Join me for a peaceful yet lively update straight from my snowy backyard in Michigan! This week brought dramatic hawk flyovers right in front of the house, while seven cheeky squirrels feasted on peanuts out back; I kept a watchful eye to make sure no one became lunch.

More snow (around 4 inches) fell today, wiping out the feeders overnight as the birds polished off yesterday's seeds. Tomorrow I'll bundle up and refill them for my loyal morning crew: the returning Red-Breasted Nuthatch, ever-patient Black-capped Chickadees waiting at dawn, and the Red-Bellied Woodpecker "brrr-ing" from the trees for his peanuts. The cold snap has everyone extra hungry and active at the feeders.

But the real stars? Those vibrant Northern Cardinals; they've been extra spicy this week, full of attitude and chasing sparrows away like they own the place!

If you love quiet nature moments, backyard birdwatching, or just cozy winter wildlife tales, this short, heartwarming episode is for you. Grab a warm drink, listen in, and picture the snow-dusted feeders yourself.

Our Links:

Homestead in the Mitten:

https://linktr.ee/homesteadinthemitten

Sunset Artisan Jewelry:

https://linktr.ee/sunsetjewelryartisans

Join me as I debate which season of birds I like best. Summer birds that are calm and colorful or winter birds with their sass and dull colors?

I also discuss the gear I use to get the shots I want. Bird feeder camera, cellphone, camera. What equipment do you use?

Our Links:

Homestead in the Mitten:

https://linktr.ee/homesteadinthemitten

Sunset Artisan Jewelry:

https://linktr.ee/sunsetjewelryartisans

Hey everyone, so today I had to record this because the drama at my bird feeder was next-level! There's this gorgeous male Northern Cardinal—he's all bright red and super territorial—and he was NOT having it with the House Sparrows today. Those little brown bullies kept swarming in, trying to hog all the seeds, and he just kept charging at them, flaring his crest, chasing them off like "this is MY spot!" It was like watching a tiny red superhero defend his turf.

I sat there for way too long just watching the back-and-forth.

Grab your coffee and come hang out at the feeder with me!

Our Links:

Homestead in the Mitten:

https://linktr.ee/homesteadinthemitten

Sunset Artisan Jewelry:

https://linktr.ee/sunsetjewelryartisans

Feeling overwhelmed by a messy workspace, endless clutter, or that constant state of urgency on your homestead?

In this episode of Homestead in the Mitten, we dive into practical, low-pressure ways to bring order to your home without the overload. Learn how to clean small spots gradually (over several days, not all at once!), repurpose everyday items like old jars, plastic containers, and pill bottles, and the freedom of letting go of what you don't need. Plus, tips like listening to music while you tidy to make it enjoyable.

If you're stuck in chaos and nothing's getting done, this one's for you—realistic homestead organizing that sticks!

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Homestead in the Mitten Links:

https://linktr.ee/homesteadinthemitten

Our Handmade Jewelry:

https://linktr.ee/sunsetjewelryartisans

In this quick episode of Homestead in the Mitten, we share a budget-friendly home upgrade that's perfect for our slow-living lifestyle in Michigan. Discover how easy it is to install rechargeable motion-sensor under-cabinet lights – no drilling, no tools, just magnetic magic! For under $30 total, these wireless lights provide soft, adjustable glow that lasts weeks on a charge, making late-night kitchen visits peaceful and cozy without harsh overheads.

We're loving this simple addition so much that we're planning to add them to our up-north property too. Tune in for the details, plus a heads-up on our YouTube video dropping this Friday at 8 AM EST with the full install and reveal.

If you're looking for low-effort ways to make your homestead more functional and inviting, this one's for you!

Happy New Year! On this Thursday, January 1, 2026, I’m kicking off the year by sharing my biggest goals:

• getting comfortable on camera
• diving into up-north adventures like rock hounding and bird watching
• and bringing real consistency to Sunset ArtisanJewelry and Homestead in the Mitten.

It’s all run by just me—no team, scattered thoughts, and a lot of learning. If you’re a solo creator ready to level up in 2026, let’s start the year together.

Our Links:

Blog - www.homesteadinthemitten.com

Shop:

www.sunsetartisanjewelry.com

In this heartfelt episode, I open up about the emotional tug-of-war between our suburban Michigan home and our seasonal vacation property up north—a quiet, pine-scented escape that feels more like home every visit. I share the dream of one day moving there full-time, the slower pace of bird watching, crafting jewelry for Sunset Artisan Jewelry, and small home projects… and the very real hurdle my husband has set: the businesses need to be successful first.

Right now, they’re not lifting off. I have the websites, the social media, the handmade polymer clay earrings and silicone bead keychains I’m proud of—but if no one’s buying, is it really a business, or just a beloved hobby?

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the in-between—loving where you are but longing for somewhere else, building a side dream while life keeps you grounded—this one’s for you. Let’s talk persistence, joy in the process, and finding beauty in both homes

Our Links:

Blog - www.homesteadinthemitten.com

Shop - www.sunsetartisanjewelry.com

Merry Christmas, everyone. This episode is just a soft little visit with you on Christmas morning—right here in our Metro Detroit home, with no snow outside, a few gifts for our grown boys, and nothing fancy under the tree for my husband and me.

It’s been a tight year financially, but sitting here in the glow of the lights, listening to the quiet before everyone wakes up, I’m just so grateful we’re all together and healthy.

Sometimes the simplest Christmases are the ones that fill your heart the most.

Our Links:

Blog - www.homesteadinthemitten.com

Shop:

www.sunsetartisanjewelry.com

In this episode I’m opening up about something that’s been on my heart lately; Why spending time on our little piece of land up north always brings me such deep peace.

It’s not about big adventures or getting everything done on the property. It’s the quiet walks, the wind in the trees, the way the world slows down, and how I always drive home feeling lighter, steadier, more like myself.

If you’ve ever had a place that just settles your soul, I think you’ll understand. Come sit with me for a little while.

Our Links:

Blog - www.homesteadinthemitten.com

Shop:

www.sunsetartisanjewelry.com

Lately, life has felt loud—especially in my head.

In this episode, I talk honestly about overwhelm, racing thoughts, and the cycle of overthinking that can keep us stuck. From lying awake at night with a noisy mind to walking away from goals out of fear of failing, this is a quiet conversation about noticing the pattern and learning to create space for calm.

This isn’t about pushing harder or having it all figured out. It’s about slowing down, finding structure, and taking one small step when the noise feels overwhelming.

Our Links:

Blog - www.homesteadinthemitten.com

Shop:

www.sunsetartisanjewelry.com