News from the Nest, May 6

Happy May!

May must be one of the most beautiful months for us in the Northern Hemisphere. The world is the most gorgeous color of green, with splashes of pink, yellow, white, and purple thrown around as confetti. Long-forgotten bulbs pop up in our gardens. Just this weekend, my tuberose broke ground, making me excited for their fragrant blooms in a month or two.

Our garden is off to a great start! We amended the soil in these beds earlier this year, and all the plants seem most appreciative of our efforts. We put out our first batch of compost tea this weekend. If you are curious about using compost tea in your garden, check out our post on this garden supplement. The first is Compost Tea: What it is and Why You Would Want to Use It in Your Garden.

And for those of you who have told me, ‘Lynn, we like your blog and all, but we really are more interested in pictures of Elsa, if you don’t mind,’ here’s your weekly Elsa fix. I know she looks worried, but trust me…that girl doesn’t have a worry in the world other than when her next meal is coming! She just has very serious eyes!

Most Popular With Readers

These are the top ten posts with all readers over the past two weeks. It seems we are a group of knitters and gardeners, who quench their thirst with margaritas and our appetites with tacos! Oh, and we LOVE our pups! I knew you were my kind of people!

#10 Knit Baby Blanket Pattern This warms my heart! This was the very first baby blanket pattern I wrote and published. I developed it with my daughter, who wanted to give her mentor a baby gift.

#9 Linen Stitch Knit Potholder When I received a few requests for simple knit patterns that weren’t washcloths or blankets!

#8 Container Gardening 101 This post explores the Thriller, Filler, and Spiller theory of container gardening.

#7 How to Use Eggshells in the Garden As the title explains, this post explains why and how to use eggshells in your garden.

#6 Air-fryer tacos make the list because crunchy, cheesy tacos are one of the best things to eat!

#5 My Dad’s Famous Margarita Recipe is another one that warms my heart! My dad loved playing ‘bartender’ and these margaritas were always a crowd favorite. Before he really suffered the effects of Alzheimer’s, he was so proud that his Margaritas were so popular on the blog! So thanks! 🥰

#4 This post features all my Knit Dishcloth and Washcloth Patterns.

#3 What to Use to Fill a Large Planter, other than just dirt. This post will help you save money on potting soil!

#2 This Three Ingredient Dog Treats recipe is ALWAYS in the top five most popular posts, regardless of the season or time of year.

#1 All Natural Vinegar Weed Killer is the most popular post this time of the year. Not only do I share my recipe, but I’m very transparent on what you should and should not expect of a vinegar weed killer. Suffice it to say, I’ll never go back to commercial, chemical-laden weed killers.

A New to Me Word!

Panglossian!

According to Websters, “marked by the view that all is for the best in this best of possible worlds : excessively optimistic.” The word derives from the character, Dr. Pangloss in Voltaire’s Candide who was a incurable optimist.

New on the Blog

• If a vase full of flowers is your idea of bliss, you need to check out this new post on more than thirty plants for your cutting garden. I did a deep dive into an assortment of flowering plants to help you decide which ones are best for you, what you want in terms of cut flowers, and how much time you want to spend growing them. I also share the homemade flower preservative to keep my cut flowers fresher, longer.

From the Knit and Crochet Studio

For my crocheters out there, this Thermal Stitch Potholder is one of my favorite projects. I just LOVE the thick, hefty fabric created by the crochet thermal stitch. It is perfect for a potholder or trivet.

From the Kitchen

• Fromage Fort is just a fancy word for ‘take all your bits and bobs of cheese and whir them with some herbs, garlic, and wine for the best of appetizers!’ And not for nothing, it helps reduce food waste by cleaning up those cheese bits languishing in your fridge or freezer.

• Ginger Lemon Tea, crafted from ginger root and lemon juice, has been a healing staple for centuries, tracing its origins back to ancient China and India. While it tastes like a warm ray of sunshine, the health benefits of this delectable concoction extend far beyond its enticing flavors. This post shares some of the benefits of Ginger Lemon Tea and my recipe for quick, make-ahead ginger lemon tea, hot or iced.

• This easy-to-make Brothy Beans Recipe is in regular rotation at our home, year-round. Large White Beans (Cannellini Beans) are cooked in the oven until they are tender, flavorful, and brothy. Suggested variations to this original recipe and information about other types of white beans are also discussed.

• It is Strawberry Season! 🍓This post shares how to make Strawberry Puree for use in a variety of desserts and beverages. Options for both cooked and fresh, unsweetened and sweetened strawberry puree are included, along with suggestions for using this yummy, fruity treat.

• Use the aforementioned strawberry puree to make these Mini Strawberry Tarts! You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when you need them!

From the Arts and Crafts Studio

• Remember when macrame was all the rage? I channeled that knotting art into these macrame wire votive holders. Aren’t they pretty?

It’s Graduation Season?

• Need some gift ideas for the graduates in your world?
• And if you are looking for some dessert ideas for your graduation party? I’ve got a few.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Here’s an assortment of gift ideas for the moms or mom-figures in your world. This list includes purchased and handmade gift ideas.

From the Garden

• Are you curious about what type of tomato grows well in pots? This post discusses the best patio tomatoes and offers tips for success.

Around the Home

• We painted the exterior brick of our home a year ago, and we’ve never had regrets! The paint has held up perfectly, even on the steps.

• Speaking of paint, make yourself a little indoor paint repair kit. It makes maintaining your home’s interior so easy!

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

I lined all my kitchen cabinet shelves with this shelf-liner. It’s virtually invisible but prevents scratches and water damage.

A lovely Kate Spade frame for a special photo

No one doesn’t need to see this on a daily basis!

I’ve moved from burning my candles (especially the expensive ones) to slowly melting them to release their fragrance. I have my candle warmer set on a timer…just two hours to fill my home with fragrance and I don’t need to remember to blow it out either!

Well dolls (and guys!), I’m off! I wish you a week of whatever it is you need!

Hugs,

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!