sue-Ann Malinconico
Hi Sue-Ann,
Sounds like our sons are cut from the same mold and I caught your ‘hand’ pun! Well done, my friend. Well done!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks for the lovely message! I do love this part of blogging, especially conversing with readers like you!
Enjoy the handpies!
Hugs, Lynn
one can*never* have too many large totes for knitting projects 😄
Thank you for all that you do.
Hope your “fiddling” summer is relaxing even with energetic puppy. My daughter has a German shepherd (male – year and a half old) – sweet tempered but destroyed an “indestructible” toy in five minutes. I told her he has a potential job as a product tester for dog toys 😆
I love getting your email each Monday and going to the Nourish & Nestle site! I have made several of the dish cloths & would love other quick knit projects.
The Knitting Necessitates would be greatly used in my travels back & forth to Florida.
The zipper pouch would be great for traveling as well. Keep send your great ideas and tips, they are so enjoyed each week!!
I would love the tote! It would be a great conversation starter with other creatives
Hi Lynn, please enter me in the drawing for the knitting tote.
Thanks, Monica
Hi Lynn,
Please enter me in the drawing for the zippered pouch.
Thanks, Monica
Hi Lynn,
Please enter me in the drawing for the knitting tote.
Thanks, Monica
Hi Lynn,
Please enter me in the drawing for the zippered pouch.
Thank you, Monica
Oh my gosh, I haven’t thought about “Don’t Stop the Carnival” for YEARS. I read it in the early 1980s just before I moved to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. It is an island with a little island right off the capital, Christiansted. You could walk to it, if it weren’t for the water! There is nothing but a hotel (still a buy a week kind of place?) on Protestant Cay. The book was supposedly written about St. Croix. Everything in it is true of St. Croix. The library has/had a sign on the door: Hours 9-5 Monday through Friday. No children from 3-5–the kids were out of school at 2:30. It’s a wonderful place to visit for a couple of days.
Yes, yes, yes–read anything by Wouk, and by Ken Follett and James Michener. Wonderful storytellers. Oh, and by Edward Rutherford. I highly recommend these authors. Don’t be put off by Michener’s geological history! I read about four or five books a week since I don’t have to do anything else. I always dreamed of having this time to read. Enjoy these authors–and the many others who find their way into our homes.
Hi Jeanne,
I’m so glad I brought that memory back! My mom recently stayed on Christiansted and will be going back in January! Loved it and the big lizards!
That was my first Wouk book and I’m anxious to read more. I read several Michener, but haven’t in quite a while. I’ll try Edward Rutherford! I love a good storyteller, which is why I am so enjoying all the Dickens’ books.
Thanks for writing in and have a great weekend!
Hugs, Lynn
What knitter cannot possibly be in love with those. I would be honored for either one. Also…love the knitted baby blanket pattern. Thanks so much.
Hello Lynn
I like the tote bag size for my knit blanket projects in progress.
The zippered pouch is a great organizer for the knit markers
Row counters and yarn needles to weave in yarn ends and measuring tape.
As always your kindness and joy in sharing your talents with us is much appreciated.
Kind regards
I’d love to be entered for the knitting tote.
Pick me pick me! Would enjoy either one or both!
Love all ideas on Nourish and Nestle each week.
Thanks for the generous offers too. Both would me helpful in my knitting organization.😊
Hello Lynn,
How can you choose? Anything associated with knitting is my “jam”! Those who knit…know!
Love the newsletters as I always get something out of them. This week it was the book suggestions!
Thank you,
Kathy
My poor knitting bag is in need of replacement. It has holes that my needles like to slip through. I would love to win the bag.
Knitting addict right here! I am only capable of the simpler stuff, but I enjoy it anyway. Knitting Necessities would work great for anyone.
Thank you for the great thoughts that you share in the newsletter!
Kathy
I always look forward to seeing your newsletter and the goodies inside!! I would love to be considered for the tote bag please!!
I would love to be considered for the knitting essentials case please can’t wait to read about your yarn organization system