Summertime Lifestyle Reset

PART UN

Welcome to a full-blown summertime lifestyle reset—where fitness, farming, and feathered friends collide in the most chaotic, hilarious, and oddly satisfying way possible.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to juggle gym time, backyard chickens, garden bed painting, and dirt baths (no, not for me. Yes, for chickens), you’re in for a treat.

Let’s set the scene: it’s summer. The sun is up earlier, the birds are louder, and somehow the to-do list has multiplied overnight. But instead of letting the chaos win, we’re embracing it—messy bun, chicken dust, and all. So grab your iced coffee, and let’s dive into a day that’s equal parts productive and poultry-powered.

The Morning: Slow Starts & Strong Intentions

Now that summer’s in full swing, I’ve been letting myself sleep in just a little—about an hour later than usual. I call it strategic rest (you know, the kind that feels just lazy enough to be luxurious but still counts as being responsible).

First up: the “firsts.” These are the essential morning tasks that kick off the day and give me just enough momentum to pretend I’ve got it all together.

I toss in a load of laundry—because nothing says productivity like spinning clothes you’ll probably forget to fold.

Then I head outside to release the chickens like they’re starring in a slow-motion scene from a poultry action film.

They strut out like they own the property. Technically, they kind of do.

A quick pop into my home office follows to prep for the day ahead. I check emails, glance at my planner, and pretend I won’t go off script in about 20 minutes.

Because… yeah, I always do.

Then it’s time for a clean sweep—tidying the common areas and bathroom so I can trick my brain into thinking I live in a minimalist oasis.

Hitting the Home Gym (a.k.a. The Chicken Dojo)

There’s something grounding about getting that workout in first thing (ish). It sets the tone. Even if the rest of the day goes sideways, I’ve moved my body, broken a sweat, and successfully avoided tripping over a chicken.

Hike Time: Wild Horses & Good Vibes

If my husband’s feeling up for it, we pack up and head out for a hike. Today’s trail was busy, but for good reason.

The weather was stunning. Not too muggy, just enough breeze, and that golden kind of sunlight that makes everyone look slightly more photogenic.

We passed some super friendly hikers with adorable little dogs. Instant mood boost. And then—plot twist—wild horses. Just casually living their best retirement out in the brush. It was giving “desert royalty,” and honestly, I was here for it.

There’s nothing like fresh air and wild horse sightings to remind you to slow down and take it all in.

Lunch & a Cozy Kitchen Reset

Post-hike, it’s lunch time. We whip up something quick but comforting (I’m a big fan of sandwich-style everything when it’s hot outside), and I take a moment to reset the kitchen.

It’s a small gesture, but cleaning up the lunch mess right away helps me avoid the dreaded 4 p.m. “what happened in here” spiral.

While I’m wiping counters and spritzing all-purpose cleaner like it’s holy water, I’m mentally prepping for the next big task: garden beds.

Garden Bed Revival: Clucktanamo No More

Ah yes, the garden beds. Once known as Clucktanamo Bay (don’t ask), this corner of the backyard has seen it all—runaway hens, failed planting seasons, and one epic overgrowth situation.

But today, we paint. It’s the glow-up this space deserves.

I grab the paint, crank up some music, and get to work. There’s something satisfying about transforming a space with a brush and a can of hope.

I know I’m starting late this year, but I’ve had one amazing garden season in the past, and I’m still clinging to the belief that this could be the comeback.

Even if I’m planting in July, even if the odds are against me, I’m hopeful. Because gardening isn’t just about timing—it’s about trying again.

Blanche’s Bumblefoot Surgery: A Chicken Heroine Rises

Amid garden prep, we’re also tending to Blanche—my sweet, brave hen who’s dealing with a case of bumblefoot.

If you’re unfamiliar, Bumblefoot is a foot infection that can get serious if untreated. So today, she went in for surgery. And let me tell you—she handled it like a champ.

She came home groggy but feisty, and immediately tried to boss the other chickens around like nothing happened. Classic Blanche. We’re keeping a close eye on her and making sure she’s cozy and healing well.

The Grand Finale: Chicken Spa Dirt Baths

After a long day of productivity, paint, poultry, and perspiration, we close it all out the best way possible: chicken dirt baths.

I had just finished painting the herb garden space. It looked clean. It looked calm. It looked Pinterest-worthy for about six minutes.

Enter: the chickens.

They wasted zero time jumping into the freshly tousled dirt like it was a 5-star spa. Dirt was flying, feathers were fluffed, and there was absolutely no regard for the fresh paint situation. But honestly? Watching them go full spa-mode was the perfect chaotic calm I didn’t know I needed.

Make sure you tune into the video linked below to watch this peaceful end to a lovely day. Also, just an insider note to just you special people who have taken the time to read today’s blog:

A couple, highly requested, timers-a-la-chickens have been created and will be released this weekend on my YouTube Channel!

So, if you’re one of those peeps who pressured me into making those damn timers?

Go get those notification bells ranging because we got one 25 minute dirt bath-stravaganza ASMR & a 20 minute, Carlotta side-eye Poolside timer for ya too!

They earned it. We earned it. And you know what? The dirt can be repainted.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos, Find the Calm

So there you have it—a full day in this wild little lifestyle I’ve built. Is it relaxing? Occasionally. Is it productive? Somehow, yes.

Is it filled with unexpected moments involving wild horses, chicken feet, and herbal dirt destruction? Always.

But here’s the truth: summer routines don’t have to be perfect. They just have to work for you. Mine is a little messy, a little funny, and totally fulfilling.

Thanks for spending the day with me—through workouts, hikes, surgery recoveries, and spa dirt shenanigans. I’ll see you in the next segment, hopefully with cleaner chickens and slightly more successful tomato plants.

Until then, keep planting, keep laughing, and keep showing up—even if it’s one dusty chicken bath at a time.

 🕒 Chapters & Timestamps:

0:00 – Plans for a Slow & Steady Day ☀️

1:03 – Welcome Intro! 

1:20 – My Morning Workout Routine 🏋🏽

3:38 – Hiking with the Fam 🥾

4:42 – Garden Beds, Ahoy! ✅ ✨

5:54 – Feeding the girls 🐔🥬

6:29 – Painting the Beds 🚧

10:04 – Naptime! 🐔🐶👧🏽

10:28 – Reflecting on my Ghosts of Gardening Past

12:39 – Lunch! Salad, Air Fries & Dipping Sauce! 🍕🫙

13:37 – Kitchen Tidy!

18:31 – Hubs Surpises Me! 

19:05 – Blanche Bumblefoot Update!

20:12 – Backyard Mayhem Continues… 🚧

24:00 – A Dirt Bathing Spa Day! 🐔🛀🏽

24:30 – Outro + Like & Subscribe Reminder ❤️

25:00 — Peaceful Chicken ASMR to relax and enjoy! 

PART DEUX

Welcome to a cozy and light-hearted day in the life—where fridge restocks meet feathery mischief and a splash of spring-cleaning energy makes everything feel a little fresher!

Whether you’re here for the grocery inspo, closet refresh ideas, or just the unfiltered joy of chickens being chickens, this post is your comfy corner of the internet today.

Grab a warm cup of something and let’s get into it.

Morning Vibes & Closet Upgrades 🎀

The day begins with some slow spring vibes—sun peeking in through the window, my coffee in hand, and the realization that my closet needs serious attention. You know that moment when one too many sweaters fall on your head? Yeah. It’s time.

So, first things first: we tackle the closet.

Out with the old, and in with the breathable, breezy fabrics of spring. I go through a quick closet edit, making space for seasonal staples. Linen, light cardigans, sundresses—yes please!

There’s something magical about a mini wardrobe refresh that instantly makes the whole day feel more put-together.

Grocery Haul & Fridge Reset 🛒🧊

Next stop: groceries!

A solid haul of all the things we actually eat (plus a few things I’ll pretend are for meal prep but are really just snacks).

Today’s haul includes fresh veggies, eggs, fruit, some pantry staples, and of course—cheese.

Because cheese is eternal.

When we get back, it’s fridge reset time. I clear out the old stuff, give everything a wipe down (how do fridges get so mysteriously sticky?!), and start restocking with all the new goodies. There’s something so satisfying about a clean, fully stocked fridge—it feels like a tiny domestic victory.

I love arranging things in clear bins, organizing by category, and pretending I’m in a grocery store commercial. Yes, I label things. No, I’m not sorry.

Lunch Break 🥯 + Mini Recharge

After all that sorting and scrubbing, it’s time for a little lunch break. I throw together something quick and satisfying—usually leftovers turned into something creative and toast-related.

This is my pause moment of the day. A chance to breathe, eat, hydrate, and scroll aimlessly on my phone before I wander back outside.

Chicken Cam Check-In 🐔📹

After lunch, we head outdoors for the real entertainment: the Chicken Cam. There is something oddly therapeutic about watching chickens just exist.

Today’s footage includes some very dramatic dirt bathing, a loud squabble over a single blade of grass, and some general chicken tomfoolery.

I could honestly do a whole series just called “Chicken Cam Chaos,” but for now, it’s a wholesome segment in the vlog. They always seem to know when I need a laugh.

The weather is perfect, so I sit outside for a bit, enjoy the breeze, and just exist in the quiet.

Well, semi-quiet. Chickens aren’t known for their indoor voices.

Why These Little Moments Matter 🌿

This might not be the most dramatic day in the world—no plot twists, no big reveals—but that’s kind of the point. These simple rhythms are the backbone of what makes a house feel like a home.

A tidy closet, a restocked fridge, a little time outside—it’s not revolutionary, but it is restorative. It reminds me that progress doesn’t always look like productivity. Sometimes, it looks like letting the chickens roam while your bread rises and your fridge sparkles.

Thanks for Watching & Hanging Out! 💖

Thanks for spending the day with me—whether you’re here for the fridge reset ideas or just the chicken cam chaos, I hope you felt cozy and inspired. If you loved it, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more lifestyle, homemaking, and chicken-filled content.

Until next time, stay cozy, stay grounded, and maybe clean out that fridge—you deserve a fresh start, too.

#DayInTheLife #GroceryHaul #FridgeReset #ChickenCam #CozyVlog #SpringRefresh #ClosetCleanout #LifestyleBlog #BackyardChickens #SoftLiving #HomeVibes

📌 Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Morning Vibes ☀️

 00:46 – Closet Upgrades 👗

04:14 – Relaxing Outside 🌿

04:54 – Chicken Cam Fun! 🐔

09:55 – Commercial Acting BTS

14:10 – Grocery Haul & Restock 🛒

22:30 – Lox & Bagel Lunch 🥯

27:00 – Fridge Organization ✨

28:00 – Wrapping Up 💛

Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite snack to keep stocked in your pantry?

PART TROIS

Weekly Dance Challenge Fun 💃✨

Okay but listen—every Thursday night, I’ve been doing something that’s a little bit wild, definitely silly, and absolutely good for the soul: a weekly dance challenge.

It’s simple.

I pick a random song—literally whatever pops into my head or hits my feed that day—and then I learn the dance on the spot, film it, post it, and pray my knees hold up.

It’s chaos. It’s cardio.

It’s completely unhinged and it brings me so much joy.

I’ve mentioned it to a few people, and I always get the, “oh that’s so fun!” response… followed by radio silence.

BUT! I’m officially putting it out into the universe: if you’ve got a phone and two left feet, you are highly qualified to join me.

So here’s your formal invitation: remix my Thursday night dance challenge videos and join the party!

Whether you nail the choreography or just flail like an inflatable car lot guy, I want to see it. Let’s be cringe and free—together.

It’s my little slice of weekly fun to balance out all the grown-up things I’m juggling right now. And speaking of big projects…

PS: Book Launch Incoming! 📚🎉

Don’t forget—my next book is launching this July on Kickstarter!

It’s a huge milestone, and while the hustle behind the scenes is very real, these dance challenges are helping me stay sane, joyful, and connected to the fun of it all.

So if you love books, backyard chickens, or busting a move in your kitchen—stick around. There’s a lot more where that came from. 💛