Homestead

Some people meditate, some do yoga—me? I scoop duck poop and talk to chickens. There’s just something soul-soothing about stepping out into the yard, coffee in hand, to be greeted by a flurry of feathers and the judgmental stare of a Dominique hen. They say you haven’t truly lived until a chicken looks at you like you’re late for breakfast… because you are. Tending to animals like my Dominique chickens and Ancona ducks keeps life delightfully grounded—and delightfully weird. Ancona ducks, by the way, are like little artists waddling around with paint-splatter plumage and way too much attitude for their … Read more

There’s something incredibly grounding about caring for animals—especially when those animals waddle up to you with curious eyes and cheerful quacks. For me, tending to my ducks isn’t just a daily chore; it’s a source of peace, joy, and connection. Each morning, I’m greeted by a chorus of quacks and eager waddles. Feeding them, refreshing their water, and checking the coop has become a routine I genuinely look forward to. I love watching them splash in their little pond, gossiping in quacks, chasing bugs, or just sunbathing with their eyes half-closed. They each have their own personality—some shy, some bold, … Read more

After falling for the quirky beauty of Ancona ducks, I found myself wondering what kind of chickens might complement their charm. I wasn’t just looking for great layers—I wanted birds with personality and character. That’s when I stumbled upon Dominique chickens, and once again, it was an instant connection. There’s something timeless about Dominiques. With their striking barred plumage and calm, friendly demeanor, they’re like the vintage rockstars of the chicken world. I was drawn to their unique look—the soft black and white stripes that give them a checkered appearance—and even more so to their reputation for being hardy, gentle … Read more

When I first started thinking about what kind of ducks to hatch, I knew I wanted something a little different—something with personality, charm, and maybe even a splash of unexpected style. That’s when I discovered the Ancona duck, and honestly, it was love at first sight. Their unique, patchwork patterns immediately drew me in. No two Anconas look alike—each one is a little masterpiece of black, blue, chocolate, or lavender splotches scattered over a white background. It’s like nature got creative with a paintbrush. Beyond their good looks, though, I quickly learned that Anconas are also calm, friendly, and great … Read more

Embracing Creativity and Freedom: My Journey to Building a Homestead in Virginia I’ve always loved writing. But if I’m being honest, what truly excites me even more is the act of creating. Whether it’s a new idea, a project, or even a space, there’s something deeply fulfilling about bringing something to life with your own hands. That’s one of the main reasons I made the decision to leave Florida and move to Virginia: I wanted the freedom to create on my own terms, in my own space. I envisioned a homestead—somewhere I could truly call my own. I dreamed of … Read more