Uncategorized May 7, 2025

🐓 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:

  • Packed with nutrients (like omega-3s, vitamins A & E)

  • Tastier than commercial eggs (fact, not opinion)

  • 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.

  • Soft scramble them with a little cream and chives.

  • Over-easy on sourdough with avocado and microgreens (look at you, fancy homesteader).

  • Shakshuka if you’re feeling spicy.

  • Egg muffins with bacon and cheese—make ahead and freeze!

🍰 2. Bake Your Heart Out

Honey, you KNOW I love a good baking session.

  • Cookies (obviously)

  • Homemade noodles (just eggs, flour, and elbow grease)

  • Pavlova for those leftover whites when you make mayo or custards

  • Cakes, muffins, and scones, oh my!

🧂 3. Preserve Like a Pioneer

If your hens are laying like overachievers, try preserving!

  • Water glassing eggs for winter storage (our great-great-grandmas knew what was up)

  • Pickled eggs with a little beet juice for sass

  • 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.

  • Tie a cute ribbon on the carton.

  • Add a handwritten recipe card (psst… include your cookies!)

  • 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!

  • Crushed into garden beds for calcium.

  • Baked and blended for your chickens’ own feed.

  • 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

Uncategorized May 4, 2025

📚 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:

  • “You’re the head chef, I’m your helper.”

  • “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:

  • Play a two-minute clean-up song

  • Race to see who can wipe the counter fastest

  • 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!

Uncategorized May 1, 2025

🧺 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

Freshly Baked & Full of Comfort April 28, 2025

🏡 The Heart Behind the Home: Why Community Matters More Than the Perfect House

🏡 The Heart Behind the Home: Why Community Matters More Than the Perfect House

By Samantha @Chickens.Cookies.Closings

Let’s have a little heart-to-heart, neighbor. You know that perfect dream house—the one with the marble countertops, HGTV-approved shiplap, and a pantry that could double as a yoga studio? Yeah, it’s cute. But do you know what matters even more than matching tile and open shelving?

Community.
That’s right. Real, raw, cheer-you-on-while-you-chase-your-chickens kind of community.

The Soul of a Home Isn’t in the Square Footage

Sure, as a real estate agent, I technically sell houses. But what I really do? I help people find their place—their people. Because what good is a walk-in closet if you have no one to invite over for cookies and closet admiration?

Your dream home might come with a hot tub and a bidet (fancy, right?), but it’s the neighbors who show up with soup when you’ve caught the flu—or fresh eggs when your hens are on strike—that make it home.

You Can’t Bake Banana Bread With Bluetooth

Okay, you can, but it won’t taste like Grandma’s.
Give me a street where people wave from their porches, drop off zucchini when they’re drowning in garden bounty, and tell your kid he’s doing a great job on his lemonade stand—even if he added way too much lemon.

That’s the real luxury right there.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t come with granite counters.

Let’s Build Something Real (And Maybe a Chicken Coop, Too)

At Chickens Cookies Closings, I’m not just here to unlock doors—I’m here to help you plant roots. Whether you’re looking for a big backyard for your kids (or your flock—hey Felicia!) or a cozy spot to host cookie swaps and potlucks, I believe in finding a home where life is lived, not just staged.

And listen, if your idea of the perfect community includes bake sales, bonfires, and borrowing sugar at 9pm (no judgment if you show up in pajamas), you’re my kind of people.

So, What’s the Secret to a Happy Home?

It’s not vaulted ceilings. It’s not the Pinterest-perfect mudroom.
It’s connection.
It’s belonging.
It’s knowing your neighbor’s dog’s name and their favorite pie flavor.

It’s real, messy, beautiful community—and that’s something you can’t buy with a mortgage.


So, whether you’re house-hunting, chicken-wrangling, or just trying to make it through the week without burning the banana bread (again), remember this:

You bring the heart. I’ll help you find the house.

And if you’re lucky? Maybe you’ll even get a Silkie or two in the deal.

Let’s build something beautiful, together.
🏡❤️🐔

– Samantha
@ Chickens.Cookies.Closings

Uncategorized April 25, 2025

☀️ Summer Is Heating Up—and So Is the Real Estate Market!

Hey there, friends! It’s your favorite apron-wearing, chicken-chasing, cookie-baking, house-hunting gal, Samantha from Chickens, Cookies & Closings—and I’ve got some hot news fresh out of the real estate oven! Just like my sourdough starter and Betty the Ameraucana, the market is waking up and ready to move. 🐓🍪🏡

Let’s crack into what’s happening—and how YOU can take advantage of the sunshine and sales.


📈 Real Talk: The Market’s Got Its Mojo Back

After a few sleepy seasons, 2025 is finally serving up some sizzle. National home sales are projected to increase by 3.3% this year, hitting 4.2 million homes sold, according to Zillow. That’s a clear sign buyers and sellers are back in the game, and the field is looking a whole lot more balanced.

Bonus: Home price growth is cooling just enough to be less intimidating—hovering at 3.3% growth year-over-year, which is right around inflation. Translation? This is not 2021 madness. It’s calmer, more strategic, and way more doable for regular folks.


🏡 Inventory Is Finally on the Rise

For all of you buyers who’ve been haunting Zillow like it’s Netflix for houses, I’ve got some sweet news: Inventory is ticking up!

NPR recently noted that more homes are hitting the market this spring than we’ve seen in recent years. More listings mean more options—especially if you’ve been dreaming of that backyard garden or extra room for homeschool (or, you know, a Silkie coop extension… just saying).


💸 Mortgage Rates: Holding Steady (for Now)

Okay, deep breath—yes, mortgage rates are still a thing. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Experts predict we’ll end the year around 6.4%, which is higher than we’d love but still manageable—especially with a savvy realtor by your side who knows how to negotiate like a mama hen protecting her chicks.

Higher rates also mean sellers are finally starting to list before the next fluctuation, giving buyers more choices and slightly more wiggle room on prices. (Yes, you can still find gems!)


🌴 California Dreamin’: Golden State Trends

For my fellow Californians: It’s looking bright and breezy here, too. The California Association of Realtors expects home sales and median prices to rise, possibly hitting a jaw-dropping $909,400 median this year. Yowza. But don’t panic—there are still pockets of affordability if you know where to look (hint: I do).


🌟 What It Means for You (And Why Summer Is the Sweet Spot)

This summer is shaping up to be the real estate equivalent of a county fair: full of options, great deals, and just the right kind of chaos. Whether you’re thinking of:

  • Upsizing for more space (or kids… or chickens)

  • Downsizing to simplify

  • Finally dipping a toe into the market as a first-time buyer…

Now is the time to make your move. More homes, less competition, and rates that haven’t gone totally haywire yet.


💬 Let’s Make Your Move Together

As your local real estate agent, home-baked treat enthusiast, and your new bestie in the biz, I’m here to help you navigate it all—without the fluff (unless we’re talking marshmallow).

Let’s talk strategy, timing, and what works best for your family, your budget, and your dreams. Schedule a chat with me today and let’s hatch a plan.

The summer market is warming up, and so is your opportunity—let’s make it happen, friend.

With sunshine & sprinkles,
Samantha
Chickens, Cookies & Closings 🐓🍪🏡

909-301-1107
samsellsdreams@gmail.com

Uncategorized April 22, 2025

Incubator Update: Not the Ending We Hoped For, But Not the End of the Story

Hey friends,

I wanted to give y’all an update on the eggs we had incubating over the last few weeks. As you know, we were so excited about the possibility of adding some fluffy little additions to our flock. We watched the calendar like hawks, counted down the days, and held our breath in those final hours… but sadly, this time around, none of the chicks hatched.

It’s a tough one to share. We had high hopes and eager hearts, and when those eggs didn’t make it, it stung a little more than I expected. There’s something about preparing for new life—especially when you’ve poured time, care, and love into the process—that makes the loss feel personal.

But here’s the thing: homesteading, like life, is full of lessons. Sometimes you win fluffballs, and sometimes you gain wisdom.

We’ve already started digging into what might’ve gone wrong—whether it was temperature, humidity, or maybe something else entirely. There’s always something to learn, and we’re determined to get better, smarter, and stronger for the next hatch. Because you better believe there will be a next hatch. (Felicia might even be giving us the side-eye, like, “You should’ve let the pro handle it.”)

So while there’s no peeping in the brooder this time, there is growth happening—just in a different way. And we’re holding on to hope, armed with new knowledge, and already planning our next round.

Thanks for following along on this journey with us. If you’ve ever had a less-than-successful hatch and have any advice or encouragement, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s learn and grow together, one egg at a time. 💛

Stay sunny-side up,
Samantha
🐔 Chickens, Cookies, Closings

Freshly Baked & Full of ComfortUncategorized April 3, 2025

The Ultimate Family Favorite: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

The Ultimate Family Favorite: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

There’s something magical about a homemade chicken pot pie—golden, flaky crust, a creamy filling packed with tender chicken and veggies, and just enough savory goodness to make your whole family feel like they’ve been wrapped in a warm hug. As a mom, I love making it because not only is it a delicious and comforting meal, but it’s also a family favorite. In fact, it’s requested so often around here that I think my son might start thinking chicken pot pie is its own food group!

It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or when we’re gathering around the table to celebrate another successful real estate closing (yep, I’m mixing business and pleasure here!). And, let’s be honest—there’s something so satisfying about the whole process. Mixing dough, sautéing veggies, and layering it all together—it’s like a cozy cooking therapy session that ends with a show-stopping dish everyone’s going to devour.

But beyond just being a hearty meal, chicken pot pie holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a reminder of all those simple, home-cooked moments that bring joy to our chaotic, busy days. Whether I’m prepping it for a family dinner or serving it to guests who can’t get enough, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra veggies (shh, don’t tell the kids) and it’s versatile enough to work with leftover chicken, so nothing goes to waste.

Honestly, every time I bake one, I’m reminded of my love for making things from scratch—whether it’s this pot pie or a batch of fresh-baked cookies (which are also regularly requested around here, just in case you were wondering). There’s something about that homemade touch that makes everything taste better and feel just a little bit more special.

So if you’re ever looking to impress your family, surprise a neighbor, or just treat yourself to a delicious meal that’s sure to bring smiles, chicken pot pie is your go-to! And don’t forget—if you’re curious about how I put it all together, I’ve got a recipe for that too (because I can’t keep all this goodness to myself). Trust me, it’s a dish that will make you feel like a kitchen superstar, no matter what level you’re cooking at!

Ready to get cooking? Let’s do it!

Ingredients

  • 1 homemade pie crust(2 round)
  • 4 cups cooked chickenshredded*
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion(1 cup chopped)
  • 2 medium carrots(1 cup) thinly sliced
  • 8 oz white or brown mushrooms(stems discarded), sliced
  • 3 garlic clovesminced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp fine sea saltor to taste, plus kosher salt to garnish
  • 1/4 tsp black pepperplus more to garnish
  • 1 cup frozen peasdo not thaw
  • 1/4 cup parsleyfinely chopped, plus more to garnish
  • 1 eggbeaten for egg wash

Instructions

  • In a dutch oven or pot, melt 6 Tbsp butter. Add diced onions and carrots and saute 8 minutes over medium heat until soft.
  • Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic and saute another 5 minutes until mushrooms are softened.
  • Add ⅓ cup flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock, and ½ cup heavy cream then bring to a simmer and cook 1 minute or until mixture is a thick gravy consistency. Add 2 tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, or season to taste. It should be well-seasoned.
  • Add shredded cooked chicken, frozen peas, and ¼ cup parsley. Stir to combine then remove from heat and cool slightly while you roll out the crusts. Roll 1 chilled pie crust disk into a 12” diameter circle. Carefully transfer it into a deep 9” pie dish. Spoon the pie filling over the bottom crust.
  • Roll the second disk of pie dough into a 10” diameter circle and place over the pie filling. Fold the excess dough behind the bottom crust then crimp the pie crusts together to seal. Use a sharp paring knife to cut 5 small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with coarse salt and pepper.
  • Bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes or until top crust is golden brown. If edges are browning too fast, cover with a pie shield or make a shield by cutting a 4” diameter circle from the center of a sheet of foil and placing that over the pie. Once out of the oven, rest for 15 minutes to cool slightly before slicing.

Variations: 

  • Veggies – Dice the veggies into even-sized pieces. Try green beans, celery, corn, broccoli, chopped potatoes (fork tender).
  • Herbs – Thyme, oregano, chives
  • Meat – Leftover roast turkey or baked ham are great options, especially after the holidays.
  • Crust – While homemade is best, you can substitute with store-bought pie crust, or even store-bought puff pastry.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 579

Prep Time: 20minutes 

Cook Time: 50minutes 
Total Time: 1hour  10minutes 
Freshly Baked & Full of ComfortUncategorized April 1, 2025

Say Hello, to the Chickens, Cookies & Closings – Community Kitchen!

Say Hello, to the Chickens, Cookies & Closings – Community Kitchen!

As a real estate agent, I’ve always believed that a house is more than just walls and a roof—it’s the people inside that make it a home. And what better place to bring people together than the kitchen? Whether it’s a fresh batch of cookies straight from the oven, a Sunday dinner that warms the soul, or a kitchen mishap that turns into a family story for years to come—our kitchens are the heart of our homes. That’s why I created the Chickens, Cookies & Closings – Community Kitchen Facebook group—a space where we can gather, learn, share, and build confidence in the kitchen together.

What’s This Group All About?

This community is for anyone who loves to bake, cook, or just wants to learn! Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or someone who still measures love in store-bought cookie dough, you belong here. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where we can:

  • Swap favorite recipes—family treasures, quick weeknight meals, or those “made with love” dishes that never fail.
  • Learn new skills and techniques, from sourdough starters to perfecting that flaky pie crust.
  • Ask questions, share kitchen wins (and fails—because let’s be real, we’ve all had them!)
  • Encourage and uplift each other to feel confident and capable in the kitchen.
  • Connect as a community—not just through food, but through real, meaningful relationships.

Why Join?

This isn’t just a recipe group—it’s a community. My passion for real estate is rooted in helping people find a place to call home, and I believe that a strong community starts with shared experiences. This group is about more than just cooking; it’s about making real connections, inspiring each other, and sparking joy in our everyday lives. I’ll be sharing my favorite tried-and-true recipes, tips from my own kitchen adventures, and even some fun challenges to keep things interesting!

Let’s Do This Together!

I’d love for you to be part of this growing kitchen family. Click the link below to join the Chickens, Cookies & Closings – Community Kitchen on Facebook, and let’s get cooking, baking, and learning together. Bring your favorite recipes, your questions, and of course, your love for good food and great company!

Join the Community Kitchen Here!

Can’t wait to see you there!

Sam

Freshly Baked & Full of ComfortUncategorized March 31, 2025

Balancing Homeschooling, Homesteading, and Real Estate: A Day in the Life

Balancing Homeschooling, Homesteading, and Real Estate: A Day in the Life

Welcome to my world, where the cluck of chickens harmonizes with the rustle of property listings, and grammar lessons are squeezed between baking sessions and client calls. As a real estate professional, homeschooling mom, and dedicated chicken enthusiast, my days are a delicate dance of priorities. Here’s a glimpse into how I navigate this dynamic lifestyle, along with insights into the ever-changing real estate market and practical tips for keeping everything in balance.

Morning: Rise and Shine with the Roosters

The day begins at dawn, as the chickens demand their breakfast and the garden awaits its morning inspection. Tending to the homestead not only provides fresh produce and eggs but also instills a sense of responsibility and connection to nature with me and my son.

Mid-Morning: Homeschooling Adventures

With the homestead chores complete, we transition to schooling. The flexibility of homeschooling allows us to tailor lessons to my son’s interests, making learning both effective and enjoyable. Whether it’s a science experiment in the kitchen or a math lesson that involves calculating the area of our chicken coop, education is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.

Afternoon: Real Estate Hustle

Post-lunch, it’s time to dive into the world of real estate. The current market is dynamic, with trends shifting rapidly. In areas like Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario, California, mortgage-to-income ratios have reached 67.8%, indicating a highly competitive and overvalued market. Staying informed about these trends is crucial to provide clients with accurate guidance.

Balancing Act: Tips for Managing Multiple Roles

  1. Structured Flexibility: While having a schedule is essential, it’s equally important to remain adaptable. Unexpected client meetings or homestead emergencies can arise, so building buffer times into your day can help manage unforeseen events.

  2. Integrated Learning: Use real-life scenarios from homesteading and real estate to teach practical lessons. For instance, involving your child in budgeting for homestead projects or analyzing market trends can provide hands-on educational experiences.

  3. Community Support: Engage with local homeschooling groups and real estate networks. Sharing experiences and resources can offer new strategies and emotional support.

  4. Self-Care: Remember to carve out time for yourself. Balancing multiple roles can be taxing, and maintaining your well-being is vital for sustaining this lifestyle.

Evening: Reflection and Preparation

As the day winds down, we gather as a family to reflect on our accomplishments and plan for tomorrow. This time reinforces our bond and ensures that we are aligned in our goals and expectations.

Embracing the roles of a homeschooling parent, homesteader, and real estate professional is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By staying informed about market trends, integrating learning into daily activities, and maintaining a flexible yet structured approach, it’s possible to thrive in this multifaceted lifestyle. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection but finding harmony in the chaos.

Freshly Baked & Full of ComfortUncategorized March 28, 2025

Homesteading & Self-Sufficiency: Raising Chickens, Gardening, and Preserving Food

In a world that often feels disconnected from the land, homesteading is a way to reclaim self-sufficiency, slow down, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re raising backyard chickens, growing a thriving garden, or preserving food for the future, each step towards self-reliance is a rewarding journey. For me, homesteading has been a deeply personal adventure—one that fills my home with nourishment and my heart with joy. Let’s dive into the essentials of homesteading and how you can cultivate a lifestyle of sustainability and abundance.

Raising Chickens: The Gateway to Homesteading

Chickens are often called the “gateway animal” to homesteading—and for good reason! They provide fresh eggs, help with pest control, and add a touch of personality to any backyard. My own flock has become such an important part of my homestead, and every day I learn something new from them.

Getting Started with Chickens

  • Choose the Right Breed: Whether you want high egg production (like Rhode Island Reds), friendly companions (like Silkies), or colorful eggs (like Ameraucanas), selecting the right breed for your needs is key.
  • Coop and Run Setup: Chickens need a safe, predator-proof coop with plenty of ventilation and nesting boxes.
  • Daily Care: Fresh food, clean water, and space to forage keep your flock healthy and happy.

Chickens not only provide food security, but their manure makes an excellent fertilizer for your garden—a perfect cycle of sustainability!

Gardening: Growing Your Own Food

A home garden is one of the most empowering ways to feed your family. Whether you have acres of land or just a few raised beds, growing your own produce brings unmatched satisfaction. Each year, I learn something new in the garden—whether it’s a better way to trellis my tomatoes or how to companion plant for natural pest control. The beauty of gardening is that you’re always learning while nourishing your family.

Tips for a Thriving Garden

  • Start Small: If you’re new to gardening, begin with easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, zucchini, and lettuce.
  • Build Healthy Soil: Composting kitchen scraps, using mulch, and rotating crops can improve soil fertility.
  • Plan for Year-Round Harvests: Grow cool-season crops (like kale and carrots) in the fall and warm-season crops (like peppers and cucumbers) in the summer.

Nothing beats the taste of a sun-ripened tomato or the crunch of a fresh cucumber straight from your backyard!

Preserving the Harvest: Food Security for All Seasons

Growing food is only half the battle—learning to preserve it ensures you can enjoy your harvest all year long. Over the years, I’ve canned spaghetti sauce, four kinds of jam, and applesauce. More recently, I started dehydrating food and making my own garlic and onion powders. The feeling of opening a jar of home-canned goodness or seasoning a meal with herbs I dried myself is pure satisfaction!

Popular Food Preservation Methods

  • Canning: Water bath canning is great for high-acid foods like jams and tomatoes, while pressure canning is essential for low-acid foods like meats and beans.
  • Freezing: Many fruits and vegetables freeze well, making for quick and easy meal prep.
  • Dehydrating: Great for herbs, fruits, and even making your own jerky. Homemade garlic and onion powders have been a game-changer in my kitchen!
  • Fermenting: Sauerkraut, pickles, and homemade yogurt are probiotic-rich foods that enhance gut health.

Preserving food not only cuts down on waste but also gives you a pantry full of homegrown goodness, free of preservatives and additives.

The Homesteading Mindset

Homesteading is more than just a collection of skills—it’s a mindset of resourcefulness, patience, and learning from nature. Whether you live on a rural farm or in a suburban backyard, every small step you take toward self-sufficiency is a victory.

For me, this journey is about more than just growing food—it’s about building a lifestyle where my family is nourished, my hands stay busy, and my heart stays full. Embrace the process, celebrate the harvest, and enjoy the deep satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from. Homesteading isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in harmony with the land.

What part of homesteading excites you the most? Share your journey in the comments!