Welcome to the weekend view. A post about this, that and anything all together in one for a bit of randomness for the weekend. This week it is all about zoom classes, linen samples, broody hens and a design dilemma.
Broody Hens
One of our silkies – Sage- has been sitting in a box and making the strangest noises (growling) when I talk to her and pet her or pick her up. She is always such a sweetie and loves to be held but I realized Sage was broody and just wanted to sit on her eggs all day. (Sage is the sweet girl in the middle of Pearl & Bucket)
Well, week number 2 of Sage being broody starting this weekend- and now- we have 2 hens doing it. Lou Lou is our sweet speckled gray fluff ball (aka Louis when we thought she was a boy- now Lou Lou haha) and she has now decided she too wants to hatch babies and is sitting in her box all day and night long. They aren’t laying eggs at the moment and we get them out and move them and put them outside with the others several times a day- but- they go right back. Does anyone have experience or advice for getting them to stop being broody? I would so appreciate any tips or advice.
Sign Language
Have I shared before that I know sign language? After teaching myself sign language in high school while working in special education as a teachers aide- I went on to work as an assistant just after high school and absolutely loved it. It has been years since I spoke in sign language fluently – but my brother told my nieces about it and they decided they wanted to learn sign language for one of their creative classes in homeschool. And So yesterday- we hopped on a zoom call and chatted about all things signing.
They are such cuties- and when I wrapped up the lesson, I asked what they wanted to talk about next week- and they said ‘How to make a picture book’ and so I thought they meant a photo album. They laughed and laughed and then grabbed one of my books and said ‘ This kind of picture book‘. A lofty thing to teach in a 30 minute class haha! But we will be talking about how a book with photos comes together soon- maybe I should ask my editor if she wants to chime in on that one too. 🙂
And something so fun about yesterdays lesson – last night my sister in law text and said that the girls signed ‘I love you’ to each of them when they were tucked into to bed and they were so excited- and wanted to know more about how to say ‘Goodnight’. Made me happy to know they enjoyed our chat- and I am looking forward to teaching them more.
Side note: If you have been reading my blog awhile- you might remember that these girls were micro preemies born at around 25 weeks gestation each weighing less than 1 lb. They spent 4 months in the NICU. They are 7 years old now- this photo is from when they were 4 months old and finally going home.
Linen Swatches
Pretty colors in all sorts of shades- I am currently sifting through these beautiful linen swatches to see just what I think will be perfect for a few designs we are working on. I would love to order so many samples to see what I want to go with-so might have to do that just to make sure they are perfect for producing.
Ruffled Linen Slips
I have had a lot of emails and questions recently about our linen slipcovers and when they will be back. Currently looking at the end of February to the first part of March for them to be in stock and available- but I will keep you posted. I will likely put up pre-sales for those who want to make sure to get theirs- last time we sold through hundreds of them in just a couple weeks of them being in stock so I would recommend pre-order if you want to make sure you get some.
Design Dilemma
A question I have gotten often and actually one I have pondered for my own living room- do you prefer a set of 4 chairs or 2 matching sofa’s or a mix? I personally love 4 chairs or two matching sofa’s – I am not a sofa and loveseat kind of girl. Symmetry talks to me in the living room for sure. We are currently contemplating adding a couple of chairs to the living room- and making a change with the seating arrangement so I thought I would do a post exploring the look and talk about the plus and minuses of each set up.
Get the Look
The Get the Look post was so fun to work on- and you guys really seemed to enjoy it as well. Stay tuned for the next one coming your way- and don’t forget to leave me a note with any special requests you would like me to search for.
Breakfast Platter
This was a fun one to create for my book Inspired Gatherings– sharing more about how to put it together in this post HERE
A couple more fun things
Learn: My friend KariAnne has an amazing blog mentor group – and the last day to sign up to join this round is tomorrow. Learn More & Sign Up Here
Create: This is such a cute DIY Heart Garland for Valentine’s Day
Bake: Vanilla Tiramisu Cake. Need I say more? Find the Recipe Here
Also Coming your way
Speaking of recipes- we found the niftiest (is that a word?!) gadget for making our zucchini noodle manicotti and lasagne SO much easier to make. We just tried it out and created a Mexican lasagna with zucchini instead of tortillas as well- and we are obsessed. Stay tuned for the how to and recipe coming soon.
I also just got the most delicious vintage inspired brass faucets for a vintage sink- will be sharing all the details on the vintage sink score and the progress in the cottage kitchen soon.
Happy weekend all.
Hope your nieces keep on with sign language! Maybe future interpreters? I’m a RETIred teacher of the deaf and interpreter (37 years. Now retired 10) also severely hard of hearing. Just found your post todat. 😊
Oh gosh- how wonderful! And so glad you are here! The girls seemed to really enjoy it- they sent me a whole bunch of phrases and sentences that they wanted to learn – so I think they will probably keep on with it. 🙂
hi COURTNEY. TO START, THIS WAS A VERY INFORMATIVE BLOG TODAY AND AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE UPCOMING RECIPE. I HAVE A SLEW OF CHICKENS AS WELL. wHENEVER ONE OF OUR CHICKENS BROODS, WE SEPARATE THEM FROM THE HERD AND PUT THEM INTO A SEPARATE COOP UNTIL THEY GET PAST THE URGE. WHEN WE HAVE BABIES, MY HUSBAND BUILT A SMALL COOP FOR THEM UNTIL THEY JOIN THE OTHERS WHICH IS RIGHT NEXT TO THE BIG COOP. THAT’S SO THEY CAN SEE AND GET USED TO EACH OTHER. THEN THAT COOP BECOMES THE ICU OR WHATEVER NEEDS TO SEPARATE ANY CHICKENS. IT’S ABOUT THE SIZE OF A DOG HOUSE, SO A DOG HOUSE WOULD WORK FOR AN EASY SET UP. JUST ADD A PERCH INSIDE AND A DOOR IN BACK. HOPE THAT HELPS MY FRIEND.
Thank you Cindy! Will that work if we are not planning to hatch any eggs until spring? We actually have too many roosters to hens as it is and even though the roosters are incredibly sweet-we have to keep them separated in two different areas (not ideal but we don’t want to rehome any roos who might not enjoy life as a backyard chicken) So we are super hesitant to have the girls hatch any babies for fear of more roosters lol. Fingers crossed we get a couple more hens if they hatch any eggs.
I have really enjoyed your blog for quite some time now and your today’s edition has really lifted my spirits. I am an older gal (really older) who still loves to design and decorate after having had a career in designing printed textiles in new york and raising our children here in massachusetts. I do find that my home style is more eclectic than your beautiful and so inviting always fresh upscale country french style. Like you, having found some wonderful pieces at thrift shops, yard and barn sales, hand me downs with a few new purchases over the years that I can still live with and by just changing out accessories it has kept rooms in my home fresh and enjoyable to be in. Thanks for all your wonderful inspirations. Chickens, i am not so sure.
Oh gosh- this is such a sweet note. I am so happy that you enjoyed todays post! The chickens are absolutely so sweet- just like a cat or dog. They love to be held and will ‘talk’ to you – and Bucket actually falls asleep while I hold her almost every time. If you were close by- I would invite you to ‘meet’ them- they might surprise you. 🙂
I have really been enjoying your recipes you share! My hubby thanks you too. And, very much looking forward to living room furniture arrangement post! Always an awkward delema in our home. This was a delightful POst. you keep them fresh as always!
Oh that is great- I am so glad the hubby likes them too!
Oh, don’t get me wrong, i would love to have chickens……..but not at this time in my life. Years ago, I had all the books on how to raise chickens but life got in the way. I will be quite content just visiting my neighbors brood!
It is always great when the neighbors have animals to enjoy.All the fun of having all kinds of animals without all of the commitment. 🙂
hi courtney, Loved reading your weekend post! funny thing, our daughter just called me before I read it to tell me she and her hubby are building me a chicken coop for mothers day! i am so excited!! not sure if the shelties, maggie and mollie, will agree, that might be another children’s book! lol I love your blog,.so many practical ideas to make our homes beautiful. it doesn’t always have to have a hefty price tag; in fact, some of my greatest treasures have been found in thrift shops, antique shops and yard sales. have a wonderful week!
PS….thanks for the recipes too.
Oh that is so exciting! The chicken coop will be so fun to create and enjoy! And yes-perfect for another children’s book. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead too!
Your chickens are so cute. I always wanted to have them, but it’s not in the cards. Hope you find the answers on the brooding.
Loved your post and beautiful pictures.
As for me, a middle kid libra – ideally two sofas face to face and two nice comfy chairs (soft leather would be lovely) that match facing into the “square” for me.
Can’t wait to see your vintage brass hardware!
Love that look!
I love the look of two sofas but that arrange will not fit my tiny room, so ive settled for a sofa and loveseat and two small chairs facing the L.
As for the chickens, well i have no background but it seems to me that brooding is something we all might be inclined to do as we face yet another year in this pandemic. Lets hope we all snap out of it soon!
I totally hear you! I have done two loveseat size sofa’s before for that exact reason. But not with the ‘L’ with the chairs. It is hard to find an arrangement that is perfect for every room. And yes on the grumpiness with the current situation haha.