News From The Nest, March 31
Good Morning, Friends!
Kate and I returned home from Philly to Wilmington at 12:30 Friday morning. Suffice it to say I am much too old for that nonsense!
Her car hiccuped a bit upon starting earlier last week, so I took it to AAA last Wednesday for a quick one-hour diagnostic exam to make sure the battery was O.K., just as an abundance of caution.
Fast-forward five days, and her car is still there, in Philly, and they can’t get it started. For emphasis, I drove it there just fine. My alarm bells went off several times, but I knew I was in trouble when they came to me in the waiting room with a handful of broken metal and told me they probably broke this part when changing the battery. But not to fear—they would get that part the next day and would bear the cost of it.
The next day, after installing ‘that part,’ they called to tell me, ‘ This is very unfortunate, but we still can’t get your car started.’ They identified the part they would need but wouldn’t get it for five days because…wait for it…it had to come all the way from Baltimore, which is two hours away by car from Philly. I would have offered to drive and get the part myself, but they had my car!
So, Kate and I rented a spiffy, fire-engine red Jeep and drove home Thursday night, leaving her car behind. Once we are sure that it is up and running, Terry will fly up and drive it home.
Life just throws things at you, and you have to keep rolling! AMIRIGHT?
I am glad to be home, but I know Terry is REALLY GLAD I am home. Not only was he the primary caregiver to Elsa, Peep, and Remie the rabbit in my absence, but it was also a busy week managing all the construction projects we have going on.
Table of Contents
New on the Blog
My downtime in Philly last week allowed me to get a great recipe and a fun Easter project published for you!
- In one hour, you could make and customize a pretty ceramic egg tray just in time for Easter. While this is a perfect Easter project, think of all the uses year-round! You could use it for paper clips in your office or to hold earrings in your bedroom.
- If there’s one dish that guarantees an empty bowl at the end of a party, it’s Buffalo Chicken Dip. This slow cooker version brings all the spicy, creamy, cheesy goodness you love—without any last-minute fuss.
Twenty-Five Under $25
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The Amazon Big Spring Sale ends today, 3/31. Nab these deals before they go!
- Amazon Fire TV Stick HD
- BLACK+DECKER One Touch Coffee Grinder
- ClearSpace Clear Plastic Storage Bins-2 pack
- 4-Pack Oversized Moving Bags with Reinforced Handles
- Cuisinart 2-Slice Toaster
- 2-Tier Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cabinet Organizer, Pull Out Under Sink Organizers and Storage
- Premium Velvet, Non-Slip Thin Flocked Felt Hangers
- Very Pretty 2 X 3, Washable, Non-Slip Floral Pink Rugs
- Caldrea Linen And Room Spray Air Freshener
- Large Wood Cutting Board for Kitchen, 1” Thick Bamboo
- Folding Step Stool, 13 inch Non-Slip
- Live Succulent Plants (20 Pack)
- American Flag 3×5 ft
- Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader for Seed and Fertilizer
- 32 Ounces Colorful Hand Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder
- Fiskars Pruning Shears
- Grow Light for Indoor Plants, Clip-on LED Full Spectrum Plant Lamp with 4-Level Dimmer, Auto On/Off Timer.
- 6-Piece Garden Tool Set
- 2PK Seedling Heat Mat
- Cat Doormat
- Energizer AA and AAA Batteries, 48 Count, Combo Pack Contains 24 Max Double A and 24 Max Triple A Batteries
- Cuisinart Food Processor, Mini-Prep, 3-Cup
- Kitsch Satin Heatless Hair Curler Set
- ZELUS Weighted Vest, 6lb
- Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit
- This crochet potholder pattern utilizes the thermal stitch, which creates a double-thick fabric ideal for handling hot items. It includes step-by-step instructions and material recommendations to ensure durability and heat resistance.
From the Kitchen
- This recipe for Marinated Castelvetrano Olives is an easy appetizer. Flavored with pink peppercorns, garlic, and shallots, it is a recipe you will find returning to time after time.
- This curried chicken salad is creamy, savory, and just a wee bit sweet. Crisp celery and a sprinkling of peanuts just before serving give it a nice crunch.
- Wraps are a versatile and convenient meal option, perfect for repurposing leftovers or creating fresh, healthy combinations. In this post, you’ll discover a variety of nutritious wrap filling ideas and practical tips to elevate your lunch or dinner game.
- If winter isn’t giving up without a fight in your neck of the woods, warm up with a comforting bowl of White Bean and Cabbage Soup. This simple yet nourishing dish combines tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and creamy cannellini beans. Ready in under an hour, this versatile recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option.
- Enjoy the very best carrot cake with this favorite family recipe, cherished for over 20 years. This cake promises to be the highlight of any celebration, featuring a moist, flavorful crumb enriched by a decadent buttermilk glaze and cream cheese frosting.
- Treat your furry friend to these homemade cheddar cheese dog treats, crafted with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and coconut oil.
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
- Fill your handmade egg tray with naturally hand-dyed eggs! Discover how to create vibrant, naturally dyed Easter eggs using common household ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and spices. This guide offers step-by-step instructions for achieving a spectrum of beautiful hues without relying on artificial chemicals.
From the Garden
- Last week, I shared several Container Garden ‘recipes’ to help you create your own stunning container gardens. Today, I have more lovely container garden ideas, inspiration, and recipes. Check out these lovely container garden images and plant combinations from thriller plants to spiller plants, filler plants, and everything in between.
- Want to grow flowers to fill your vases this summer? Here are tips on the best flowers to grow in your cutting garden. From your very own cutting garden, you can create bouquets from Spring through Summer.
- Transform your kitchen waste into garden gold by using eggshells to enrich your soil naturally. This article explores the benefits of incorporating eggshells into your gardening routine, from providing essential calcium to improving soil structure and deterring pests. Bonus points for sharing your crushed eggshells with the birds!
Whatcha Reading or Listening to?
Well, it’s the end of the month, which means it is time to update my book ‘reviews.’ 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. I’ve decided that 2025 will be my year for Russian authors.
If you like to listen while you work (declutter 😉), here’s also a list of podcasts I’ve enjoyed.
In the House + Home
- It’s been two years since we painted our brick home. This article guides you through the process, sharing firsthand experiences, practical tips, and considerations to ensure a successful and enduring transformation. Quick update: it has held up beautifully! With the construction in the back, I’ll be touching up the back stairs, but other than that, we haven’t had to do any maintenance. 10/10 would do it again.
- Discover practical strategies to extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables, reducing waste and saving money. This article offers 17 actionable tips, such as giving berries a vinegar bath to prevent mold and storing herbs like parsley and cilantro in water to maintain freshness.
Well, friends, we were able to get in the yard yesterday, and I hope to do a bit more today, as well as spend some time working in the house. I’m feeling like the clutter is creeping in, and my skin is starting to crawl.
Until next week!
Hugs,
I look forward to Monday mornings when I can open my email and read your weekly newsletter while sipping my coffee. It’s a great way to start the day.
I have four comments today:
1. Un oh…I have a craving for cinnamon buns but no sourdough starter. Do you have such a recipe?
2. Three years ago, I bought a wooden cutting board from our local thrift shop and re-conditioned it following your instructions. It worked very well and my daughter absolutely loves it. At the time, I emailed you to let you know how much I appreciated following your instructions. I’m not sure I can give this a star ***** rating but I’d love to.
3. Book recommendation: my husband and I just finished reading “A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rouge” by Dean Jobb. This is a biography about Arthur Barry, one of the most successful burglars in history. The book also delves into the history of the era which makes for a very easy read. We both highly recommend it. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199529084-a-gentleman-and-a-thief
4. Finally, a short podcast: Unveiling Banff Springs Hotel’s Ghostly Residents https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UJgfTnuehv3uSMgsTO7x1?si=nJygk3yxSfulSf5bjDPd0g&_bhlid=7f54cf09517cd24b8e30f859f73816d5a94c7f3e&nd=1&dlsi=78c65bedd45441bc
Have a great week.
Hi Mary,
What a lovely note!
1. I do have a recipe for sourdough starter! Here it is!
2. You are so kind. There isn’t a way to give stars to that post, but your comments carry great weight and I very much appreciate them! 🫶🏼
3 and 4. sound like they are right up my alley and I’m ALWAYS looking for both book and podcast suggestions, so thanks doubly!
Wishing you the best of days! Hugs!