Welcome back, cozy crew! 💛 Today’s post is all about embracing the end-of-season reset—the time where we say goodbye to summer, clean up a bit of chaos, and make room for what’s next.
This day-in-the-life adventure (paired with my latest video here) features a little bit of everything: some backyard chicken coop maintenance (because wow, it needed it 🐔), a farewell to summer decor, a fast tidy-up, and finally, a delicious lunch of grilled street dogs. So grab your broom, your appetite, and let’s jump in.
🐓 Backyard Chicken Coop Reset: Not Glamorous, But So Worth It
Let’s be honest: cleaning the chicken coop is never anyone’s favorite task, but it’s an essential one—especially when it’s been a while (oops 😅).
This is one of those chores that, while messy, is incredibly satisfying. We removed the old bedding, scraped out the buildup, and laid down fresh paper to give our feathered ladies a much cleaner space.
Why it matters: A clean coop means healthier chickens, better egg production, and fewer pests. And yes, even if it smells like a barnyard on the way in, it’s totally worth it on the way out.
Backyard Chicken Maintenance Tips:
Clean the coop at least once a week in warmer months.
Use a mix of paper lining and pine shavings for easy cleanup.
Keep feeders and water containers elevated to avoid tipping.
After the coop reset, I turned my attention inside. Nothing major—just a quick tidy. I always find that even just 15–20 minutes of intentional cleanup can make a space feel totally different. Sweeping, folding throws, clearing the catch-all table… you know the drill.
Pro Tip: Use a timer. Give yourself 10–20 minutes and see how much you can get done—it keeps you moving and keeps overwhelm at bay.
🎀 Summer Decor Sendoff: Courtyard & Front Lawn Refresh
The seasonal decor transition is always a mix of excitement and nostalgia. I started in the courtyard, removing banners, faux florals, and wreaths that had seen brighter days. Next up? The front lawn, where a few flamingos and faded garden flags were still hanging on for dear life.
Tips for Transitioning Decor:
Group items by season as you store them.
Use labeled bins or fabric storage bags for wreaths.
Take note of anything that needs to be replaced next year.
Removing summer items helps visually “reset” the space and gets you excited for the cozy, layered textures of fall.
🌭 Lunchtime Break: Street Dogs & Storytime
After all that cleaning and resetting, it was definitely time to reward myself. Enter: the street dog. A little grilled hot dog magic, loaded with toppings, and eaten outdoors while enjoying a well-earned pause.
What’s on my street dog?
Dijon mustard
Pickled jalapeños
Crispy onions
A soft, slightly toasted bun
It’s comfort food without the fuss. And after a morning of chores, it hit the spot.
Before I wrap up this day-in-the-life, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s already pledged to the Kickstarter campaign for Book 2 of my novella series, Harbor Excursions: The Offshore Account.
Your support is helping bring this story to life—page by page—and I’m so incredibly grateful. We’re getting so close to our goal, and it means everything.
📚 Haven’t joined the campaign yet? You can check it out and pledge right here.
Perks include exclusive signed copies, behind-the-scenes goodies, and early access to new content. Besides… you don’t want to miss out on all the fun we’re having!!
***See video below***
🎬 Watch the Full Day on YouTube
Want to see the full cozy chaos in action? Check out the full video over on my channel:
Already seen it? Click here for more cozy videos: 👉 Watch it here
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome Back, Cozy Crew!
1:28 – Coop Cleanout Begins 🐓
8:26 – Chicken Chasing Around the House ✨
9:26 – Quick Tidy-Up Around the House ✨
12:18 – Down Come the Wreaths & Banners 🎀
13:53 – Front Lawn Gets a Summer Sendoff 🦩
15:01 – Faux Wall Florals Say Goodbye 👋🌼
17:48 – Storytime! Street Dogs Incoming 🌭
20:56 – Street Dogs & A Moment of Peace 🌭✨
21:15 – A Huge Thanks to My Kickstarter Backers! 💛📚
21:31 – Cozy Sign-Off + See You Soon! 💬💛
🔖 Final Thoughts: Making Room for the New
Seasonal resets don’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need to toss everything or start from scratch.
Sometimes, it’s simply about shifting the energy—clearing out the pieces that no longer fit and making a little more room for what does.
That small act of putting away a wreath, sweeping up some feathers, or even lighting a new candle can spark a ripple of calm. It’s a moment to breathe.
A signal to your home (and yourself) that change is welcome—and it doesn’t have to be chaotic.
This day was full of little resets. Cleaning the coop might not be glamorous, but it created peace for my chickens and order in my routine.
Swapping out sun-drenched banners for cozier textures made space for the season I’m stepping into, not the one I’m leaving behind. And even the lunch break—a quick street dog on the porch—was a reminder to pause and enjoy something simple.
Whether you’re here for the cozy homemaking moments, curious about raising chickens, or following along with my Harbor Excursions novella series journey, I’m so glad you stopped by.
Your presence here makes this space what it is—a little corner of calm and creativity where we can all lean into what feels good, what feels fresh, and what feels like home.
If you’re in your own season of change—whether it’s decor, routine, or even something deeper—know that you don’t have to get it “just right.”
You just have to begin.
Small shifts add up, and trust me, even sweeping out a chicken coop can be part of a reset. 😉
Let’s chat below: What’s the first thing YOU swap out when the seasons change? Is it candles, wreaths, throw blankets, or something else entirely? I’d love to hear how you ease into your seasonal transitions.
Until next time—stay cozy, stay curious, and keep finding beauty in the everyday. 💛
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