News from the Nest, March 13
Why, hello!
Remember last week when I had been basking in the gloriously, unseasonably warm weather, getting dirt under my nails and reveling in my time in the garden?
SCREEEEEEEECH.
I knew it was inevitable, and it is still winter, after all. The good news is that I can spend the time I need to write up several posts for you all. Between all the yard work last week, prepping for and spending a lovely couple of days with friends who came to visit, I am woefully behind on the blog. So, here’s the return of winter for a bit and getting stuff done!
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
Edith Wharton
So, I think it is hilarious that today is National Napping Day! Those suffering from ‘Springing Forward’ can honestly celebrate the day by catching up on that lost hour. FWIW…I don’t need a National Holiday for napping! Naps are truly one of life’s great treasures.
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crowdsource opportunity
One of our readers, Joy, has asked if anyone has a recipe for Amish Friendship bread that they recommend. If you do, please send it to me, and I will get it to Joy. Thanks!
from the knit + crochet studio
- I love to receive images of your finished projects! (hint hint 😉) Carol sent this picture of the Cloverleaf Eyelet Baby Blanket she knit for her new granddaughter. Isn’t it gorgeous and will be a treasured keepsake?
Table of Contents
- This crochet Lemon Peel Washcloth is relatively easy for those new to crochet. I’m on the record that I am a novice when it comes to crochet. I initially learned crochet to add borders to my knit projects, but have slowly ventured into other simple projects. Both the body and the trim of its Lemon Peel Washcloth are crocheted with relatively easy stitches. For those new to crocheting or wanting to learn crochet, give it a try!
- I made a thirty-minute video showing how to crochet this washcloth and the edge. The first part details basic stitches, but you can skip ahead if you know the crochet basics.
from the kitchen
- My grandma used to bake date nut bars, so this recipe evokes those days when we would come home from school to a house redolent with the aromas of freshly baked treats. I slightly altered her recipe, swapping out the white sugar for brown sugar, which gives the date nut bars a deeper, richer flavor.
- It is a totally achievable goal to eat well for less. Tips and suggestions for groceries to buy on a budget or if you just want to reduce your food expense.
- Along the same lines, here are a bunch of frugal meals that are also healthy and easy to make.
- I’ve often referred to this Measuring Equivalents Chart, but if you don’t have it, you need to get it! It is such a handy tool. I laminated mine and keep it taped to the inside of one of my kitchen cabinet doors.
from the arts + craft studio
With or without the initials, these leather cord keepers are handy items and make great gifts. Your Cricut or Silhouette machine makes cutting them out a breeze! Disclaimer…I have a Cricut, but I’ve been told that you can use a Silhouette to cut Cricut files. But couldn’t tell you how as I’ve never worked with a Silhouette.
in the garden
Are you starting to plan out your garden? Are you perusing vegetable, perennial, and annual catalogs? Depending on where you are, you are either preparing for fall or spring!
- Regardless of where you live, do the bees a favor and incorporate plants in your garden to attract and nourish them. I ❤ 🐝 and want to do everything possible to help and assist these wonderful little workhorses. This post has a good bit of information and a link to a printable that will help you find plants specific to your zip code to help the bees.
- If you can’t get out in the garden yet, you can start planning. Review the basics of Container Gardening and start putting together some recipes for your loveliest container gardens yet!
house + home
- When you do your spring cleaning, make sure to touch up your walls as they need it! This indoor paint repair kit is so very handy!
- I miss this counter and the counter skirt! I made this grommeted counter skirt to cover the underneath of the office work counter in our previous home. Not only was it lovely and finished the previously unfinished space, but boy…did it do a great job of hiding stuff! I used it on a laminate counter, but you could find many applications for this project.
this + that
- So, I am currently binge-listening to, in a somewhat OCD manner, The Murdaugh Murders. Holy Cow! There are 80+ episodes, and I think they aren’t done yet! This is a doozy if your guilty pleasure is true crime podcasts. I was prewarned that the commentator had an annoying voice at first, but it didn’t bother me. She’s a journalist, not a podcaster, and she is sharing her reporting. And, FWIW, cleaning the pollen out of your home and off your back porch is quite enjoyable when you have a good podcast! I found myself asking, ‘what else needs cleaning?’
- Here are some of my other favorite podcasts.
- My one and only garlic press for the past 10+ years. I swear by this garlic press! Easy to clean, easy to use, and easy to get the mince size you want. If you need a smaller mince, then just rock over it again!
Well, friends…thanks to Mother Nature, I think I will actually have a productive blog week! I’ve got several interesting articles in the queue for you, so stay tuned.
Have a fantastic week!
Hugs,
