News from the Nest, September 2
Top of the Morning to you!
You know you are an introvert and a nester when you arrive home after being gone for eight days and are chomping at the bit to unpack, do laundry, clean, and generally get your home back together while you listen to Hard Times by Charles Dickens on your earbuds! One of my all-time favorite things to do is ‘fiddle’ around my home, which, I guess, helps explain this blog!
So, I put a serious dent into the 10 hours of Hard Times while I cleaned, made Elsa’s dog food, and canned soup for Terry’s lunches. Sheer Bliss! In my soul, I’m a Ma Ingalls sort of gal.
I’m still plugging away at my goal of listening to all of Charles Dickens’ books. Thus far, I’ve listened to twelve of his twenty books. I’m going to save the Christmas-y ones to listen to then. When I finish, I want to read/listen to a biography of Dickens. I have developed an appreciation for his character descriptions and wry sense of humor.
On another note, when Elsa had her seizures last month, all parties believed it was a toxic reaction to the flea and tick preventative she had just been given. The warning label on ingestible flea and tick preventatives carries the seizure warning. Most dogs don’t react; those with a general heightened seizure risk do.
So, that got us thinking: What else could trigger the seizures? Our vet recommended we keep Elsa away from fertilizers, pesticides, household chemicals containing bleach, and plug-in air fresheners! Of course, the first three made all the sense in the world, and we rarely use those in and around our home anyway. But the last one was a bit of a surprise until I did a little research.
I don’t mean to pop your Fall Pumpkin and Apple Orchard scented vibe, but you may be unknowingly putting formaldehyde and other chemical lovelies in your home’s air. Unfortunately, manufacturers of scented products are not required to disclose what is in the ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’, making it hard for us to know. But check out this NIH article. Knowledge is Power!
New on the Blog
- While the first day of Fall is officially three weeks away, I think September 1 is a perfectly acceptable time to start welcoming the season into our homes. You can transform plain white candles into beautiful, hand-painted art with just a few supplies and some easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you’re crafting for a cozy dinner table or giving them as a unique gift, these hand-painted candles will bring a fall vibe to any setting. And while we went for an autumn theme, the general direction and supply list are suitable for any theme.
Table of Contents
From the Knit + Crochet Studio
- With this Daisy Stitch Knit Dishcloth Pattern, you can quickly knit up several dishcloths or washcloths. They are perfect for gifts or your use.
- Know someone expecting a baby in the near future? This Knit Lace Baby Blanket Pattern creates a lovely and snuggly blanket and is knit with machine-washable yarn. Make sure to read the tips for success when knitting this sweet blanket.
- This post has an assortment of knit and crochet patterns for kitchen use. From dishcloths to potholders and trivets, you’ll find a variety of patterns for useful items for your kitchen or to make as gifts.
From the Kitchen
- If you’ll be grilling burgers this weekend, check out these tips for perfect burgers and my recipe for burger seasoning. You are welcome. 😉
- If you are making burgers, you may need a batch of baked beans to accompany them! These old-fashioned baked beans are ideal for your cookout or barbecue. A hint of brown sugar, molasses, and maple syrup lends sweetness, while smoky bacon, spice, and rich tomato sauce round out the flavors. They’re perfect as a hearty side dish but substantial enough to stand alone.
- As summer ends, if you find your garden filled with an abundance of green tomatoes, I’ve got some recipes that incorporate them for you!
- This French Macaron Recipe has been very successful for me. I also include a list of the tips I adhere to for successful French Macarons, a video showing you my French Macaron recipe, and a step-by-step procedure for making these delightful treats.
- Then there are these Raspberry Macarons with a Chocolate Raspberry filling! 😲
- The nutmeg-enhanced sugar coating is critical to the delightful taste of this Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt cake. Please don’t skip it!
- Very little effort is required to make these sweet potato chews for your pup! Just allot several hours in your oven or dehydrator to get them good and chewy.
From the Arts + Crafts Studio
- I’m not exactly sure of the genesis of this gold monogram embroidery pillow, but at some point along the road, there was a ‘Hey mom, could you make a gold monogram letter pillow for my room?” followed by a “Sure, I can do that!” It is the perfect craft for bingeing your favorite TV show, as simple, embroidered French Knots are all that are needed.
- Harness the natural moth-repelling qualities of cedar shavings, fresh eucalyptus, dried orange peel, lavender, bay leaves, mint, and cinnamon for a fresh and natural moth-repellent potpourri. This woodsy potpourri not only repels moths but also leaves a pleasant scent throughout your entire home.
In the Garden
- Last week, I shared some ideas for Fall Container Gardens. Today, I’m sharing six more Fall Container Garden and Window Box ideas to inspire and help you bring autumn to your landscape. The previous post also included some general tips for successful fall containers; make sure you pop back to see them.
- While the growing season ebbs here in the Northern Hemisphere, you can bring the outdoors into your sunroom. Here are seventeen plants that thrive in sunrooms.
In the House + Home
- I am so excited to show you how easy it is to make this Oyster Shell Mirror…or any seashell mirror. It is seriously easy and a little fun, a bit like doing a puzzle! Truthfully, it’s all about gluing shells to wood.
- Last week I shared a list of 49 household tasks that take 15 minutes or less. I’m back with 50 more household tasks that should take less than 15 minutes.
Some Fun Finds + A Few Favorites
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- A lovely blanket scarf for cooler weather.
- I bought these square and rectangle-shaped glass containers to maximize the space in my freezer. Square shapes are always more space-efficient than round shapes. I’m pleased with them, but you do need to make sure you line the lid up correctly, or it will be difficult to seal.
- This is an excellent ‘keep busy’ toy for Elsa. We pull it out several times a week.
- There are so many uses for these battery-operated LED spotlights!
Well it looks like it will be a rainy day here in southeastern North Carolina! I have 37 minutes left in Hard Times, and then I’m on to Little Dorritt, which I know nothing about! It will be another good day to fiddle and re-charge my battery.
I wish for you all that you need and a few things that you just want today!
Until next week…
