Sourdough Baking

Here is a snap of the latest weekend bread bake over here. She’s a pretty one.

I know several of you have requested a post on sourdough bread baking and how it has been going – I am definitely learning over here and not an expert by any means but will put together a post and share it this week.

Country Roads

We were out exploring the countryside last week and this dirt road through the canopy of oak trees was so beautiful. Would love to reach out to the property owner and ask about setting up a photo shoot here.

Coming your way

All about how the sourdough baking has been going and what I have learned so far. Also sharing a look at the pieces that I bought that came with the green chair I shared last week. And Easter inspiration – table settings, flowers and more.

In case you missed anything from this week-

• 20 Beautiful French Country Pots and Planters
• Vintage Zinc Flower Buckets
• Beautiful Floral Lamp shades

Happy Weekend everyone.

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Daylight Savings

Did anyone else sleep in today? How it is with the time change- but it sure feels like I started the morning running behind when I got up and looked at what time it was.

Puzzle Adventures

We finished the spooky puzzle yesterday- such a fun one to work on but I have to say, a bit harder in some of the areas than we anticipated and they took us a bit to get figured out. All in all though- working on it for about an hour after dinner the past week was pretty fun and a good way to get your brain working a bit.

Vintage treasures

I did it again. I have been shopping for vintage treasures. And I brought a few things home. I am planning on doing some redecorating and found some perfect pieces for that as well as some vignette photos that I am working on. I will share some of the treasures this week- here is a peek of one of them & I have a feeling you will love the others too.

Garden Roses in the house

I am playing with a few pretty blooms this week from my friend Grace at Grace Rose Farm. I am pretty in love with how ruffly and pretty they are- and you can bet you will be seeing more of them.

Grand dogs

We watched two of our grand dogs this week while one of my sons and his family were on vacation. Lots of walks and playing ball was on repeat.

Sourdough Adventures

I also baked a couple of loaves of sourdough this week- they are turning out better which makes me happy and of course- they are delicious. I love the process of baking them-the only problem is we don’t eat them quickly enough so I am thinking of sending a loaf over to the neighbors on occasion.

Thanks for all your feedback on the vintage glassware from last weeks post. I haven’t figured out too much more about it but I will keep you posted. Either way- you will be seeing it in a table setting soon!

Happy Weekend All.

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This week the weekend view is all about rainy weather, puzzles, thrifting and dreaming about spring. And I am also wondering if anyone knows anything about one of our recent thrift scores- a photo at the bottom of the post.

Slow Rolling Puzzles

I can remember when I was growing up how my grandparents always had the puzzle table out during winter. When I lived with them when I was a teenager, I would sit at the table and help put the puzzle together with them. And the puzzle just always being there and ready to tackle invited a little down time that was also mental work time- it is a fond memory from childhood for sure.

My daughter has dinner with us on the days that her fiancé works late and we decided after dinner last week that we should do a puzzle. I scoured the game closet and found one of the boys old Spiderman puzzles and we sat down and put it together quickly. That inspired my daughter and husband to go find some ‘grown up’ size puzzles the next day before the mega storm was due to move into the area and they came back with several ranging from 750-2000 pieces.

We joked that we are fully embracing the slower living some might say ‘granny’ lifestyle- from loving our backyard chickens, to baking sourdough bread, to thrifting crochet doilies and vintage floral everything, sipping tea and now- doing puzzles. Honestly, I love it all.

Winter Storms

As I mentioned, they predicated a pretty big storm moving on into California this weekend. So last week, we spent several days getting ready for the wind, hail, rain, winter weather and power outages which we almost always seem to have with any type of storm. The winds blew in. The power flickered on and off the first day, the rain and hail were crazy town and we heard branches and trees breaking but thankfully, all is safe and sound after the storm and we didn’t lose power. We have more rain in the forecast this next week – so indoor projects (and treadmill walking) are on the agenda.

Babysitting Enzo

We had a fun day babysitting Enzo last week while his parents went out for a little date and some shopping. One of his favorite things to do is to go out for a walk so we went out and brought his two dogs with us to wander a bit. He loves to help and of course did a great job walking Ivy.

Thrifting Day

We haven’t been out thrifting as much in the recent weeks- mainly because we have been in declutter mode in the new year and so are trying to avoid bringing extra things home. But, you know, the thrift stores call to you sometimes and so, we hopped in the car and took a drive and made the day of it at some of our favorite off the beaten path stores. We didn’t grab too many things- but I did bring home some crochet doilies and handkerchiefs- which I like to use as napkins, a few plates that I couldn’t resist and a couple of other things. I will share some more about them as well as an incredible antique French piece and settee soon.

I also found a set of green goblets and matching coupes that intrigued me. I have been collecting various colorful goblets for awhile for some upcoming wedding photos (my oldest son is getting married in May!) and also some photography projects. These fit the color palette well and have a beautiful shape- plus it was 1/2 price day so they were quite inexpensive. But I can’t find any information about them at all. Not sure if they are vintage though they do have a sense /look of vintageness to them- but either way- they are beautiful. I know there are a lot of glassware aficionados here- does anyone recognize them?

Thinking Spring

It may be winter yet but I am thinking spring and set a table out by the rose arbor in between the rainy days last week. One of our raspberry tablecloths inspired a simple and sweet look- and I will be sharing some spring table inspirations on the blog this week.

Hope you have a beautiful Sunday and are staying warm.

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Crazy weather

We had a downpour of rain and lots of wind for several days last week- and inside the house warm and cozy was where I stayed. I do love to work on creative projects when it is raining – I got some writing and photography done. And when the sun came out- we wandered out to get some miles in. We also spent a day watching Juju and Jionni last week and took them to the park- and this time we did not get caught in any rain haha.

Walking Pad Treadmill

One of my sons is getting married in May- and so, I am on a bit of a drop the extra pounds journey. Since I stopped running after that tumble on the rocks several years ago- and with always shifting hormones- my clothes just aren’t fitting like they used to. My son recommended a walking pad so I ordered one to be able to log some mileage on days where we don’t get out for exercise and also to be able to get in some extra mileage. I wanted one that inclined as well-and walking on the highest incline for 30-45 minutes each day at around 3.5 mph is a definite boost for my mental health and for making me feel like I got a decent walk in. I am pretty impressed with it and obsessed with using it everyday and am happy to be able to store it under the bed so it is out of sight when I am not using it. If you are looking for one- this is the one I ordered: Walking Pad Treadmill

Sourdough Bread

Contrary to my weight loss diet haha- we have been baking sourdough bread and I finally am getting loaves that I am happier with. We bake a loaf usually once a week- but these two loaves were ones that I started on Friday and baked early morning just before the kids arrived for family day. One is a walnut and cranberry sourdough and the other is regular- both delicious. I actually used 2 different processes and recipes to see if using an unfed starter would work. And it did- and even got ‘ears’ on the loaves which made me so happy. (it’s the little things haha) I will do a blog post with more details soon- but aren’t they pretty?

Sweet Silkies

Several of you have asked for an update on our silkies that we built wheelchairs for. They seemed to have a vitamin deficiency and were unable to use their legs so we constructed small ‘wheelchairs’ for them to sit in to hopefully strengthen their legs while we loaded them up on the vitamins that were recommended. First – I want to also say thank you so much for your advice and kind words about these two. I appreciate it so much.

It has been a bit. The leg issues started back around the second week of December and we have been supplementing with the vitamins several times a day since then. Unfortunately, the sweet hen stopped eating and passed about a month ago. The rooster seemed to be on the road to recovery – he was able to ‘walk’ when I would hold his body and move him around the coop – he would move his legs like he was walking and even be able to stand a bit on his hocks. But then he started to have more difficulty again and wasn’t interested in food and he passed a few days later. We now aren’t sure if it was a vitamin deficiency or an illness. We love our silkies so much and unfortunately have lost so many of them recently to various things. We are hoping that the rest of the flock stays healthy and safe.

Spring

We have rain moving in again in a few days but I have been taking advantage of the sunshine days and playing with flowers outdoors. Stay tuned for a burst of spring sunshine in winter coming your way this week with a spring porch and more.

Happy Sunday everyone.

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Dolly

We watched Juliette and Jionni while their parents went to pick up their new puppy. A sweet little mini poodle they named Dolly. She is absolutely adorable as you can see and has already stolen all the hearts.

Grand Baby Adventures

While they were off on an afternoon puppy adopting date- we walked to the park for some play time. It was lots of fun until the skies turned dark and the wind starting blowing like crazy.

I wrapped Jionni up in my coat and Juliette loved watching the downpour of rain that started up and lasted pretty much nonstop for about 20 minutes. Thankfully there was a covered area at the park where we retreated to until the rain stopped- and then we walked back home in warm sunshine. Crazy weather.

Sweet Silkies

Unfortunately, we have lost several chickens in the past few months unfortunately and just lost one of our roosters to a predator on Friday. My daughter called while we were babysitting to let us know she couldn’t find Gandalf anywhere- he was a roo that was into his routine and always hopped up on the planter to roost before bedtime and was not one to be skittish or hide so it was unusual for him to not be there. She found a pile of feathers and followed a trail of feathers into the woods but there was no sign of him. We searched everywhere with flashlights when we got home but couldn’t find him. We have not lost any chickens to predators in the almost 4 years we have had them so we aren’t sure what it was. It was a daytime & we have a couple of dancing men that usually wave around near the coop to protect against hawks but it seems more like it was a ground attack. Gandalf was a sweet boy – he and Curly would come in the house each morning to have breakfast.

In other silkie news, our silkie who has not been able to stand has gotten some strength back in his legs thankfully. He isn’t walking on his own yet but he can stand on his hocks and when you balance him he can stand by himself so slow progress. He does sit in the chicken wheelchair for a bit and eat and has been a bit better about taking the vitamins he needs so hopefully he will be back to his usual self soon.

And because I don’t want to only share the sadness and struggles with our silkies- here is a photo of sweet George Henry. He is a showgirl silkie which is a silkie that has a naked neck (no feathers). We absolutely adore our chickens and one of my favorite things to do when I need a little boost is to pick them up and hold them. They are such sweet creatures.

Kevin

Kev decided that the smallest bale of hay was THE perfect one to lay on. He is basically hanging off both sides haha. I had to take a few photos. He cracks us up all the time with his crazy.

And you can see the tree stump and all those logs in the background from one of the big old growth cedar trees that was damaged from the storms last year and had to be cut down. These cedars are probably about 150′-200′ tall and most of them have more than one tree growing from the trunk (if that makes sense) One of the trees we didn’t realize was damaged was split from where the trees forked off to about 6′ down the trunk. Dangerous enough that after discovering the split- they came back and cut it down within a couple of hours.

Coming your way

I have been making a few changes in the bedroom-so I will be sharing a few updates and what the bedroom fireplace is looking like at the moment. I am also thinking Valentine’s Day and spring- so stay tuned for some cozy and a burst of sunshine coming too.

Have a beautiful Sunday everyone.

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This week has been a busy birthday week here and we hosted family dinner as well so a week full of baking, cleaning and getting ready for lots of fun outside with the grand babies.

Baking Bread

We tried a new method for baking sourdough- the Touch me Not method which is far less involved than the first one we tried. The breads turned out lovely- though they didn’t brown up as much as we would have liked and the dough was definitely a little more on the soft side while proofing but the sour level was perfection. My loaf lasted all of a few hours- we cut some up for nibbles for the big kids and then sliced the rest for garlic bread to go with the dinner we served. So, I am thinking about baking again tomorrow so we have a loaf in the house this week.

Juliet Roses

In the house this week, a few bunches of Juliet roses along with some pretty seasonal blooms. I am having fun playing with flowers – stay tuned for a simple arrangement coming your way.

Babysitting cuties

We watched Juliette and Jionni this week while their parents went to lunch. Of course that means lots of fun and a walk to the park so they can play for a bit.

Our weather here has been glorious the past couple of days- warm sunshine and lots of spring in the air. There always seems to be some warm weather and moving outside for entertaining in January – but winter has not left just yet- we have some cold and rain in the forecast so we are soaking up the sunshine as much as we can this weekend.

Photo Shoot Work

I am working on plans for a couple photoshoots this spring- and a setting in a vineyard is on the list. Tossing it back to this shoot at my brother’s place in Calistoga and how much fun it was to set up and shoot photos with my nieces. I will be sharing more behind the scenes from photo shoots- there are always a lot of questions about how they come together and there are always lots of shenanigans too.

It is hard to believe we are already almost in February! I have a busier blogging schedule coming next month so stay tuned for some fun decor tweaks I have been making in the house as well as slow living and baking inspiration.

Happy Sunday everyone.

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Birthday Boy

Jionni recently celebrated his birthday and so a party was in order for this weeks family dinner.

The party was full of fun and laughs- it was a medieval theme so there were lots of foam swords and little crowns and viking hats. These two had fun playing with balloons and staring out at all the crazy wind and rain.

And Juliette was right in there with the sword fighting and of course, enjoying cupcakes.

Chicken Wheelchairs

We built a couple of chicken wheelchairs this week for 2 of our silkie chickens that are having some weakness in their legs and trouble walking. This was the prototype we started with using chicken ‘bags’ that you can help them walk in as seats for the frame- so just held in place with clips at the moment.

Unfortunately, most veterinarians don’t treat chickens so I have been chatting with some chicken experts in a forum about what could possibly be causing these two to not be able to walk. Most of them feel it is vitamin deficiency related. Which we aren’t 100% sure on but the whole flock is not affected thankfully. But as mentioned- without a vet that could take a look, the forums and Facebook groups are amazing and they suggest to try different things. To fix it requires supplementing with a large amount of vitamins over several months so we have been loading them up on vitamins in an effort to hopefully help get them up and running again. In the meantime, we built these ‘wheelchairs’ so that they could be sitting upright & start gaining some strength by having their legs out underneath them on the ground like they are standing. Plus, I think it may help them mentally to be up in a usual position rather than just sitting- they are eating as usual, chatter and don’t look sick- they just can’t get around. We will add wheels once they are able to start pushing off and bearing weight. If any of you are chicken experts and have any idea of what is going on- would love your thoughts and any help with getting these 2 sweet silkies well.

Slow Living January

I have been really slowing my workload this month to start the year off with an intention of living more intentionally rather than a crazy pace. One of my daily indulges that definitely fuels the slower pace-since I am a big bath loving kind of girl -a nightly soak and I like to add a cup of epsom salts as well. My favorite is this one in eucalyptus spearmint. For the shower- I also like this epsom salt scrub as well. *affiliate links

Coming your way this week- creating a vision board to help you focus on your goals and more. Happy Weekend everyone.

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Baking Bread

My daughter and I are on our second loaf in our baking bread journey today. It is a stormy rainy day and so, it seemed like a perfect day to bake a loaf of bread. We haven’t yet tackled the sourdough- but it should be ready tomorrow or the next day. Today is all about a whole wheat nut bread -which is in the oven as I am writing this post.

Our first loaves of bread came out so good last week- and though we have a bit to figure out with the designs on the bread- I think they look as pretty as they are delicious.

Paperwhites

Our paper whites are growing in a bit late this year. I didn’t start them early- and to be honest, didn’t realize that the bulbs were in a few of our pots yet until I saw them starting to grow. They are now on my windowsill in the kitchen and growing in beautifully!

Rejuvenating

So many wonderful notes about last weeks slowing down and rejuvenating post-I am so glad you enjoyed it and it spoke to so many of you. My daughter is already working on the next post for kicking off the new year series- so stay tuned for that.

And a peek at our nut and fruit bread- so delicious! We are doing our first sourdough loaf on Tuesday- will share all about it this week.

A short and sweet Weekend view this week- have a beautiful Sunday everyone.

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The new year has been full of family, fun and a bit of downtime here. As usual, the blog and projects are kind of quiet after the holidays. A bit of time regrouping, resting and dreaming have been in order and I have been enjoying a bit of a break and rejuvenating. While the weekend view isn’t full of project peeks this week- it is all about the week that was.

New Year Brunch

We started 2024 with a brunch with family. My son Cullan and his wife Diem hosted a fun New Years Day brunch for everyone. Full of delicious breakfast foods and festive decor- we had a great time welcoming in the new year with the kids and grand babies.

Curly

Curly has officially declared he wants to be a house chicken. Every morning when the coop opens up- he runs out. I stand by the door and say ‘Where’s my Curly Bird?’ and he comes running. He loves to come inside and warm up by the fire and get some cuddles. He is pretty good when we ask him if he is ready to go outside or tell him it is time for bed- he will head to the door and wander on out. Lately Gandalf has been joining him. And today? They have both been keeping us company all day.

My mom keeps telling me it is not usual to have a chicken come into the house. I told her if you are a chicken person- it is usual. I know a lot of folks who have chickens that live indoors and wear diapers every day. But I do understand if you are not a chicken person- you would not get that a chicken is just like a dog or cat to some folks.

Manifesting Challenge

My daughter and I are doing a 21 day manifesting challenge currently. Everyday we read about the days work and then do a meditation about it. So far we are just about a week into it- I’ll keep you posted on how the rest of the challenge goes. And how about that vibrant sunrise? I had to run out and snap a quick iPhone photo of it when I saw it last week. So.Darn.Beautiful.

Sourdough baking

Today I am making a sourdough starter for baking bread and we are baking a couple of herb bread loaves. We buy fresh baked bread from the bakery rather than shelf bread- but wanted something even fresher. It has been probably 25 years since I baked a lot of bread- occasionally there might be a sweet bread or something along those lines- but back in.the.day. used to make bread in a bread maker. This time, it is all by hand. A bonus about sourdough starter? One of my grandmothers used to make sourdough pancakes from her starter whenever we would visit and I can remember how delicious they were. I am excited to see how this sourdough bread baking goes- if anyone has any tips- I would love them.

Would you be interested in more info on how our sourdough baking goes?

Coming your way

While I am taking new projects slowly over here- I am working on some redecorating, adding warmth and cozy for winter while some bigger projects are on the horizon.

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The weekend view is all about halloween babies and lots of busy behind the scenes with the wedding flowers and getting ready for a couple of book signings before Thanksgiving.

Enzo dressed up as Stitch from Lilo and Stitch and Jionni and Juliette were Mike Wazowsky and Boo from Monsters Inc. Getting a photo of them all together is not as easy as you would think. haha.

But they had a great time stacking pumpkins and tossing leaves and going for wagon rides last week.

Wedding Blooms

My husband suggested I do a book about Diy Wedding designs after all the busy of trying to style different flowers for the wedding next week. It is a lot of fun for sure- though a tad crazy too. After I shared this preview last week- the design and amount of arrangements changed a bit to keep within their budget. So a bit back to the drawing board as I work on the arrangements this week. The wedding is Friday evening- I will keep you posted on how the arrangements come together at the wedding- stay tuned!

Book Signing Fun

Next Saturday November 11th- I will be in Roseville, California at Sandy Bryan Vintage Home doing a book signing from 12-3 pm

And Friday November 17th- I will be in one of my favorite places in the U.S.- Tennessee at Brooke and Steve Giannetti’s new store Patina Home & Garden in Leipers Fork from 1-4pm signing books.

We are also going to be heading to North Carolina near Asheville and also Seattle if anyone has any suggestions for a signing in either of those areas- let me know!

A short and sweet Weekend View this week- in case you missed it- books, totes, gift sets and ruffled linen slipcovers are ALL ON SALE currently in the shop. Sale ends on Tuesday – we only have 7 natural slipcovers left – so if you want to make sure you get some- go grab them quick!

Shop the Market HERE

And if you are shopping Balsam Hill this weekend- use BHCOURTNEY to take an Extra $20 off any $500 purchase- including sale prices.

Happy Saturday all.

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