Welcome to Bonnie Blue

March 30, 2020

The Golden Girls…and Gentleman!

I said they were coming! Didn’t I say they were coming?! The birds have arrived! We got our first chickens! My Spring Break started at about 4 PM on March 6th and I had an appointment with ChickenvilleUSA in Terrell, TX the next morning at 9:30. TexasPrepper2 vlogged his experience as a customer there and after watching it, I knew that’s where we needed to start our journey. Check out his experience here!

Picture it: Northeast Texas. 7 AM, because we had traveling to do. I’ve got the dog crate in the back of the Jeep, coffee in our travel mugs and we head out towards Terrell. We arrived at a residence and drive all the way back and meet Cheryl and Mike. Mike inquires about the ages, breeds, and intentions I have. I told him that we were brand-new and would take all the advice! I’m really just in this for pets, and I’d like some pretty eggs. I’d already done research and luckily they had what I wanted.

I should pause for a moment and explain why I didn’t bring home every single chicken there. Enter my mom. Momma knew that I would get chickens and Momma also enjoys this store called Ollie’s. She surprised me one day with a beautiful Summerhawk Ranch chicken coop that retails for way more than she paid. I set it up the day…two days before I went back to work in August. I say two days because I started setting it up after having a LOVELY afternoon at the winery and what could wrong? (A lot. A lot could go wrong. Don’t drink and build.) So the next day I fixed it all! This coop included a run and you want about 8-10 sq. feet of run for each chicken. Mine was 24 sq. feet so I could really only get away with 3 chickens…for now!

My Summerhawk Ranch coop. Pretty, yeah? I would not recommend this product but it is getting the job done until we build another!

Back to Chickenville: I knew that I wanted a blueish egg, and so I got an Ameraucana. Mike said she would lay probably a light green egg, so I guess we’ll find out! I had to get a French Black Copper Maran because their eggs have been described as buttery and they have a deep dark copper shell. And then, for no logical reason because they yield small eggs, I really wanted a Silkie! When I was young, my aunt would take me to their stables and we saw these adorable chickens and just referred to them as Teddy Bear chickens. I went my WHOLE LIFE sounding stupid and calling them that until I learned the appropriate term. Silkie. Also, because I was just starting out, I really didn’t want chicks. I’m not sure if this was the right call on my part, but it is what it is. My best friend hatches chicks with her 1st grade class every year, and because we taught in the same building I would always go down and play with the chicks because it’s an animal and I can’t NOT.

The first pen Mike walked us to was the Silkie pen. I knew from my researching that Silkies are difficult to ‘sex,’ or determine the gender of, until they’re older. Because these were slightly older, he had a guess that there weren’t many, if any hens. But I had to. I went into the stall and picked out a beautiful buff colored silkie with bright blue earlobes. Into the dog crate he went and together we went to the Marans. I didn’t pick this one out, Mike just used his net and went for one. In she went. And we tally forth’ed to another barn. We went inside and I was blown away by the number and how clean it was. The Ameraucanas were running around with another few breeds but he told us to pick one with green legs as opposed to those with yellow legs. (Since I’m no chicken expert, I’ve heard mixed statements about the leg colors and it sounds like she’s either an Ameraucana or an Easter Egger.) As I had the first time, I asked g if he had any preference. He did not. So I found one and Mike caught her for me. I turn around cuddling a hen and G is there on the ground trying to coax a hen to him. I whispered to Mike, “I’m so sorry, but I think we’ll take that one instead.” He was such a gem about it! He caught her and gave it to G who held her like he was holding a newborn. ‘Didn’t care’ my foot. We paid (cash only!) and headed out. This is where I disclaim it: everyone knew the name trend I had for these ladies. Can you guess it? I’ve dropped a couple of hints so far…The Golden Girls! I love this show! I was going to have Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose. Well Blanche is actually Stan now, Dorothy’s ex husband with an awful toupee. My Maran is Dorothy, and G refuses to call Rose anything but Susan. Just to annoy me. Good thing I love him. Moving on…

The first little while was just getting them acclimated and learning their personalities. Dorothy is all about the food and is the first one there when treats are given, but Rose is the head hen. Stan is the worst rooster in the history of ever. He doesn’t crow, doesn’t eat treats, doesn’t understand how the mysterious ramp works to allow you to go in the coop, despite Rose coming back down and saying, ‘like THIS Moron!’ But I love him. He gets to come inside and hang out with me while wearing his chicken diaper. Yes, a chicken DIAPER.

My COVID Cuddle Buddy. I promise you, you NEED one!

With COVID rearing it’s head, I haven’t had to go back to school/work yet and leave them so it’s left a lot of bonding time. We introduced free-ranging with them and they enjoy their field trips but they choose to not stay out long. Rollins the kitten has taken it upon herself to check out their run and coop and doesn’t give a lick about the fact that there are chickens two inches from her. No complaints here! We’re still learning each other, and enjoying every second of our avian friends.

January 20, 2020

Homemade Yogurt and Fruit Compote

This post y’all is not a recipe. More of an “Look, I know you’re feeling lazy, but this is a super easy thing to do while being lazy and then afterwards you’ll feel so proud and productive” motivation kind of post. I have my work horse moments, but this was not one of them.

My love languages are tied – quality time and acts of service. However the way I enjoy showing love…is through food. I love cooking food for others, to the point where I’m annoying and I’ll stare you down as you eat to make sure that it is enjoyed. I’m that person. But that’s not to say that I want to get my butt up on a Saturday morning and whip out a full-fledged breakfast for you just because I love you. I’m still human; I still love myself, my warm bed on a winter morning, and my hot cup of coffee. Alas, here we are.

Boo thang got me an Instant Pot for Christmas. Let me take you through his perspective first and then we’ll catch back up. So awhile ago, I happened to be at work and for whatever reason, he was not. I had menu planned out the week and that day was supposed to be pot roast in the crock pot. I have about the most minimal crock pot there is, like not even a ‘keep warm’ setting AND THAT’S FINE. However, since I leave for work before dawn and come home after it’s dark, it can present a dilemma. But he was home so BAM! I had prepped everything (but I did forget to chop the onion, that was my bad.) Laid all the non-perishable items out on the counter beside the crockpot and told him, “at 9:00, do this” and texted the link to the recipe which you can find here at Coco and Ash. Here’s parts of our conversation…

I can’t in good conscience let you see the end of the conversation because someone was getting frustrated and they tend to get a potty-mouth. For shame. But he was concerned that he had messed up and I assured him, that, “I’m sure you did fine, send me a pic.” And he did.

Poor guy. On top of that, the wind knocked out the power that day so try to salvage it as we could…meh, better luck next time.

Which brings us to the Instant Pot: for Christmas he wanted to get me a big (holds a pot roast) crock pot that had WiFi, so that he wouldn’t be in that predicament again, and I could control it from work. So thoughtful! So he’s looking online and everyone is raving about the Instant Pot and bless his heart, he thought that’s what it was. It isn’t, but I’ll use it! Sweet man. He leaves earlier for work than I do and as aforementioned, I like to show love with food. So I try and prep him some breakfast, he takes leftovers, the man will not go hungry! One of my favorite things to do is to make to-go yogurts!

Get you some Fairlife milk. I like the red one, whole. Dump it in the IP. Now dump in one of those 16oz Natural Bliss creamers in as well, yep, the whole thing. And If for whatever reason, Walmart Grocery has to sub your item and gives you the coconut version…IT’S OKAY! It isn’t overwhelming and it’ll be fine. Now dump 2 spoonfuls of real yogurt in the IP as well and eat the rest so that it’ll tide you over because I know you want some now but you HAVE TO WAIT! So close the lid, and press the yogurt button. and come back to it in 8 hours. Go feed the animals, drink your coffee, ~~maybe clean the house and grade papers~~, watch some Netflix. You do you, Boo. When 8 hours is up, you can do a quick release (that means turn the scary knob so that it can vent all the hissy-scary steam, you won’t die like I originally thought.) And pop that puppy in the fridge overnight.

At some point while all this yogurt business is going on, you should probably make a fruit compote. I’ve done various mix-in’s but the fruit is my fave. So easy. Get berries, red, blue, purple, whatever floats your boat, and put them in a medium sauce pan. You only need to add enough water to just cover the bottom surface. This next part is up to you: sugar. I like to add more than just a teaspoon or so because I’m from the south and I’m not going to deprive myself of that just because it’s fruit and healthy. Life’s too short. So I sprinkle and taste, sprinkle and taste. Then put this over medium heat. Now stir. Let it bubble up, let it thicken, and stir. Lots of stirring. The heat breaks down the fruit into wonderful compote-ness AND your whole house will spell of sweet berries and you will be so proud! When it starts sticking to the sides, you’re done. Let it cool. Add it to the bottom of your to-go yogurt jars, then spoon in some yogurt on top of that. And pop in the fridge.

Side note: if you don’t entirely plan ahead and run out of compote before dishing yourself out some yogurt, this Love Crunch Granola from Wally World will also work in a pinch!

Congratulations, you are a domestic Goddess. Homemade yogurt and compote?! Girl no one can touch you!

January 18, 2020

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep: Our Farmhouse Bedroom Makeover

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I could make a profit off of your clicks.)

“Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

If I die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

My version sounds a little darker compared to others I’ve heard, but it’s been a nightly prayer as I go to bed since I was able to pray it!

The bedroom for me, has always been a room that I try to keep peaceful. Try. I wanted this to be a haven within the house. Floors, that never had dust-bunnies, nightstands kept cleared of clutter, and the magical ability to have the animals sleep with us, and NOT leave pet hair behind. But for real, you get the gist.

My one non-negotiable, (that I *STILL* haven’t caved on) is that I did not want a TV in the bedroom. Maybe it’s just a ‘me’ thing but I feel like it messes with your mental state! How do you feel about TV’s in the bedroom? Are you a die-hard proponent of one way or the other? Tell me in the comments below!

When we bought the house, I was adamant about zero carpet (excluding rugs) in the house. Because: pets. We’re in the country. There’s things like mud, pet hair, inevitable accidents, red wine…like no. Before we had the floors installed I thought it would be the greatest thing in the world, if my mom gave up her day off to come help me work on the room. Obviously, right? (Sidenote: my mom is a trooper for putting up with my crap.)

Here are some before picture of the bedroom. Nothing really terrible. But nothing really great either…except that window! I wanted to play that up big time! Keep reading to see our very own farmhouse bedroom makeover!

So on my list for this room I wanted to:

Paint (Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams)
Install laminate flooring
Play up the bay window and allow as much natural light as possible without dying of heat in the summer
Maintain a sense of tranquility here, if no where else in my life
- Do all this within the one condition thrust upon me: ‘don’t make it girly.’

This is how the phone call to my mom went:

Me: “Hey mom, so I was thinking, since you’re off for the fourth, how about you come over and help me paint? I’m thinking I’ll be up pretty early so I’ll go ahead and tape everything off super early in the morning, you can take your time getting out here and with the both of us, we can get this [and the living area and kitchen] wrapped up before lunch! Sound good?”

My mom: “Sounds great, Sweetie! I’ll be there about 9!”

How she managed to say those words without laughing at me is beyond me, because I’ll tell you right now: I was so naive! I’d never painted before! I had absolutely ZERO clues about what I was doing except for my average studies on Youtube and HGTV when I watch it while gettin’ my nails did with my BFF. ZERO CLUES.

We started off strong, taping and painting, painting and taping…and we finished [the bedroom!] There were casualties but the carpet wasn’t staying so really…did it matter? If teaching and this blog don’t pan out for me…painting won’t be it for me either because I’m terrible, but you can’t tell in my B-E-A-U-tiful pictures can you?!

Curtains: (Sheer and linen) Target – similar here and here

Bay curtain rod: (this matches the Umbra curtain rod sold by Target like a champ!) Amazon – here

Bamboo Blinds: Amazon but currently unavailable – similar here

Flooring: Floor N Decor – here

Dresser, bed, nightstands: Rustic Furniture Depot – here

Bench: At Home – here

Paint: Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams

For the final result, voila! I read in a blog eons ago, and if it was you, holla at me, that you want to keep your bedroom about you and your ~~spouse~~ *significant other*, so I’m pretty particular about what goes on the wall. Rollins the Kitten has decided that my cotton ball wreath had to go, but then we also got a little somethin’-somethin’ for above the bed FINALLY.

One evening, I was scrolling through the book of face, and because I am every advertiser’s dream, I clicked on an ad for Smallwoods and found this one. G agreed and we ordered it right then and there (I’m not paid to say this but y’all they have such great deals, you should really check them out. Made in our great state of TX!) This sign reminds us that things aren’t always perfect but that I will keep choosing you because this little setup isn’t a passive arrangement; it isn’t like my plants that I water once and hope they stay alive [spoiler: they don’t.] We keep choosing each other, even if he wants the TV in the bedroom and I don’t!

January 11, 2020

DIY Firepit!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means, I could make a profit through your clicks.)

My one disclaimer for this post: I don’t know the cost. If I lose you there, my B, yo. This was a birthday gift to me from G and that part was kept hidden (does it have to do with the fact that he used it as an excuse to buy more tools? Most assuredly!) To prevent significant repeat trips to Lowe’s, plan ahead! Our DIY firepit was quite an undertaking, especially in the atypical cold-weathered November here in Texas. This labor of love is something we continue to adore. See how we did it below!

First, he started off with the location. Pro tip: don’t put it by a tree. Or right by your house.

Next is when your 9th grade Geometry class comes in handy because you get to make a circle. A big one. Stick a stake in the center with some brightly colored twine and spray paint yourself a circle! For ours, he cleared out a 21 foot diameter circle with a pick axe. Yep, just a pick axe. There were a lot of back rubs!

Once that was clear we used underlayment leftovers from our friends. Treat it like your foiling a pan in the oven and layer over those pieces! (Note: Cute kittens do not actually help your progress…but they make it more fun.)

After that came the decomposed granite, or ‘DG’ for those cool masonic people out there. We opted for this instead of limestone and a couple of other choices because 1) cost and 2) our ground out here will eat it up. I’d highly encourage you to speak with someone at your local masonry when it comes to picking between different options because they know the land, and they know the product. I can admit when I’m out of my league and I stay in my own lane! DG got delivered and then G spread it out. Enter the fun part: tamping. Have you ever tamped? You use a heavy pole with a heavy flat base and slam it against the ground to just really pack everything in. So fun! Until the second time…then you’re pretty much over it. You could do what we did and pull out the riding mower and just drive in circles…that works too!

Then our Amazon Prime order came in! We live in the boonies; we have a Walmart…and a winery. So Amazon Prime is my jam! We bought a fire ring and a grate because he’s a perfectionist and wants airflow. No detail, especially the mathematical or scientific details were spared here. Here’s the fire ring and the grate that we purchased to go along with it, measured specifically to best fit our 20 foot fire pit (the edging took up 6 inches all the way around.)

Finally, it’s time for the stone. If you’re me, you just start laying and layering rows, like LEGO’s. But this isn’t me and that is not what happened. There was wet saw involved. And a blade meant specifically for stonework. Add in a slew of math that goes over my head and there were specific angles and cuts made; stone…by…stone. By stone. G edged the circumference and then around the pit liner as well. The intent has been to go back over and use some mortar but that hasn’t happened yet.

What is a fire pit without some good ‘ol Adirondack chairs, amiright? I remember a few evenings being spent searching for a Goldilocks chair, something to check every box: looks, cost, longevity. Adirondack chairs are expensive! As aforementioned, I don’t know the whole total but I know we were up there and I choose to remain blissfully ignorant. Everything we found that was pleasing to the eye was upwards of $100. We tried for the plastic chairs from Walmart driving all over kingdom come, to no avail. We finally found a chair on Amazon that would work. Quite affordable and looked good as well. The catch? They were unfinished and unassembled. That shouldn’t be a problem, right? Wrong. I think the chairs were the worst part of it all. Naturally this whole endeavor took place in the coldest part of our winter thus far. I don’t ever want to be that cold again. There we were though, butts on the garage floor with nitrile gloves and painting the stain on. We tried multiple approaches; painting then assembling, assembling then painting, assembling then staining…and not a one was better than the others. It was miserable regardless. But you know what? I love them! And they’re pretty comfy if only a little ‘snug’ for a typically roomy chair. Find it here. Naturally, no good fire pit goes undecorated. I scored some microplush blankets at Walmart for $5 each and they went swimmingly with these pillow covers and outdoor pillow inserts I got from Amazon!

It all came together and we’re thrilled with what we he built! The best part though, was getting to break it in and spend time around it with friends!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means, I could make a profit through your clicks.)

January 4, 2020

The Birds and the Bees

There are two kinds of people in this world, ready? “We have bees out here at Bonnie Blue!”

You are Person 1: ‘uh, why? Like on purpose?’

You are Person 2: ‘No way, that’s so cool!’

There is no in-between. Which were you? 😛

Back in ye olde days of apartment living, I was made aware of the endangerment of honey bees! They pollinate and give me end results of coffee and avocado toast. Ergo, I’m a fan of their survival. Fast forward to moving out here, I KNEW I wanted honey bees. The joke was on me because guess what was waiting for me?!

Our property had sat vacant for over 6 months, so the bees made themselves at home in the water meter! I remember being so excited and reaching out via FB for anyone that could help me transplant them in the hive and got tons of responses. Alas, it was not meant to be…during the plumbing overhaul, I saw a plumber flinging honeycomb out and across the yard. I rushed over to him to no avail. They were gone. I promised these insects that I would make it up to them and boy did I!

For our anniversary last year, I wanted my bees! An order was placed through Texas Bee Supply in Blue Ridge, TX for a nuc (pronounced: nuke) which is a shortened form for ‘nucleus.’ A concentrated supply of bees with a few already established frames. a couple thousand bees and most importantly…a queen!

The day finally arrived: y’all, I had a countdown on my phone! Picture it: May. Texas. A woman with absolutely ZERO clues as to what she’s doing aside from reading online, dressed up in a typical beesuit driving the car and loading up what amounts to a warm, and loudly buzzing cardboard box, setting it in the trunk, wrapping it as best as you can wrap a nuclear reactor in a long-forgotten bedsheet and DRIVING HOME. Now imagine said woman, talking to the bees and giving them random female names. “Now Agatha, get back in that box, you’d hate for me to have an accident wouldn’t you?” Insane. The woman was insane. The woman was me. I am the woman.

It’s now winter and they haven’t died yet so I must be doing something right! This spring my handsome G will rig up an extractor so that we can get some honey and thank everyone for ~~putting up with my insanity~~ their friendship! Super exciting!

Oh, the “birds” part of this post, they’re coming!

At any rate, whether you are a Person 1, or a Person 2, you are just as welcome here at Bonnie Blue!

The Golden Girls…and Gentleman!

Homemade Yogurt and Fruit Compote

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep: Our Farmhouse Bedroom Makeover

DIY Firepit!

The Birds and the Bees

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