News From the Nest, September 1
Happy September!
I slept with the windows open last night! That little gift from Mother Nature is truly a priceless treat. I think I’ll get one more night before it warms back up a bit, but I’m savoring the fresh, cool air refreshing every inch of our home right now.
There’s something about the first day of September that feels like a deep breath. The mornings carry that first hint of crispness, and even if the days are still warm, you know fall is on its way. After the busyness of summer, September always feels like a fresh start—back to routines, back to projects, back to the comforting rhythms that make home feel cozy.
My heart is full after spending a week with my dear friend and her family from the UK. We have a friendship that distance and time can’t diminish, and we are anxious to plan our next reunion.
That said, my body and home are craving a return to routine, and we are slowly getting there.
Table of Contents
New On The Blog
If cheesy and creamy, with a buttery, crunchy top, is your idea of delicious Macaroni and Cheese, then have I got a treat for you! We combine three cheeses for the best flavor and texture. This recipe also shares several tips to help you achieve the very best mac and cheese.
From the Kitchen
Cooler weather calls for cozy meals, and this healthy white chicken chili is the perfect fit (though we eat it year-round!). Hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a lighter twist on a classic that’s just right for fall suppers.
Comfort food takes center stage with this rigatoni al forno, a bubbly baked pasta dish layered with sauce, cheese, and plenty of flavor. Barbara shared, “I don’t cook much anymore due to health reasons … shared this recipe with my daughter just yesterday, & guess what we had for supper tonight! Yep, your rigatoni! It was divine too!”
Capture fall in your kitchen with this apple spice bread. Moist, fragrant, and full of cozy spices, it fills the house with an incredible aroma while baking. Suzanne calls it a new go-to recipe, saying, “I made it on my lunch break and the smell in the house was wonderful … If you could describe a dish as cosy, then this is it.” Be the most popular person in your office or neighborhood by baking this bread in mini-loaves (instructions included).
Early-fall gatherings (or birthdays!) get a light-but-festive upgrade with these Angel Food Cupcakes with Kahlua Mocha Frosting: tender angel-food mini cakes topped with stabilized whipped cream flavored with Kahlua and cocoa, then finished with candied almonds for crunch. The cupcake format is intentionally low-stress—no hanging a whole cake over a bottle or tricky slicing—so you get all the airy texture with far less fuss. A pretty, make-ahead dessert that feels special without being heavy as the days start to cool.
Put your sourdough discard to good use with sourdough discard pancakes. Tangy, fluffy, and quick to whip up, they’re a perfect weekend breakfast or weekday treat.
Warm your hands and your spirits with a mug of spiked caramel apple cider. Perfect for fall evenings, this cozy drink brings together cider, caramel, and just the right kick to keep the chill at bay.
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
A classic fall and winter staple, this cable knit hat pattern combines warmth with timeless style. The chunky cables give it a beautiful texture, and it’s a satisfying knit to have on your needles as cooler weather rolls in. Perfect for making yourself or as a thoughtful, handmade gift.
If you’ve been hesitant to try circular needles, this guide to knitting in the round with circular needles walks you through everything step by step. Photos and explanations make the process doable, helping you expand your knitting skills with confidence.
Sometimes, smaller projects require different tools, and this tutorial on knitting in the round with double-pointed needles is precisely the resource you need. It demystifies DPNs so you can tackle hats, socks, or sleeves with ease.
Quick, practical, and endlessly functional, this crochet dishcloth pattern is the kind of project that works up in a matter of hours and makes a perfect gift. Cotton yarn gives it durability, while the textured stitch adds charm.
Keep your tools tidy with this circular knitting needle organization system. No more tangles or lost needles—this method helps you store them neatly so you can find exactly what you need when inspiration strikes.
From The Arts + Crafts Studio
Dry, cracked heels meet their match with this nourishing heel balm recipe. Sharon made it for the women in her family and said, “My grandson’s wife used it that night and texted me to say it was working as soon as she applied it. She loves it.” A simple, thoughtful DIY that really delivers results.
Add flair to gifts, décor, or even your knitting projects with these decorative tassels. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, tassels are a quick way to bring color and texture into your home or handmade pieces.
Painting candles transforms simple tapers into something special. Whether you make them for a holiday table or as gifts, they’re a creative way to personalize an everyday item.
In the Home
When it’s time to simplify, these downsizing tips provide practical and compassionate guidance. Janice appreciated the clarity, saying, “In your few steps, you are concise and clear … My daughters have given me permission to get rid of their things. Thank you for your helpful tips!”
Moth damage doesn’t have to spell the end of a favorite sweater. This tutorial on how to mend moth holes gives you clear, photo-supported instructions for repairing knits. Michelle shared, “I got a small hole in my favorite fine knit sweater … With your instructions I was able to fix it and save it!!”
Well, my friends.
I hope this new week in a new month treat you well! I hope that you are able to find a rhythm and routine that lets you slow down and enjoy each day this week. That’s my personal goal, as well.
Until next week!
The perfect column to begin SEPTEMBER!! So many things to try – especially the cooking segment. Looking forward to trying the Chicken Chili. Thanks for the “memories”!!