News From The Nest, March 24

Good Morning from rainy Philadelphia!

I am up here this week spending a little mom time with my almost Dr. Kate Spencer! We found out on Friday that Kate will be an Anesthesia Resident at Case Western in Cleveland, and we are excited about this next step of a very long journey. So, if you find yourself in an operating room at Case Western and are instructed by a pair of lovely and caring eyes to start counting backward from 100, you know you are in good hands and tell Kate, ‘Hi!’

Last night, we spent the evening researching areas in the city where she might want to live and searching for pet-friendly apartments that won’t break her budget. Given their work hours, residents aren’t even earning minimum wage, so it is a tight budget.

Did you feel Spring arrive on Thursday? The vernal equinox happened at 5:01 a.m., and now our days in the Northern Hemisphere will start to be longer. Welcome, Spring!

And remember that last week I had a week where everything needed to fall in place? Well, it mostly did! But, because we are the Spencers, we left town with most of a fence and part of a generator. We had so much rain in our area that the generator sank in the mud on the way to its designated space, so we are waiting for the ground to dry or for them to figure out a better way, and Terry and I jury-rigged the unfinished part of the yard with random fence pieces and zip ties! 🤫🤣 We are waiting for comments from the HOA!

From the Kitchen

• You can be the most popular person by treating your family and guests to these baked apple doughnut holes for breakfast. Not only is the batter easy to make, but you can make the batter components the night before. So, in the morning, all you have to do is mix the two together and bake these easy breakfast treats. The batter for these donuts is fragrant with freshly ground nutmeg. And then once these little treats are baked, they are tossed in butter and coated with sugar and more nutmeg. You are most welcome.

• These buttery spiced madeleines are perfect for any fancy gathering, but you can also enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee at any time of day. By following this detailed recipe and the provided tips, you can ensure your madeleines turn out perfectly!

• This creamy Tomato Soup avoids fats for its delicious creaminess. The recipe relies on a secret ingredient that makes the soup healthier than its heavy cream-laden counterparts. Well, it’s not that secret since it is in the recipe. But, I just like saying it is a secret! 😉 Makes me sound a little secret agent-ish.

• Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of sourdough, this Sourdough Focaccia recipe, complete with tips for success and answers to frequently asked questions, will guide you to focaccia greatness. And not for nothing, it is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of the aforementioned creamy tomato soup.

• Cooking and baking often require quick reference to measurement conversions—and let’s be honest, trying to remember how many tablespoons are in a cup isn’t always easy! That’s why I created this handy measuring equivalents chart featuring a watercolor lemon design. It’s not only functional but also a pretty addition to your kitchen. I laminated mine and keep it inside the cabinet door where I store my measuring cups. It is just one of the many handy printables in our Subscriber Library. If you’ve forgotten the super-secret (there’s that word again!) password, it will be at the bottom of the email I send you every Monday. But, if you still can’t find it, send me an email at lynn@nourishandnestle.com.

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

• For this knit potholder pattern, I wanted a flat stitch without too much texture, and the linen stitch made the most sense. That stitch will always lay flat, making it an even better choice for potholders.

• A few Common Knit Errors and how to fix them!

From the Arts + Crafts Studio

• Love the look of marble but not the price tag? This DIY faux marble tray is the perfect solution! With just a few supplies and simple techniques, you can transform an inexpensive acrylic frame into a chic, marble-inspired tray. It’s an easy project that adds a touch of elegance to any space—and the best part? It’s completely customizable to match your style. Let me walk you through the steps to create your own faux marble masterpiece!

In the Garden

• So, this Friday is Weed Appreciation Day. And I get it. Many weeds, like the dandelion, are beneficial. Dandelions are an important early food source for pollinators like bees. They are also rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like iron and calcium. The leaves, flowers, and roots are edible and have been used in herbal remedies to support digestion, liver health, and inflammation. All that said, a whole bunch of weeds don’t do much other than rob the soil of the nutrients and space our preferred plants need. So, while we should take a minute to appreciate the good weeds this week, for all the others, nail them with this homemade Vinegar Weed Killer! 😉

• Container gardens are a great way to add beauty and personality to your outdoor spaces, even if you’re short on garden beds. Just like following a recipe in the kitchen, creating a stunning container garden comes down to choosing the right mix of plants that complement each other in color, texture, and height. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite container garden “recipes” to inspire you to create your own eye-catching combinations!

• Strawberries are typically planted in early spring when the soil is workable or in late fall in warmer climates. For most areas, planting between March and May is ideal. Will you be planting strawberries this year? If so, check out these plants these Strawberry Companion Plants. After your strawberry harvest, make sure you return and peruse the plethora of strawberry recipes we have.

• Carrot seeds are usually planted in early spring, about 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 50°F (10°C). They can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest in warmer climates. If you’ll plant carrots this year, check out these Carrot Companion Plants.

In the House + Home

• Touching up paint around the house can be a hassle — dragging out a gallon of paint and all the supplies just to fix a small spot can be so inconvenient that the marked walls tend to stay marked! That’s why I put together a simple and convenient House Paint Touch-Up Kit! It keeps everything you need for quick repairs in one spot, making it easy to handle scuffs, nail holes, and other minor imperfections without the mess. Let me show you how to make your kit!

• We travel quite a bit, and I live by this Organized Travel Checklist. When I follow it, I don’t forget the essential things. I’ve made two versions, one for guys and one for gals. They are another of the printables found in the library.

Well, friends, I packed Kate’s lunch today for the first time in a long time! It is really nice to have this time to hang with her and help her plan her future. Farrah and I are holding down the fort in our little Airbnb while she is off learning how to be a resident.

I’ll ‘see’ you next week!

Hugs,

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!