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The Emotional Side of Selling Your Family Home: A Sweet Goodbye, A Brave New Beginning
I’ll be the first to say it—selling your family home can feel like breaking up with an old friend. Not the dramatic, flip-the-table kind of breakup, but the soft, tearful “you’ll always be a part of me” kind. Because homes? They’re not just walls and shingles. They’re memory keepers. They hold belly laughs in the kitchen, baby’s first steps across the living room floor, the smell of cookies baking, and yes—even that unfortunate DIY paint job that turned the guest room into a lavender explosion. (We’ve all been there.)
As a real estate agent, a homeschool mom, a homesteader, and a woman who holds family tighter than a jar of homemade strawberry jam, I understand this process on more than just a professional level. I’ve walked families through closings with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces—because moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. It means honoring your past while making room for something beautiful ahead.
Let’s talk about the emotional side of selling your family home—and why it’s okay to feel all the feels along the way.
🏡 It’s Not “Just a House”—It’s Your House
This is the place you brought babies home to. The porch where your husband drank coffee before the world woke up. The hallway where your kid ran around in a superhero cape for two straight years. This house held your people, your seasons, your chaos and calm. So yeah, it’s not weird to cry at a for-sale sign. It’s human.
You’re not being “too sentimental.” You’re being real.
❤️ Saying Goodbye the Right Way
When I work with families preparing to sell, I encourage a little ceremony—not fancy, just intentional. Walk through each room and say goodbye. Take a family photo on the porch one last time. Write a letter to the new owners wishing them love and laughter under the same roof.
Let the tears come, but don’t forget to smile. Because those memories? You’re taking them with you.
✨ The Joy in What’s Ahead
You’re not closing a chapter. You’re flipping to the next page—and spoiler alert: it’s going to be good. Maybe this move means more land for chickens (highly recommend 😉), more kitchen space for baking, or simply less stress and more peace.
Whatever the reason, trust this: you are not losing your home—you are gaining clarity, freedom, and the next best version of your life.
And if your next home has a walk-in pantry? That’s called growth, friend.
🙋♀️ I’m Here to Walk It With You
Selling your home isn’t just about pricing and paperwork—it’s about people. It’s about honoring your story while preparing the path for someone else to begin theirs.
At Chickens, Cookies & Closings, I don’t just sell houses—I help families transition with grace, gratitude, and a whole lot of heart. I’ll hand you the tissues when you need them and the keys to your next chapter when the time is right.
Whether you’re ready to list or just thinking out loud, I’m here. With a hug, a plan, and probably a cookie.
Ready to Talk It Out?
If you’re considering selling your family home and your heart’s a little tender about it, I get it. Reach out and let’s chat—no pressure, no pushiness. Just honest conversation with someone who knows that homes aren’t just where we live, they’re where we become who we are.
📩 Let’s connect: 909.301.1107 or SamSellsDreams@Gmail.com
📱 Follow me on Instagram @ChickensCookiesClosings for more heart, home, and humor.
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Remember: You’re not letting go of your memories. You’re carrying them into your next season—with joy, purpose, and maybe just a little extra closet space.
With love and listings,
Samantha
Your Homesteading Realtor with Heart
🌻 The Hidden Blessings (and Costs) of Moving from Suburbia to a Homestead
🌻 The Hidden Blessings (and Costs) of Moving from Suburbia to a Homestead
Because peace, purpose, and poultry are worth every penny
So you’ve been bitten by the homestead bug, huh?
You’re daydreaming about goats in the morning mist, fresh eggs in your apron, and trading your 9-to-5 for a more grounded, meaningful life.
First of all: WELCOME.
You’re our kind of people.
But while homesteading is every bit as rewarding as it looks (and smells), it’s also a lifestyle shift that comes with some sneaky little surprises—a.k.a. hidden costs. Let’s walk through them, with optimism in our hearts and dirt under our fingernails.
1. Land: You’re Not Just Buying Dirt—You’re Buying Freedom
Yes, buying land can be a bit more complicated than grabbing a house in the suburbs. You’ll want to look into things like water access, zoning, septic, and soil quality.
BUT—you’re also buying sunsets without streetlights, the sound of crickets instead of car alarms, and the freedom to build your own slice of heaven.
You’re not just buying land. You’re investing in legacy. Land you can shape, grow on, and pass down.
2. Maintenance: From “Call the Guy” to “I Am the Guy!”
Suburbia may have spoiled us with HOA lawn care and appliance warranties, but there’s real empowerment in doing it yourself.
Leaky faucet? Fix it. Goat fence needs mending? You’re on it.
Suddenly, you’re the expert—and you’ll be amazed how quickly your confidence (and tool collection) grows.
No more waiting on a handyman to charge you $150 to replace a light switch. You’ve got this!
3. Animals: Tiny Beasts, Big Blessings
Yes, chickens cost more than $3. Yes, goats are like toddlers with horns. And yes, you may one day find yourself nursing a duck back to health at 2 a.m.
But nothing compares to gathering warm eggs in the morning or watching your kid bond with a baby chick.
Your food has a name now (and sometimes… eyelashes). The connection to your meals becomes personal, sacred, and deeply satisfying.
4. Gardening: The Most Expensive Free Tomatoes You’ll Ever Love
There’s a learning curve here. You’ll spend money on tools, soil, seeds, raised beds, and a few (hundred) garden gloves.
But when your first juicy tomato bursts in your mouth and you realize you grew this from a seed? You’ll cry. Maybe not out loud, but your soul will weep tears of joy.
You don’t just grow food. You grow pride. Patience. Perseverance. And a pantry full of home-canned salsa.
5. Equipment: Toys for Grown-Ups
Let’s be honest—tractors are kind of awesome. So are chainsaws, rototillers, and those handy little wagons you swore you didn’t need (you do).
Yes, you’ll invest in tools and gear, but over time, they pay you back in saved time, DIY projects completed, and a good ol’ fashioned sense of accomplishment.
Every tool you buy is a new skill you’re about to master. Plus, your garage will officially earn “Homestead Chic” status.
6. Time: The Currency of the Good Life
Homesteading is time-intensive, no doubt. But unlike the hamster wheel of commutes and cubicles, this time is different. It’s meaningful.
You’ll trade office deadlines for:
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Sunrise animal chores with a hot cup of coffee
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Planting seeds with your kid
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Learning to live by the seasons instead of a schedule
This lifestyle slows you down just enough to remember what matters most. Time becomes a gift again, not something you’re constantly chasing.
7. Learning Curve: The Tuition for a More Abundant Life
You will make mistakes. You will Google “why is my chicken laying shell-less eggs” at midnight. And you will learn.
But every mistake is an investment in wisdom. Every challenge is a step closer to the confident, resilient, capable homesteader you’re becoming.
You’ll learn more in one year of homesteading than a decade of suburbia could ever teach you.
The Sweet Conclusion
Yes, homesteading has hidden costs—but they’re not just financial. They’re investments in:
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Your health (hello fresh air, sunshine, and garden-fueled meals)
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Your soul (goodbye burnout, hello purpose)
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Your family (nothing bonds like mucking stalls together)
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Your future (you’re building something real and lasting)
So if your heart is pulling you toward the country, toward the simple, satisfying, sacred rhythm of homestead life—follow it.
And if you need help finding the right property or planning the leap, I’m just a message away. 👩🌾🐓
Let’s turn your dream into a rooted reality.
Check out ChickensCookiesClosings.com and let’s plant the seeds of your new life—together.
🫖 Spill the Tea: What’s Really Going On in the Market This May?
Hey y’all!
Let’s take a break from baking cookies, wrangling chickens, and dodging Legos barefoot (just me?) to sit down for a good ol’ fashioned chat about what’s REALLY happening in the real estate market this month. Go ahead, grab your favorite drink—mine’s sweet tea with a lemon wedge and a whole lotta caffeine—and let’s spill the real estate tea. ☕️
🍋 The Sweet, Sweet Scoop (aka Market Trends)
Right now, the housing market is acting like that one unpredictable aunt at Thanksgiving—keeps us guessing but always brings something interesting to the table.
Here’s what I’m seeing as of May:
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Home Prices: Still holding strong! We’re not seeing huge drops or sky-high spikes—it’s steady, like a chicken on a warm egg. (Which I know a thing or two about. Thanks, Felicia.)
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Buyer Activity: Yes, buyers are still out there! They may be a little pickier, and interest rates have them sipping slowly instead of gulping—but make no mistake, homes are still moving.
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Inventory: It’s still tight, friends. Think Black Friday, but for houses. The good ones go fast, and if you’re not ready to move quickly, someone else will snatch it right out from under you.
🐓 So… What Does That Mean for You?
Whether you’re a buyer, a seller, or just a casual Zillow window shopper (no shame—we’ve all done the 10PM “What if I moved to Montana?” scroll), here’s how to navigate it:
👩🍳 Sellers:
This is still YOUR market. Homes that are priced right, staged well, and marketed smartly (hi, that’s my specialty) are selling FAST. Think of your house like grandma’s famous pie—it just needs to get on the table and folks will come running.
👢 Buyers:
Don’t panic, but do be prepared. Have your financing ready. Get clear on what you want vs. what you think you want (trust me, a second-story laundry room is great until you’ve climbed the stairs 16 times in a day). And work with someone who knows how to write a winning offer. Wink wink.
🎯 Real Talk: It’s All About Strategy
The real estate game in 2025 isn’t about being lucky—it’s about being ready. You need a local expert (preferably one who can bake a mean chocolate chip cookie and handle a broody hen) to guide you through the process. That’s where I come in!
I don’t just list homes—I market them with love. I don’t just help buyers—I partner with families to find a place that truly fits. Whether it’s your forever home, your fixer-upper farmhouse, or your “just for now” landing spot—I’m here to help you get there, without the stress or the guesswork.
🧁 Let’s Wrap It Up Like Fresh-Baked Bread
The tea is hot, the market is active, and your dreams are still within reach. Don’t let headlines or housing myths hold you back. Let’s sit down, spill some tea, make a plan, and move forward—together.
And hey, if nothing else, I’ll bring cookies.
Ready to chat real estate with someone who keeps it real (and rolls her own pie crust)?
📲 Call, text, or stop by my site at ChickensCookiesClosings.com. Let’s make your next move your best one yet.
The ABCs of Real Estate – Chickens, Cookies & Closings Style
Hey y’all! I’m Sam—homeschooling mama, chicken wrangler, cookie baker, and your go-to gal for all things real estate. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a curious seller, or just like learning things alphabetically (hey, no judgment), I’ve whipped up a simple, fun breakdown of the ABCs of real estate.
Let’s turn the confusing into the cluckin’ clear, shall we?
A – Appraisal
An appraisal is basically a professional opinion on what your home is worth. Think of it like when I judge a pie contest—I’ve got to look at all the ingredients, how well it’s baked, and whether it stands up to the competition. Same idea here, but with houses. 🍰🏠
B – Buyer’s Agent
That’s me! 🙋♀️ A buyer’s agent represents you, the buyer. I help you find the right home, negotiate the best price, and walk you through all the crazy paperwork. I’m like a real estate doula… but with less crying. (Usually.)
C – Closing
Ahhh, the sweet, sweet finish line. “Closing” is when the ownership of the home officially transfers from the seller to the buyer. It’s a lot of signatures, a lot of smiles, and sometimes happy tears—and yes, I bring cookies. 🍪💼
D – Down Payment
This is the upfront money you put toward buying a home. The bigger the down payment, the smaller the loan. Kind of like when you buy in bulk—more up front, more savings long-term. #HomesteadLogic
E – Escrow
Sounds fancy, huh? Escrow is just a neutral third party that holds onto money or documents until all the conditions of the sale are met. It’s like putting the cookies in the jar until everyone has washed their hands. (I’m watching you, toddlers.)
F – Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Predictable. Dependable. Old-school—just the way I like it. This means your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. No surprises here, honey.
Want me to keep going through the alphabet? I’ve got G through Z locked and loaded, with jokes, insight, and that classic Chickens, Cookies & Closings charm.
But before we go full Sesame Street with it, let me tell you why this matters…
Why Learn the ABCs of Real Estate?
Because buying or selling a home isn’t just about contracts and comps. It’s about confidence. It’s about family. And it’s about making big moves without feeling like you’re being sold something you don’t understand.
You deserve someone who can break it all down, pour you a glass of sweet tea, and explain escrow like she’s teaching a homeschool lesson on life skills. That’s me, baby.
Let’s Close This Out (with Cookies, of Course)
Real estate doesn’t have to be intimidating. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a REALTOR®—you’re getting a partner, a cheerleader, and a woman who’s probably got chicken feed in one hand and a purchase agreement in the other.
Ready to learn more (or just want my famous cookie recipe)? Reach out. Let’s talk real estate—the old-fashioned way: honest, helpful, and maybe a little goofy.
Because at Chickens, Cookies & Closings, we do real estate like we do life: with heart, hustle, and homemade everything. 🐓🍪🏡
Faith, Family, and Fried Eggs: How We Keep Our Priorities (Mostly) in Order
✝️ Faith, Family, and Fried Eggs: How We Keep Our Priorities (Mostly) in Order
by Samantha at ChickensCookiesClosings
Let me just start by saying: if you think fried eggs don’t belong in a blog about priorities, you’ve clearly never tried gathering eggs in your robe at 6am with a five-year-old asking why chickens don’t wear pants.
Hi, I’m Samantha — Jesus follower, homeschool mama, hen whisperer, real estate gal, baker of things both sweet and savory, and a wife who’s madly in love with her man of ten years. Around here, we don’t just try to “balance it all” — we put our priorities in a cast iron skillet and pray they don’t burn.
Faith First, Always
Our lives are built on the unshakable rock that is Jesus. That doesn’t mean every day starts with a peaceful Bible study by candlelight (sometimes it’s more like reading scripture while flipping bacon and refereeing a Lego war). But it does mean that no matter what, our foundation is in Him.
We pray together — over meals, before showings, during hard days, and after joyful ones. My son may not know how to tie his shoes yet, but he knows Who to run to when he’s scared, and that’s a mama win.
Family Is Everything
In our home, family isn’t just blood — it’s chosen. It’s community. It’s people who know the mess and show up anyway (sometimes with casseroles).
I’m a proud IVF mama to my miracle boy, and I carry the memory of nine angel babies in my heart. Every child is a reminder of God’s plan and provision — even when I don’t understand it. Being his mama isn’t just my job, it’s my calling. Whether we’re homeschooling, baking, or teaching him why Felicia the Silkie hen keeps trying to hatch golf balls, I’m all in.
And Cory — oh, that man. Hardworking, faithful, and the only one I trust to do bedtime stories and not burn the sourdough. Our marriage is our compass. We keep each other centered with a healthy mix of prayer, patience, and playful sarcasm.
And Then… the Fried Eggs
Now let’s talk about the real MVPs: our chickens. Yes, Pickles, Betty, Reba, Bluey, Kit, Felicia, and Chauncey — you matter. There’s something sacred in the simplicity of gathering eggs, feeding the flock, and watching our son learn responsibility one cracked egg at a time.
Fried eggs remind me of how God works — turning something humble into something holy. They’re the quiet in the morning chaos. They’re breakfast around our table, where giggles and gratitude meet grace.
Plus, let’s be real: when you’ve got fresh eggs from happy hens, your priorities can’t help but align — at least until one of them escapes into the neighbor’s yard.
Final Thoughts From the Coop
Life isn’t perfectly ordered. Sometimes faith feels far, family gets loud, and the eggs are scrambled (both figuratively and literally). But we keep showing up. We keep choosing grace. We keep leaning on the Lord and laughing through the mess.
If you ever feel like you’re juggling devotionals, dinner, and deadlines while holding a chicken under one arm — you’re not alone. You’re in good company here at ChickensCookiesClosings. Pull up a chair, crack an egg, and let’s keep our eyes on what truly matters.
From my coop to yours,
Samantha 🐓
Faith-Filled | Family-First | Egg-Centric Real Estate Mama
ChickensCookiesClosings.com
🌾 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Homestead (And Why I’d Still Do It Again)
🌾 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Homestead (And Why I’d Still Do It Again)
Hey y’all, Samantha here – your resident real estate girl with chicken feathers on her boots and flour on her apron. Between showings, sourdough, and Silkies, I’ve learned a thing or two about living the homestead life. Spoiler alert: it’s not always the dreamy Instagram aesthetic of chickens in sun hats and sunflowers in mason jars… but honey, it’s worth every muddy bootprint and crow-at-4-a.m. wake-up call.
Let me take you on a little front porch chat and share the real talk: the things I wish I knew before starting this journey – and why I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. 💛
1. Homesteading is Not a Hobby, It’s a Lifestyle
I thought I was starting a cute backyard chicken project. Next thing I knew, I was outside in pajamas trying to stop Pickles from laying an egg on top of a tomato plant while Bluey staged a prison break.
Homesteading doesn’t clock out at 5 p.m. It’s early mornings, late-night animal checks, and learning to pivot fast when plans go sideways (and they will). You don’t just have a homestead – you become a homesteader.
🧡 But here’s the magic: It roots you. In family. In the land. In simplicity. In God’s goodness. And that’s a rhythm I’d never trade.
2. You Will Fail. Often.
Your first garden? Might be more of a buffet for bugs than a bounty of blessings. You’ll overwater, underwater, or forget the dang hose is still on (ask me how I know 🙃). You’ll cry over animals. You’ll mess up your first batch of fermented pickles. And that’s okay.
🐓 Reba, my Rhode Island Red, once ate an entire seedling tray I left unattended. Was I mad? Yes. Did I also laugh until I cried? Absolutely.
Homesteading humbles you. Then it teaches you. Then it lets you try again.
3. It’s Not Cheap (At First)
Building raised beds, fencing, buying feed, vet care, tools… it adds up faster than a toddler spotting a snack 3 seconds after lunch. If you think you’re gonna save money the first year, bless your heart. 😅
But over time? You will start seeing the return – in homegrown eggs, in preserved food, in lowered grocery bills, in self-sufficiency. And the joy of picking dinner from your backyard? Priceless.
4. You Will Become “That” Person
You’ll start talking to your chickens like they’re co-workers. You’ll give a full garden tour to anyone who visits. You’ll find joy in composting. You’ll start saying things like, “These eggs taste happier.”
👩🌾 Welcome to the club. We meet at sunrise. Bring jam.
5. Kids Learn So Much
Watching my son gather eggs, water the garden, and say, “Mama, the bees are busy today,” makes all the chaos worth it. Homesteading has given him more than science lessons – it’s given him responsibility, wonder, and a deep connection to creation.
6. Community Matters More Than Ever
At first, I tried to do it all alone. Then I discovered the magic of swapping sourdough starters, trading seedlings, and learning from the seasoned folks down the road.
And that’s why I started @Chickens.Cookies.Closings – to blend my real estate world with the heart of homesteading and baking, and build community around faith, food, and family.
7. You’ll Never Be “Ready” – Start Anyway
If you’re waiting for the perfect time, budget, or weather forecast – stop. Start with what you have. One plant, one chicken, one step toward slower living. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
🪴 Plant the dream. Water it with grit. Watch God grow it.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. A thousand times yes. With all the mess, heartache, and hard lessons – I’ve never felt more alive, more grounded, or more connected to my Creator.
Homesteading isn’t a step back in time – it’s a step forward in intention. It’s about choosing meaning over convenience. And that’s a legacy I want for my son. For my family. For my community.
So if you’re dreaming of chickens and chard and homemade everything? Go for it, friend. You’re not crazy. You’re called.
And I’ll be here – cheering you on, cookie in one hand, chicken feed in the other. 💛
Blessings & Biscuit Crumbs,
Samantha
🏡 Chickens. Cookies. Closings.
(And now, compost too.)
Kid-Friendly House Hunting Tips: How to Make Closings Less Crazy with a 5-Year-Old in Tow
Kid-Friendly House Hunting Tips: How to Make Closings Less Crazy with a 5-Year-Old in Tow
by Samantha @ Chickens.Cookies.Closings
Let’s be real: house hunting is already a rollercoaster. Now add a 5-year-old to the mix, and you’ve basically got yourself a three-ring circus… but with a mortgage at the end!
As a homeschooling, cookie-baking, chicken-loving mama in real estate, I know firsthand what it’s like to juggle showings with snack time, contracts with car seat buckles, and trying to find the perfect home while also locating the nearest potty in under 15 seconds.
But fear not, friend—I’m here with my best kid-tested, mama-approved tips to help make your next real estate adventure a little smoother, and a lot more fun!
🎒 1. Pack the “House Hunting Survival Kit”
Forget the diaper bag—this is the Dream Home Go-Bag. Here’s what you’ll want inside:
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Snacks (because a hungry 5-year-old turns into a mini demolition expert)
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A tablet or coloring book
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Water bottle
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Emergency stickers (the secret weapon of peace negotiations)
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A small toy that fits in their hand and not in the seller’s flower vase
Mama tip: if it crinkles, squeaks, or explodes glitter—it stays in the car.
🧸 2. Give Them a Job
Kids love to feel important, and if we’re being honest—they are. So, put them on the payroll!
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Let them be the official “Closet Checker”
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Assign them to look for a “Perfect Spot” for their toys in each home
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Ask for their opinion on the yard (cue the adorable “I can play tag here!” moment)
Pro tip: if they feel like they’re part of the process, you’ll hear a lot less “Can we go hoooome?”
🗓️ 3. Schedule Wisely
You wouldn’t go grocery shopping with a tired 5-year-old at 4pm (unless you’re feelin’ spicy).
The same rule applies for house hunting. Try to book showings after naps, before sugar crashes, and never during the dreaded witching hour.
And when all else fails…bribe with ice cream. That’s just smart parenting.
🚗 4. Embrace the Drive-Thru Showing
Sometimes the most “kid-friendly” showing is the one that happens from the front seat of your car.
Drive by the house first and see if it’s even worth the toddler tornado.
Mama’s rule: if you wouldn’t get out of the car for it in leggings and a topknot, it’s not “the one.”
💬 5. Be Honest with Your Agent (Hi, it’s me 👋)
If you’re working with a real estate agent who doesn’t understand what it’s like to juggle house tours and tiny humans—then you’re working with the wrong one.
I get it. I live it. And I’ve got your back like a mom with wet wipes at a picnic.
Tell me your schedule, your kid’s quirks, your no-go zones. I’ll handle the details while you handle the snack distribution.
🥳 6. Celebrate the Little Wins
Found a house without weird smells? Win.
No tantrums in the driveway? Bonus round.
Actually made it to closing with your sanity intact? Someone light a candle and cue the confetti.
Make it a family celebration. Let your kid choose the pizza toppings for move-in day. Make them feel like this is their adventure, too.
Final Thoughts from This Mama
Buying a home with a little one in tow isn’t just doable—it can be downright fun with the right mindset and a real estate BFF who brings the chicken charm and cookie comfort along the way.
So if you’re ready to find your next dream home, cart your crew into the SUV, pack the goldfish crackers, and call me. At Chickens.Cookies.Closings, we do real estate the old-fashioned way—with heart, humor, and a lot of coffee.
You’ve got this, mama. And I’ve got you. 🏡💛
🐓 From Coop to Kitchen: Farm Fresh Eggs & How to Use Every One
🐓 From Coop to Kitchen: Farm Fresh Eggs & How to Use Every One
Hey there, y’all! Samantha here from Chickens, Cookies & Closings—your favorite apron-wearing, egg-collecting, contract-closing, cookie-baking homestead mama. Whether I’m helping folks find their dream home or helping Reba (our Rhode Island Red) find the perfect straw nest, one thing’s for sure: this gal is all about making the most of what we’ve been blessed with.
And let me tell ya, when you’ve got seven hens and a Silkie named Felicia who thinks she’s a queen (because she is), you end up with A LOT of eggs. We’re talkin’ more than just breakfast… we’re talking baking, preserving, sharing, and maybe even bartering with the neighbors for some fresh goat cheese (don’t judge—it’s the homestead hustle).
So, today I’m cracking open (see what I did there?) some tips, tricks, and tasty ideas for using every last glorious golden-yolked egg from your coop to your kitchen.
🥚 Why Farm Fresh Eggs Are Basically a Gift from Heaven
First of all, if you’ve never cracked open a warm, just-laid egg from your own hen, then you’re missing a spiritual experience. That rich orange yolk? That shell that actually has character? Store-bought eggs just can’t compete, bless their little processed hearts.
Farm fresh eggs are:
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Packed with nutrients (like omega-3s, vitamins A & E)
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Tastier than commercial eggs (fact, not opinion)
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Laid with love (at least around here)
They’re also a daily reminder that simple things can be the most extraordinary—kind of like fresh bread, a handwritten note, or watching your son chase chickens in his pajamas. 💛
🍳 Cracking the Code: How to Use Every Single Egg
Now let’s talk about what to DO with all these eggs! Whether you’re drowning in dozens or just starting out, here’s how to make the most of every single one.
🥞 1. Breakfast, But Make It Fancy
We all know eggs and breakfast go together like Cory and I on a Saturday morning coffee run.
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Soft scramble them with a little cream and chives.
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Over-easy on sourdough with avocado and microgreens (look at you, fancy homesteader).
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Shakshuka if you’re feeling spicy.
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Egg muffins with bacon and cheese—make ahead and freeze!
🍰 2. Bake Your Heart Out
Honey, you KNOW I love a good baking session.
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Cookies (obviously)
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Homemade noodles (just eggs, flour, and elbow grease)
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Pavlova for those leftover whites when you make mayo or custards
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Cakes, muffins, and scones, oh my!
🧂 3. Preserve Like a Pioneer
If your hens are laying like overachievers, try preserving!
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Water glassing eggs for winter storage (our great-great-grandmas knew what was up)
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Pickled eggs with a little beet juice for sass
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Freezing eggs (crack into silicone molds, freeze, then bag—easy peasy)
🐓 4. Share the Love (and the Eggs)
Nothing says “I love you and also I have too many eggs” like dropping off a dozen on a neighbor’s porch.
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Tie a cute ribbon on the carton.
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Add a handwritten recipe card (psst… include your cookies!)
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Make a community connection—bonus points if they’re future clients 😉
🍳 5. Bonus: Don’t Forget the Shells!
Yep. Even the shells have a job!
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Crushed into garden beds for calcium.
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Baked and blended for your chickens’ own feed.
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Compost gold that keeps the cycle going.
🙌 The Big Picture
Raising chickens isn’t just about eggs—it’s about intentional living. It’s about teaching our kids where their food comes from. It’s about slowing down. It’s about taking what God gave us and using it well.
So whether you’re scrambling, baking, preserving, or giving back—know this: you’re doing a beautiful thing. And you’re not alone. I’m right here in the coop trenches with ya, egg basket in hand, flour on my apron, and contracts in the truck.
From my coop to your kitchen—use those eggs with purpose, pride, and a pinch of pepper.
Until next time, keep your chickens happy, your cookies gooey, and your closings smooth.
Blessings and biscuits,
Samantha 🐓🍪🔑
Chickens, Cookies & Closings
📚 Kitchen Confidence: How to Teach Kids to Cook Without Losing Your Sanity
📚 Kitchen Confidence: How to Teach Kids to Cook Without Losing Your Sanity
Hey, friend! I see you there, standing in your flour-dusted kitchen, eye twitching ever-so-slightly as your five-year-old enthusiastically “measures” flour with the precision of a confetti cannon. First of all—deep breath. Second of all—you’re doing amazing, sweetie.
Here at ChickensCookiesClosings, we believe in real estate, real food, and really embracing the chaos. And if you’re ready to teach your kids how to cook without losing your marbles (or your measuring spoons), this one’s for you.
👩🍳 Why Even Bother?
Let’s be honest: teaching kids to cook can be the fastest way to turn a clean kitchen into a disaster zone. But hear me out—there’s magic in the mess. You’re not just teaching them how to crack an egg (hopefully not on the floor), you’re giving them confidence, creativity, and connection.
Also? One day they’ll be able to make you breakfast in bed. I mean, hello.
Step 1: Lower the Bar Like It’s Limbo Night
This is not Top Chef Junior: Homestead Edition. The goal is not gourmet—it’s growth. If dinner turns out edible, that’s a win. If it turns out fun? That’s a memory.
Tip: Start small. Spreading peanut butter on celery? Crushing crackers for meatloaf topping? Stirring anything that doesn’t stain? Chef’s kiss.
Step 2: Give Them Power, Not Pressure
Kids LOVE feeling in control (just ask my son—he’s the CEO of bedtime negotiations). Let them pick the recipe from a small list you pre-approve. Trust me, it avoids the “Let’s make unicorn-shaped lasagna” moment.
Use phrases like:
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“You’re the head chef, I’m your helper.”
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“Can you teach me how to stir like that?”
Boom. Confidence unlocked.
Step 3: Embrace the Chicken-y Chaos
As a chicken mama, I’ve learned to accept a certain level of feathered frenzy in life. Cooking with kids is the same. Someone will get flour in their eyebrows. Someone will lick the spoon mid-recipe (and probably try to share it with the dog).
Laugh through it. These are the memories that stick—mess and all.
Step 4: Clean as You Go (Sorta)
Teach them that the kitchen doesn’t magically reset itself (unless you’re hiding a fairy under the sink—if so, let’s talk). Make tidying part of the fun:
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Play a two-minute clean-up song
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Race to see who can wipe the counter fastest
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Pretend the sponge is a superhero saving the kitchen from “Crumbzilla”
Step 5: Celebrate the Little Wins
First pancake shaped like an amoeba? Applaud it like it’s a Michelin masterpiece. Dropped the egg near the bowl? Hey, they’re getting closer!
Cooking is more than food. It’s love, laughter, learning, and a little bit of “What even happened here?” all rolled into one.
In Summary (a.k.a. Mama Needs Coffee):
Teaching kids to cook doesn’t have to break your brain. It can actually build your bond—and give you some great stories to laugh about later (possibly over the burnt banana bread you accidentally baked at 475° instead of 375° … hypothetically, of course).
So roll up your sleeves, hand over the whisk, and get ready for a kitchen full of joy (and probably some sticky fingerprints). You’ve got this, chef!
With flour on my face and love in my heart,
– Samantha @ ChickensCookiesClosings
P.S. Want a free printable “First Recipes for Little Cooks” guide to get started? Comment below or flap your wings—just kidding, drop me a message and I’ll send it your way!
🧺 Real Estate, Real Laundry: The Truth Behind the Business Mom Life
🧺 Real Estate, Real Laundry: The Truth Behind the Business Mom Life
by Samantha | Chickens, Cookies & Closings
Let’s be real for a minute. Everyone loves a crisp, clean closing table pic—you, the happy clients, the “SOLD” sign, and the perfect lighting. What they don’t see is that 10 minutes before that photo, I was elbow-deep in a laundry pile taller than a toddler on stilts. Because while I may be negotiating offers by day, I’m also negotiating laundry loads by night (spoiler alert: the laundry wins. Every. Time.)
🚪Behind Every Door I Open, There’s a Sock on the Floor
Real estate is all about curb appeal, but at home? Let’s just say the only thing getting “staged” is my son pretending to be a velociraptor in a laundry basket. And don’t even get me started on the time I showed a million-dollar home with a fruit snack stuck to the bottom of my shoe. I’m out here slaying deals and slaying the mystery of where all the matching socks go. (Plot twist: the dryer is eating them.)
🐓From Chickens to Closings
If you’ve been here a minute, you know I’m not your average agent. I run on Jesus, caffeine, and chicken math. I might be discussing appraisal contingencies on the phone while collecting eggs with one hand and holding a cookie sheet in the other. Who says you can’t serve homemade banana bread while talking about escrow?
Multitasking isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifestyle. I’m equal parts negotiator, snack queen, and chief laundry folder (when I actually fold it, that is…let’s be honest, it usually just gets recycled from the basket).
💼 Business Up Front, Pajamas in the Back
You think a mullet is business in the front, party in the back? Try mom life: Zoom calls up top, fuzzy socks and a Lego underfoot down below. One minute I’m writing a property description that would make Hemingway proud, the next I’m stepping on a rogue dinosaur and crying in the laundry room because someone spilled juice on the closing docs (again).
But here’s the truth: I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollar listing.
💛 It’s Not Always Pretty, But It’s Always Worth It
Balancing business and mom life isn’t about perfection—it’s about realness. Sometimes that means dropping off cookies at a client’s house with chicken feathers in my hair. Other times, it’s letting my son “help” sort laundry while I draft an offer on the kitchen island (with a chicken watching from the window like my personal poultry-powered assistant).
At the end of the day, the homes get sold, the cookies get baked, and the laundry usually gets done. But the best part? My son sees his mama working hard, loving big, and building something beautiful.
So here’s to all the mamas in business who are juggling spreadsheets and spaghetti, listings and Legos, laundry and love. You’re doing better than you think. And if you ever need a pep talk, a chocolate chip cookie, or help staging a home with a toddler and a rooster, you know who to call.
With love, listings, and a few too many unmatched socks,
Samantha 💛
Chickens, Cookies & Closings
