News from the Nest, November 7
Good Morning, Glories!
I believe I’m in the minority of people who actually like to leave Daylight Savings and return to Standard Time, as we did Sunday. I relish the earlier coziness that the darker evening brings. Seeing lamps lighting home windows early in the evening evokes a snug and comfortable image in me. What about you? Are you on team ‘earlier sundown’ or team ‘later sundown?’
“Don’t wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!”
Charmaine J. Forde
I spent some time this weekend in our yard, doing a little fall gardening. It always pains me to dig up and toss perfectly good plants, so this year I’m going to move many into our garage and attempt to keep them alive for replanting in the fall. I know that coleus are relatively inexpensive, but if I don’t have to buy a bunch next year, all the better. I’ve taken cuttings and will propagate them over the winter under a grow light in the garage. I’ll keep you posted!
I will still use my cold frame, but it isn’t big enough for everything I want to keep going. I’ve had success overwintering my large geranium in the cold frame and will do so again. But this year, I have three large ferns that won’t fit into my cold frame.
I’ve also been working on a culinary ginger ‘garden,’ but the bunnies and caterpillars have thwarted me at every turn. The leaves of my ginger seem to be a beacon for all the nibblers. I will also make space in my garage for my large container of ginger.
If Terry reads this, he may be getting concerned, as our garage is already quite snug. But don’t worry, I have ideas! 💡
new on the blog
Table of Contents
- This Cranberry Apple Banana Bread was a regular this time of the year in my home growing up. But somehow, I had forgotten all about it! I’m glad I rediscovered it, and I’m happy to share it with you today. And not for nothing, it bakes up perfectly into mini loaves that make great gifts!
- If you want to give gifts that keep giving this year, consider this list of more than twenty-five gifts that will save the gift recipient money! Personally, this was a great post for me. Many of these ideas will be under our tree this year with a mom who doesn’t ‘need’ anything, a son freshly out of college, and a daughter in med school.
gift ideas
Speaking of gifts, have you started your Christmas shopping? I have, just a wee bit. I’ll share a few different gift idea lists for the next several weeks.
- If you decide to give some of the subscriptions or gift cards mentioned in the list of twenty-five gifts that will save the recipient money, you might want to use these homemade envelopes to give them.
- Gift Ideas for Knitters: I’m sponsoring a giveaway just for U.S. subscribers to Nourish and Nestle. Two people will win one of our knit accessory pouches with their choice of saying/design. I will randomly pick two winners at the end of the week. There are two ways to enter:
- Pop over to the post and scroll down until you find the 6 accessory pouches. Which design/saying is your favorite?
- Pop over to the post and let me know what I’ve forgotten!
- If you plan to make some gifts this year, it’s probably time to get busy!
- Here are twelve food gifts that you could get started on!
- Fourteen handmade gift ideas
in the kitchen
- It’s not too early to make, or at least get your fruit soaking, for our White Fruitcake! Baking it in the Four Bundtlet pan means I have four ready-made gifts!
in the home
- While you may not have the time to do a full-blown declutter before the holidays, take a few minutes to do some obvious decluttering and cleaning before you put up your decorations. These two lists, 49 tasks that take less than 15 minutes and 50+ chores that take less than 15 minutes, will help stay on top of your home.
- That said, organizing your table linens doesn’t take much time, and you will so appreciate it during ‘table linen season!’ 😉
in your words
- Sharon used Joann’s Big Twist Shine brand yarn to knit our Argyle Baby Blanket. Isn’t it lovely?! But, and this is why I’m so thankful for user input, she wouldn’t recommend the yarn. In her words, “This is my first time using this yarn. The yarn is soft and draped well, but sadly I can’t recommend it; there were inconsistencies in thickness, lots of splitting, and tied knots in most skeins.” After knitting this blanket with a yarn that also had many knots, I would avoid it at all costs.
- Ma Maroosha and I share a similar love for this Brothy Beans recipe, especially with the roasted tomatoes.
I just finished having this for lunch! I added roasted tomatoes and puréed the lot. So delicious.
Ma Maroosha
Many thanks to everyone who writes in to share their experiences with our content! We thrive on your feedback, so keep it coming.
Wishing you a fantastic week, my friends!
Hugs,
Thanks for all the knitting gift ideas. I have knitters to shop for
Hi Gail,
Oh, the knitters on your list will be excited to receive any of these gifts. And I hope you are on the receiving end of some of their knit masterpieces!
Hugs, Lynn
My favorite saying on the bags is “Keep calm and cast on.” It captures how i feel about knitting. Feeling the yarn pass through my fingers somehow soothes my soul and helps to quiet me when things feel overwhelming. How many things I have knitted while sitting with my parents in the hospital! And when each of them passed away it soothed my grief as well.
I love your emails and all of your wonderful content!!! Thank you so much!! 🥰🥰
Hi Sandy,
That’s a good one! I guess it is not surprising that so many people like the “Keep Calm and Cast On” pouch, given the calming nature of our hobby. In difficult time, like those you mention, it really is a blessing.
And thanks for your kind comments. I’m so happy you find the comment useful and entertaining!
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
I am with you on preferring the return to Standard Time!
I love the pouches. My favorite saying would be Shh, I’m Counting — because I’m always saying that to my husband.
Good Morning Cindi,
Yay for Standard Time! You must be a cozy evening lover too.
I’m laughing thinking of all the husbands who are regularly suushed! That is by far the most favorte saying.
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
I love all the pouches, My favorite saying is Shh, I’m counting.
Hi Kim,
You and everyone else! I guess I’m a little surprised its as popular as it is.
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
I love all the pouches but I think the Shh I’m Counting is very appropriate in my house. ♥
Hi Karen, you and everyone else! That is, hands down, the favorite saying. I love it!
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
Lynn,
Love getting Nourish and Nestle each week. I find so much to do with it. I save each weeks posts especially when knitting, recipes, etc. I like appear. Thanks for doing this, and introducing us to a world where a retiree can enjoy projects.
Hi Ellen,
Thank you so much for your kind comments! I so love this wee job of mine, and it is all the more enjoyable when I receive comments like yours. I’m tickled that you find articles that interest you…that is always my goal.
Hugs, Lynn
i really enjoy receiving your emails. my favorite accessory pouch is
“Shhh, I’m counting ”
Have a great day.
Linda
Hi Linda,
Thus far, that is clearly the favorite saying. It’s one we’ve all said too many times!
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
I like the daylight savings time, it gives me time to get some outdoor time after work.
Oh wow! Thank you so much for all the great gift ideas!!! What a help that is to me for my adult daughters and son-in-law. I am so thankful for your newsletter. And to Sharon: the argyle blanket is stunning and thanks for your honest opinion on the yarn.
As far as the pouches they are all great, but if I had to pick one it would be knot happens.
Have a wonderful week!
Pam
Hi Pam,
Well, we will have to agree to disagree on Daylight v Standard Time! 😉 As my grandma said, ‘that’s what makes the world go round!’
And I’m so glad you found some of those ideas useful. I’ve already got a couple pegged for my son, he is so hard to shop for.
You are now entered into the drawing! Thanks for your comment.
Hugs, Lynn
Oh I so agree with you about changing from daylight savings time to regular time I so look forward to longer nights. Hope you enjoy some cozy time now
Hello there my fellow cozy nighter! So glad we are not alone. Tickled right now as the sun starts setting, getting ready for the lights to switch on in my windows! Sheer bliss.
Have a great evening.
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Lynne!
I am currently knitting your basket weave diagonal blanket. I was wondering which method you used for adding a new skein of yarn to the blanket. I’m having a little trouble figuring out the best way to do this. Thanks so much for your help. I love how this blanket is turning out it is beautiful!
Grateful Knitter!
Shelly Martin
Hi Shelly,
What yarn are you using? If it has some ‘teeth’ to it (like wool and some acrylics), I LOVE the Russian join. Here’s the link to that post where I talk about it.
Let me know if you still have questions.
Hugs, Lynn
“Earlier sundown” is in my comfort zone; thoroughly enjoy the darkness at 4-4:30 — it brings cozy memories of childhood and the anticipation of the aroma of the coming festivity of turkey slowly roasting in the oven all night; upon waking the air is filled with the pending adventures of feast, family and fun. Most of those happenings have disappeared as family gets older and moves away or they are off to other families — however; I still have the memories and enjoy an early sundown with needle, yarn, and a good cup of tea.
Hi Nancy…Everything you said is EXACTLY why I love earlier sundowns. Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories.
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Lynn!
I get so excited to see your emails in my inbox each week! I live in NC, too! Not too far away! I have cooked & knitted just about everything you have shared—always fun & exciting! I love the knit pouch “Keep Calm & Cast On.” Thank you so much for making creativity so special!
Oh Cathy, thank you so much! I do love writing my emails but it just brings the pink to my cheeks to hear that people actually look forward to them! I have the best job in the world! 🥰 What have been some of your favorite recipes?
And as a fellow North Carolinian, are you tired of these gorgeous 80 degree November days, too? I’m ready to pack up my shorts already!!!
And that’s a fun saying…one of my favs too.
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
I’m very happy that we are back to standard time. I love the cozy evenings this time of year! I wish the people who decide on these things would just let time be time. Ha ha. I always love to see your gift idea lists. They have come in handy in the past. If I am looking for a gift, I always check out your lists first for ideas. As for the accessory pouches – which are practical and adorable! – I have to agree with many others and pick the Shhh..I’m counting design.
Yay for Standard Time! And I agree! Let time be time! We fiddle with things way too much!
And the Shhhh pouch is by far the winner!
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
“Shhh! I’m counting” is a winner!
Good Morning, Carol
Without a doubt! That is far and away the most popular saying!
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
All the knitting items very good suggestions! As for the pouches – tough choice, but it would have to be “knit happens”. Since I have semi-retired, and if it is evening, my husband knows he can find me in my chair, with the kitty and some knitting project in my lap!
Good Morning Marietta,
Sitting in your chair with a kitty on your lap and in the midst of a knitting project sounds like bliss! The perfect way to spend your semi-retirement. Enjoy it!
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
Hey,
My favorite saying is the knit happens one!
I love your blog!
Good Morning Syd,
Thanks for loving the blog! I love working on it!
The ‘knit happens’ is a good one! Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
I love this time change! It’s easier to get up early – and get to bed early, too! My favorite saying on the pouches is Shh… I’m counting. I say that all the time! In fact, my family has taken to asking me if I’m counting before they try to have a conversation!!
Good morning Venise,
Clearly, you have trained your family well! That saying is clearly the favorite!
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
Thank you so much for the great gift ideas for knitters!! It will come in very handy 😁
As far as Daylight Savings vs Standard Time – I learn to adapt to both, as we all do. I just wish we could stick to one of them ALL YEAR LONG!
Your pouches are all adorable. The saying that is uttered often in my household, though, is “shhhhh, i’m counting” so that’s got to be my favorite. My second place pick is “if you knit, you know”. Cute!
Hi Tricia,
You are so very welcome! I do hope these lists make your shopping easier!
I agree with you that we should just stick to one! We always seem to be trying to mess with Mother Nature!
That ‘Shhhh, I’m counting’ pouch is the hands-down favorite with no close second! I knew I wasn’t the only one who hisses/whispers that regularly, but it tickles me to know how many of us are doing it as well.
Thanks for your comment and you are entered into the drawing!
Hugs, Lynn
I have been overwintering plants in the garage for years. My son has given me a new dahlia every mother’s day for a few years. I don’t dig them up; just leave them in the pot. I’ve had a couple of Gerbera daisies for over 10 years. They dry and brown but come back in the spring. I think the key is no freezing temperatures and just a tiny bit of water.
Do you keep your dahilias in pots year round? I need to chat with you about this!