Homestead happenings

We have been busy the past month. We processed 2 of our roosters for meat. It was much less traumatic than I was anticipating thanks to a friend with a good system and our coop is so peaceful now that the 2 roosters are gone. They were very aggressive and loud. I "chickened" out of killing our older hens. We have decided to let them retire on our little homestead for now. Raccoons have actually taken out a few of the trouble makers so things are good in the coop.

We have some new layers in the coop. I decided to compare the yolks of our new layers with a store bought organic egg. What a difference! I have trained these layers to be good foragers by holding back grain feed during the day. They have access to feed in the coop at night and early morning hours then get sent out to free range during the day. Once they get to laying age they get moved into the larger coop and have more access to grain but are still all over the yard most of the day.

My wonderful husband picked up a new coop for me. It needs a little makeover to give it character but I love the size and functionality! This one is in the front yard and will one day be a cottage garden retreat. For now I just need the chickens to get busy clearing the weeds and grass.

And my favorite scripture for the month:

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Cottage Fireplace make over

The before photo.

The fireplace renovation is complete! Wow, what a difference! I barely remember our home looking this way. This room is far from complete but we are getting closer! Next we will lay pickled wood floors over the damaged popcorn ceilings and update the banaster to the loft.

Tony started this project December of last year and after a week or so of working on it we would both become tired of the construction and put it off for awhile starting again once we recovered and felt we could handle the mess again. This was not a hard renovation but a very detailed one which required a lot more time than anything else we have renovated in this home. I honestly wasn't expecting to work on it again until this Holiday season so the fact that it is finished in time to decorate for fall is such a blessing! I will go into the DIY details of this renovation in another post but for now I just wanted to share the final product. I'm in love!

New cash or coupon clutch design.

Here is my latest design. Every clutch I make is a little different because I use what I have in my sewing room that inspires me. I can make 4 of this design. I had hoped to get my Etsy store up and running by now but there hasn't been time. I have had several requests via e-mail so I'm going to just go that route until I have time to get enough inventory made to put on Etsy. If you are interested in purchasing this clutch shoot me an e-mail and I will send you a PayPal invoice. $55.00 for the clutch and $6.50 shipping and handling. Thank you to all those who have contacted me with interest in my clutches! You are a blessing!

Cash system or coupon clutch for Dave Ramsey followers.

Here is the newest clutch. I hope to have it on etsy this week. This is a high quality linen fabric with a fun, eclectic, design. The bottom photo is my clutch filled so you can get an idea of the size. It holds a phone, wipes, lipstick, and a few other small items.