Weekly Hangout at Duke Manor Farm vol 5

Well, it’s been a hot minute since we last got a chance to hang out here. I took a two week hiatus from the blog, and I missed you! After 11 years of blogging, breaks are a good thing and allow me to regroup and recharge. During the last 11 years, I have connected with so many of you both virtually and in person. I appreciate you following along whether it’s been for 11 of those years or if you are popping in for the first time. So glad you are here and hanging out with me today!

The latest from Duke Manor Farm

Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie

Seed Starting Using Pellets

Propagate Ivy in 3 Steps

What’s going on lately?

The pollen is just about out of here so I can get motivated to clean the patios off and start to really enjoy sitting outside without the risk of turning bright yellow. In fact, this weekend I am going to start some spring cleaning on the patios. I bought a new rug for the screen porch that I can’t wait to set out but have been waiting till all signs of pollen are gone.

I ushered in a new year this week and ate copious amounts of chocolate ganache supreme cake from Publix. I am certain I will be paying for it until my next birthday. And yes, I put the ’16’ candle on the cake!

Latest Project

This project was a long time coming. The screened patio in our guest house. Basically, I am painting the walls white, the ceiling web gray, and the floor (haven’t decided yet) to give this room a more modern look. It has been a good 15 years (or longer) since I have done anything to the space. I will be sharing a full before and after reveal soon. This is where I am at so far in the project.

What else is going on?

• The kids are out of school in a few weeks so we are getting closer to swimming in the pool daily. I picked up a few new floats and some new umbrellas for around the pool to help kick off the summer season. I can’t wait to show you.
• We welcomed 8 new chicks to the farm this month and we hatched them all here. Typically we would buy our chicks at Tractor Supply until we picked up our own incubator to hatch them ourselves. It is a fairly simple process and a great thing to do if you are interested in chicks of your own.
• I finally watched Downton Abbey! I couldn’t stand it sitting in my list any longer and pretty much binged the entire 6 seasons in two maybe three weeks. I loved it.
• News flash, Mother’s Day is in two weeks! I just ordered these journals for my mom and my sister who recently became a grandmother for the first time. I will be posting my Mothers Day gift guide in the next few days so look out for that.

Project Idea

My twins are going to their 8th grade formal in a few weeks and it made me think of the corsage that I made for Lily years ago for a father-daughter dance. With prom, formals, and even wedding season upon us, I thought I would share this rather simple DIY wrist corsage in case you wanted to make your own.

Had to Buy….. Moments

Recent essential and non-essentials that I would gladly recommend to you. Just click the image to take a closer look at what I bought and shop. Affiliate links used.

Thanks for hanging out with me today. Got any big plans for your weekend? Whether you are doing, hope you have the most amazing weekend!