News from the Nest, May 27

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Quick Elsa update: She weighs 30 lbs and is just a bundle of fun! She knows ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘stay,’ ‘leave it,’ and ‘come.’ For whatever reason, ‘shake’ is giving her all sorts of troubles. She is *mostly* 🤞🏼potty-trained and is starting to lose teeth (HALLELUJAH!) More than any dog we’ve ever had, she really needs to play hard, and if she doesn’t get time with another dog, we become her preferred victims. To that end, I spend a lot of time shuttling her to playdates! It’s like having a child again!

Table of Contents

New on the Blog

Summer picnics and barbecues are the perfect time to enjoy refreshing, fruity beverages, and this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail is just the thing to quench your thirst. This yummy beverage is quickly prepared by the glass or the pitcher.

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

• Simple knit and purl stitches result in a reversible washcloth…and you know I love my reversible knits! The simple stitches of this Waffle Stitch Washcloth also make it a great project for new knitters looking for ways to stretch beyond stockinette.

• This knit purse pattern was a first for me! After years of knitting washcloths and towels, I decided to try my hand and something new. It was a fun change and I plan to expand my knit or crochet my purse and handbag repertoire.

From the Kitchen

• If your Memorial Day festivities include boiled shrimp and your kitchen is missing the Old Bay Seasoning, check out these substitutes or make your own with this recipe!

• Let chuck roast slowly simmer in garlic, onion, Worcestershire, and soy sauce for the day, and you’ll have the best fork-tender, pull-apart beef for sandwiches, enchilada or burrito filling, and more. Add this Slow Cooker Pulled Beef recipe to your recipe stash; it will be one you return to repeatedly.

• Make your own barbecue sauce! Simple ingredients combine easily to make this slightly tangy and mildly sweet homemade sauce. This homemade barbecue sauce recipe is a great basic recipe that you can alter to suit your tastes.

• Simple sugar cookies become something special with colored icing and a simple, but fun, icing technique. Add these red, white, and blue sugar cookies to your picnic menu!

From the Craft Room

Figuring out how to make flexible medallions and how to get the best ‘faux’ concrete look was a good, creative challenge for me. And, I love the end result…so a ‘win’ there too! So, let’s dive into the details for this DIY Faux Concrete Planter with flexible medallions! And no, I don’t need a new terra cotta pot! To me, they are infinitely better when they are all chipped up!

• With miter-edged corners and a crochet edge, these easy to make napkins are perfect gifts…but you will most likely want to fill your own napkin drawer! Making the mitre-edge is easier than you think, and I walk you through the process.

In the Garden

• Over the past thirty days, twenty-four thousand people have come to the blog for this natural, less-toxic, homemade weed killer recipe! It’s the ‘recipe’ I use to control weeds in my yard, and I will never return to the more harmful commercial products.

• Don’t toss your eggshells! Composted eggshells can be a rich source of nutrients that plants need. Here’s how to use eggshells for plants.

In The Home

Last year, I rearranged our living room bookshelves because the previous arrangement didn’t feel right. I consulted a decorator friend for tips on how to decorate bookshelves and here’s what she shared.

• Now’s a good time to clean your closet and take measures to prevent moth holes when you pull your favorite sweaters out in the fall.

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 of 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.

Some Fun Finds and a Few Favorites

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. However, the price you are charged is not affected. You can see my full disclosure policy here.

• Speaking of preventing moths, I use these moth traps in our closet.
• This is a great deal for a Father’s Day Gift for the handyman in your world.