Backyard Chaos & Cozy Vibes: A Busy Homemaking Day in the Life 🏡🌾✨
Welcome back, cozy crew! 😊 If you’re new here, I’m all about homemaking with heart, a bit of dirt under my nails, and probably a chicken underfoot. 🥚
Today we’re diving into one of those delightfully busy days where the to-do list runs the show, the weather throws some drama, and my backyard becomes both a sanctuary and a battlefield.
We’re also going to tackle a quick sheet-folding tutorial, because… well, sheets are full of drama. *wink
But first. Let’s get into it—this one’s got garden beds, surprise storms, mosquitoes (ugh), and yes, a full-blown wardrobe reset. ☺️ Buckle up.
🛌 Rise & Shine: Soft Start Mornings
There’s just something magical about starting the day slow. ☕️
The kettle’s on, the air smells like fall, almost, and Bruno (my dog-shaped shadow) is already herding invisible sheep in the hallway.
A little journaling, a few sips of coffee, and I’m ready to pretend I’m on top of things.
Today’s vibe? Gentle. Motivated. Definitely caffeinated. ☕️✨
🌿 Garden Bed Chronicles: Dirt Therapy, Anyone?
Let me just say it—my summer garden was a total flop. 😬
Between the heat, travel, and some very judgmental crows, it never quite got off the ground. But we don’t give up over here.
So, today was finally the day to fill the empty beds with fresh soil. 🌱 It was messy, satisfying, and 100% a workout.
Bonus: the chickens joined in. They love to help… which really means un-doing everything I do. 🙄
Still, it felt good to dig in. A little dirt under the nails is basically free therapy, right?
🐔 Chicken Drama & Coop Chaos
Can we talk about the real stars of the homestead?
The ladies in feathers. 🐔 Naturally, they had opinions about the fresh soil. They pecked, they squawked, and one of them straight-up tried to sit in my flower pot.
Post-gardening, it was their turn. The coop got a full reset. Old bedding out, fresh straw in, and some deep scrubbing that definitely tested my upper body strength. 🌾💦
Let’s just say, chickens are cute… but they are not clean. Nor do they do a good job “helping.” But I’m not going to tell them that…
🌺 Windstorm Fallout & Backyard Reset
If the chickens didn’t finish me off, the backyard winds sure tried. A surprise windstorm earlier in the week had everything looking like a leaf tornado hit a garden center. 🚨
So, cue the broom, the gloves, the determined sigh —and a full-blown backyard cleanup was underway.
We tied back roses, gathered rogue cushions, and made a game plan for what still needs fixing. Nature may have won the round, but we’re coming back swinging. 🌿🧴
Plus, I FINALLY, nabbed some soil and got moving on a garden only a girl can dream up and in full Rita Fashion? I fell short. But, a start is a start… so, I’ll take it!
Be sure to come back week after week while I get these beds up and ready for a winter garden!
🏚️ From Sweaty to Snug: Fall Bedroom Reset
After wrestling wind gusts and chicken drama, it was time to come inside and reset the energy.
First up: the bedroom. I fluffed pillows, cozied up the linens, and deep-cleaned the floor like it owed me money. 🥺
Fall candles are out, blankets are extra plush, and yes—the bed now looks like it belongs in a Pinterest ad.
Kind of… lol
A little refresh goes a long way when your day smells like chicken coop.
👜 Dressing Room Deep Dive
Because I clearly hadn’t done enough, I decided to tackle the closet too. 😬
It was taunting me. That’s all I gotta say about that.lol.
Out with the summer stuff, in with the cozy knits and boots that make you feel like the main character. I did a full wardrobe reset, said goodbye to sandals, and took stock of what needed washing, mending, or donating.
FUN FACT: If you need to mend it, just get off that roller coaster. I try endlessly, year after year to tell myself I’ll ‘mend’ it. I rarely do.
Just move it along.
Was it necessary? Maybe. Was it deeply satisfying? Absolutely.
⏰ Outro Vibes: Light a Candle & Call It Done
By the end of the day, I was more soil than woman. 🤦♀️ But something about seeing everything a little cleaner, cozier, and calmer made it all worth it.
If you’ve got your own to-do list waiting, consider this your sign to chip away at it—or just watch me run around and call it productive. That counts too.
Until next time, friend. Light a candle, fluff a pillow, and give your chicken a high five for me. 💡💕
Watch the full video here → https://youtu.be/58Cs-F9ZNEc?si=beh9eaY7gdb8PD3o
Tags: #DITL #CleanWithMe #CozyHomeVibes #ChickenCoopChaos #FallHomemaking #GardenReset #DailyVlog #HomemakerLife #ChoreDayFun
🎬 New Decorate With Me: Fall Porch Glow-Up + Baby Chick Shenanigans
Fall is here, pumpkin spice is (almost) upon us, and my front porch has officially transformed into an autumnal dreamscape—with a little help from some very opinionated baby chicks. 🐥
Join me from chick chaos to courtyard glow-up, all packed with cozy DIY tips, intentional shopping strategies, and even a peek at my upcoming Amazon Live event (link!).
Welcome & Baby Chick Shenanigans Begin 🐥
Welcome AGAIN! To my cozy corner of the internet! THIS section starts out with some serious chick drama—because Dolly and the gang had opinions before any decorating could happen.
I’m talking dramatic eye pecks, diva poses, and all the unscripted chaos that makes home‑life feel real. Grab your coffee, turn up the volume, and prepare for cuteness overload. 🥰
Watching them go about their morning is such a sweet reminder of how life unfolds in the real world—messy, cute, and full of character. If you’re here for fall decor inspiration and chicken entertainment, you’re in the right place.
Dolly vs. My Eyeball: A Chick Drama Episode 😅
Dolly, our boldest chick, decided that my face needed feathers—and not the kind we put on wreaths. Let me just say: it was not a gentle peck. 😂 But hey, that’s showbiz.
Chick drama gives the perfect teaser before the porch transformation—even if my eyes are now slightly swollen.
It’s these real, unfiltered moments that bring personality into your decorative world—so don’t be afraid to let life in.
Whether it’s a drama‑queen chick or spilled mums, it tells your story.
Fall Plans + Holiday Budget Chat 💸🍂
Time to pivot from chick chaos to seasonal strategy. As fun as it is to go hog‑wild in the autumn aisle, I’m choosing to decorate with intention this year, not impulse.
I evaluated what I already had, wrote a small wish‑list of must‑haves, and set a simple spending plan.
My mantra? Intentional over impulsive.
A few well‑chosen pieces, layered thoughtfully, makes a greater impact than buying everything at full price. Decorating should be joyful—not stressful budget anxiety in disguise.
Decor Shipment Arrives! Unpacking the Fall Delivery 📦
Just when I was getting comfy, ding!—the decor delivery arrived at the door.
There’s something so satisfying about prying open that box and seeing all the fall vibes waiting to be unpacked.
I rolled everything in: faux trees, buffalo‑check rugs, lanterns, pumpkins, and even extras for the front lawn.
Every season deserves a dramatic unboxing moment—it sets the tone for creativity and excitement.
Fall Decor Haul Reveal (Amazon Finds + Faves!)
Time for the haul reveal!
I laid everything out and gave you a mini tour of my favorite autumn pieces—sofas of faux trees, buffalo‑check rugs galore, festive pumpkins, lanterns, and cozy throw blankets. Most of these pieces are Amazon finds, and I’ll be diving into more detail during my upcoming Amazon Live episode.
Feel free to bookmark or shop along—no pressure, just sharing the cozy vibes. [Amazon Live link]
Setting the Mood: Faux Trees & Buffalo‑Check Rugs 🍁
Nothing instantly elevates the vibe like faux fall trees framing the entrance. They’re dramatic, low‑maintenance, and totally reusable year after year.
Layering in the buffalo‑check rug anchored the look—bold, classic, and perfect for cozy crunch sound effects.
This combo brings visual interest and anchors the rest of your decor easily.
Courtyard Glow-Up Begins: Styling the Entry ✨
Here’s where it gets magical: I start placing mums, lanterns, pumpkins, and hay bales across the entry—styling little vignettes for layers of interest.
I like to group odd numbers (3 or 5 pumpkins), mix heights, and use repeating elements for a cohesive look.
A little voiceover tip here: narrate as you go for that “decorate with me” charm—throw in a fun comment like, “This pumpkin is doing the most, and I respect it.”
Keep it light, keep it real.
Decorating the Front Lawn: Pumpkins, Hay & Drama 🎃🌾
Because the fun doesn’t stop at the porch, I sprinkled pumpkins and hay bales out on the front lawn too—creating mini-scapes that lead the eye from the house toward the street.
Add in a few lanterns on shepherd’s hooks (battery‑operated), and the whole yard starts feeling like fall arrived with purpose.
This is also a great spot to reuse garland, corn stalks, or natural elements if you’re watching costs—or better yet, foraged pinecones or leaves.
Golden Hour Reveal: Cozy Fall Magic Unlocked 🌇
If you can time it around golden hour, you’re golden. Literally.
Shoot at dusk when the sun is low, and everything has that soft glow. This sequence is where music and visuals do the heavy lifting: slow pans, soft focus, and light string-lights or lanterns turning on.
You want your viewers to feel the warmth—like they’re stepping into the set of a seasonal dreamscape. 🍂
Why I’m Decorating with Intention This Season 💛
Real talk: decorating shouldn’t make you feel broke.
This season, I’m prioritizing pieces that can be reused, rotated, and layered into future seasons—because cozy is an everyday vibe, not a one‑time splurge.
The emotional benefit is huge too.
A thoughtfully curated space—one that reads effortless and lived‑in—feels more sustainable and meaningful than overbuying every new trend.
Amazon Live Preview + Cozy Finds Sneak Peek 🔗
Want to snag anything from today’s haul? I’ll be going live on Amazon soon to share more of these pieces—talk styling ideas, answer questions, and show how everything flows together.
No pressure to buy—think of it as chill shopping with me.
🛍️ I’ll drop the link in the comments and description, so you can pop in if you’re curious. [Amazon Live]
Chickie Cam Returns: Porch Reactions & Real‑Life Humor 🐤
Back to the chickies!
This time Dolly comes back for more—inspecting the pumpkins, eyeing the decor, maybe plotting her next peck attack.
These candid moments remind viewers that behind every styled vignette, real life is happening.
Little bits of chaos humanize your content, and they keep your audience hooked until the very end.
Thanks for Watching + Dolly’s Final Eye Jab 😂
That’s our fall porch glow‑up for today!
Thank you so much for being here, for laughing at Dolly’s antics, and for sharing in the cozy transformation.
If you’re planning a front porch makeover, I hope this inspired you to shop thoughtfully, decorate intentionally, and—most importantly—have fun.
Want more? I’ll be live soon so you can browse the Amazon haul with me.
https://www.amazon.com/live/ritaslanina
Until next time: stay cozy, stay silly, and don’t let chicks distract you from the pumpkins—unless you’re filming it for the viral moment. 😉
🌐 Related Reading & Ideas
For more front porch fall inspiration, check out:
- 51 Fall Porch Ideas You Can Make Today (great for natural, DIY styling) (songbirdblog.com)
- Fall Porch Decorating Tips: Choose a color palette, layer texture, and reuse what you have (thecrownedgoat.com)
FINALLY… How To Fold The Sheets // Laundry Hacks
So… Let’s dive into the wonderfully whimsical world of sheet folding! 🛏️✨
This Home Hack is Going to Change Your Life! 🌟
Imagine this: You’re just an innocent bystander in your own laundry room, when suddenly… a tower of unruly bed linens decides to stage an amateur performance of “Attack of the Sheets!”
One moment, you’re sipping your coffee; the next, you’re wrestling with a king-sized fitted sheet that’s somehow wrapped itself around your legs, turning you into a makeshift mummy.
…and with All Hallow’s Eve right around the corner, that would be convenient; but how would you explain your mummification the rest of the year? *shrugs*
But fear not! With this magic trick, you’ll not only tame the sheets but you’ll do so with a flourish! 🎩✨
Never Hate Doing Laundry Again! 🎉
Picture this: You’ve conquered Mount Washmore, and you’re standing victoriously with a freshly dried fitted sheet in your hands.
As you prepare to fold it, your mind flashes back to all those tragic moments of yore—like when the fitted sheet would morph into a spherical blob rather than a neat square.
But not this time!
This nifty trick will have you folding sheets like a pro, making laundry day feel more like a fun adventure than a chore. 🧺✨
Fold Sheets Like a Pro! 📚
Alright, let’s get down to the sheet-folding dance!
Grab your sheets, invite your imaginary dance partner (that’s me! 🕺), and prepare to create a beautifully folded masterpiece!
You’ll start by mastering the ‘Corner Dance,’ where each corner finds its mate, creating a symphony of crisp lines and tidy folds.
After folding those nifty corners not once, but twice, lay onto a flat surface – I like ot use my kitchen island… just be sure to wipe the crumbs off of it first!
Now give the fitted sheet a fold inward by thirds. Working with the shorted edges, leaving you the longest edges. Fold in half, lengthwise. Now, place the pillow cases on top, and make sure the width aligns.
Now, continue folding the sheets neatly until it becomes a square. Your pillow cases will be deep inside, with no escape hatch!
Finally, take your flat sheet, fold in half from the longest sides, and lay flat. Center your premade square in the center, fold the flat sheet by thirds around the square. Using the square as your guide.
Repeat the folding as you did with the fitted sheet, turning and folding (or rolling-however you want to look at it) until it is a nice square shape.
Voila!
Before you know it, those sheets will become a neat package, saving you both time and space in your linen closet.
So, friends, are you ready to turn your laundry game into an art form? Or perhaps you’ve had your own funny laundry battle story to share?
😊How did you do? Comment down below!
Remember: It may take a few tries to get this skill down but don’t give up!
I’ve provided a video below, to use as a guide.
In this video, I’ll do what’s called body doubling!
Which basically means, we’ll work side by side as the video moves along, folding our sheet sets at the same time!
You can always pause the video, come back, rewatch the video, and have this friend (me!) help you anytime you need!
I bet your wondering why I decided to do a video tutorial on folding the bed linens.
I mean, it is in line with that lifestyle game I love so dearly!
But, honestly, its because I couldn’t find much on folding sheets in a way that was like Martha Stewart; but, real like Snoop.
I was tired of just rolling the sheets up in a big ball and squishing them into the linen closet.
However, just to acknowledge it, I did find some sauce secretly hiding behind my balled up bed linens… *wonder how that got there.
It wasn’t Martha’s.
It wasn’t secret. Who put this here? Someone put sauce in the wrong place…
And I was still staring at a bottle of sauce that I have no idea how it got in there stuffed behind sheets and towels.
😂 So there I was, staring at the “mystery” condiment, scratching my head like Sherlock Holmes on a lazy day. I mean, seriously, who sneaks sauce into linen closets? Is this a new culinary trend or am I missing the latest episode of “Punk’d”? 🤨
Cue my trusty assistant: Bruno, my not-so-retriever – sniffer extraordinaire and, apparently, a secret sauce connoisseur. 🐶
The minute I pulled that bottle out, Bruno trotted over with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for bacon.
Hmm, maybe he had a role in this undercover sauce operation?
As Bruno wagged his tail furiously, I imagined an elaborate nighttime mission. Maybe he tiptoed around the house at night, plotting his very own secret sauce stash. Or perhaps he teamed up with the neighborhood squirrels. Has anyone considered the collusion possibilities between fluffy-tailed creatures? 🐿️
After a few sniffs and licks from Bruno, I had my light bulb moment. 💡 This wasn’t just any plain old sauce; this was a revelation!
Imagine: a blend of mystery, intrigue, and an extra dash of perplexed giggles as we both sat in the closet amid linens and forgotten soy sauce.
So, while Martha maintains her mystical hold over hidden recipes, Bruno and I channeled our inner food detectives. We revamped my linen closet into “The Sauce Emporium.” 😉
A new trend? Who knows?
But never underestimate the misadventures lurking in your home’s corners.
Now, dear reader, I’m curious: have you ever uncovered an unexpected gem in a peculiar place, or are Bruno and I just solo adventurers in the realm of misplaced domestic goods? 🍿😂
Get cozy and come decorate with me for fall as we tackle overwhelm, clean up the chaos, and reflect on the magic of Einstein Time ⏳✨ (inspired by The Big Leap). From a soulful bedroom linen reset to a guac-fueled kitchen refresh, this video is all about giving ourselves grace when time feels fast and life feels full. 🍂💛
We’re deep-diving into some cozy homemaking, failed coconut flour donuts (LOL), sofa dilemmas (should I cave and buy a cover?!), and a surprise appearance from Bruno 🐶 to seal the deal. Come vibe, reflect, clean, and nest with me! 🕯️
👇 Let me know in the comments:
What’s one way you’re giving yourself grace this season?
And don’t forget to subscribe for more cozy chaos & homemaker therapy!
